Top 14 Safety Tips in Moving, Storing and Piling Stock Bricks

BLUES BRICKS AND PAVING - MASOWE 2,LIKOTSI ROAD

1.       Sweep or rake clean the area intended for stock piling.  Remove any debris where the bricks will be stored

2.       Stack the bricks close together to prevent them from toppling

3.       When stacking concrete bricks, reverse the directions of blocks every other course to prevent them from falling over.

4.       Do not stack concrete blocks too high.  As a general rule, blocks are not to be stocked higher than 2 meters

5.       Do not mix different sizes of concrete blocks on the same stack

6.       Never stack cracked blocks on a stock pile as they may break when picked up and fall on your feet

7.       Do not wear buggy clothing or short pants when stocking or moving bricks

8.       Keep your hands on top of concrete blocks when setting them down on the stockpile to prevent hurting your fingers.

9.       Be careful of others around you when handling concrete blocks

10.   Most injuries from working with concrete blocks are a result of poor judgement, plan first lift second

11.   Use a wheelbarrow when moving heavy materials instead of lifting and carrying them

12.   When lifting with another person, it is always a good practice to count to three and lift on three. 1-2-lift! Yes, this helps both of you to lift at the same time, dividing the weight between you, without putting too much strain on one person.

13.   Before setting blocks down, make sure you have something solid to rest it on, keep your finger out from underneath blocks to prevent getting them mashed.

14.   In the event that you are injured on the job, report the injury to the supervisor immediately.  This is necessary to help with workers compensation claims

Safety is a Frame of Mind, Get the Picture.

We at Blues Bricks and Paving know that safety is a full time job not a part time practice.....happy safe building.

Construction of Block Pavements

Block pavements, also called brick paving are a form of paving whereby individual building units are used. The main benefit of this type of paving is that bricks can easily be lifted and replaced. Block paving is typically used in ton centres, driveways and backyards.

1.     Planning and preparation

Typically, you need to prepare any form of work before starting and consulting an expert in a field will do you just that. An architect or civil engineer can mark out the area that is to be worked on and provide a working drawing as such saving you the time as a bill of quantities will also be provided. Anyhow, if you are working on your own little DIY project, like a new driveway, that might not be necessary. Do remember to inspect the area you wish to pave for any electric cables or pipes that might be buried.

2.     Excavation

This simply involve the digging and disposal of soil to level the ground and make way for a sub-base. The excavation depth of an average driveway is 200-250 mm below the paving level. The digging can be done with traditional tools such as a pickaxe and a shovel or a mini-digger can be hired to do the task.

3.     Filling the sub-base, base course and Edging

Sub-base is a layer of aggregate (normally a cement mixture) that holds together and evenly spreads out all the materials that will be used to make the pavement. A strong sub-base is of grave importance as it means your driveway can outlive the surface blocks should they sustain damage. The base course is the layer directly under the pavement, it is made of certain industrial aggregates to hold the paving blocks together. Edging simply involves the outlining of the pavement.

4.     Brick laying and Alignment

This step involves the laying of the pavement blocks in the desired pattern. Alignment can be checked with the use of a string or an alignment bar. The finishing touch is to cut in any bricks to fit in the missing spaces.

Types of Bricks

The units of masonry we call bricks

A brick is a building material mostly used for construction of walls and pavements. Traditionally the term brick specifically referred to clay bricks but with the rise of mortar (a mixture of sand, water and cement) blocks, the term has grown to refer to any block that is used in construction. There are thousands of types of bricks when classified by size, shape material and different methods of manufacture. Using the mentioned criteria, bricks can be classified as;

1.        Mud Bricks: Mud bricks are simple bricks made of a mixture of water, mud, sand and sometimes loam using straw as a binding material. Mud bricks are normally hand molded and air-dried. Mud bricks are relatively weaker in terms of lifespan and comprehensive strength. This type of bricks are the oldest and perhaps the very first made, they are still of widespread use in rural parts of the globe.

2.        Fired Bricks: this type of bricks are by far the most diverse as they have various methods of manufacture, material composition, size and method of shaping. The key ingredients of fired bricks are sand, alumina (clay) and lime, The materials used vary according to the intended use. Fired bricks are industrially produced so hand molding is not the most economic method of shaping, they are normally machine molded or extruded (forced through an opening in order to shape). Fired bricks get their name from how they are dried, after shaping bricks are dried in a kiln (an oven) but with advancements in technology, bricks can be pressure dried. Fired bricks can be customized for paving, fencing, traditional wall building or even decorative building.

3.        Concrete Bricks: otherwise referred to mortar (any kind of paste used as aggregate when building) bricks. This type of bricks vary in accordance to the composition of the mortar, the size and the shape. The basic materials in mortar include Cement as a binding agent, sand, water and sometimes lime. Concrete bricks are machine molded and air-dried. This type of bricks are normally used for construction of interior of walls and fences. Customized concrete blocks are also used for paving.

Visit the home of Blues Bricks and Paving at Masowe 2 to find Concrete blocks at different shapes and sizes including much much more.

But where do they come from?

But,where do they come from.

Behold, concrete blocks, but where do they come from? Concrete has been used in the craft of masonry (method of building using smaller units) from as early as 200 BC in ancient Rome. Concrete blocks were not used for sometime after the fall of the Roman Empire but were later introduced by English Stonemasons. Their popularity grew with socio-economic events which include the industrial revolution in the early 1900s. The manufacture of concrete blocks today is typically done at an industrial scale but DIY enthusiasts still do make their own bricks, the process basically encompasses these steps; 

1.      Mixing: a basic concrete mix consists of sand, cement, gravel and water. The very first step to manufacturing concrete blocks is mixing these materials, In industries mixers are used. Dry materials are blended in a mixer for a few minutes then water added to make a concrete mix.

2.      Moulding: this is where the concrete bricks are shaped into desired shapes and sizes. Proceeding right after the mixing of concrete is moulding, the mix is then forced down atop a Block machine which moulds the mix. When the moulds are full compaction (pressing down or compressing of the moulds) follows which is the result of upper layers of moulds or hydraulic pressure cylinders. At the bottom of the block machine, the compacted layer is then pushed out of the machine. At this time the bricks are shaped.

3.      Curing: is a process meant to make concrete reach optimal strength and hardness through hydration. This process can be carried out by laying blocks out on open air and manually continuously using hoses to spray water on the blocks and allowing to be air dried, this process typically takes  a few days.

4.      Storage: concrete blocks are stored by stacking in cubic vertical stacks allowing proper ventilation. It is best to have bricks which have just been cured stored near the worksite to avoid danger of damage owing to transporting of bricks. The symmetric stacking of bricks is aimed to minimise defacement and breakage of bricks. Bricks are put on wood or steel pallets right after moulding for ready fork lifting.

To see the listed steps in action, you can always visit the home of Blue’s Bricks and Paving in Masowe, You can also find our wide array of products ranging from paving blocks to custom masonry units.

Why Choose Paving

Why Choose Paving

If your are a new home owner or you are think of settling down and having your own place, obviously you have much questions.  You might be asking yourself,  "yard do i what i want my yard to look like?" and we tell you,"Choose Paving." Here is why:

1. Durability; the good thing about pavements is they will last you a very long time. Paving blocks are made in such a way they can withstand the worst that mother Nature  has to offer. Pavement can also survive being walked and driven over without ever wearing off over time.
2. Maintenance; pavements hardly ever need any form of maintenance. You will never have to buy expensive lawnmowers to keep your yard looking at its best. They are relatively less expensive to have.
3. Safety; pavement's safety is credited to its relative smoothness.
4. Recyclable; paving blocks are practically indestructible leaving you with a chance to reuse them at will. Whether you want to redesign your whole yard or just the driveway, you can use the same paving blocks.
5. Its More Economical; getting your yard a pavement might prove to be the best decision you will ever make. It might be costly initially but its low maintenance costs and durability ensures that you made the best deal.

You can always visit us at BLUES BRICKS AND PAVING to find our  wide range of different paving blocks that come in different sizes and shapes. 

OR CALL US HERE (+266) 2831 1001.

Erecting Walls

All this talk about building big beautiful walls got us at blue’s bricks and paving asking, can you, like Donald Trump build yourself a big beautiful wall? And the answer to that is yes, here is a guide on how to get the wall that just suites your taste.

Now there are a few points you may find worth looking into if you consider getting a wall fence, namely:

1.       Your budget: now obviously your budget will influence your choice. You want a wall that suits you but at the same time it should not render you cashless, with quality blocks at Blue’s, we promise to do just that, we offer variety at the best value.

2.       Height: Now, your wall isn’t exactly intended to keep Mexicans out but you will need a wall that keeps criminals out and block all the nasty industrial noises out but you also want a wall that doesn’t make you feel like a prisoner in your own yard. Determining the height of your wall fence is very important.

3.       Material: Traditionally, bricks are used to make wall fences but you will have to know what kind of bricks you want that will withstand harsh weather conditions without depleting. It is not only about how tough your wall is, it’s about your taste. Concrete blocks and clay bricks in their different shapes and sizes are normally used for walls and you can find them at Blues Bricks and Paving.

4.       Security: your fence does not only have to complement your house as decorative monument, a good fence must also keep you and your loved ones safe. Your wall fence may have additional barbed wire on top to keep you feeling safer.

With this, you are ready to erect your own beautiful wall, you can always pop by at blues bricks and paving and our team of experts will help you out.

7 Reasons for Choosing Concrete Blocks for your Home project

Strength and durability:

Concrete blocks are strong, and they can bear heavy loads for a longer period.  According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's Cement Sustainability Initiate, concrete gets stronger over time and does not loose its strength because of moisture, pests or mold.

Durable and Maintenance Free:

Color and brilliance of concrete blocks will withstand most outdoor elements. 

Better sound absorption:

Being hallow in nature, concrete building blocks act as excellent sound proofing

Locally Manufactured:

In most cases, concrete blocks can be sourced locally due to the high costs associated with transporting heavy materials. Blues Bricks and Paving produces a wide variety of these blocks for builders in Lesotho.

Faster Construction:

The concrete blocks are easy to work with, requiring minimal masonry skill levels and they cover comparatively larger wall areas because of their size.

Insulating Properties:

Concrete blocks are also renowned for their insulating properties. The air in the hollow of the block does not allow outside heat or cold into the house.  It keeps the house cool in the summer and warm in winter often resulting in lower energy costs.   Hollow concrete blocks can be filled with insulation during construction if desired. The insulating properties vary by manufacturer and depends on the block's density.  Compare Blues Bricks and Paving Blocks. 

Affordability and Environmentally friendly:

Oftentimes, environmentally friendly choices come with a hefty price tag.  Concrete blocks remain affordable, and are increasingly being embraced as an environmentally friendly choice.  The raw materials used to produce concrete blocks are sustainable and recyclable.  The CO2 emissions associated with concrete blocks productions are relatively low compare to those of similar building materials.  

These are but a few of the many advantages of concrete building blocks. They are a strong versatile, affordable, and sustainable choice.  Contact us to learn more.

OK then, what size then....?

Popular sizes

Contractors and many home owners in Lesotho prefer sizes 6" and 9".  Hence why, except in very rare instances, or by special order, most brickyards would carry only these two sizes.

Contractor's Views....

"The bottom line is the load.  What load would your wall be carrying?"  Says Mr. Masienyane J and experienced manager of a thriving construction outfit.  

 If you are building a two roomed structure, the load of the roofing cannot compare with a sprawling 6 roomed structure, thus for a 6 roomed structure you may want to select a larger stronger size 9" for your walls.  You see, the determining bottom line is the load.  The roof for a two roomed structure can easily be carried by a size 6" concrete block.

However be warned that there are other considerations to be made even in the case of a two roomed structure.  How stable is the ground onto which this structure is being put?  For advise on this matters you will need to speak to your surveyor, architect or other concrete block experts.

Architect's views....

We also spoke to Mr. Mosese a seasoned Architecture instructor at the Lerotholi Polytechnic in Maseru.  He knows that architect specification would state either sizes 9" or 6" or any other size based on the anticipated "load" or weight the structure is expected to carry.

"Most room division walls would specify a lower strength size 6" since the load of the roof would not be carried by these walls, the outer walls would bear the weight of the roof."  This is why external walling would specify size 9" concrete blocks.

Therefore consideration largely depends on the load, there are other instances that may warrant stronger and larger concrete block sizes in cases where size "6 would normally be specified. It is recommended that home buyers talk to a professional architect if they are in doubt.

Homeowner's views....

Ntate Mofolo is a veteran at home improvement.  He has had to build, break, restructure, reshape, improve and extend many buildings in his lifetime.  His take is that most home improvement projects are very cash sensitive.  "Many people, new home owners or Do-It-Yourself home improvement enthusiasts approach their projects with a strict eye on the expenses, thus, make purchasing choices based on the cost."

  

Whilst this approach is rational and understandable, a quick inquiry from professional builders or architects would save you a lot of money in the long run.

The cost of using the wrong size of concrete block for a wrong project can be marginally higher than the cost of paying for professional advice.

So what size.....

Is it going to be a 9 inches or 6 inches? The verdict is that your project requirements would determine the right size of block. Luckily we at Blues Brick and Paving have in-house expertise to advice you on your project. Give us a shout anytime of day for free advice on what size of block to choose.  #+266 2831 1001

Choosing Your Concrete Blocks

What size.....?

Blues Bricks &  Paving BrickYard, Masowe 2.

Concrete blocks come in different sizes.  Innovations in the manufacturing processes have added greatly to a rich variety of dimensions, aspect ratios, textures and colours of bricks. 

Spoilt for choice?  This is common in many facets of our lives of late.  We the final consumers often find ourselves buried and confused by the wares vendors hang out for us to choose from.

What to look for in concrete blocks.

Any satisfactory walling system must meet certain minimum performance criteria. If you are building a home, or fencing around your home, special consideration may be given to any one or a combination of the following criteria:

 • structural strength and stability

• durability

• accommodation of movement

• weatherproofness

• acoustic insulation

• thermal properties

• fire resistance.

What standards.....

Many vendors may not find it important to lab test own product since regulation in this regard is lax or pretty much non-existent in this parts of our woods.  We at Blues Brick and Paving have subjected all our products to such lab tests, both here in Lesotho and in South Africa.  

We have consistently scored above industry standards in areas of physical standards of dimensions, strengths, and such properties as tolerances, surface texture and appearance.

So what size of block to buy?

The most commonly used sizes of concrete blocks are 4.5", 6" and 9". (more about the imperial measurement system later!)

Contractors and many home owners in Lesotho prefer sizes 6" and 9".  Hence why, except in very rare instances, or by special order, most brickyards would carry only these two sizes.

In our next blog we shall explore the different sizes and outline their "customary" usage and preferred specifications by many home owners and architects.

4.5" Concrete Block.

6" Concrete Block.

9" Concrete Block.