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Wind knocked over my fresh wall before I could brace it
I was working on a small garden wall yesterday when a gust came out of nowhere. The mortar was still wet and the whole section tipped over. Now I have to clean up and start again. Any tips for securing bricks in windy conditions? I usually use temporary supports but they weren't enough this time, so I need better ideas.
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paule5310d ago
Have you considered tying the bricks to something solid until the mortar sets? It's a common thing where we don't brace for the worst until it happens.
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logansmith10d ago
When I built a retaining wall in high winds, I learned the hard way that temporary supports need extra weight. paule53's idea to tie bricks is smart, but in really gusty conditions, the ties can pull on wet mortar and mess up the alignment. Honestly, what worked for me was laying heavy bags of sand against the base on both sides until the mortar cured. Also, setting up a simple windbreak from plywood or a tarp tied to stakes can cut the force by half. Cleaning up and starting over sucks, but next time try adding mass instead of just braces.
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Logansmith's sandbag method is brilliant for adding weight, but try using plastic tubs filled with water since they're easier to move and just as heavy. Staking a windbreak directly into the ground with long metal poles stops it from flapping and pulling on the wall. Layering a tarp over the plywood can block rain from softening the mortar too. Prep all these supports before even laying the first brick to avoid rushing in gusty conditions. Testing the windbreak setup ahead of time makes a huge difference in stability. Saving that extra effort upfront beats redoing a whole section any day!
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