Welcome to Ask Andy
Ask Andy is the go to place for those questions that you might need the answers too.
This months top questions are featured below, Enjoy.
Can I have a feature wall in my hallway?
Yes you can have a feature wall in a hallway. A hallway is usually a corridor or transition point between rooms.
By designing and installing a brick slip feature wall in a hallway you are bringing a textured feature to a room that can often be neglected.
Feature walls do not need to be large then can just be small areas of surface that given some attention can transform a hallway.
Can I paint brick slips?
Yes you can paint brick slips.
Brick slips are the same as any other masonry product and can be painted so long as the surface has been prepared prior to painting.
The brick slips must be completely dry and free from dust and moisture.
A suitable primer should be used before painting the surface using masonry paint. Breathable primers and paint are advised under all circumstances as they will help to prevent damp patches.
Do brick slips fade over time?
Unlike some concrete and composite products, brick slips cut from fired clay will not fade.
If over time the colour of the brick slip changes, this is more likely due to atmospheric conditions and weathering. Soot, ash and dirt can all affect the colour of brick but can always be removed with a cleaner.
How do I clean a mortar pointing gun?
Remove tube and nozzle and take apart the gun into its various pieces.
Shake and knock out any dry material that has stiffened in the tube.
Use a stiff hand brush to remove any loose debris from the outside of the gun.
Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water. Using a bottle brush or even a new toilet brush will help to the the inside of the tube fully clean.
Once dry, assemble your mortar pointing gun and it will be ready for its next use.
Why should I use brick slips, why cant I use full bricks?
Brick slips are an entirely different product to bricks. Whilst brick slips look identical when installed and are made from real clay bricks they are completely decorative. A brick is a structural building material which requires foundations and a skilled brick layer to install. Brick slips can be fitted like a tile to almost any substrate. Brick slips are light weight and can be installed by any DIY enthusiast.
Why not Ask Andy!
If you’re in doubt then give Andy a shout in the comments box below! Also, be sure to check back in here for future additions to our popular “Ask Andy” column.
Send your questions in to Ask Andy and if your question gets featured receive a free love2shop voucher worth £10.
Hi Andy, Im about to add brick slips to a chimney breast that is made up of engineering bricks. I’ve cleaned it all up and sealed it, now we’re ready to add the slips. We’ve got an old oak sleeper that we’re going to attach, but should we add the mantel before or after the slips? Also, we haven’t got the hearth yet, but same question, should we add the slips before the hearth? Thanks so much!
Can I return un used boxes
Hi, is there help available for calculating how brick slips, corners etc on your website? It is only a small area for the interior of a fireplace recess and area within fire surround please. Thank You.
Hi, hope you are well.
I’m looking at having a feature wall in my kitchen which is around 8 square metres in total. As I am trying to put some sort of budget together, I have looked on your site at numerous brick designs etc that I like and metre costs of those and adhesive etc. I have been trying to check the Internet whether bricklayers or tilers for a general square metre labour cost to fit them(basically installing and pointing to finish) I am yet to find a general cost for fitting square metre and any tilers I have spoken with tend not to do them as they say they are very time consuming. Have you any idea of an approx square metre labour charge to fit, I know this will prob vary on job and location too but a general idea would at least put me in the picture a little. Kind regards Tina.
do brick slips need wetting before fixing
Hi
Are your brick slips suitable for external use? I’m thinking of cladding an external block work retaining wall.
Can I use brick slips on exterior pvc porch to look like it was a brick porch?
Can I install brick slips on decking (walls)