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Ceramic brick as we know it today results from the process of transforming and firing red clay paste. The porosity in these clay materials allows the absorption of water upon contact. The porosity of the brick must be moderate, which can only be achieved with the good capacity to formulate clay pastes in the brick production process.
The low quality of the brick associated with reduced levels of porosity means that weak adhesion bonds are formed. However, high porosity is also harmful, leading to excessive and risky dehydration of the mortar.
Therefore, before being laid, the brick must be wet, to facilitate adhesion by eliminating the layer of dust that usually surrounds the pieces.
Wetting the brick also serves to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the mortar, which results in lower adhesion and resistance to compression. Without this precaution, the unwetted brick will partially absorb the water from the applied mortar, removing its desirable hardness and consistency.
“Water is the bricklayer’s nail” – is an old saying.
All laying mortars contain cement and it needs water to hydrate and perform the required binding function. If the bricks are dry, consequently the cement will not react, disintegrating from the grains of sand.
When applying, try to moisten the face and top of the brick that will come into contact with the cement, using a bricklayer's brush. This moistening operation is even more important when laying takes place during periods of hotter and drier weather, such as summer.
