Mortar application for concrete blocks

danrv

Hi
Just doing some patch plastering and there's gaps between some of the concrete blocks. 
I can get a 4.5" scraper in the gap but it's 3-5mm wide. I'm attempting to press mortar in and catch any surplus but it really needs injecting in.
Just wondering if there's an easier way of reapplying mortar here. 
Any help appreciated.

danrv

Just seen there's empty caulk cartridges that are avaliable or could reuse an old one with a sealant gun.
A slurry like mortar consistency should work OK.

stuart45

You shouldn't really have any masonry below the concrete lintel. The liner should be directly under it. However, it's not worth changing it now. For tight gaps grout made from cement and water can be used. 
I wouldn't be too concerned about that gap. Just fill what you can.

FreeBear

I've used a mortar gun (something like this -> https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-mortar-gun-750ml/379gc ) to inject grouts in to narrow gaps. Last time I used this stuff -> https://www.permagard.co.uk/permacem-anchor-grout - Expensive, but I was stitching a crack... Have also tried using "standard" mortar mixes. Soft sand with a plastizer works, but you do need to sift the sand and use a whisk to "fluff up" the mix. Don't use sharp sand as it just doesn't flow.

danrv

FreeBear said:

I've used a mortar gun (something like this -> https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-mortar-gun-750ml/379gc ) to inject grouts in to narrow gaps. Last time I used this stuff -> https://www.permagard.co.uk/permacem-anchor-grout - Expensive, but I was stitching a crack... Have also tried using "standard" mortar mixes. Soft sand with a plastizer works, but you do need to sift the sand and use a whisk to "fluff up" the mix. Don't use sharp sand as it just doesn't flow.

Thanks.
Might try these and see how it goes:

https://www.toolstation.com/ecoseal-cartridge-sleeve/p75208?store=SL&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JA83oe4AbxZeEx9cSJuINV-_keIJJmPKn_btmgWIihAdkYaoU7n1DMaAqpVEALw_wcB

https://www.toolstation.com/search?q=caulking+gun+nozzles

stuart45

Once it's filled stick some scrim tape over the gap. Shame the bricklayers got the lintel height wrong.

grumpy_codger

Once I tried to use a gun for mortar and it didn't work even with a big nozzle. A gun squeezes water from the mortar, everything else remains inside.
Just wet the gap  well and push mortar to the gap with a scraper or a thicker piece of wood.

FreeBear

danrv said:

FreeBear said:

I've used a mortar gun (something like this -> https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-mortar-gun-750ml/379gc ) to inject grouts in to narrow gaps. Last time I used this stuff -> https://www.permagard.co.uk/permacem-anchor-grout - Expensive, but I was stitching a crack... Have also tried using "standard" mortar mixes. Soft sand with a plastizer works, but you do need to sift the sand and use a whisk to "fluff up" the mix. Don't use sharp sand as it just doesn't flow.

Thanks.
Might try these and see how it goes:

https://www.toolstation.com/ecoseal-cartridge-sleeve/p75208

You may find the nozzle too small.. So how about -

https://www.screwfix.com/p/marshalltown-grout-application-bag/879gl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiiNpjtMf1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ggTGDW3R5Y

danrv

stuart45 said:

Shame the bricklayers got the lintel height wrong.

It's an odd designed corridor hallway with no less than four cupboards. On the left is a warm air heater cupboard and the one on the right has no purpose. 
Mains water comes into the property at the back of this one so leaving as is. From the top of the door frame to ceiling is around thirteen inches. 

danrv

grumpy_codger said:

Once I tried to use a gun for mortar and it didn't work even with a big nozzle. A gun squeezes water from the mortar, everything else remains inside.
Just wet the gap  well and push mortar to the gap with a scraper or a thicker piece of wood.

Yes. Having tried the caulk cartridge and nozzle, water goes everywhere and the sand/cement mixture gets clogged up at the spout end.
Tried cutting the nozzle down but it's the sand that's the problem.
It'll be useful for finer fillers though.
Mortar seems to going in ok with a wide scraper.

stuart45

The grout bags work OK with the right mortar. They've been popular in the USA for a long time. I'd ignore the tips in the video about how to use the jointing iron though.