How to cover Besser Breeze blocks?

[Debs13]

 

We’ve bought a 1960’s home with an outdoor area defined with a low wall of besser breeze blocks. How is it best to update this - either fill in the holes with ? and then paint or render the whole wall - or do we clad the bricks somehow to give a solid  more modern appearance ? Any thoughts?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Debs13,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Did you have any photos you could upload? Let me know if you need a hand with this. I'm happy to help if required.

Filling them with Sika MonoTop-352NFG Structural Repair Mortar will likely be the best option, however, the circumstances of your wall may change our approach.

Once filled, painting or rendering will certainly give you a nice modern look. 

Let me know how you go with uploading images.

Jacob

[Debs13]

Thanks Jacob, I’ve uploaded a photo of the area. Do you think filling with the mortar you mentioned is the best bet?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Debs13,

The Sika Monotop 352NFG is suitable for this purpose, however seeing how many breeze blocks you are looking to fill, the cost would be quite expensive. 

You can always use the Monotop, I just feel there may be a cheaper option that can be used.

Please allow me to contact some of our suppliers for their advice when they reopen tomorrow, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Jacob

[Debs13]

Thanks having - appreciate that - will wait to hear from you again 

cheers, Deb

[Jason]

Hi @Debs13,

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community.

Can I please suggest you leave the breeze blocks? They are very much on-trend at the moment. I think they look fantastic. I would just be looking at ways to clean the wall to brighten it. 

Let me also tag some other members for their thoughts: @Renowayoflife, @lifestylebymari, @redbournreno.   

Jason

[JacobZ]

Hi @Debs13,

Having spoken with my colleagues and our suppliers, assuming you plan to render over or cover the filled holes after they are filled, there is no real reason you couldn't use a standard mortar such as this Bastion 20kg Premix Mortar mixed with some BondCrete Cement Additive to improve its adhesion to the surrounding concrete in the blocks.

This is certainly a much cheaper option, however, as @Jason has said, breeze blocks have really come back into fashion in recent times, so a different approach might be better.

Check out How to deal with these Besser blocks? by @DarylS as an example of what could be done.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob