Building a brick arch can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home or garden. From classical to modern designs, arches have been a staple in architecture for centuries. If you're eager to tackle this DIY project, here's a comprehensive guide to help you build a brick arch.
Before you start, gather your materials - bricks, mortar, trowel, brickie's line or string level, plumb bob, tape measure, rubber gloves, goggles, and a licensed plan or blueprint if required.
Planning and Preparation
The first step is to plan and prepare your arch's design. Decide on the arch's span, rise, and type - whether it's a rounding, segmental, or pointed arch. Ensure your design is feasible and safe, adhering to local building codes and regulations.
Next, mark out where your arch will be placed, ensuring it's square to any walls it will connect to. Use a tape measure to mark the centerline of your arch, and use a plumb bob to ensure it's vertical.
Setting Up Your Strings
Lay out your strings or brickie's line along the top and bottom of your arch. The top string should be the desired rise of your arch, and the bottom string should be the span. The two strings will form a triangle, which you'll use to set your arch.
Use a try square to ensure your strings are level and perpendicular to each other. The accuracy of these strings is crucial as they'll dictate the shape of your arch.
Preparing Your Mortar
Mix your mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure it has a similar consistency to thick cake frosting. You can adjust this by adding water or cement as needed.
Wear your safety gear - gloves, goggles, and a dust mask. Mortar can irritate skin and eyes, and inhaling dry cement powder can cause health issues.
Laying Your Keystone
The keystone is the central brick on the top of your arch. It takes the most weight from above, so it's vital to get it right. Set your keystone first, ensuring it's level and central between your two strings.
Lay a bed of mortar beneath your keystone, not too thick - around 10mm. Position the keystone, using mallet taps to settle it evenly. Check it's level and central, then leave it to set.
Laying the Youollar Course
The voussoirs are the tapered bricks that form the wall of the arch on either side of the keystone. They're laid in decreasing lengths as they rise towards the keystone.
Start by laying the two outermost voussoirs at the base of your arch. Each should be laid with a bed joint of mortar beneath it and a joints' width space between them. Use a try square to ensure they're perpendicular to your strings.
Laying the Remaining Voussoirs
Lay each voussoir individually, checking constantly that you're following the rise of your arch as dictated by your strings. Each voussoir should overlap the one below it by about half a brick's width.
Remember, every voussoir should be bedded in mortar and its joints filled with mortar. Use a trowel or pointing trowel to ensure your joints are even and consistent. As you lay each voussoir, check your work – is your arch following the line of your strings? Are your joints even?
Finishing and Pointing
Once you've laid your last voussoir and your arch is complete, leave it to set for at least a day. Do not stress or press on the arch during this time, as it could cause it to settle unevenly.
After your arch has set, point the joints using a pointing trowel. This gives your arch a professional finish and helps to protect it from the elements. Ensure your pointing is consistent all the way around the arch.
Building a brick arch can be a rewarding process. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a careful, steady approach, you can create a stunning architectural feature that will enhance your home for years to come. Don't forget, if at any point you're unsure, consult with a licensed professional. Happy building!