Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 115
Replacement gauged
arch to semi-circular
bay showing the setting
out marks for the
extradosial positions of
the voussoirs on upper
curved template.
Remedial works to lengths of Platt band involved careful cleaning using Doff
®
,
to remove biological growth, followed up with the Jos
®
system to remove areas
of heavy carbonation. This was left to dry whilst we engaged on other works,
upon our return to the brickwork it was finally lightly cleaned with a hand
stone. The Platt bands requiring attention were all carefully recorded. Placing
a length of batten on both the underside and top of it we transferred the
bond onto them. Using a hacksaw blade we carefully cut down and along the
lime mortar cross and bed joints to release the defective ashlared bricks so
they could be re-faced or reversed. Any brick that had severe decay was simply
drilled in order to 'collapse' it and then carefully chiselled out.
Again all bricks were carefully boxed for protection and then brought down
to the workshop area. Salvaged bricks were gently scraped of old mortar so not
to damage the brick and then the spalled faces were re-rubbed. Replacement
bricks were sourced from out of my stock of old rubbers, or by re-using some
from other salvaged gauged elements that matched colour and texture. A cut-
ting box was made to the exact gauge of the Platt band courses so that replace-
ment bricks could be squared and then cut to gauge. That done it was simply
a case of 'lengthening' the brick, or cutting the brick to the required size. This
was done by placing a timber 'stop', to the measured distance in from the
front of the box, onto the baseboard of the cutting box. The brick was then
placed into the box so it came up against the 'stop' and the protruding part of
the brick was then cut off with the bow saw and filed to finish. The important
