An Introduction to Marshall’s Cromwell Pitched Face Walling
Decorative walling is an attractive and practical alternative to fencing. Greengate's, your local builders merchant, is a proud supplier of Marshall's Cromwell Pitched Face Walling and this edition of our blog looks in more detail at the product, as well as giving a simple step-by-step guide to installation.
Cromwell stone walling allows you to achieve the beautiful aesthetic of natural stone at a much more cost-effective price. The blocks are made using Yorkstone aggregates, which are quarried from the same sources as those used for natural stone walling. These aggregates are reconstructed using a hydraulic press, which creates the look of natural stone and also imbues the blocks with a low water-absorption quality.
The pitched face of the reconstituted blocks is achieved by a mechanical process, which works the edges and chisels them away. This results in a distinctive raised surface: due to the cutting process, most blocks are double-sided.
Installation Guide
- Mark the position of the wall using string line and chalk.
- Lay out a line of blocks to the length of the wall with a further course laid on top. Adjust as necessary.
- Lay a bed of mortar along the line of the wall. Place the first block onto the mortar, checking the position against your line.
- Butter one end of the next block with mortar and place next to the first block, with the buttered end forming the first vertical joint. Check the alignment is true.
- Gently tap both blocks down and span with a spirit level. Adjust as necessary.
- Repeat the above steps, continuing to the end of the wall. For return ends, the blocks should be dressed to give the most natural appearance.
- Lay another course of blocks in a similar manner, ensuring that vertical joints are staggered against the joints beneath them.
- When the wall is constructed to a minimum height of 15cm above ground level, a brick or flexible damp proof course can be installed before the building operation continues. This technique should be repeated when installing a damp proof course at the head of the wall. Do not lay the damp proof course 'dry; on top of the previous course of blocks as this can affect stability.
- Wait until the mortar has dried enough to be able to work without it smearing. Pointing can now be undertaken. Simultaneously, remove mortar spots from the faces of the blocks, taking care not to scour or otherwise damage the pitched face.
If you need further advice or information about Marshall’s Cromwell Pitched Face Walling, please do not hesitate to contact our expert technical team.