Constructing a Cavity Wall

Be able to use hand tools required to construct a cavity wall. 

Hand tools

• mortar trowel
• mortar board
• pointing trowel
• string line
• profile

Demonstrate

• the rolling or mortar
• application mortar
• pointing a joint
• setting a string line

Maintaining hand tools

• cleaning tools
• storage of tools
• maintenance of tools

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Select appropriate hand tools and equipment required for a specified task. 

• 1.2

  Use hand tools and equipment correctly and safely for a set task.

• 1.3

  Clean, maintain and store tools correctly. 

Be able to identify relevant materials used for cavity walling. 

Types of masonry

• facing bricks
• common bricks
• types of blockwork used in cavity walls

Damp proof course

• traditional: lead, bitumen
• modern: plastic, polythene
• position of dpc

Wall Ties

• the function of a wall tie
• position of wall ties
• basic types

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Identify a suitable brick and block type used for cavity walling.

• 2.2

  Identify types of modern Damp Proof Course (DPCs). 

• 2.3

  Identify wall ties used in cavity construction. 

Be able to carry out activities required when constructing a cavity wall. 

Demonstrate

• the use of a mortar trowel in laying a bed of mortar
• the cutting of a brick to a half brick
• the use of a pointing trowel in finishing a joint

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Apply basic trowel skills.

• 3.2

  Produce neat and tidy cuts to masonry. 

• 3.3

  Point mortar joints to a given finish.

Be able to construct a cavity wall. 

Construct a cavity wall to given dimensions

• setting out the wall in dry bond, 4 blocks long, 3 blocks high
• laying courses, plumbing line and level
• checking dimensions
• pointing finished work

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1

  Follow instructions to construct a cavity wall

• 4.2

  Set out, dry-bond, gauge, level, plumb, jointing finish to standards and tolerances. 

Be able to clear work areas following construction to a cavity wall. 

Safe working environments

• cleaning and good housekeeping
• storage of tools
• correct disposal of waste materials

Assessment Criteria

• 5.1

  Clean and store tools in line with safe practice. 

• 5.2

  Clean work areas so that is is free from debris. 

• 5.3

  Dispose of or recycle waste materials following required health, safety and environmental procedures.