Handling and Storing Materials
Where practicable, unload bricks mechanically and directly to a prepared, level, hard base. Leave banding or wrapping in place and take care to minimise chipping, soiling or breakage, particularly with bricks of special shapes. Protect from rain, splashing by vehicles and mortar mixing.
Unload bagged cement and lime to a prepared store, without damaging the bags. Protect them from rain, frost and damp ground and walls.
When storing cement in bulk, use a proper cement silo.
Store sand on a prepared, hard, clean base from which water can drain. Protect from rain, especially if the sand is likely to freeze. Prevent different types of sands intermixing and protect from contamination.
Store premixed lime/sand as you would sand, but also protect against drying out by sun or wind.
Take delivery of ready-to-use retarded mortars into clean containers that can be kept covered to prevent excessive drying or wetting. Do not store for longer than stated by the manufacturer. Ensure that the mortar does not become frozen.
Flexible damp-proof courses should be stored on end, not more than three packs to a stack or 1m high. Protect bitumen and other thermoplastic materials from damage by direct heat. In cold weather, store sufficient DPC material overnight in a warm place. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Proper storage of materials is vital. Always follow manufacturer's instructions in order to avoid distortion, and deterioration of materials and components such as lintels, wall ties, DPC adhesives, movement joint fillers and sealants and mesh reinforcement.