brick laying & coping stones/pillar caps

[chas2008]

Built a small brick wall a couple of years ago which is fine (even impressed myself !) which i put coping stones on top,the issue i have is i cant get them to stay put !! they seem to dislodge very easily. I used the same mortar mix as the brickwork and tried the old soaking them in water trick but they still wont stick...any sensible suggestions?

[SlackAlice]

Bit 'Heath Robinson' I know but try settling them on beads of silicone sealant (translucent). Obviously coping and mortar layer underneath must be dry.

Many years ago I had a wall built, on the top course bricks were laid upright (soldiers). Some moron managed to knock an end brick off. Knowing I couldn't match the mortar colour I used silicone sealant and an overnight clamp to hold it. Brick is still there after 20 years!

[The Builder]

Ha.......... I've used Alice's solution a few times.
Chas, don't soak the bricks. It causes the mortar to run and stain the face.
The kosher way is to paint neat(ish) PVA onto the top of the wall....... then lay the bed ........... then paint PVA to the underside of the bricks ........ then lay them.

For soldier that's come away.......... do the same, or drill right through the brick and screw it back on with a rawlplug or two.......... or both :o)

[chas2008]

had a feeling PVA might be the answer just wanted to hear from someone who knows...

[heathfield]

If going with the sealant route, I'd recommend 'Sticks Like Sh*t' (Yes, that's what it's called!) Available most DIY stores. I had two quarry tiles come off my front doorstep due to frost a couple of years ago. Used that stuff to stick them back on and they've been fine ever since.

[chas2008]

working in a bodyshop we have a product called 2pack adhesive, thats our get out when something falls off or breaks, cures in seconds...Just a bit OTT for coping stones.........