To finish a facade, one may opt to finish it with a cement-free chalking mortar. While caulking is a technique that has been used for hundreds of years to finish and protect exterior and interior walls, chipping is a more recent, decorative technique.
Cement-free caulking, an age-old technique
During the whitewashing of a facade with RC Kalei, a thin mortar layer of 2 to 3 mm is applied. This can traditionally be done manually with a block brush or mechanically with a worm pump. Caulking is usually done in 2 layers, with the last, thinner layer ensuring that any small cracks are sealed. A caulked facade, provides a calm and subdued appearance.
Chipping with a lime mortar
Chipping is actually an umbrella term for several techniques colloquially known as burling, pap grouting, cementing and veiled grouting, and are all a derivative technique of caulking. Unlike caulking, where an opaque layer of mortar is applied, chipping is just not. With chipping, portions of the bricks and masonry structure remain visible through the mortar.
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The most subtle version is veiled grouting and is often described in construction documents as joint veil. In this process, the facade is fully grouted and the grout is applied as a veil over the facade surface when flattened. After curing, a colored veil of mortar remains on the facade. This technique works best with smooth, straight facing bricks and creates a sleek, modern look. |
| In burling or pap grouting, alternating sections of the facing brick are covered with the mortar completely or not at all during grouting. Depending on how much mortar is used and the condition of the masonry, an artisanal, authentic and playful effect is created. |  |
A more opaque, rougher technique can be called opaque chipping and is similar to cementing. This involves completely covering the facing bricks and joints. This technique is often seen in facade renovations, where various types of facade bricks still form a harmonious whole. In a facade where the masonry is more regular and smooth, less bare mortar is needed to achieve a chipped facade.
Howdo we proceed?
As with caulking, we begin by preparing the facade or substrate and ridding it of any questionable or loose materials. Windows, doors, sills or other surfaces not to be treated should be carefully taped. The facade can also be protected with scaffolding cloths from adverse weather conditions, such as direct sunlight or strong winds, if necessary.
Once all preparations have been made, we can get started on the mortar, RC Kalei. Depending on the chosen technique, the mortar is applied in different places with different thicknesses. This allows certain areas of the façade to remain untreated, leaving the masonry visible. Then with a block brush or sponge, further shaping of the facade is done.
What is special about a chipped facade with RC Kalei is that it exhibits the typical famous "cloud effect" of cement-free kalei. This creates a wall characterized by color nuances and slight cloud formation in rainy weather.
Finally, the facade can be additionally treated with a vapor-permeable hydrofuge, such as RC Hydrocrème 4. This eliminates the "cloud effect" in rainy weather and protects the facade from dirt and moisture.
