All brickies know the importance of a top-quality damp-proof course product.
CA Group have been producing these products since 1996 and we got to put their Plascourse damp course through its paces.
If you’re not familiar with Plascourse, it is a thick, black polyethylene strip similar to snakeskin products. It has been embossed on each surface to reduce slippage in use. Plascourse is essentially a damp-proof course (DPC) that provides an effective moisture barrier for use as damp course material and also a concealed flashing, which is perfect for windows and door frames. It ranges in size from 90mm width to 600mm, which makes it ideal for single, double brick and block walls. This top-quality product is very well priced, which, along with its quality, has seen it embraced by brickies around Australia and New Zealand. Another great product from the CAgroup we’ll take a look at in this review is the 50mm face fix polymer brick wall ties. These polymer ties are a great alternative to conventional stainless steel ties as they are a more economical option. Similarly to stainless steel ties, they won’t corrode in areas near salt water as they meet standards R3 and R4 and can be used 0-10 kilometres from salt water. They are chemically resistant, unlike galvanised ties that corrode and become ineffective.
Test #1. Plascourse
The thickness of the Plascourse is a critical factor to its success. The non-slip embossed surfaces grip the mortar well because it is usually in the mortar where moisture makes its way up through brickwork and penetrates drywalls when no DPC has been used.
Plascourse is easy to lay and the varying sizes fit perfectly across various jobs and requirements. In single brick veneer applications, laying the mortar on top of the brick course, then using the trowel on an angle to run along the front edge of the Plascourse provides a nice sealed edge that restricts moisture getting in and under the Plascourse layer.
In double brick applications stepping the Plascourse down a single course from the rear brick layer onto the front brick layer captures any moisture or rising damps and forces it out of the weep hole.
Test #2. 50mm Face Fix Polymer Brick Wall Ties
One of the main benefits of the polymer brick ties is cost. They are significantly cheaper than the stainless variety, and they are also strong, lightweight and safer to use. Metal brick ties can often have very sharp edges, which can easily slice a finger when using the product. The rounded edge of the polymer ties is smooth and their light weight makes them safer and quicker to use. There will be fewer accidents over the course of the build.
High strength and stiffness make the polymer wall ties perfect for use in areas subject to strong winds, earthquakes and cyclones. Brickies in North Queensland will love this aspect of the product. Another great feature is that the problem of electrolysis in steel-framed houses is eliminated when using dissimilar metals.
The polymer brick ties are quick and easy to use with a screw fixing through the centre hole in the middle of the face of the tie, allowing perfect positioning of the brick tie into a range of materials like sheeting and timber wall frames. They are also available in three designs: face fix, side fix and double cavity.
The Wrap-Up
If you haven’t heard of CAgroup before these guys are no newcomers, they have been supplying building materials in Australia and New Zealand for decades. You will receive excellent quality products and customer service with distribution centres in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
CAgroup have their dedicated in-house laboratory to bring innovative products to the market and ensure all their products have been thoroughly tested to meet high standards.
