How to seal a gap between steel lintel and brick?

[Bea834]

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Bea834. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about filling a gap.

Given the size, I'd recommend pushing gap filler rod into the cavity. 5mm in from the front edge is about right. This prevents you from wasting excessive amounts of silastic within the cavity. Use some Sikaflex 11FC to fill this 5mm gap and smooth it to ensure a neat finish. Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to apply silicone sealant.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[rraus]

Hi,

For what gap size this filler rod and sikaflex method you mentiond will work. If the gap is larger, what method is suitable, will mortar filling work?

[EricL]

Hello @rraus 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

The Sika 300ml Concrete Grey Sikaflex 11FC Purform can cover a maximum gap size of 10mm. The filler rod comes in various sizes so if the gap is bigger, you can get a bigger rod filler. In regards to using mortar, yes, you can use mortar to fill the gap, but the filler rod will need to be pushed slightly deeper to about 20 to 30mm. I suggest measuring your gap before going to the store. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[rraus]

Thanks Eric. Just curious to know what role does the filler rod play here. Would it be simpler to just use mortar to fill the gap.

[EricL]

Hello @rraus 

The purpose of the filler rod is to stop the mortar from overflowing to the other side. Your main goal technically is to just cover the gap. There is no need to overfill the gap with mortar. But if this is what you wish to do then you can remove the filler rod and fill the gap all the way to the other side. This is on the condition that the lintel travels all the way across and does not have a gap in between.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric