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You are here: Home / Videos / Plaster over Terra Cotta Brick walls, Parging Terra Cotta

Plaster over Terra Cotta Brick walls, Parging Terra Cotta

March 1, 2013 By Stucco Plastering 132 Comments

Plaster over Terra Cotta Brick walls, Terra Cotta homes, Parging Terra Cotta,

Howdy guys and gals, in this video Jason and I explain how to plaster or parge over Terra Cotta tiles.
The owner wanted it to look better and to be much stronger than when originally built.

http://www.wconline.com/articles/89945-times-with-kirk-giordano-plastering

Please also see our web site at http://www.StuccoPlastering.com
Kirk Giordano Plastering Inc.
Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Kirk & Jason Giordano’s DIY plastering network
Plaster over Terra Cotta Brick walls, Parging Terra Cotta
Artisan Plaster, Artisan Plaster man,
Artisan Plaster guy, Parging terra cotta homes

-https://youtu.be/_SAA11s0BPs cement plaster over concrete
-https://youtu.be/4ikshIi7zm4 Structo Lite over brick, cinderblock
-https://youtu.be/T5kA6KdfAE8 Make stucco like concrete, cinder blocks, bricks
-https://youtu.be/gxoXGFCBv2U Stucco thickness Cinder block CMU walls
-https://youtu.be/RZzPoNBPN54 Why stucco plaster fails cinder blocks or concrete
-https://youtu.be/OIO4dlgvdyE Plastering Cinder block walls
-https://youtu.be/TuwvarKFpko How to skim coat cinder block walls

Plaster over Terra Cotta Brick walls, Terra Cotta homes,
plastering sand and cement rendering, Parging Terra Cotta

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Filed Under: Videos Tagged With: free plastering advice, plaster guru, plastering sand and cement rendering, stucco advice, stucco guru

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Comments

  1. Mykarmaxspiredaz says

    March 1, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    My guess is that the installer said this is taking wayyyy to long (after 4 foot) lets use bigger tile. hah

    Reply
  2. howiboy says

    March 3, 2013 at 2:34 am

    that's a big damn wall

    Reply
  3. throwdown195 says

    March 4, 2013 at 1:28 am

    nice job guys, you do quality work and explain very well. i know how frustrating it can get sometimes when the suns beamin down on the wall and how quickly it can dry. im actually on my 4th year in a massachusetts union and have done a fairly good amount of exterior stucco but mainly interior smooth. anyway just figured id let you know i enjoy watching your videos!

    Reply
  4. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    March 4, 2013 at 2:17 am

    I Hey KarMax, that makes perfect sense to me, beats some
    of the odd ideas that came to my mind.
    Have a groovy evening!
    Kirk Giordano Plastering

    Reply
  5. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    March 4, 2013 at 2:20 am

    Hey howiboy, it was just big enough to give us a decent workout.
    Thanks for the comment and have a groovy evening!
    Kirk Giordano Plastering

    Reply
  6. Duplicat says

    March 4, 2013 at 4:01 am

    "Structural clay tile"laid many of those during my union days,usually were double glazed(bothsides)on interior commercial spaces.I believe most areas stopped using them on exterior after load bearing cement blocks came along.Using smaller units below 5ft, add additional strength, to prevent damage(more density=less hollow spots) Less weight also makes them cheaper to transport and place on the jobsite, and is why they are still used in Europe and Asia today, not to mention easier to manufacture.

    Reply
  7. Duplicat says

    March 4, 2013 at 4:04 am

    Thanks for sharing so much about your expertise…… just thought I would return the favor, 35yrs=MasterMason 🙂

    Reply
  8. Duplicat says

    March 4, 2013 at 4:23 am

    LMAO,, when I saw all branches cut off the trees. I've gotten into so much trouble for doing that,,, but hey, it's gotta be done for access in the work area. Too bad we didn't get to see the "mystery scaffold', LOL. Sometimes I also have to do things that,,,well,, might not quite be up to code, shall we say. Thx Kirk and Jason, you guys are true "Aggregate Sculptors"

    Reply
  9. Tim Hockney says

    March 4, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    Hey Kirk, thanks again for the videos and lessons! I've just come a cross terracotta bricks in an old church building from 1922. I have. Even doing some major plaster repair on the inside and seen them used in conjunction with the exterior brick. I thought that the grooves were there for a mechanical bond surface for the plaster. Seeing as they weren't real pretty I would think that that wall might have been intended to be plastered to begin with.

    Reply
  10. Tim Hockney says

    March 4, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    Also, I was wondering, I assume that you guys mixed this stucco up from scratch or did you get it from a bag. I have found it hard to get material info and recipes. Can you please help

    Reply
  11. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    March 5, 2013 at 4:35 am

    Hi Tim, I buy bags of stucco and mix our own sand, usually about 3 to 1 ratios. For every 100 pounds of stucco we mix 300 pounds of sand. This ratio changes if we are doing ceilings or need a specific mix for special projects.
    But the most common and traditional mixes is the 3 to 1 mix.
    Best wishes and have a great evening,
    Kirk Giordano plastering

    Reply
  12. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    March 5, 2013 at 4:37 am

    Hi Tim, that’s the same thing my son Jason said.
    Have a groovy evening,
    Kirk Giordano plastering

    Reply
  13. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    March 5, 2013 at 5:46 am

    Howdy crady, the home owner did the pressure washing, all the tree cutting and took the soil down below grade for us.
    Gotta love that guy.
    The scaffold was simple 6 footers with extensions, we placed a 2 footer on the garage roof after we reinforced the roof with a ladder and a few wood beams. Simple stuff, but I don’t want folks to try all the things we do for set up.
    Have a groovy evening,
    Kirk Giordano plastering

    Reply
  14. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    March 5, 2013 at 5:49 am

    Hey gcrady, thanks for setting the record straight.
    That explains it to me, and makes sense.
    Have a good evening,
    Kirk Giordano plastering

    Reply
  15. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    March 5, 2013 at 5:55 am

    gcrady,
    It’s always nice to hear the facts. 35 years as a master mason, if I have technical questions about brick, block or terra cotta I know now who to call.
    Thanks again,
    Have a good evening,
    Kirk Giordano plastering

    Reply
  16. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    March 5, 2013 at 5:57 am

    Howdy throwdown here’s the lowdown, sometimes it’s a fact that we get beat up by the elements. Too hot, too cold, starts raining, that’s where the time in comes in real handy.

    Jason and I prefer to use our skills instead of our strengths if we can.

    Trust me brother none of us tradesman always have that luxury. Thanks for the comment and have a groovy evening!

    Kirk Giordano Plastering

    Reply
  17. Jay Giordano says

    March 5, 2013 at 8:09 pm

    Hi gcrady, Jason here. I also wanted to say thanks for the info, I was thinking about those bricks all that day!

    Reply
  18. TellMeHowI'mWrong? says

    May 20, 2013 at 1:30 am

    I have a clay tile foundation. How good are these foundations? Is it safe to excavate around the outside of the foundation to clean up the walls, tuckpoint, plaster and waterproof? They didn't put footings under the foundation then did they?

    Reply
  19. Duplicat says

    May 20, 2013 at 3:34 am

    My experience is with products from the east coast,OhioValley region. I've never seen clay tile foundation walls.They're not good for load bearing (unless vertical grout cells w/rebar are cut and filled). Claytile is also porous,(unless they have ceramic glazed surface), so damp soil may cause them to deteriorate(unless exterior foundation sealer was applied. If possible, use some temporary supply on the interior,under floor joist. Excavation progress depends on how deep U dig. PM4more info.

    Reply
  20. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    May 20, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    Howdy dogfan, that depend on if the cavities were pored with concrete. They will be strong inside but the clay is still just clay. More than likely if you hit it the face of these clay tiles with a pick it will either dent of crack depending on if they are pored with concrete.
    Footing on any foundations, whether they are clay, brick, block, or concrete depends on the builder. I have seen it both ways
    Have a great day!
    Kirk Giordano Plastering

    Reply
  21. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    May 20, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    Hey gcrady, on this video, all these questions should be directed to you as you are the expert in this area. Thanks for helping out with this question. Most people assume as I'm a plastering expert, I am also an engineer. (Not true)
    I can fix an issue’s but don't know enough about clay tiles to give accurate advice about their origins. Does the gc in front stand for general contractor?
    Thanks again for the tip rady and have a great day!
    Kirk Giordano Plastering

    Reply
  22. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    June 30, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    Hey civilian sheepdog, the cheap insulation values makes sense, the only drag is it lacks the strength, maybe they don't get earthquakes there?
    Cool FYI tip.
    Best wishes and have a great day!
    Kirk Giordano Plastering

    Reply
  23. Ivan Ivanovsky says

    June 26, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    Great video..! Job done fantastic. But just to know, at the beggining you say "they do not use teracota bricks" on contstruction walss any more… 😉 Well 90 % of everything which is build in Europe, like houses, appartment buildings even skyscrapers are build out of this teracota brick. You do not use it in the US any more but the rest of the world does use it very much, and it will never stop cause is the most natural brick wall ever.. and not harmless to the human body;-) Thank you.. chers 😉

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      June 26, 2014 at 5:27 pm

      Morning Ivan Ivanovsky, very interesting information,
       I would imagine if they are using the Terra cotta that there are many ways to reinforce the structures.
       Best wishes, 
       kirk and family

      Reply
    • Tim P says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:18 pm

      These bricks are generally used to fill spaces between concrete framing, not structurally. As for the "bigger" bricks, looks like they're all the same but the top layers on their side I think? (Laid longwise up instead of longwise across). Is the wall is thinner for the top half, with the bottom thicker to take the weight?

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      July 17, 2014 at 10:47 pm

      Hi Tim, Im not sure about the size of the tops to the bottoms.
      I Realize now that these are used in many parts of the world where the codes less strict.
      This garage is about 100 years old, sometimes you have to use what's available.
       Best wishes, and thanks for the tip.
       Kirk & Jason Giordano's DIY plastering network

      Reply
  24. Dino Di Lucido says

    August 5, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    They most certainly did use terra cotta for structural purposes. The house I grew up in (which is still standing & my family still lives in) is made out of it.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      August 5, 2014 at 11:46 pm

      Hi Dino Di Lucido, sound right to me,
       best wishes, 
       kirk and family

      Reply
  25. Raj Dann says

    August 14, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    did u use sand and cement for the plaster?

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      August 14, 2014 at 11:30 pm

      Hello Raj Dann, yes sir, I used  Hanson premium plastering cement it's an a;; in one cement plaster (Common and Plastic) with a ratio of three times the amount of sand to the amount of portland cement plaster,
       best wishes,
      Kirk & Jason Giordano's DIY plaster and stucco channel

      Reply
  26. X Æ A-12 says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:06 am

    Is there a similar technique to giving a smooth finish to a cinder (cement block) wall of a basement (interior)? The walls are painted already, but I'd like to give it a smooth finish and paint over it with a different color…ideas? The existing paint is durable with no chipping, no moisture issues. 

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      November 15, 2014 at 12:16 am

      Hi Slap Stick, yes there is same procedure, however instead of sponge floating use a trowel on it.
       best wishes with your project.
      Kirk & Jason Giordano’s DIY plastering and stucco instructional videos and forum

      Reply
    • X Æ A-12 says

      November 15, 2014 at 6:15 am

      @Kirk & Jason Giordanos DIY plastering and stucco instructional videos and forum Thanks guys. I suppose you would remove the existing paint first as explained in your other videos? 

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      November 15, 2014 at 3:49 pm

      Morning Slap Stick, sort  of, I usually pressure wash existing paint then apply the bonding agent directly to the walls, now you are ready to apply mud.
      Worth mentioning again, the bonding agent is applied on the painted surfaces not in the mud.
       Best wishes,
       Kirk & Jason Giordano’s DIY plastering and stucco videos

      Reply
    • X Æ A-12 says

      November 16, 2014 at 2:53 am

      @Kirk & Jason Giordanos DIY plastering and stucco instructional videos and forum Got it. Thanks

      Reply
  27. dozdeshabb says

    September 19, 2015 at 2:29 am

    Terra Cotta , bricks are the most common building block throughout the world. Most commonly in South America, Europe and Asia.. They are strong yet lighter than ordinary red bricks and safer in case of earthquake .
    As for the difference in size , it may have been due to availability of the bricks or lack of it.
    Awesome video productions and workmanship .

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      September 20, 2015 at 1:20 am

      Evening dozdeshabb, thanks for the tips, you must be a world traveler.
      Good for you.
      Kirk Giordano

      Reply
  28. Sam Smith says

    December 22, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    I think they use the smaller brick on the bottom for gauging purposes. For example, it could work with a small brick to get up to window cill height without needing to cut a larger brick (being terra cotta, they'd likely shatter when being cut, unless you know how).

    I'm no expert but that made sense in my mind!

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      December 25, 2015 at 2:17 am

      Hi Sam Smith thats a good enough explanation for me, here in the u.s. they don't use much of these terra cotta blocks anymore. 
      They are too fragile.
      Cheers!
      Kirk Giordano

      Reply
  29. Tarek Aslan says

    January 11, 2016 at 3:01 am

    kirk why dont you use a wagner spray pump for a big wall like that. one guy can spray and you can screed behind. would be alot quicker. im a renderer in melbourne Australia and thats what i use for big walls

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      January 12, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      Hi Tarek Aslan, I have many years of experience with the professional tommy guns that require a minimum of ten men, and or hand held sprayers of every tpe, for me this requires the least amount of men, (Man, I'll tell you, I get tired of babysitting some grown men who make great wages),
      therefor I apply my own render with my family often.
      It's a great workout without have to stress of telling or reminding folks to do what they should do without being told.
      Best wishes, and happy new year,
      kirk giordano Plastering

      Reply
  30. niko varvou says

    January 27, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    Kirk, I currently am living in Greece and last summer built a BBQ with this type of brick. Here, the purpose of the terracotta brick is because it is economic and its sole purpose is to fill in gaps. Not structural like others have mentioned, but to fill in gaps and be hidden behind render, that is why there are scratch marks. Here, i had the same question about sizes, they told me plain and simple, its to fill in quicker and its cheaper, those are the only advantages. The smaller brick on that wall runs about 15 cents a piece and the larger one about 40 cents a piece. Cinder block 8'x4'x16' is about 20 cents and 8x8x16 is 33 cents a piece. And since it is lighter, you can get away with a smaller foundation/footer etc. Again this is here in Greece, for the rest of Europe I can not speak for them, but i am sure it is for similar reasons.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      January 28, 2016 at 1:01 am

      Hello niko varvou from Greece, one of my wife's favorite places in the world,
      BINGO, give this man a cigar, (goofy american term)
      that is excellent, I should have caught this by looking at the lines, good eye, brother.
      Cheers,
      kirk giordano

      Reply
  31. John Wilson Wilson says

    February 9, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    Kirk, Terra-Cotta units where used as backup masonry before concrete masonry units (block) where introduced to the masonry industry.  This was around the same time period that they started using steel structures and masonry which introduced the age of the masonry skyscrapers.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      February 9, 2016 at 5:46 pm

      Hi John Wilson Wilson, great answer, thanks for the information,
      Cheers,
      kirk giordano

      Reply
    • embrj145 says

      April 24, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      +John Wilson Wilson Still used mainly in Brazil at least

      Reply
  32. WICKED WELDING says

    May 4, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    Bad ass man skills to pay them bills!

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      May 4, 2016 at 10:01 pm

      Howdy BIG HUNk, bills?
      You mean those nasty letters I get all the time?
      No doubt one thing that will never change, death and taxes.
      Cheers,
      kirk giordano Plastering

      Reply
  33. Imran Khan says

    December 8, 2016 at 1:02 am

    Legend and Genius keep up the good work man thanks for the tips

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      December 8, 2016 at 1:26 am

      Evening Imran, thank you,
      you my friend have a way with words, I definitely like your style,
      Cheers,
      Kirk and Jason giordano’s stucco repair videos

      Reply
  34. Mike Nooj says

    February 5, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    Kirk, love the videos. I'm getting ready to tackle my project in stages and glad I finally saw you do a terra cotta because this is my basement in my 90 year old house. My wall was partially coated once, poorly and is flaking off in spots so it actually looks more similar to your "rendering a brick or cinder blockwall" vid. My comment is actually questions to see if I have this right. I will be doing the interior walls so 1) scrape preferably pressure wash walls 2) weld crete full strength 3) base coat, mix one part portland cement to 3 parts washed masonry sand and water??? is this recipe right? any other/cheaper base mix suggestion? 4) Do I scratch the base coat to accept the fish coat? 5) I think I would like to do a 20/30 sand finish coat on the walls like your atm repair job. Time will tell if I KNOW what I'm doing but do I sound like I have the steps right?

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      February 5, 2017 at 9:59 pm

      Howdy Mike, you are on the ball, your research is accurate.
      After you apply the cement plaster allow to dry somewhat, then with a sponge float remove the imperfection and give a sand finish.
      Don't worry if it's too sandy, you can wait on average 10 to 40 minutes then re-float, with the sponge as dry as possible this will remove any or all the sand depending on your liking and or level of skill.
      Cheers, kick back relax and enjoy the superbowl.
      FYI, all of us here at the giordano plastering channel we wish to thank all our subscribers and those of you who accidentally stumble on our channel a happy and prosperous new year
      kirk giordano plastering

      Reply
  35. ColdWaterThrower says

    April 18, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    Thank you, Master.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 19, 2017 at 6:26 am

      HowdyCold Water dude, no worries, happy to be of help,
      live long and plaster
      Giordano’s plastering images and teaching video’s

      Reply
  36. ColdWaterThrower says

    April 18, 2017 at 5:03 pm

    PS – This sort of terra cotta wall can be seen if you go onto websites showing property for sale in Bulgaria and other such areas. The haphazard construction of some such walls will convince you that setting large pieces above small would be no surprise, at least in old Europe.

    Reply
  37. Justin Holmes says

    April 24, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    My whole home foundation is this style clay block. Very popular in my area of ohio, about a century ago. (Home is a 1912)

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 24, 2017 at 7:09 pm

      Howdy Justin, no doubt unlike these they are fill with concrete,
      live long and plaster
      Giordano’s plastering images and teaching video’s

      Reply
    • Garrett Boone says

      June 3, 2018 at 12:18 am

      I live in Ohio as well – my house was built in 1927 with the clay block for the foundation below the ground and a wavy decorative faced block above ground. The clay block below the ground is not filled with concrete. When there was a hole on the outside and water was running in, it sounded like water dripping into a well. Hollow! Just about to address another hole from the outside right where the lower meets the upper. I was guessing they are fragile…thanks for your video, it gave me good thoughts regarding what to use to fix the holes that are just below ground level.

      Reply
  38. Sandra Scholz says

    June 18, 2017 at 3:27 pm

    Hi Kirk, I have a friend who has an older house and she has the terra cotta brick foundation. She is having leaks inside, and does not have a lot of money to repair. I am somewhat of a fixer upper and I am trying to help her. I was wondering if you have any suggestions as to how I could help her to seal the bricks from the inside? I really appreciate any helpful information you can give me. Thank you for your time, Sandra

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      June 19, 2017 at 4:33 am

      Howdy Sandra, you're better sealing them or giving it your best shot from the exterior,
      as if you try and seal a leaking interior it last only for awhile, however a short time is better than not at all,
      Use a quality Primer such as an elastomeric by Kelley moore, it's an acrylic waterproof primer.
      before applying this primer make certain the surfaces are extremely clean or the primer wont adhere at all let alone keep out any moisture out.
      Live long and plaster
      Kirk’s how to plastering video’s

      Reply
    • Sandra Scholz says

      July 16, 2017 at 1:54 am

      Thank you very much, Kirk.
      Sandra

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      July 16, 2017 at 4:10 pm

      Morning Sandra, happy to be of help
      Live long and plaster
      teaching plastering video’s

      Reply
  39. Pawel _ says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    Kirk my guess would be larger format terra-cotta on top because it is easier/quicker to work with/place and owners were looking to get rid of smaller format terracotta tiles worked in construction 5 years zero experience with terra-cotta tile great videos cheers

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      October 22, 2017 at 5:22 am

      Good Evening Pawel, thank you, that just may be the reason
      Live long and plaster
      Mastering Plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano

      Reply
  40. JLO says

    October 22, 2017 at 5:07 am

    Kirk I am a little confused. Why was Weldcrete applied to the Terracotta, isn't it a porous material? I saw another one of your videos where you put stucco on bricks but it doesn't appear that you used Weldcrete. I know that for anything that is painted you always use Weldcrete. Can you clarify?

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      October 22, 2017 at 5:21 am

      Good Evening Global Dude, sure I can explain, I was not certain about the suction, when in doubt I always apply a bonding agent.
      Live long and plaster
      Mastering Plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano

      Reply
  41. Pepe Loco says

    November 9, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    Iam a plaster in us.. and in argentina..the use the same bricks ..the smallers are stronger so they use it on the botom to holt the top they are lighter.. and the plasting is realy strange they only wet the wall with water ..they use "cerecita" thats a mix with more cement than sand lick 2 and a half of cement and 1 of sand ..that way no humidity inside the house ..cause the bricks are realy bad water proff..afeter they aplay the "cerecita" then goes the stucco mostly floteed

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      November 17, 2017 at 5:13 pm

      Good Afternoon Pepe dude, sounds logical to me.                  
                   Live long and plaster
          Sharing Plastering tips by the Giordano Gents

      Reply
    • Thomas Broking says

      December 27, 2018 at 11:24 pm

      Its all exactly the same materials
      .size is changed by adjusting which block and the size you want

      Reply
  42. Joe Shmoe says

    November 17, 2017 at 10:37 am

    Terracotta is super weak. Thats why the smaller are on the bottom. They are stronger because they are not as "hollow".

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      November 17, 2017 at 5:12 pm

      Good Afternoon Joe Dude, good tip                  
                   Live long and plaster
          Sharing Plastering tips by the Giordano Gents

      Reply
  43. Daniel Cunningham says

    December 3, 2017 at 6:53 am

    The terra-cotta is small on the bottom because the wall was originally 3 feet high. They added height, and to save money, they used larger ones to save money.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      December 3, 2017 at 6:03 pm

      Morning Daniel Dude, you must be a professional to catch this,as it was built about 120 ago.
      Live long and Plaster
      Sharing DIY Plastering tips from team Giordano

      Reply
  44. Richard Stubing says

    March 6, 2018 at 8:42 am

    this kind of hollow clay brick construction is very common here in Brasil. 99% of home walls are made of this. then stucco over. it´s awful.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      March 8, 2018 at 4:18 am

      Howdy Richard dude, beats made of mud, cheers.
      Live long and plaster
      teaching plastering to apprentice's or DIY homeowners

      Reply
    • Richard Stubing says

      March 8, 2018 at 9:47 am

      I guess…but try fixing a burnt wire! and the honeycomb structure is great for ant colonies! nice videos!

      Reply
    • Greg H says

      April 18, 2018 at 3:14 pm

      with proper technique, mud can be a sound building material though. Cob house can last hundred of years and Wales is not known for the friendly weather either

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 18, 2018 at 6:20 pm

      Howdy Richard, interesting, I guess countries have to use what ever resorses are readily availble.
      Live long and plaster
      Do’s and don’t of plastering’s leading expert

      Reply
  45. Kross N Kuss says

    May 1, 2018 at 2:16 am

    Terra Cotta blocks are popular in South America, specially in Brazil.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      July 9, 2018 at 1:13 am

      Howdy Kross, thank you, love the education as their not common here.
      Live long and plaster
      Do’s and don’t of plastering’s leading experts

      Reply
  46. martin kovacs says

    July 8, 2018 at 6:49 am

    In Roumania Terra Cotta blocks are used to build 65% of all new houses, they are called ceramic bricks here. People chose to build houses out of them because of their insulating properties(it gets to -20 in the winter). They are not the cheapest option, usually solid brick, wood or autoclaved aerated concrete is cheaper. the ceramic bricks do not offer the houses the structural resistance , the reinforced concrete pillars do that.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      July 9, 2018 at 1:12 am

      Howdy Martin, thank you for this information, hope others read this also.
      Live long and plaster
      Do’s and don’t of plastering’s leading experts

      Reply
  47. Dwight E morgan says

    July 14, 2018 at 1:04 am

    The hollow clay blocks as its know in Trinidad is widely used in home construction…To your question, the smaller block were taking to long to install so the switched to the bigger blocks…or they ran out of the smaller blocks and then switched to the bigger ones.

    Reply
  48. Stuart Webb says

    September 18, 2018 at 9:30 pm

    You lot are rough

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      January 1, 2019 at 12:17 am

      Howdy Stuart, have to be in this life.
      Wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous New Year.
      Sound Plastering tips from your favorite stucco nurds

      Reply
  49. Thomas Broking says

    December 27, 2018 at 11:14 pm

    I know about those blocks..they have different qualities & hardness from baking…some can't be left expoaed to water they'll crumble in your fingers..have a distinct sound if they are good, but sound dead if they aren't. Have family in Brasil that have a Ceramica that make the blocks, bricks & roof tiles

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      January 1, 2019 at 12:16 am

      Howdy Tom, thanks for the tips,
      Wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous New Year.
      Sound Plastering tips from your favorite stucco nurds

      Reply
  50. Thomas Broking says

    January 31, 2019 at 4:05 am

    They still use the ceramic blocks in South America, they mix the dirt thats used in making the block in the mud, sticks amazing i was watching it going on an inch thick.. I walked up and watched in awe.. When i learned to speak i would go on sites and make friends ask questions.. You know if you buy a couple cold beers after a hot day, they answer questions like family..
    Looks great..so many different qualities in block also..

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      February 2, 2019 at 5:46 am

      Evening Thomas dude, that place sounds like my kind of people, pleasant people.
      Peace, love with happiness to all.
      Kirk Giordano plastering tips-mixed with sound advice

      Reply
  51. Curtis Hatch says

    March 10, 2019 at 3:37 am

    I think they ran out of the small ones and had to order some more and they only made the big ones or had them in stock?

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      March 10, 2019 at 4:17 am

      Evening Curtis Dude, there is the true answer is some of the comments below.
         Live long and plaster
      Teaching plastering do’s, don'ts and reasons why

      Reply
  52. Stanciu Catalin says

    March 14, 2019 at 10:44 am

    I am from Europe and I have never seen a wall made out of this stuff…my grandfather was making some old school stoves from it. Interesting to see how other people build their homes…

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      March 16, 2019 at 6:52 am

      Howdy Stanciu, no doubt, we can all learn new stuff.
      Peace, love, and happiness to all.
      Sound Plastering tips from your favorite stucco nurds

      Reply
    • Nathan Woolsey says

      October 27, 2019 at 10:52 pm

      I'm surprised you haven't seen buildings built with these in Europe… I would of thought perhaps in parts of Spain.. Seen these used lots in Turkey.

      Reply
  53. alexxkidd33 says

    April 3, 2019 at 9:09 am

    YES I KNOW WHY THEY USED THE SHORTER ONES AT THE BOTTOM..ITS FOR A STURDY SOLID BASE

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      October 19, 2019 at 2:11 am

      Howdy Alex, good tip brother.
      Introducing peace, love, and harmony back into the world of plastering.
      university of plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano

      Reply
  54. Chris Giurlanda says

    May 11, 2019 at 3:08 am

    Those block are laid on there side at the bottom to make a stronger base at the top they are side by side like a double brick wall

    Reply
    • Chris Giurlanda says

      May 11, 2019 at 3:09 am

      Similar to a Flemish Bond

      Reply
    • Chris Giurlanda says

      May 11, 2019 at 3:12 am

      They should have laid one course on its side next upright to tie wall together makes for a stronger wall with no wall ties

      Reply
    • Chris Giurlanda says

      May 11, 2019 at 11:52 pm

      Kirk Giordano do u have cousins in Michigan I have a Mike Giordano in my family

      Reply
  55. Brass Moon Realty Levi says

    June 24, 2019 at 4:02 pm

    Hey Kirk, I live in Waterbury CT and my home is made of those blocks. They are hollow and no cement on the inside. They are cemented on inside of the house and stucco on the outside. Every 2 years there are some spots that keep flaking on the inside of my walls and I then have to go and scrape out the Compound that some one shoved in there and I have to reapply and repaint. Any ideas on how I can resolve this issue? Thanks

    Reply
    • B. Wo says

      July 30, 2019 at 1:35 am

      moisture is the thing i would look for, it may be coming from the top, roof, clogged gutters, or wicking from the from a tree, bush on the outside, planter box etc.

      Reply
  56. cmoto1 says

    July 20, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    Those tools would make great weapons in a martial arts movie. Darby vs. nunchuks. LOL!

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      October 19, 2019 at 2:10 am

      Howdy Cmoto, I'll take the nunchucks
      Introducing peace, love, and harmony back into the world of plastering.
      university of plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano

      Reply
    • stephbhoy1 says

      November 28, 2019 at 1:40 am

      No chance, derby every time, I'll straighten that sucker out

      Reply
  57. B. Wo says

    July 30, 2019 at 1:27 am

    weight.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      October 19, 2019 at 2:09 am

      Howdy B, about 170 pounds
      Introducing peace, love, and harmony back into the world of plastering.
      university of plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano

      Reply
  58. Levi Barros says

    September 18, 2019 at 2:26 am

    "If I didn't have gloves on, I wouldn't stick my finger in there." – Kirk Giordano

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      October 19, 2019 at 2:09 am

      Howdy Levi, no doubt, there could be a land shark in that hole waiting for a finger to get stuck in there thus dinner. And another fingerless fool.
      Introducing peace, love, and harmony back into the world of plastering.
      university of plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano

      Reply
  59. Edmonton Parging Experts J and J Coatings says

    November 30, 2019 at 4:42 am

    Always nice to see a fellow masons techniques, keep up the great work!

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      December 10, 2019 at 8:00 am

      Happy holidays Edmonton, thank you.
      bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the plastering world
      The University of plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano with over 800 video’s

      Reply
  60. Tehcarp says

    December 10, 2019 at 7:56 am

    the lower courses are on their sides

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      December 10, 2019 at 8:00 am

      Happy holidays Tehcarp, thank you, my friend, for the wisdom.
      bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the plastering world
      The University of plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano with over 800 video’s

      Reply
  61. Mike Hatzl says

    December 26, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    Excellent. Rapid Set Mortar, Cement All, or? And did you use the additive that allows you to spread it easier?

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      December 26, 2019 at 8:26 pm

      Good morning Mike, if it's mixed well the only additive needed is sand and water
      Happy holidays and New Years to all, from Kirk Giordano plastering and Family
      The complete encyclopedia of plastering courses in video

      Reply
  62. McMomma2 says

    December 31, 2019 at 5:13 am

    So I came here mostly because of the tile. It is Structural Clay Tile. It came in multiple different sizes. Structurally it would make sense to have the smaller blocks on the bottom. Those lower tiles probably only have one cavity running the length, the larger ones have 3 cavities running the length. The "scratch" edge is how certain time period constructed it. I do know that the edges with the "scratches" were meant to be cemented together. They really started using it the U.S.A. in about 1850's in buildings. It actually is very sturdy and fire safe. I personally have 2 barns with this as the foundation. It also was used in walls in parts of our old farmhouse. AS to my previously mentioned sturdiness. Our main barn is 64'x44' bank barn with a 99% of its foundation being this tile(as well as floor in about half of it). I am actually trying to date this barn and right now I have it from 1850-1950. In the 60's a tornado came through. It took off the gambrel roof and complete 2nd story. Lifted the back end (3 stories high end) and moved it a foot. After that tornado, from what I have learned from previous owners, a helicopter and tractors pushed it back. They patched it in just a few spots with cement blocks. Here it is coming on 2020 and that foundation is still taking it like a champ. And the only part that needs repair is the bank side because someone didn't fix the path to the door underground on the bank side.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      January 3, 2020 at 2:51 am

      Happy New Year Mc Momma, thank you.
      Bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the world of plastering.
        The complete plastering encyclopedia on video, by the plastering messengers of Youtube with over 800 videos.

      Reply
  63. Cristine Soliz says

    January 4, 2020 at 10:26 pm

    Different sizes is very artistic. So it’s prettier natural without the plaster.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      January 5, 2020 at 1:58 am

      Happy New Year Christine, it is indeed pretty as is, we added some structural strength.
      Bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the world of plastering.
        The complete plastering encyclopedia on video, by the plastering messengers of Youtube with over 800 videos.

      Reply
  64. M Dot L says

    February 12, 2020 at 4:53 am

    The lines in the clay are referred to as “Cells”. These blocks are fired at 1000° C and those cells are what prevents it from warping and provides higher strength when curing.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      March 2, 2020 at 3:50 am

      Good Evening M Dot, ding ding ding, give this man a cigar.
      Brilliant answer, I learned another thing today. Thank you.

      Bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the world of plastering.
        The complete plastering encyclopedia on video, by the plastering messengers of Youtube with over 800 videos.

      Reply
  65. Mapco Auh says

    February 28, 2020 at 9:01 am

    Is any chance for air cracks in future if we plast

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      March 2, 2020 at 3:49 am

      Good Evening Mapco, there's always a chance for cracks when dealing with stucco or concrete.
      The best we can do is start all repairs with a plan that has a proven long track history of longevity.

      Bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the world of plastering.
        The complete plastering encyclopedia on video, by the plastering messengers of Youtube with over 800 videos.

      Reply
  66. Roger Hupp says

    March 29, 2020 at 11:05 pm

    You, my friend, are an artist! Every one of your videos are excellent

    Reply
  67. Andy Buza says

    May 11, 2020 at 12:55 am

    It's quite simple they started with the small ones and the supply yard ran out of them so they had to lay it up with big ones that was the most economic building material of its era

    Reply
  68. Faze Eti says

    May 30, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    I dont understand why u find terracota uncommon, its used in my country primaryli together with cinder blocks so here nobody knows how to do those montage american houses i find wierd that americans still build these crappy wood houses and get thermites, tornados and hurricanes which make these wooden houses pointles

    Reply
    • Faze Eti says

      August 10, 2020 at 12:45 pm

      @Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. I get your point but over 60% of my country is forest and we have always been using brick exept some old log houses. I guess its just methods and preference because wood is faster

      Reply
  69. Scott Gordon says

    August 28, 2020 at 9:58 pm

    Hey. Are you still alive? I have a few questions about this particular application on these terra cotta.tiles

    Reply
    • Scott Gordon says

      August 28, 2020 at 10:08 pm

      Have you been back to this project. I see its 7 year old videp.. I was curious how the plaster held up.. I'm in the planning phase of a crazy project. My initial thought was to just coat it with a lime putty type thing.. no Portland at all. These brick seem hard/fragile. Maybe allowing for movement would be better?

      Reply
    • Scott Gordon says

      August 28, 2020 at 10:09 pm

      Would be super interested to see what it looks like today.

      Reply
  70. GHOST RAIDER says

    September 26, 2020 at 5:33 pm

    have you any smooth finishes on video with any of your products thanks

    Reply
  71. Jordan W says

    October 29, 2020 at 3:14 am

    My basement is made from this and it suuuucks

    Reply

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