Brick Masonry

by Kim Kinrade

The masonry trade is defined as building with materials that are placed in a structural order and held together by mortar. The most commonly-used materials for constructing are clay brick, marble, limestone, travertine, concrete block, glass block and stone. These are very strong materials and, with the skill of the mason and a good mortar mix, the structure can last years longer than a comparable construction from wood.

The structural use of brick was developed around 300 B.C. In the Middle East where fired clay bricks replaced the sun-dried variety. This made the bricks stronger and more resilient to cracking. As well, fired bricks had a thermal mass which absorbed the heat from the days and released it into the homes during the cool night. There are many examples of brick structures which are still standing after almost 2000 years. Constantine's Basilica in Rome, built in 400 A.D., is still in use.

Depending on the type of work a mason has to be skilled in many aspects of the building trade. There are differing types of masons which require varied skills:

Brick Layers: This trade uses bricks, concrete blocks and masonry panels to construct and repair fireplaces, sidewalks, driveways and house exteriors.

Stone Masons: Usually this trade is hired by commercial or government concerns although the odd private citizen with money may have the yearning for a stone home. Not only do they build the structure they cut the stone t shape. Most of the material is limestone, marble and granite.

Masonry Products

Full Brick Face:Very few homes are made entirely of brick anymore although there are companies which do it. Usually the core is cinder block or some other type of coarser brick and it is faced with a good quality brick of the home owner's choice. . If the home is made from another material – wood, concrete blocks, insulated concrete forms – the brick is laid on the feature, or street side. Sometimes, in more expensive homes, the brick is carried all the way around the home.

Brick Façades: This type of brick is a slice of the regular brick. It is usually glued on to a mesh which has been attached to a wood or cement board underlay. These brick faces are set in the order of real brick and then mortared so that they look like the real thing. The jury is out on how long they last but since the weight is mostly supported by the glue it is unlikely they will outlast real brick where the weight rests on the bricks below it.

Mortar-less Brick: This product has the face of a brick but most products are engineered-cement products formed under high pressure. The pieces are designed to sit on the brick below but then there is a tab with a hole where a screw affixes the brick to the exterior wall. There are special end pieces and corners to complete the look of a real brick exterior.

Glass Block: A popular material in the "art-deco" of the 1930's glass block is making a resurgence because of its ability to let in light while maintaining privacy. Glass blocks are strong and versatile and are set in the manor of cinder blocks. These are available in a wide array of shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. They can be framed a white or almond-colored aluminum or vinyl frame or grouted. Security is another big plus for glass block. It is almost indestructible and would-be thieves can see in although the space inside is well-lit from the exterior light.

Stone Masonry: Popularly known as "cultured stone" this is a cement product which is formed under pressure into look-a-like copies of real stone. Dyes and metal oxides are added to complete this look and, in many cases, it is hard to tell the difference. As the cultured stone copies real rocks of all types this product is great for fireplace facing, lining the foundations for log homes and feature rocks for an indoor waterfalls. It is applied on a similar backing as brick facing.

Landscape Masonry: The landscape and retaining wall industry made giant leaps in design with the introduction of concrete pavers and retaining wall stone. The retaining wall pieces stack like childrens' building blocks providing a strong wall to hold up a earthen back yet providing drainage. The pavers mimic cobblestones and patio rock and can be interlocking or the joints filled with sand or cement. Because they are pieced together they are great for areas where a freeze/thaw cycle can crack sold cement.

Except for the landscaping masonry products a mason should be consulted to do work with bricks. In many parts of the country it is required.