Masonry is a type of building material that provides strength and durability. There are many different types of masonry, including brick, stone, concrete block, and clay tile. Each offers its own unique benefits for your construction project.
These types of masonry include load bearing walls that are reinforced to stand up to excessive compression loads. They also prevent moisture from entering buildings through walls.
Brick
Bricks have been used for thousands of years as a building material. They are made from shale and clay and fired in a kiln at very high temperatures. Bricks are incredibly durable and can withstand lots of pressure. They also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Brick masonry is often completed by using mortar to hold the bricks together. Masonry can involve a variety of materials other than brick including stone, concrete blocks and tile. Having a professional complete your masonry project will ensure the work is done correctly and safely.
A good mason will understand the different types of brick and which one to use for a particular task. This will help to ensure that the building is safe and sturdy for people to live or work in once it’s finished.
There are many different types of bricks, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Engineering bricks, for example, are a good choice for civil engineering works. These include sewers, manholes, groundworks, retaining walls and damp proof courses. These bricks have a higher compressive strength and are more water resistant than normal bricks.
Solid brick construction was common up until around 1900. It uses several layers (wythes) of brick with header bricks to hold them together. These bricks can be very thick, up to 20″ in some cases. They also typically incorporate metal ties to hold them together, although most of these have now rusted away.
Stone
Stone has long been a popular building material because it adds a sense of permanence to a home or structure. It is durable and can withstand many natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires. In addition to the strength it adds, it can provide an elegant look that gives a space character and charm. It is also energy efficient, retaining heat from the sun or fire and keeping it in your home.
There are several different types of stone used in masonry, including limestone, sandstone, and marble. These stones are often gathered from local areas or quarried. When used in masonry, they are typically cut into uniform sizes and shapes. The stones are then bonded together using mortar, which is often made from cement and water.
The type of stone masonry used depends on the desired style and appearance of the finished product. For example, limestone is commonly used in ashlar fine masonry because it can be easily cut into uniform shapes and sizes. It is usually used for wall construction, but can also be employed in other masonry applications such as door and window frames, carving, and ornamental work.
Gneiss stones are another stone that can be used in masonry. They are igneous rock and have a high specific gravity and compressive strength of 200 to 350 N/mm2 (2039 to 3569 kg/cm2). This type of stone is generally used in foundation work, road construction, rubble masonry, railway ballast, and doorsills.
Concrete
The building blocks of masonry, either brick or concrete block, are mortared together with cement. A variety of different bond patterns can be used to achieve diverse appearances and functions.
Stone and clay continued to be the primary masonry materials through medieval times until the invention of cement. Cement, made from pozzolanic tuff (volcanic ash) mixed with water, lime and stone fragments, allowed for stronger walls to be built than were possible with just the mortar alone. Walls of stone masonry were still popular, however, as they evoked the sense of permanence and strength associated with a castle or other ancient structure.
Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are now available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Many are manufactured locally, contributing to local economies and meeting LEED criteria for sustainability. They are a natural choice for infill construction, where the walls are expected to support loads but may not have space for staging. They are also energy-efficient, as they retain heat during colder weather and release it during warmer months.
CMUs are sustainable from the manufacturing phase through their life cycle, as they are not prone to degradation from moisture, termites or other destructive forces. They are also environmentally friendly, as they are produced specifically for each project with minimal waste. And, as an added bonus, they contribute to green ratings for buildings, if incorporated into the design as insulation.
Clay Tile
A popular roofing material, clay tile roofs can last a lifetime and enhance your home’s beauty. However, they’re more expensive than other roof options and require special installation to prevent damage from extreme weather conditions. Regular inspections by a roofing professional can help extend their lifespan. A properly maintained tile roof will also reduce energy costs by preventing heat transfer and reducing noise.
Hollow clay block bricks, also known as terra cotta construction tiles, first saw widespread use in North America in the 1850s and continued in popularity until the 1950s. They were preferred over common brick masonry because they offered fire-resistance and sound and heat loss insulating properties. They were also lighter than brick and more easily lifted into place.
Clay tile is durable, resists harsh weather conditions, including salt and wind, and will not rot or rust. It is naturally mold- and algae-resistant, and can withstand frequent freeze/thaw cycles. It can be used in load-bearing and nonload-bearing walls, though it’s important to consult building codes and specifications to ensure they are installed correctly.
Superior Clay wall coping is made from solid, durable terra cotta clay and available in natural and various glazed colors. It can be trimmed to fit the wall and has good thermal expansion. It is also Class A fire-rated, providing your house with the protection it needs from external damages.