Masonry is a time-honored building material that can stand the test of time. While new technologies and materials have transformed masonry, the fundamental principles remain the same.
Masonry walls rely on their own weight to hold them in place; this can make them fragile during earthquakes. They also need proper drainage to prevent interior flooding. Click here to Learn More.
Masonry is an ancient construction technique that involves building structures using bricks, stones or blocks and mortar. A person who constructs masonry is called a mason or a bricklayer. Masonry has been used for thousands of years to build enduring, beautiful and highly durable buildings.
Masons have also used their skills to promote social change and improve the quality of life for all human beings. They have contributed more than $2 million dollars every day in the United States alone to help those in need. Masons have made a significant contribution to charity, and they have contributed to society through their dedication to moral and ethical values.
While masonry is very durable, it is not without its challenges. Masonry construction requires skilled and experienced labor, which can increase the overall cost of a project. Also, masonry structures are prone to cracking due to factors like shrinkage, settlement and thermal expansion or contraction. While minor cracks do not affect structural integrity, they can indicate underlying problems that should be addressed.
The first masonry structures were built for practical purposes, such as shelters and fortifications. By the Middle Ages, masonry construction had become more specialized, with craftsmen dedicating themselves exclusively to the craft. This period was marked by the development of Gothic architecture, with its elaborate stonework and pointed arches.
In modern times, masonry continues to play an important role in construction. Its durability, aesthetics and longevity make it a popular choice for commercial and residential construction projects. In addition, masonry offers many environmental benefits. Its use of recycled materials can reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Masonry is also non-combustible, which can protect a structure from fire.
Masonry is a fraternal organization founded in England in 1717. It is structured into private Lodges, which are supervised at the local level by a Grand Lodge in the United States and Canada, or by a Provincial Grand Lodge in the United Kingdom. Freemasonry teaches self-knowledge through participation in ritual, discussion of philosophy and ethics, and the recognition of symbols such as the square and compasses, the trowel, and the rough and smooth ashlars. Masons are encouraged to participate in charitable activities, and many do so. The fraternity maintains a network of charity and relief efforts worldwide.
Materials
Masonry construction has many advantages, but the benefits depend on proper construction techniques and quality materials. Masonry provides excellent load-bearing capacity, which makes it ideal for building structures that require significant support. It is also inherently fire resistant, making it an attractive choice for buildings and structures that need to withstand the spread of fire. In addition, masonry is a durable material that can stand up to weather conditions and other environmental factors.
Brick, concrete block, stone and veneers are the most common materials used in masonry. The type of material chosen depends on the desired aesthetics, cost constraints, and structural requirements. Brick and concrete block are both load-bearing, and they may be complemented with steel reinforcing bars to increase their resistance to lateral forces. Stone masonry is often used for decorative purposes and can be either non-load-bearing or load-bearing. Veneer masonry is a decorative construction technique that uses thin layers of brick, stone or manufactured materials to add beauty and durability to a structure.
The materials used in masonry are held together with mortar, which is a combination of restricting material and sand. Modern mortar mixes contain Portland cement, sand and lime to improve workability and adhesion. Different types of mortar are formulated for specific applications, such as laying brick, cinder blocks or stones.
Stone, brick and concrete are popular choices for masonry construction due to their strength, durability and aesthetics. Stone, in particular, offers a timeless and elegant look to buildings. However, it requires skilled labor to craft and is more expensive than other masonry materials.
Concrete block masonry is a cost-effective option, and it can be both load-bearing and non-load-bearing. It can be made with hollow cores or filled with steel to enhance its tensile and lateral strengths. Brick masonry can be both load-bearing and decorative, and it offers more flexibility in design than other masonry materials.
In addition to enhancing the visual appeal of buildings, masonry can provide insulation and reduce energy costs. Insulated masonry walls utilize fiberglass batts placed between wooden wall studs or in some cases rigid foam insulation boards covered with plaster or drywall.
Design
Masonry has long been considered a premium construction method for its aesthetics and durability. Choosing the right materials and applying proper techniques are crucial to the final result. Experienced masonry contractors can help create architectural and structural plans that are cost-effective.
Throughout history, masonry designs have reflected the available geological formations and environmental conditions in the regions where they were constructed. Egyptian temples, for example, were primarily made of limestone, sandstone and alabaster, which was quarried along the Nile River. The Industrial Revolution of the late 1700s brought new developments to masonry, including the use of keystones to distribute weight more evenly in arches. Masonry structures have also come to include glass and other materials as complementary building elements.
Today, brick masonry is often used as a decorative veneer, installed on one or both sides of structural walls for visual appeal. This can enhance the appearance of a house or commercial structure and increase its resale value, while still providing strength and stability. Bricks come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors, and can be combined to create unique patterns and textures.
Stone masonry is often chosen for its grandeur and durability, and can be used for load-bearing or non-load-bearing walls. Like brick, stone is available in many different colors and finishes, and can be incorporated into the design of any building. Some stones are aged to give them a rougher, more rustic look, while others are created to appear weathered for a more contemporary design.
Concrete block masonry is often used for construction purposes that do not require load-bearing walls. The blocks are often reinforced with steel rods to strengthen their structural integrity and prevent deterioration due to stress. They can be used as a foundation for a home, or as part of the exterior of a commercial or industrial building.
Choosing the best masonry for your construction project depends on several factors, including your budget and the type of building you are creating. An experienced masonry contractor can help you find the best materials to fit your needs, and ensure that they are used properly during installation. In addition, regular maintenance is important to extend the lifespan of your masonry structure and protect it from weather damage.
Installation
Masonry requires careful planning and precise construction to ensure a long-lasting, structurally sound structure. Experienced masonry contractors help project managers make informed decisions about material selection, design, and budgeting. They also ensure that construction site conditions are suited for masonry work by properly clearing and prepping the area. They then accurately align masonry units in courses per design plans and use mortar to connect them. This helps achieve a high-quality finished product with precise joint thickness, proper masonry bonding, and an attractive aesthetic.
Masons construct a variety of wall types, including veneer walls made from clay bricks and block walls for commercial, industrial, and residential construction. Brick masonry walls are typically installed on either side of wooden frames, while concrete blocks are commonly used for non-bearing walls in garages and factories. Veneer walls add decorative appeal to a building but are not load-bearing. Block walls that do not carry a building’s weight can be reinforced with metal ties or masonry investments.
Block, brick and stone masonry is non-combustible, which improves fire protection for the occupants of a building or structure. Masonry also provides thermal insulation to reduce energy costs. For this reason, the masonry industry is responsible for many historic structures that are still standing today.
A disadvantage of masonry is that it can be difficult to repair and maintain. Masonry is prone to moisture damage, which can cause efflorescence, a white, powdery substance that appears on the surface of masonry materials. Moisture damage can be mitigated by ensuring that drainage systems are adequate and by regularly cleaning and sealing masonry surfaces. Efflorescence can be removed with a stiff brush and diluted vinegar.
The installation of masonry structures can be hazardous for workers who are not trained or experienced in masonry construction. Workers who are working from elevated positions or using hand tools that are not correctly maintained and inspected may be exposed to fall hazards. In addition, electrical hazards can be present when handling tools that use electricity to cut and shape concrete or masonry. Proper training, practice and safety precautions can prevent these hazards from occurring on the jobsite.