Introduction To Common Masonry Terms
Ever wondered how ancient civilizations built structures that still stand today? It’s all thanks to masonry, a craft that goes back thousands of years.
With such a rich history, comes a terminology that can feel like a foreign language.
In this blog post, I’m here to break down some of the most common masonry terms.
We’ll cover the basics like bricks, mortar, and concrete, all the way to structural elements such as wythes, piers, and lintels.
We’ll also cover finishing terms like pointing, rendering, and cladding, and wrap up with the essential tools every mason needs.
By the end, you’ll have a solid vocabulary and a new appreciation for this ancient craft.
Table of Contents
The Most Common Masonry Terms
Basic Masonry Terms
Brick
Bricks are rectangular blocks made of clay or other materials, used in construction. They are one of the oldest known building materials.
Mortar
Mortar is a mixture of sand, water, and a binder such as cement or lime. It is used to bond bricks, stones, and other masonry units together.
Concrete
Concrete is a composite material composed of coarse aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement that hardens over time. It is commonly used for constructing walls, floors, and other structural elements.
Stone
Stone is a natural material used in masonry for constructing buildings, walls, and other structures. Types of stone include limestone, granite, and sandstone.
Structural Masonry Terms
Wythe
A wythe is a single vertical layer of masonry units, such as bricks or stones, in a wall. A wall can be one wythe thick or have multiple wythes for added strength.
Pier
A pier is a vertical support structure made of masonry, often used to support arches, beams, or decks. It is typically wider than it is tall.
Lintel
A lintel is a horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or window. It bears the load from the structure above it.
Bond
Bond refers to the pattern in which bricks are laid in a wall. Common bond patterns include running bond, Flemish bond, and English bond.
Finishing Masonry Terms
Pointing
Pointing involves filling the joints between masonry units with mortar to improve water resistance and enhance the appearance. It can also help repair old, crumbling mortar.
Rendering
Rendering is the process of applying a coat of cement or plaster to a masonry wall to create a smooth or textured surface finish. It helps protect the masonry from the elements.
Cladding
Cladding refers to applying one material over another to provide a skin or layer. In masonry, it often involves attaching stone, brick, or ceramic tiles to a wall for decoration or insulation.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the white, powdery substance found on the surface of some masonry walls. It forms when water soluble salts are drawn out of the masonry and evaporate.
Commonly Used Masonry Tools
Trowel
A trowel is a flat-bladed hand tool used for applying, spreading, and shaping mortar or concrete.
Level
A level is used to ensure that masonry work is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). It helps maintain alignment and stability.
Mason’s Hammer
A mason’s hammer has a chisel end for scoring and a blunt end for striking. It’s used for cutting and shaping bricks or stones.
Jointer
A jointer is a tool used for finishing mortar joints, creating a smooth, concave, or V-shaped finish.
For a more comprehensive list of masonry terms, you can refer to reputable sources such as the Masonry Institute of America.
Additional Masonry Terms
Key Masonry Terms and Concepts
Facing and Backing
In masonry construction, facing refers to the exposed, outer surface of a masonry wall that is visible and often designed for aesthetic appeal. It is the part of the wall that interacts with the environment and endures weather conditions. Backing, on the other hand, is the inner part of the wall that provides structural support but is not meant to be exposed. It typically consists of less aesthetically pleasing but structurally sound materials. Both facing and backing work together to contribute to the wall’s overall strength and appearance.
Course
A course is a continuous horizontal layer of masonry units such as bricks or stones in a wall. Proper alignment of courses ensures stability and even distribution of load. Courses are critical for maintaining the integrity of the structure.
Header
A header is a masonry unit laid horizontally in a wall with its end toward the face of the wall. It serves to tie two wythes of a solid wall together. Headers are crucial for the structural tie-in of the wall and can contribute to various bond patterns.
Stretcher
A stretcher is a masonry unit laid with its length parallel to the face of the wall. In bricklaying, this orientation is the most common and forms the backbone of many bond patterns like the running bond.
Cavity Wall
A cavity wall consists of two masonry walls (wythes) separated by an air space or insulation. This design improves thermal insulation, reduces moisture penetration, and increases the durability of the structure.
Expansion Joint
An expansion joint is a space or joint deliberately included in masonry construction to allow for movement due to thermal expansion or contraction, moisture changes, or other forces. It prevents cracking and structural damage.
Buttress
A buttress is a projecting support built against an external wall, often found in large or tall buildings and bridges. It helps to counteract lateral forces and stabilize the structure.
Parging
Parging is the application of a thin coat of mortar to the surface of masonry walls. It serves as a protective and decorative layer, particularly for foundations or retaining walls.
Additional Finishing Masonry Terms
Repointing
Repointing is the process of renewing the external part of mortar joints in masonry construction. It involves carefully removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it to extend the life and appearance of the wall.
Veneer
Veneer involves applying a layer of masonry units, such as brick or stone, over a different backing material. Veneer offers the aesthetics of full-depth masonry with less weight and cost.
Movement Joint
Similar to expansion joints, movement joints are gaps or flexible materials included in masonry construction to accommodate dimensional changes. These joints are crucial for the durability of large masonry surfaces.
For a more comprehensive list of masonry terms, you can refer to reputable sources such as the Masonry Institute of America.
Understanding Racking Back in Brick Masonry
What is Racking Back?
Racking back is a masonry construction technique where the ends of walls are stepped back in a stair-step fashion while building. This method is often used when work needs to be temporarily halted, and it allows for easy resumption of bricklaying. Each course of bricks is progressively set back, allowing for a stronger bond and providing a toehold for restarting work. This term is also referred to as “stepping back” in some regions.
Examples of Racking Back
| Scenario | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Stoppage | Work is paused, and the wall ends are stepped back to resume later. | Ensures continuity and strength in construction by creating interlocking masonry units. |
| Construction of Intersecting Walls | When forming connections between walls, each layer is offset. | Provides mechanical interlock and alignment for connecting walls. |
Why Use Racking Back?
- Structural Integrity: Racking back strengthens the bond between new and old work, reducing potential weakness in the wall.
- Reusability: The stepped pattern makes it easier to resume work after a break, ensuring alignment and stability are maintained.
- Interlocking Mechanism: This method improves the mechanical interlock between different parts of the wall, particularly at corners and connections.
How to Rack Back
- Lay the First Course: Start by laying the first row of bricks or stones in a straight, level line.
- Step Back Each Successive Layer: As you add each new layer, step it back by half a unit (brick or stone) so that it forms a stair-step design.
- Check Alignment: Use a level and a ruler to ensure that each stepped-back section is straight and evenly spaced.
- Resume Work: When work resumes, continue building the layers, ensuring that the new bricks interlock with the stepped-back layers.
For more information on masonry techniques, check reputable sources like the Masonry Institute of America.
Explaining the Difference Between Racking Back and Toothing
What is Toothing in Masonry?
Toothing is another technique used in masonry construction to temporarily halt work while ensuring a strong bond when construction resumes. Unlike racking back, toothing involves leaving regularly spaced vertical indentations or “teeth” at the end of a wall. These teeth provide a key to which new bricks can be easily attached. In this method, instead of stepping back each layer, bricks are left protruding at regular intervals.
Key Differences Between Racking Back and Toothing
| Feature | Racking Back | Toothing |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Stepping back in a stair-step pattern. | Leaving vertical indentations with protruding bricks at regular intervals. |
| Appearance | Creates a stepped profile at the end of the wall. | Creates a jagged, toothed profile with regularly spaced bricks sticking out. |
| Structural Purpose | Provides a strong bond and interlock for resuming work. | Offers key points to attach new masonry units, enhancing the connection. |
| Usage Example | Commonly used when halting construction of a straight wall. | Often used when connecting an intersecting wall or resuming work on a facade. |
When to Use Each Technique
Choosing between racking back and toothing largely depends on the specific needs of your project.
- Racking Back: Opt for racking back when you need to temporarily stop work on a straight wall and plan to resume later. It’s particularly useful for ensuring that new layers align correctly with existing ones due to its step-like structure.
- Toothing: Use toothing when dealing with intricate connections, such as connections of walls or facades. The protruding “teeth” provide direct points to insert new masonry units, making it easier to achieve a seamless joint between the old and new work.
How to Tooth a Wall
- Plan Indents: Decide the spacing for your toothing indents, generally leaving bricks protruding at regular intervals (e.g., every three bricks).
- Lay the First Course: Begin by laying the first row of bricks normally up to your desired stopping point.
- Insert Teeth: As you progress, regularly leave out bricks to create the toothed pattern. Ensure the protruding bricks are level and in line with the rest of the wall.
- Resume Work: When you are ready to continue, start placing new bricks into the indents, making sure each new brick fully integrates with the protruding teeth for a strong bond.
For additional details on masonry techniques and better understanding of these methods, you can visit the Masonry Institute of America.
Understanding Common Masonry Terms
Masonry construction relies on understanding key terms, like when bricks, mortar, concrete, and stones form the basic units.
Structural elements such as wythes, piers, lintels, and bonds contribute to the strength and stability of projects.
Finishing techniques, including pointing, rendering, and cladding, enhance both the look and durability of masonry work. Additionally, recognizing essential tools like trowels, levels, mason’s hammers, and jointers is crucial for effective masonry construction.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is racking back in masonry?
Racking back is a technique where the ends of walls are built in a stair-step fashion to allow for easy resumption of work. It offers structural integrity by creating interlocking masonry units.
Why is pointing important in masonry?
Pointing improves water resistance and enhances the appearance of masonry structures. It also helps to repair old, crumbling mortar.
How does a cavity wall enhance building performance?
A cavity wall consists of two wythes separated by an air space or insulation. This design improves thermal insulation, reduces moisture penetration, and increases the wall’s durability.
What is the difference between racking back and toothing?
Racking back involves a stepped-back pattern for easy resumption of work, while toothing leaves vertical indentations or “teeth” at the wall end for future masonry attachment. Both methods ensure strong bonding.
