What Are Closure Bricks in Masonry and Why Use Them?

Getting Started with Masonry: Understanding Closure Bricks and More

In this post, we are going to examine the concept of Closure Bricks, covering everything from their definition, purposes, and types to the methods and tools used when applying them in construction.

But we won’t stop there.

Among the bricks, you may also encounter a unique type known as the ‘Queen Closer Brick’, and we’ll help explain its mystery. Additionally, we’ll address important aspects like the minimum gap between bricks, what to use to fill gaps, and some common problems builders may run into while using closure bricks.

Whether you are a seasoned mason seeking to refine your art or a curious learner fascinated by the craft of bricklaying, this piece of writing is sure to enhance your knowledge!

Understanding Closure Bricks in Construction

Definition of a Closure Brick

A closure brick refers to the final brick used to seal or complete a course of bricks in masonry work. It is specifically cut to fit the gap that remains, ensuring a uniform and cohesive finish in the wall or structure.

Purpose of Closure Bricks

• Sealing Gaps: The primary purpose is to seal any remaining gaps in a brick wall or structure, ensuring a tight and secure finish.
• Structural Integrity: Contributes to the overall strength and stability of the masonry by filling in the final gaps.
• Aesthetic Finish: Ensures the wall appears uniform and aesthetically pleasing.

Types of Closure Bricks

• Standard Closure Brick: Typically cut from a full brick to fit a specific space within the wall.
• Purpose-Made Closure Brick: Manufactured to fit typical gaps and shapes encountered in masonry work.

How Closure Bricks are Used

Masons usually measure the gap in the wall where the closure brick will be placed, then cut a standard brick to fit this space. The process involves:

• Measuring the gap to determine the required size of the closure brick.
• Cutting the brick with a specific tool to match these dimensions.
• Placing the closure brick in the gap and securing it with mortar.

Tools for Cutting Closure Bricks

• Brick Hammer: Traditional tool for breaking and shaping bricks.
• Brick Saw: Provides more precise cuts compared to a hammer.
• Chisels: Used for finer details and adjustments.

Common Problems When Using Closure Bricks

• Incorrect Measurement: Leads to poor fit and potential structural weakness.
• Improper Cutting: Can result in uneven or broken bricks.
• Inadequate Mortar Application: May cause gaps and affect stability.

Closure bricks are essential for finishing masonry work, ensuring structural integrity and a clean aesthetic. Proper measurement, cutting, and placement are key to their effective use.

The Queen Closer Brick

Contextualising The Queen Closer Brick

The Queen Closer is a distinctive kind of closure brick. It’s called as such when a conventional brick is cut in half along its length, forming a half-length brick.

Masons frequently use this to preserve the staggered positioning of a brick layout or bond.

The Essential Role of Queen Closer Bricks

• Preservation of Brick Bond: In traditional masonry, the alternation or interlocking of bricks contributes to the strength of the structure. Queen Closer bricks help maintain this pattern, particularly in brick formations like the “English bond” or the “Flemish bond”.
• Specific Fit: Thanks to their distinct half-size, Queen Closers can adequately finish a course when a full-sized brick is excessively large. They’re the perfect fit where only half the size of a typical brick is needed.
• Solution for Unconventional Gaps: In case masons deal with unusual gaps – smaller than a standard brick but larger than the typical closure brick – Queen Closers serve as an efficient solution.

Best Practices for Using Queen Closer Bricks

Like closure bricks, Queen Closers require precise measurement and cutting. However, due to their smaller size and the unique bond patterns they integrate into, extra care must be taken:

• Ensure the half-brick maintains equal width throughout after it’s cut (it should resemble a full brick, but halved).
• Employ a brick saw for cutting, guaranteeing a straight cut and protecting the brick from breaking or chipping.
• Apply mortar to the brick ends as well as the top and bottom, to ensure a tight bond within the wall.

Dealing with Challenges in Using Queen Closer Bricks

• Difficulty in Cutting: Cutting a brick along its length can prove harder than along its width. Patience and practice are often required to perfect this skill, even for experienced masons.
• Bond Disruption: Masons should take care to position the Queen Closer correctly, as wrong placement could potentially disrupt the overall brick bond pattern.
• Wastage: Generally, the remaining half of the cut brick ends up as waste, as it’s rarely useful in other parts of the construction.

What is the Minimum Gap Between Bricks?

Importance of Proper Gaps in Masonry

When constructing brick walls, the gap (or joint) between bricks plays an important role. Proper spacing ensures the structural integrity, thermal movement, and waterproofing of the wall.

Typically, these gaps are filled with mortar, which not only binds the bricks together but also provides a cushion against minor shifts due to temperature changes or settling.

Standard Mortar Joint Thickness

The standard width for mortar joints between bricks is usually around 3/8 inch (about 10mm). This dimension is widely accepted in both residential and commercial construction practices. However, it can vary slightly depending on the specific requirements of the project.

Consequences of Incorrect Brick Gap

• Structural Weakness: If the gaps are too wide or too narrow, the wall may not have the necessary stability, leading to potential structural problems.
• Poor Aesthetics: Inconsistent gaps can result in a wall that looks uneven, affecting the overall appearance of the structure.
• Weatherproofing Issues: Incorrect gaps can lead to water infiltration and damp issues, which could damage the internal structure of the wall.

Tools and Methods Used to Ensure Proper Gaps

• Jointer Tools: These are used to shape and compact the mortar in the joints, ensuring consistent spacing and strength.
• Brick Spacers: These are temporary aids placed between bricks during construction to ensure even spacing.
• Level and Tape Measure: Essential tools for ensuring the alignment and uniformity of the brick gaps throughout the construction process.

Coding Standards and Guidelines

Building codes and standards often dictate the dimensions and tolerances allowed for mortar joints.

For instance, the International Building Code (IBC) provides guidelines on acceptable mortar joint sizes to ensure the safety and durability of brick structures. It’s essential for masons to adhere to these guidelines to meet regulatory standards and ensure the quality of their work.

What to Use to Fill Gaps Between Bricks

Materials Used for Filling Gaps

When it comes to filling gaps between bricks, several materials can be used depending on the specific needs of the structure. The most common material is mortar, but alternatives like sealants and expanding foam can also be used in certain situations.

• Mortar: The traditional and most commonly used material for filling gaps, mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water. It provides strong adhesion and a durable seal.
• Sealants: Used in cases where minor repairs are needed, sealants like silicone or acrylic can be applied to smaller gaps for a quick and flexible fix.
• Expanding Foam: Ideal for filling larger gaps and providing insulation, expanding foam can be a good option, particularly in less load-bearing areas.

Types of Mortar for Different Situations

Choosing the right type of mortar is important for the longevity and stability of the wall. Here are some common types of mortar used in masonry:

• Type N Mortar: A general-purpose mortar with medium compressive strength, ideal for above-grade, exterior, and interior load-bearing installations.
• Type S Mortar: Offers higher strength than Type N, suitable for below-grade applications and areas subjected to higher loads.
• Type M Mortar: Known for its high compressive strength, perfect for heavy-load structures, foundations, and retaining walls.
• Type O Mortar: Lower strength, primarily used for non-load-bearing interior walls and repair work.

Application Techniques for Mortar

Proper application of mortar is essential to ensure the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the brickwork. Here are some recommended techniques:

• Butter the Bricks: Apply mortar to the sides of each brick before placing it to ensure a strong bond.
• Use a Trowel: A trowel helps in applying and shaping the mortar between the bricks, ensuring uniform distribution and smooth surfaces.
• Strike the Joints: This involves compacting and shaping the mortar joints using a jointer tool. Striking helps in reducing water penetration and provides a finished look.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Using the wrong technique or materials can lead to several problems during and after construction. Here are some common issues and how they can be avoided:

• Cracks in Mortar: Often caused by improper mixing or over-expansion. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and avoid overloading the mortar with water.
• Efflorescence: White, powdery deposits on the surface of brickwork, resulting from soluble salts within the mortar. Using clean materials and proper drainage can help avoid this issue.
• Bond Failure: Caused by inadequate adhesion between the mortar and brick. Ensuring both surfaces are clean and properly prepared can mitigate this risk.

Home Depot offers a wealth of resources on selecting the right materials for masonry projects, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Bringing It All Together

The use of closure bricks, specifically Queen Closers, in masonry is instrumental in maintaining uniformity, aesthetics, and structural soundness.

A Queen Closer, a brick halved lengthwise, helps sustain the bond pattern and is apt for fitting atypical gaps. Equally important is the right gap between bricks, with a standard mortar joint thickness of approximately 3/8 inch or 10mm.

Erroneous gaps can impact stability and aesthetics. Finally, filling these gaps is typically done with mortar, but could also involve sealants or expanding foams. Ensuring correct application techniques and materials is vital to prevent issues such as cracks, efflorescence, or bond failure.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs