WHAT IS MASONRY?

Generally, masonry is eminently the most dependable way to construct any structures. What varies are the materials, craftsmanship, and the pattern of the masonry itself. Masonry is the most common form of building walls and buildings, as well as homes. Your backyard patio builders are the experts on masonry building which is why materials such as stone, brick, granite, marble and other minerals are not only being used in buildings but as an outdoor decoration too.

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MASONRY

• The Advantages
  • Using the stone and bricks materials, for example, improves a building’s thermal mass.
  • Is safe from a fire because of its non-flammable component.
  • This product can weather the debris from calamities such as tornadoes, hurricanes or typhoons.
• The Disadvantages
  • Masonry can really be heavy and it is a must that it should be built only upon a foundation that is indestructible like concrete or any foundation that does not easily crack or break.
  • Extreme weather condition can lead to the depravity of the masonry element due to the uncontrollable force and movement.
  • Masonry construction is not much open to a modernized construction procedure. It requires a skilled and experienced mason or bricklayer to do the work.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASONRY?

• Veneer Masonry
• Dry Set Masonry
• Solid Masonry
• Brick

The Veneer

A Veneer masonry wall is a clay-based brick material that is being installed on one or both sides of a structure that is constructed with an independent wall by either wood or masonry. Usually, the masonry is used as a decorative wall patch and not the main wall structure. There is often a gap between the veneer brick and the main structural wall. Since the veneer is not totally waterproof, the main wall should have a water-resistant surface like tar paper and have small holes left at the bottom of the clay-based brick to drain the excess liquid from the moisture inside. Another alternative to the veneer brick style are cultured, real, and concrete blocks and stones.

The Dry Set

The masonry wall’s endurance does not depend alone on the structural attachment of the building and the mortar because the friction alone between the masonry blocks is already enough to build a stronghold to stand alone. Some blocks like the dry set masonry have other features that can enhance the bond between the mortar and the wall.

The Solid Masonry

This masonry material does not need any steel structure and also prefers the traditional construction process rather than the modern way. This masonry type of wall structure can really be cost-effective and is compatible with other construction procedure, however, the solid masonry walls can expect some lack of foundation strength.

The Brick

The solid brick wall is composed of two or more brick materials that are formed horizontally and is constructed across the wall being built. The brick rows are often called as a course. The arrangement of these headers and stretchers gives a different bond. See, each bond has a diversity in strength and security. The vertical staggered bonds are believed to be stronger compared to the non-staggered bonds that are susceptible to cracks and breakage.

THE VARIOUS MASONRY WALL TYPES

The masonry – concrete and brick unit, are bonded together using mortar in order to construct a masonry wall. But there are other masonry wall types that you should be aware of:

• Load Bearing Masonry Wall
• Reinforced Masonry Wall
• Hollow/Cavity Masonry Wall
• Composite Masonry Wall
• Post-Tensioned Masonry Wall

THE BOTTOM LINE:

If you are planning or is already undergoing an exterior renovation, the masonry contractor Long Island can generally help and discuss with you what you will be expected from using the masonry brick or stone material. It is truly attractive to see your walls outdoors decorated or constructed with masonry materials that have a lot of types too at your own disposal. Seeing modern houses nowadays, you can notice that masonry is part of the plan and you can really tell that the homeowner did a great job in deciding about it. Therefore, you should also be expecting the same outcome for as long as you pay attention to what your contractor and designer will be telling or suggesting you.