Professional masonry terms, techniques, and definitions explained by experts. Your comprehensive reference for understanding masonry work.
Sand, gravel, crushed stone, or other granular material used as an ingredient in mortar or concrete. Aggregate provides bulk and strength to the mixture.
Cut stone masonry with precisely squared stones laid in horizontal courses. Ashlar masonry is characterized by fine joints and smooth, even surfaces.
Horizontal mortar joint on which a masonry unit is laid. The bed joint distributes the load and bonds the masonry units together.
The arrangement of masonry units in a wall or structure, or the adhesive property that holds mortar to masonry units.
A rectangular masonry unit made from clay, shale, or other materials, fired in a kiln to create a hard, durable building material.
A projecting support built against a wall to provide additional structural support, especially against lateral forces.
A waterproof filler and sealant used to fill joints and gaps in masonry construction to prevent water infiltration.
A binding agent used in masonry mortar and concrete. Portland cement is the most common type used in modern construction.
A vertical structure containing flues for carrying smoke and gases from heating appliances to the outside atmosphere.
A horizontal row of masonry units, such as bricks or stones, laid in a continuous line.
The top surface of a chimney or wall, usually sloped to shed water away from the structure.
White, chalky deposits that appear on masonry surfaces when water-soluble salts migrate to the surface and crystallize.
A gap intentionally left in masonry construction to allow for thermal expansion and contraction without causing structural damage.
Impervious material used to prevent water penetration or direct water flow around openings, intersections, and other vulnerable areas in masonry construction.
The maximum depth to which soil freezes in winter. Masonry foundations must extend below the frost line to prevent frost heaving.
The space between individual masonry units filled with mortar. Joints include bed joints (horizontal) and head joints (vertical).
The process of finishing mortar joints with a jointing tool to create a specific profile and improve weather resistance.
The craft of building structures from individual units of stone, brick, concrete block, or similar materials, bound together with mortar.
A mixture of cement, sand, lime, and water used to bond masonry units together and fill joints.
The space between masonry units filled with mortar. Various joint profiles include concave, flush, struck, and weathered joints.
A thin coat of mortar applied to masonry walls, typically on foundation walls, to provide moisture protection and improve appearance.
The process of filling and finishing mortar joints in masonry construction, or the repair of existing mortar joints.
The process of removing deteriorated mortar from joints and replacing it with new mortar to restore structural integrity and weather resistance.
Irregularly shaped stones used in masonry construction, often laid without regular coursing.
The flaking, chipping, or breaking away of masonry material from the surface, often caused by freeze-thaw cycles or chemical deterioration.
Natural rock material quarried and cut for use in masonry construction. Common types include limestone, sandstone, granite, and marble.
A technique where mortar is removed from joints and replaced with new mortar, often using contrasting colors to create decorative lines.
Small openings in masonry walls designed to allow moisture to drain out and prevent water buildup behind the wall.
A single vertical thickness of masonry units, such as a single-brick thickness in a wall.
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