Page 84 - Masonry and Concrete

Source: Masonry and Concrete

4
CHAPTER

Understanding

Masonry

asonry consistently ranks among consumers as the first choice in
Mresidential cladding materials. Studies conducted by the National
Association of Home Builders have found that 60% of home buyers
prefer masonry homes, that the homes command higher selling prices,
and that masonry homes produce higher profit margins for the builder.
Brick and stone masonry have been favorites of builders and home-
owners for hundreds of years, and concrete block is becoming popular
for residential construction as well. Masonry symbolizes strength,
durability, and prestige and at the same time adds warmth, color, and
scale to a home. Masonry is most visible in building walls, but is also
used in foundations, fireplaces, garden walls, retaining walls, floors,
sidewalks, patios, and driveways. This chapter covers basic materials
and properties of masonry.

4.1 Basic Properties of Masonry

The term masonry includes many different materials and types of
construction. Natural stone as well as manufactured units of clay
brick, concrete block, cast stone, structural clay tile, terra cotta,
adobe, and glass block are all masonry materials. Brick, concrete
block, and stone are the most popular and most widely used. Brick
and concrete block are usually laid with mortar, but some block can
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