Page 89 - Masonry and Concrete

Understanding Masonry
88 CHAPTER FOUR

length of masonry walls are multiples of 4 in. and doors and windows
are located and sized on the 4-in. module, only whole and half-length
modular brick will be needed and a minimum amount of cutting and
fitting required. Modular bricks are easy to combine with other types
of modular masonry units such as concrete block, which have nominal
dimensions of 8 in. 8 in. 16 in. (Figure 4-3). Modular layout and
planning are discussed in more detail in Chapter 5.
Some manufacturers make special brick shapes for both decorative
and functional applications (Figure 4-4). Special shapes cost more but
can add distinction to a home. The color of special-shape brick will
not be an exact match to standard size brick of the same color because
they are usually produced in a different run and there are always slight
variations in clay color from one batch to another.
Colors and textures vary depending on the clay and the methods
used to form the brick. Reds, browns, tans, pinks, and buff colors are
common. Brick manufacturers also sell color blends which combine
light and dark shades, and more than one color of brick to create dif-
ferent effects. It is very important with brick blends to distribute the
different colors and shades evenly throughout the wall to avoid odd
patterns or blotches of color. Brick from four different pallets should
be used at the same time, and most manufacturers provide instructions
for taking brick from the pallets in a way that will achieve the right
color distribution. The wider the range of colors or shades, the more
noticeable uneven visual effects can be (Figure 4-5).
Brick comes in three types. Architectural bricks (Type FBA) are the
most popular for residential and some small commercial construction
because they often resemble old brick. Type FBA includes hand-
molded brick as well as extruded bricks that have been tumbled or
rolled before firing to soften the edges or dent the surfaces (Figure 4-
6b). FBA bricks have substantial size variations and may also be
warped or have relatively large chips and cracks. Standard bricks
(Type FBS) have a more uniform look (Figure 4-6a). The dimensions
do not vary as much from one brick to the next, the edges are sharper,
and there are fewer and smaller chips and cracks. Type FBX are more
expensive precision brick with tight limits on size variation, chips,
and cracks (Figure 4-6c). The edges are sharp and crisp, which gives
them a very contemporary look. Type FBX is not very popular, even for
commercial projects, and is not widely available. Type FBA, FBS, and

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