What is Masonry? Definition, Contractor Credentials, and More

Homes built with brick or stone are considered masonry construction. If you're building a home or planning renovations and you're researching these materials, you need to know more about what is masonry construction. Answering that very important question ensures you take the appropriate steps to build your dream house.

What is Masonry?

Masonry refers to the construction of structures using individual units, typically made of natural materials like brick, concrete blocks, or stone. The masonry units are bound together using mortar, which is a mixture of cement, sand, and water. The art of masonry dates back thousands of years and has been used to create various types of buildings, walls, and structures worldwide.

While newer construction methods and materials have emerged over the years, masonry continues to be valued for its timeless charm, strength, and lasting beauty. Using masonry in construction is popular due to its effective durability and strategic technique. There are pros and cons of a brick house or stone house, but overall, the pros far outweigh the cons.

Types of Masonry Construction

Masonry construction encompasses several different techniques, each using various types of masonry units and methods of construction.

Brick

One of the oldest and most widely used forms of masonry construction, brickwork involves arranging clay bricks in courses using mortar as the bonding material. Due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal, brick masonry is commonly used for walls, facades, and various architectural features.

Concrete Block

Concrete blocks, also known as concrete masonry units (CMUs), are precast rectangular blocks. They come in various sizes and shapes and are assembled using mortar. Concrete block masonry is commonly used for walls in both residential and commercial construction.

Stone

Stone masonry involves the use of natural stones, such as granite, limestone, or sandstone, as the primary masonry units. There are two main types of stone masonry. Rubble stone uses irregularly shaped stones laid in random patterns to create a rustic appearance while ashlar stone features squared and finely dressed stones laid in uniform courses, resulting in a more refined and polished look.

Composite

This type of masonry combines two or more different masonry materials to create unique patterns and textures. Combinations of brick and stone or brick and concrete blocks are common.

Glass Block

Transparent or translucent glass blocks are assembled using mortar to create walls, partitions, or decorative features. Glass block masonry allows natural light to pass through while providing privacy.

Rammed Earth

Sustainable and strong, rammed earth masonry has been around since ancient times. This method compacts a mixture of damp soil sourced locally. Nowadays, rammed earth masonry also adds stabilizers like lime or cement. Rammed earth works best in humid climates with moderate temperatures. Otherwise, rammed earth walls require additional insulation or waterproofing to withstand a high amount of rainfall and extremely cold weather.

Hempcrete

As the name implies, hempcrete works like concrete blocks but is made with hemp. This is a newer invention and hence can be harder to find in your local area. Hempcrete is sustainable and energy efficient but less weight-bearing than traditional concrete. Therefore, it is often used with a stable frame for non-structural purposes.

Advantages of Masonry Construction 

Masonry construction offers several advantages that have contributed to its enduring popularity throughout history. Proper construction techniques, quality materials, and skilled craftsmanship are crucial to realizing the full benefits of masonry construction.

• Durability: When properly constructed and maintained, masonry can withstand the test of time and various environmental factors, such as weather, fire, and pests.

• Strength: Masonry construction provides excellent load-bearing capacity, making it suitable for constructing buildings and structures that require significant support.

• Fire Resistant: Masonry materials, particularly brick and stone, are inherently fire-resistant. They do not burn or contribute to the spread of fire, making masonry structures a safe choice for fire protection.

• Sound Insulation: Masonry walls offer good sound insulation properties, reducing the transmission of noise from outside the building and between different areas inside the structure.

• Regulates Temperature: Masonry has a high thermal mass, meaning it can absorb and store heat. This factor helps regulate indoor temperatures by slowing down heat transfer, leading to more energy-efficient buildings.

• Low Maintenance: Compared to other construction materials, masonry requires minimal maintenance. Properly built masonry structures can endure for decades without requiring significant repairs or replacements.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Masonry construction offers a wide range of design possibilities, allowing architects and builders to create aesthetically pleasing buildings. Different patterns, colors, and textures of bricks and stones can be used to achieve unique architectural styles.

• Environmental Benefits: Masonry materials, such as bricks and stones, are natural and locally available in many regions. Using locally sourced materials reduces transportation-related carbon emissions and supports sustainable construction practices.

• Increase in Property Value: Masonry buildings are often perceived as more valuable and desirable in the real estate market due to their durability, aesthetics, and perceived quality.

Disadvantages of Masonry Construction

Despite its impressive list of advantages, masonry construction has some disadvantages. Most of these disadvantages impact budget rather than structural integrity.

• Cost: Masonry construction can be more expensive than other building methods, especially when using high-quality materials or intricate designs. The cost of skilled labor and the time required for construction can also contribute to higher overall expenses.

• Time-consuming: Masonry construction is a labor-intensive process that can take longer to complete than other construction methods. This extended construction period can lead to increased project timelines and associated costs.

• Weight: Masonry structures can be heavy, especially if built with large stones or dense materials like concrete blocks. This weight can necessitate more substantial foundation designs and additional labor, adding to construction costs.

• Limited Flexibility: Once constructed, masonry structures have limited flexibility for modification or expansion. Making changes to the building's layout or adding openings (i.e., doors or windows) can be challenging and may require extensive renovations.

• Cracking and Settlement: Masonry structures are prone to cracking due to factors like shrinkage, settlement, and thermal expansion or contraction. While minor cracks are common and may not affect structural integrity, significant cracking can indicate underlying issues.

• Skilled Labor Requirements: Masonry construction requires skilled and experienced labor to achieve high-quality results. A lack of skilled masons can lead to subpar workmanship and compromised structural integrity.

Completing Masonry Work

The process of masonry construction involves several steps, from planning and designing to the actual construction of the structure. Hiring a skilled masonry contractor is essential to ensure the successful completion of the project and the quality of the final product.

Before construction can start, the project requirements and goals must be established, and architectural and structural plans must be created. With the aid of an experienced masonry contractor, decisions on material selection, design, and budget can be made. The construction site will then need to be cleared, leveled, and prepped for masonry work, and the foundation must be strong enough to provide the structure with a sturdy base.

Experienced masonry contractors can help to ensure the project uses long-lasting and suitable materials by sourcing high-quality materials and providing cost-effective material selection and purchasing. During construction, they accurately align the masonry units in courses per design plans, using mortar to join them together. The result is a strong and visually appealing structure with precise joint thickness and consistent mortar application.

Strict safety and structural regulations must be met for masonry structures to remain sturdy and durable. A professional masonry contractor understands the value of proper reinforcement, load distribution, and compliance with building regulations. Since masonry construction is vulnerable to weather and water damage, it is important for the contractor to use suitable waterproofing and weatherproofing methods to guard the structure against moisture damage.

Completing the masonry construction project includes the precise steps of grouting, scrubbing the surface to a clean finish, and addressing any blemishes or structural flaws. An experienced masonry contractor must put in extra effort to deliver a beautiful and pristine finished product.