100 Terms Used In Masonry Works

Masonry is a construction technique that involves the use of various materials, such as bricks, stones, concrete blocks, or other similar units, to create walls, structures, and architectural features. Masonry has a rich history and a unique set of terms and concepts associated with it. In this article, we will explore some of the key terms used in masonry works.

1. Masonry: Masonry itself is the construction method of building structures using individual units, typically bound together with mortar.
2. Mortar: Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is used to bond masonry units together. It provides strength and cohesion to the structure.
3. Brick: A brick is a rectangular masonry unit typically made of clay, concrete, or other materials. Bricks are used as building blocks in masonry construction.
4. Block: Blocks are larger masonry units made of materials like concrete or stone. They are often used for building walls, foundations, and other structural elements.
5. Stone: Natural stones, such as granite, marble, limestone, and slate, can be used in masonry construction. They are durable and offer a unique aesthetic appeal.
6. Course: A course is a horizontal layer of bricks, blocks, or stones in a masonry wall. Courses are stacked one on top of the other to create the wall’s height.
7. Header: A header is a brick or block that is laid with its narrow end facing outward in a masonry wall. Headers are used to tie the wall together and provide structural stability.
8. Stretcher: A stretcher is a brick or block that is laid with its long end facing outward in a masonry wall. Stretchers form the main part of the wall and give it its length.
9. Bond: Bond refers to the pattern in which bricks or blocks are laid in a wall. Common bond patterns include running bond, Flemish bond, and English bond.
10. Running Bond: In a running bond, each course consists of stretchers, and the joints are staggered for stability. It’s one of the most common bond patterns.
11. Flemish Bond: Flemish bond alternates between headers and stretchers in each course, creating a visually pleasing pattern with bricks or blocks.
12. English Bond: English bond alternates courses of headers and stretchers, providing both strength and an attractive appearance.
13. Lintel: A lintel is a horizontal structural element placed above an opening, such as a door or window, to support the masonry above it.
14. Sill: A sill is the horizontal member at the bottom of a door or window opening. It provides support and often serves as a transition point between the masonry and the door or window frame.
15. Trowel: A trowel is a handheld tool used by masons to spread and shape mortar, as well as to set bricks or blocks in place.
16. Level: A level is a tool used to ensure that masonry units are placed horizontally and maintain a consistent height.
17. Plumb Bob: A plumb bob is a weight attached to a string used to check vertical alignment (plumb) of masonry units or walls.
18. Cavity Wall: A cavity wall consists of two parallel masonry walls with a gap (cavity) between them. It provides insulation and moisture control.
19. Reinforcement: Reinforcement materials, such as steel rebar or mesh, can be added to masonry walls or structures to enhance their strength and stability.
20. Grout: Grout is a mixture of cement and water used to fill the gaps between masonry units, such as in block walls or between tiles.
21. Bullnose: A bullnose is a rounded or curved edge on a brick or block used for decorative purposes or to protect corners from damage.
22. Wythe: A wythe is a single vertical layer of masonry units within a wall, often separated by a bond or insulation.
23. Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a white, powdery deposit that can form on the surface of masonry due to the migration of salts from within the masonry materials.
24. Weep Hole: Weep holes are small openings placed near the bottom of a masonry wall to allow moisture to drain out and prevent water accumulation.
25. Masonry Tie: Masonry ties are metal connectors used to join two wythes of masonry in cavity walls, ensuring stability and alignment.
26. Caulking: Caulking is the process of sealing joints or gaps in masonry with a flexible sealant to prevent water infiltration or air leakage.
27. Pointing: Pointing is the process of filling and finishing the joints between masonry units with mortar to improve the appearance and weather resistance of the wall.
28. Corbel: A corbel is a projection of masonry or other material that supports weight and creates architectural details, such as in the construction of arches or cornices.
29. Bearing Wall: A bearing wall is a masonry wall that supports the weight of the structure above it. It is a load-bearing element.
30. Dry Stack: Dry stacking refers to a method of laying masonry units without mortar. It is often used in decorative or landscape applications.
31. Chimney: A chimney is a vertical structure built to vent smoke and gases from a fireplace or heating system. It can be constructed using various masonry materials.
32. Masonry Veneer: Masonry veneer is a thin layer of masonry material applied to the exterior of a building for decorative purposes, often in combination with other construction methods.
33. Masonry Arch: A masonry arch is a curved structure constructed with bricks or stones. It is commonly used in architectural design to support loads and create attractive openings.
34. Pier: A pier is a vertical, freestanding masonry support structure that can be used in various construction applications, such as bridges or buildings.
35. Parapet: A parapet is a low, protective wall or barrier at the edge of a roof, balcony, or bridge, often made of masonry, to provide safety and aesthetics.
36. Mortar Joint: A mortar joint is the space or gap between masonry units that is filled with mortar during construction.
37. Masonry Saw: A masonry saw is a specialized cutting tool used to trim or shape bricks, blocks, or stones to fit specific dimensions.
38. Rake Joint: A rake joint is a mortar joint that is angled or slanted, often used for decorative purposes.
39. Soffit: A soffit is the underside of an architectural element, such as an arch or a beam, often finished with masonry materials for aesthetic reasons.
40. Masonry Sealant: Masonry sealant is a protective coating applied to masonry surfaces to enhance durability and resistance to moisture or staining.
41. Coping: Coping is the capping or covering placed on the top of a wall or parapet to protect it from weathering and water infiltration.
42. Hollow Block: Hollow blocks are concrete or masonry blocks with voids or empty spaces inside, making them lightweight and suitable for various construction applications.
43. Masonry Heater: A masonry heater is a type of stove or fireplace constructed with masonry materials, designed to provide efficient and long-lasting heat.
44. Masonry Reinforcement: Reinforcement materials, such as steel rods or mesh, can be embedded in masonry walls to improve their strength and resistance to cracking.
45. Veneer Wall: A veneer wall is a non-structural masonry wall used for decorative purposes, often applied to the exterior of a building.
46. Expansion Joint: An expansion joint is a flexible gap or joint in a masonry structure that allows for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes without causing damage.
47. Load-Bearing Capacity: Load-bearing capacity refers to the ability of a masonry structure to support the weight and forces imposed upon it without failure.
48. Efficiency: Efficiency in masonry construction involves using materials and labor effectively to minimize waste and maximize productivity.
49. Masonry Restoration: Masonry restoration is the process of repairing and preserving existing masonry structures to maintain their historical or architectural significance.
50. Flashings: Flashings are metal or waterproofing materials used to prevent water from infiltrating masonry walls, especially at joints, openings, or transitions.
51. Masonry Dye or Stain: Masonry dye or stain is used to alter the color of masonry units or surfaces for aesthetic purposes.
52. Damp Proofing: Damp proofing involves applying materials to masonry to prevent moisture penetration and damage.
53. Historic Masonry: Historic masonry refers to masonry structures or buildings that have historical or cultural significance and require specialized preservation and restoration techniques.
54. Shear Wall: A shear wall is a masonry wall designed to resist lateral forces, such as those caused by wind or earthquakes, to ensure structural stability.
55. Footing: A footing is a structural foundation element that supports the weight of a masonry wall or structure and distributes it to the ground.
56. Settlement: Settlement is the gradual sinking or shifting of a masonry structure due to the compression of the underlying soil or foundation.
57. Masonry Code: Masonry codes are building standards and regulations that govern the design, construction, and safety of masonry structures.
58. Scaffolding: Scaffolding is a temporary framework or structure used by masons to access and work on elevated parts of a masonry project safely.
59. Tie Rod: A tie rod is a threaded metal rod used to connect and stabilize masonry walls or structural components.
60. Bond Beam: A bond beam is a horizontal structural element made of reinforced masonry that provides additional strength and load distribution to a wall.
61. Consolidation: Consolidation is the process of compacting and strengthening masonry units and mortar joints to improve their durability and stability.
62. Green Masonry: Green masonry refers to sustainable and environmentally friendly masonry practices, such as using recycled materials or energy-efficient construction techniques.
63. Quoins: Quoins are large, decorative stones or bricks placed at the corners of a masonry structure to add visual interest and emphasize the building’s edges.
64. Masonry Cladding: Masonry cladding involves applying a layer of masonry material to the exterior of a building for both aesthetic and weatherproofing purposes.
65. Bullseye: A bullseye is a circular masonry feature or window with a rounded or arched top.
66. Cavity Insulation: Cavity insulation is material placed in the cavity of a cavity wall to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency.
67. Masonry Pattern: Masonry patterns refer to the specific arrangement and design of bricks, blocks, or stones in a wall for decorative or architectural purposes.
68. Rubble Masonry: Rubble masonry is a type of masonry construction using irregularly shaped stones or bricks, often with a rough texture, giving a rustic appearance.
69. Masonry Fireplace: A masonry fireplace is a built-in fireplace constructed using masonry materials for both heating and aesthetic purposes.
70. Point Load: A point load is a concentrated force applied to a specific point on a masonry structure, which needs to be considered in design and construction.
71. Batter: Batter is the slight slope or incline given to a masonry wall to improve stability, aesthetics, or water runoff.
72. Dry Rot: Dry rot is a type of fungal decay that can affect the wood within or adjacent to masonry structures, causing structural damage.
73. Firebrick: Firebrick, also known as refractory brick, is a specialized type of brick designed to withstand high temperatures, often used in fireplaces and kilns.
74. Masonry Scaffold: A masonry scaffold is a temporary structure erected around a masonry project to provide safe access for workers and materials.
75. Masonry Architrave: A masonry architrave is a decorative element or molding placed around doors, windows, or openings in masonry structures.
76. Masonry Facade: A masonry facade is the front or exterior-facing portion of a building constructed with masonry materials for aesthetic appeal.
77. Parging: Parging is the process of applying a thin layer of mortar or cement to the surface of a masonry wall to improve its appearance and weather resistance.
78. Repointing: Repointing is the process of removing and replacing deteriorated or damaged mortar joints in a masonry wall to restore its integrity.
79. Mortar Mix: Mortar mix refers to the specific combination of cement, sand, and water used in masonry construction, which can vary based on the application.
80. Retaining Wall: A retaining wall is a masonry or concrete structure used to hold back soil or prevent erosion in landscaping or structural applications.
81. Tuckpointing: Tuckpointing is a technique used to create the illusion of fine mortar joints by adding a contrasting color or material to the mortar joint.
82. Shiner: A shiner is a term used to describe a brick that is oriented with its narrow face exposed in the wall, often due to a mistake during construction.
83. Wire Cut Brick: Wire cut bricks are bricks formed by cutting clay or concrete into precise shapes with wires, resulting in smooth and uniform surfaces.
84. Fire Mortar: Fire mortar is a specialized type of mortar used in high-temperature applications, such as fireplaces and chimneys.
85. Masonry Sealant: Masonry sealant is a protective coating applied to masonry surfaces to enhance durability and resistance to moisture or staining.
86. Dressed Stone: Dressed stone is natural stone that has been cut and shaped to specific dimensions for use in masonry construction.
87. Pier Cap: A pier cap is a decorative element placed on top of a pier or column in masonry construction, often providing a flat surface for additional ornamentation.
88. Tongue-and-Groove Joint: A tongue-and-groove joint is a type of connection used in masonry where one unit has a protruding tongue and the other has a corresponding groove, creating a secure fit.
89. Mortar Net: A mortar net is a mesh or fabric designed to prevent mortar from infiltrating weep holes in masonry walls while still allowing for moisture drainage.
90. Masonry Stabilization: Masonry stabilization involves reinforcing or repairing existing masonry structures to ensure their long-term stability and safety.
91. Masonry Efflorescence: Masonry efflorescence is the white, powdery deposit that can form on the surface of masonry due to the migration of salts from within the masonry materials.
92. Masonry Retaining Wall: A masonry retaining wall is a structure built to hold back soil or other materials, commonly used in landscaping and civil engineering.
93. Masonry Tie Anchor: A masonry tie anchor is a device used to connect two adjacent masonry walls or veneers to ensure stability and structural integrity.
94. Mortarless Masonry: Mortarless masonry refers to construction methods that do not use traditional mortar to bond masonry units, relying instead on interlocking shapes or mechanical connectors.
95. Grouted Masonry: Grouted masonry is a construction technique where voids or cavities in masonry units are filled with grout to enhance strength and stability.
96. Masonry Arch Bridge: A masonry arch bridge is a type of bridge constructed using arches made of stone or brick to support the weight of the bridge deck.
97. Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU): A concrete masonry unit, often called a concrete block, is a rectangular masonry unit made of concrete and commonly used in construction.
98. Masonry Cleaning: Masonry cleaning involves the removal of dirt, stains, efflorescence, or other contaminants from the surface of masonry structures to restore their appearance.
99. Reclaimed Masonry: Reclaimed masonry involves salvaging and reusing old bricks, stones, or other masonry materials from demolished buildings or structures.
100. Bullnose Corner: A bullnose corner is a rounded or curved corner used in masonry construction for both aesthetic and safety reasons.

These terms represent a broad range of concepts and practices within the field of masonry construction. Understanding them is essential for masons, architects, engineers, and anyone involved in the design and construction of masonry structures. The terminology reflects the rich history and diverse applications of masonry, from its use in ancient civilizations to its modern innovations in sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.