Bricks are the only man-made building materials that testify to their use since the early human civilization. With their attractive appearances and superior properties such as high compressive strength and durability, excellent fire and weather resistance, good thermal and sound insulation, bricks are widely used for building, civil engineering work, and landscape design.
Perhaps the most appealing characteristic of brickwork is its attractive appearance. However, the overall appearance of brickwork, besides the type of bricks used, is profoundly affected by the bond patterns and the mortars used for joints.
Brick
Bonding Patterns
No two bricks are the same, in terms of color or texture. This becomes one of the most apealing features of bricks that gives a house with a natural pleasant outlook and enduring beauty. Choice of a single and uniform color will make the house look monotonous and dull.
Brickwork can be constructed by various arrangement of bricks bonded to form an integrated structure. There are a few commonly used bond patterns
Brick Bond Laying Patterns
Stretcher Bond
Stretcher Bond with Snap Headers
English Bond
English Garden Wall Bond
Flemish Bond
Flemish Garden Wall Bond
Flemish Stretcher Bond
Monk Bond
Mortar Joints
The effect of mortar joints on the appearance of brickwork has always been neglected or overlooked. Although mortar joints appear on brickwork as narrow lines, they actually take up a significantly large proportion (about 15% to 25%) of the total wall surface, depending on the bonding pattern. This explains the surprising effect of mortar on the brickwork finished look. A dark mortar tends to make the bricks look darker and richer in color whereas a lighter mortar tends to make bricks to appear in lighter tone.
Mortar joints should be finished with a consistently shaped profile to enhance the characteristic appearance of brickwork. Four common types of joint are illustrated below:-
Flushed Joint
Flushed joint is used when a smooth finish is desired
Raked Joint
The mortar is raked off by about 8mm back from the brick face. This type of joint is used when a rustic look is desired, emphasizing the individual brick
Rolled Joint
A commonly used joint formed by a round bar mortar to give a smooth finish and create a half-circle indent
Weather Struck Joint
A joint formed by cutting mortar at a single angle to brick face with a trowel. Strucjoint is generally used against weathering
