Brick and stone masonry increases the thermal mass of a building, meaning that the indoor space is less affected by fluctuations in outdoor temperatures. In addition to insulation, large thermal mass can reduce energy costs for heating or cooling a building.
In the fourth millennium BC, Mesopotamian masons began building palaces and temples of stone and sun-dried brick. In the third millennium, Egyptian masons helped in the construction of massive stone temples and pyramids.
The production of masonry units usually begins with mining materials from quarries. The most commonly used materials for stone units are granite, limestone, sandstone, and marble. Apart from these rocks, sands and clays are also extracted from quarries and are turned into bricks and tiles.
I’m thinking about doing some landscaping for my home, but I do not know how to properly do it. What should I do? When it comes to landscaping, you should have a professional masonry crew conduct the project.
Wondering whether a masonry chimney will work with your house’s decor? You have a lot of different available options, such as river rock or brick in a variety of colors. No matter what decor you have, there’s sure to be something to match it.
Adding brick to a home's exterior increases its curb appeal, but that's just the beginning. A brick exterior will also require less maintenance and help keep the home's interior warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
In medieval England, major building projects were led by the Master Mason. These skilled craftsmen managed the building site, supervised other master masons who executed the stone and brick work, and directed the work of other trades people like carpenters and glaziers.
Care to guess the value of the masonry market in the U.S. That would be about $23 billion annually. That's a lot of bricks, and shows American families are willing to invest in solid construction and structures built to last.
There are many different kinds of stone used within masonry. One of them is igneous stone, for example, granite, that is made of millions of small bits of other stones. Limestone is very soft comparatively and is a sedimentary stone.
Wondering how far back in time the use of bricks goes? The earliest bricks, made from mud, date back to before 7500 BC. They were found in southeast Anatolia in Western Asia.
Masonry veneer describes the technique of applying one material over another to form a protective or decorative facing or outer layer. Stone veneer, for example, is a popular feature in upscale homes and buildings, and it’s a frequent cosmetic upgrade for existing ones.
Concrete mason blocks are usually produced with hollow centers, which reduces the weight of the units while also improving insolation. These voids also allow rebar and concrete to run vertically through the block to create stronger load bearing walls.
The color of brick is determined in part by the materials used. Pink bricks contain more iron, while yellow bricks have more lime. Temperature also affects color, moving on a scale from red to purple to grey as more heat is applied.
Did you know that bricks are naturally fire resistant? A full brick house eliminates the use of a timber frame and will tend to remain intact longer in the event of a fire, giving your family more time to make their escape.
In brickwork, a bond refers to the alternating pattern used in placing bricks. Some of the main types are Flemish bonds, monk bonds, and Sussex bonds. Bonds can be used creatively to create ornamental structures in architecture.
Ever wonder why so many fireplaces are made out of brick? This is because of the incredible fire resistance of masonry. When bricks are made, they’re fired in a kiln that gets up to around 2,000° F. By the time they come out, there’s very little left to burn.
Insurance premiums can be lower for a brick house than a wood or vinyl clad house. In addition, brick can lower utility costs, help with soundproofing, and create a higher resale value for homeowners.
It’s important to remember that you don’t always have to do a complete renovation of a room in order to make it look outstanding. In many cases, updating the masonry work on the fireplace or adding a custom tile backsplash in the kitchen can be exactly the change you need.
Did you know that, according to the Mason Contractors Association of America, brick homes can receive an average of 6 percent higher resale price, and that they commonly have considerably lower insurance costs than non-brick homes?
There are typically three methods used to shape clay into bricks that are ready to be fired: molded, dry-pressed, and extruded brick methods.
Are your walkways around your house cracked and ugly? You might want to consider having them replaced or repaired. Ask a masonry professional about how to fix the walkways to have them looking new and attractive.
Did you know: A brick laid on the long, narrow side with the end (header) of it exposed is called a rowlock.