Carpentry & Building Construction

Chapter 24: Brick & Masonry Siding

Chapter Summaries

Section 24.1 Tools & Materials
Important brick-laying tools include the brick trowel and the jointer. Brick comes in three main types: building brick, facing brick and fire brick. The four types of mortar are M, S, N, and O. Mortar may be mixed by hand or by machine. Weep holes provide drainage for veneer walls. Wall ties secure the wall to the framing. Joints are tooled for strength and appearance.

Section 24.2 Building Brick-Veneer Walls
Weep holes provide drainage for veneer walls. Wall ties secure the wall to the framing. Line blocks and corner poles help masons align courses. A wall is begun at the corners. Joints are tooled for strength and appearance.

Section 24.3 Fireplaces & Chimneys
Chimneys may be made of masonry or prefabricated parts. It is extremely important to construct a chimney so that it does not create a fire hazard. Height above the roofline and clearance to wood framing must be considered. A chimney saddle diverts water around the chimney. A cap keeps moisture from seeping between the brick and the flue. The interior portions of a masonry fireplace must be properly designed and carefully constructed. This ensures proper working of the fireplace. It also ensures that smoke and harmful gases are drawn out of the house efficiently. The main parts of a fireplace include the firebox, damper, throat, lintel, smoke shelf, smoke chamber, and hearth.