Buildings have been constructed using masonry methods and materials such as stone, bricks, mortar and concrete, for centuries, and from churches and medieval castles to palaces and homes, masonry structures are some of the most enduring in the world.
Requiring a high degree of skill and expertise, only the very best masonry contractors are able to construct buildings using masonry techniques, as each brick, stone or concrete block must be placed with great precision in order to ensure that the entire structure remains stable and is durable. Not only that, but the mortar used to hold the masonry materials in place, must be mixed to exactly the right consistency, and then applied using the correct techniques.
Offering a whole host of benefits, masonry buildings are durable, fire resistant, and energy efficient, and provided they receive the right level of care and maintenance over the years, can last for many decades, if not centuries.
Beautiful, chic and timeless, masonry is used to create many structures all over the world, and here are some of the different types and techniques commonly used today:
Brick masonry
Using bricks that are shaped as rectangles comprised of clay, sand and water, they are placed in a defined pattern and held in place with sand, cement and mortar.
Homes, walls, chimneys and fireplaces are commonly constructed using bricks.
Stone masonry
Using natural materials such as sandstone, granite and limestone that are shaped and cut to size, many ancient structures such as pyramids, Stonehenge and even the Great Wall of China, were all made using stone masonry techniques.
Concrete masonry
In this type of masonry work, concrete blocks that are precast and made from a combination of cement, sand, water and aggregates, are laid in a defined pattern and joined together with mortar.
Glass block masonry
With blocks comprised of laminated or tempered glass that are joined together with a sealant or mortar, glass block masonry is commonly used to build partitions, skylights and walls.
Rammed earth masonry
With a combination of materials that are primarily, stone, gravel and clay, masonry contractors construct walls, foundations and floors. With a reputation for sustainability, rammed earth masonry is an environmentally-conscious alternative to the use of concrete.
Insulating concrete form masonry
A masonry technique most often used when residential walls, ceilings and floors are being constructed, insulating concrete forms, or ICFs, are highly specialised structures that help to reinforce concrete while supporting the retention of heat. Enhancing a structure’s stability, this technique also makes a building more energy efficient.
What are the main advantages of masonry?
There are numerous advantages to masonry, and when deciding to build a new home or any type of stricture for that matter, it will always be a string contender when it comes to techniques and materials for the following reasons:
- Its durable
Ideal for structures exposed to particularly harsh weather and other external elements, masonry structures are exceptionally durable and long-lasting
- Its fire resistant
Non-combustible, masonry is a great fireproofing material
- Its energy efficient
Helping to regulate a building’s temperature, masonry can reduce the need for costly systems for heating and cooling, and reduce energy consumption
- Its low maintenance
Requiring minimal maintenance and tending to require only simple repairs, masonry is a great choice for many structures
- Its aesthetically pleasing
With a structure or feature made from masonry, you can add a timeless look to any building
- Its environmentally friendly
In abundance and entirely renewable, materials used in masonry also release minimal greenhouse gases when being produced.
The argument for choosing masonry to construct a building or home feature from, remains an enduring one, and with all of the advantages listed above, it’s hard to imagine choosing any other method and being able to feel as satisfied with your decision.