Masonry: A Complex Profession With Many Sub Specialties
Masonry and brickwork is the art of laying brick and stone
or block into place with or without mortar; to achieve a durable
structure or surface. It is often an integral part of general construction
projects; an area of specialty requiring a high degree of training
and expertise.
 While Winston Churchill regarded himself a hobbyist brick layer,
masonry is a craft not recommended for DIY homeowners to attempt
without proper training. Masonry is actually a general term covering
several different types of this precise assembly of materials.
Masonry: The Sub Specialties
Brick masonry includes various types of brick
work utilizing brick and mortar to build a brick wall, a brick fireplace
or fireplace chimney construction, chimney repair, or even garden
bridge construction. Brick masonry starts in the corners with one
of two methods; corner lead or corner pole. Once a line is established,
high precision is required as courses are laid to fill walls between
the corners.
Stone masonry begins with setting the first course
in a shallow bed of mortar. Plumb lines, levels, wedges and rubber
mallets are used to position the stones into proper alignment. The
wall is completed with the fabrication of alternate layers of mortar
and stone. Stone masons using large stones often work from a drawing
in which each stone is numbered and placed in sequence. Large stones
are often secured with a metal bracket installed on the stone, and
then welded or bolted to the structure.
Stone masonry includes installation of a variety of materials;
including brick veneer, marble and granite, travertine, glass, marble
stone and ceramic tile. In addition, there is an artistic side to
this craft involving mosaic tile mural scenes used for highly decorative
wall or floor surfaces.
Block masonry is a masonry sub-specialty involving
the use of concrete block for foundations or structural walls, and
decorative concrete block or glass block for aesthetic applications.
There are a variety of techniques involving filling the voids in
structural block with concrete or re-enforcement steel for optimum
strength and stability. Block masons are highly trained and proficient
in these various techniques.
Refractory masonry involves brickwork for extreme
temperature applications such as boilers and blow furnaces; used
for manufacturing steel and other metals. Brick refractory beds
carry molten metal such as steel from the furnaces to rolling machines.
Concrete masonry is one of the least technically
demanding sub specialties. It involves pouring concrete walls, foundations,
sidewalks, and slabs. There are some highly technical aspects; such
as pouring large slabs or meeting load-bearing specifications for
foundations.
Masonry Projects Feasible for DIY
While many aspects of masonry require a high level of skill and
training, there are some aspects homeowners can successfully undertake
as a DIY home improvement project.
For instance, a determined homeowner might successfully complete
installing brick pavers for a garden walkway, pouring a new concrete
sidewalk, or installing ceramic tile for a bathroom renovation.
Following are basic tips for a successful DIY ceramic tile project:
- When installing stone or ceramic tile, it is best to use a concrete
product for the underlayment, with plywood as the substrate. The
added thickness of these materials should be at least 1 ¼-inches
for stability purposes. Concrete impregnated masonite or concrete
board as the underlayment insures a strong water-resistant bond
with the tile. Concrete underlayments are securely screwed or
nailed into place; tile is laid using a thin-set mortar with an
adhesive additive for extra adhesion.
- Once mortar is set and cured, grout is installed along grout
lines between tiles. It is best to use special spacers when positioning
tiles, to insure uniform spacing. After grout has cured, grout
sealer is recommended to stabilize the grout. Multiple applications
of a high quality grout sealer are advised with ample cure time
between applications. (A cure time of 4 to 6 months is best.)
Once 2 to 4 coats of grout sealer are in place, the floor will
provide years of low maintenance use, requiring little more than
periodic cleaning.
- Some ceramic tile installation guidelines instruct homeowners
to use mastic adhesive to secure tile to an underlayment, such
as plywood; and then fill grout lines after adhesive has set.
While this may prove adequate in some applications, using a concrete
underlayment with thin set mortar is always best.
Locate a Professional for Technical Masonry Projects
As previously mentioned, many aspects of construction masonry
is best left to professionals. Such as building a garden stone bridge,
installing fireplace masonry, applying decorative stucco to the
exterior of a home, or installing marble flooring.
While pre-mixed mortar products are available for retail purchase,
a professional brick mason or stone mason knows how to correctly
mix the various types of mortar for specialized purposes; including
stone mortar and tile mortar.
To locate professional masonry services such as a stone masonry
contractor or stucco contractor, homeowners all across America are
turning to HandyAmerican.com. Where locating a reliable local professional
for any home improvement masonry project is a snap.
Whether seeking professional services for a Boise Id masonry project,
Connecticut brickwork, or a Chicago masonry contractor, project
owners sign up without cost or obligation, and post project information
online.
Service provider members receive e-mail notification of each project
in their service area and can view project details immediately.
And then have the opportunity to vie for the project; providing
competitive bids in days, even hours after project posting.
Homeowners can view company profile pages, licensing, insurance,
certification, and credential information, references, customer
feedback, and photos of recently completed projects for each prospective
contractor. And then make an informed hiring decision, or hire no
one at all. Remember, there is no obligation whatsoever.
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