Brickwork is arguably one of the oldest trades going, with its uses ranging from houses and skyscrapers to walls and patios. Whether on the cobbled streets of Boston or the expansive ranches of Texas, brickwork lends a sense of elegance, character, and durability to any property across the USA. There are some tips you may apply in case you are thinking about a new construction or a renovation and thinking of brickwork for your design. That is why this article will explain everything you need to know about brickwork and masonry near me in the USA so that you have all the information you need before starting your next project.
A Short History of American Brickwork
Brickwork in the USA has the same history as the country itself. These builders, coming on the heels of the Englishmen who first planted colonial roots in the Americas, carried the brickmaking and masonry traditions of their European ancestors with them to the new country, where it would play an extremely critical role in laying the groundwork for the burgeoning nation’s buildings. Brick work were one of the most sought after material for construction because of the following benefits it offered:
- Durability — Brick is one of the strongest and most weather-resistant materials, able to stand up to even the harshest environmental elements for hundreds of years.
- Flexibility: There are a wide range of patterns and styles you can use to lay bricks, giving the designer freedom to be creative or customize any design.
- Fire Resistant: Brick is naturally fire-resistant and provides an extra degree of safety for homes and businesses.
- Low maintenance: Brick has a low maintenance requirement, meaning that once it is in place, you will have to service it less than other materials over the lifetime of the structure.
Brickwork usage grew alongside the expansion and development of the USA. From the monumental public buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries to the outward-facing brownstones of New York City and the modest brick bungalows of the early 20th century, brickwork has been central to the nation’s architecture. A skilled brick worker is essential to achieving these timeless structures.
Common Types of Brickwork
Brickwork comes in various forms, each yielding unique aesthetic and functional properties. Have a look at the most popular types of brickwork in the USA:
Common Brick
The most basic and least expensive type of brick, these are typically red or brown. It’s a powerful and inexpensive solution for many use cases.
Face Brick
Face bricks are made for outdoor use, available in many colors, textures, and finishes. They’re selected for their beauty and durability.
Glazed Brick
Glazed bricks have a shiny surface that is convenient for cleaning and preservation. They are commonly used in places that need high sanitation levels, like kitchens and bathrooms.
Engineering Brick
Such bricks are high-strength design to be use as bricks to support heavy loads where installation is need.
Fire Brick
Fire bricks are pre-formulate so that they do not break when exposed to different temperatures.
The pattern in which the bricks are laid is just as important as the type of brick used to create a great-looking Bedfordshire brick wall. Here are some of the most popular brickwork patterns:
- Running bond: The simplest pattern, bricks are laid in a continuous row, with vertical joints alternating.
- English bond: Alternating courses of headers (bricks laid with the short ends visible) and stretchers (bricks laid with the long ends visible).
- Flemish bond: This bond alternates headers and stretchers in the same course.
- Stack bond: In this pattern, bricks are stacked on top of one another with the vertical joints running continuously.
- Herringbone: When bricks are laid at an angle, this creates a zig-zag pattern.
A professional brick worker can help you choose the right type and pattern for your project.
4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Mason
Brickwork may seem simple, but it is actually a trade that necessitates skill and experience. A professional mason will work on your brickwork project to get the job done right and also make sure it is up to standard. The following are some of the advantages of employing a professional mason:
- Expertise: Masons know what type of brick and laying pattern to use for your project.
- Good workmanship: Professional masons are proud of what they do, and they will always make the brickwork correctly.
Hiring a skilled brick worker ensures that your project is complete with precision and care.
