Masonry Glossary

Specifications developed by ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) that define quality requirements, test methods, a...

Granular materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone that are mixed with cement and water to form concrete or added to mortar for strength and bu...

A curved structural element that spans an opening and supports loads primarily through compression. Common in masonry construction for doorways, windo...

The horizontal mortar joint between courses of masonry units. Bed joints distribute loads and provide weather resistance.

Curved deformation of masonry walls under load or environmental stress, creating a concave or convex profile when viewed from the side. Bowing can res...

Durable clay building blocks that form the backbone of Ontario's heritage architecture and modern construction. Canadian bricks are manufactured to wi...

Professional brick cleaning revitalizes your property's appearance while removing harmful contaminants that accelerate deterioration—but incorrect met...

Brick deterioration is the gradual breakdown of masonry materials that accelerates dramatically once protective surfaces are compromised—turning minor...

A specialized masonry hammer featuring a flat striking face for setting bricks and a sharp chisel edge for cutting and shaping brick and stone. The ha...

The skilled process of placing and setting bricks in mortar to build walls, following specific patterns and maintaining proper alignment, level, and p...

Brick matching is the art and science of finding replacement bricks that blend seamlessly with existing masonry, preserving your building's uniform ap...

Brick recycling preserves valuable resources while providing authentic materials for heritage restoration and reducing construction waste filling Onta...

Professional restoration of damaged, cracked, or deteriorating bricks to restore structural integrity and curb appeal. Common in Ontario due to harsh ...

The process of removing damaged or deteriorated bricks and installing new matching units to restore structural integrity and appearance.

Brick spalling—when brick faces flake, chip, or blow off in chunks—signals serious moisture problems requiring immediate attention before structural d...

Brick veneer is the modern standard for residential construction in Ontario, providing the classic appearance and weather protection of brick without ...

Legal requirements and standards governing masonry construction in specific jurisdictions to ensure public safety, health, and welfare. Building codes...

Building code compliance ensures your masonry work meets Ontario's safety standards, protecting your family while maintaining property value and insur...

Outward displacement of masonry walls from their original plane, often indicating structural distress, inadequate lateral support, or failure of wall ...

A projecting support structure built against a wall to resist lateral forces such as wind loads or thrust from arches and vaults. Buttresses transfer ...

Cavity drainage systems are your brick wall's hidden defense against water damage, channeling moisture that penetrates the outer brick layer safely to...

A wall construction method with two parallel walls (wythes) separated by a continuous airspace (cavity). The cavity provides insulation and prevents m...

Protective metal or concrete covering that shields your chimney from Ontario's harsh weather while preventing water damage, animal intrusion, and debr...

The top portion of a masonry chimney that sheds water away from the flue and protects the chimney structure from water infiltration.

Chimney restoration addresses one of your home's most vulnerable features, protecting against water damage, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire hazard...

Professional restoration of masonry appearance by safely removing dirt, stains, graffiti, and biological growth while preserving the original surface....

A steel cutting tool with a sharp, wedge-shaped cutting edge used for cutting and shaping stone, brick, and concrete. Unlike hot chisels used for heat...

A vertical structural element designed to support loads primarily in compression, typically circular or square in cross-section. Masonry columns can b...

The maximum stress that masonry can withstand under compression before failure, typically measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or megapascals (MPa...

Precast concrete masonry units (CMU) manufactured from cement, aggregate, and water, molded into hollow or solid rectangular blocks. Available in vari...

Careful preservation of historic masonry using minimal intervention approaches that respect original materials while ensuring continued structural per...

Control joints are engineered weak points that direct inevitable cracking to predetermined locations, preventing random cracks that compromise structu...

A planned separation in masonry to control the location of cracking due to shrinkage, settlement, or other movement.

A structural piece of stone, wood, or metal jutting from a wall to carry a superimposed load. In masonry, corbels support beams, arches, or other stru...

A horizontal layer of masonry units bonded with mortar. Courses are laid sequentially to build up masonry walls.

The formation of fissures or breaks in masonry materials due to various factors including settlement, thermal movement, moisture, or structural stress...

Critical process ensuring new mortar develops full strength and weather resistance by maintaining proper moisture and temperature during the first wee...

Damp proofing protects your Ontario home from moisture damage by creating barriers that prevent water from migrating through masonry walls and foundat...

Progressive breakdown of masonry materials accelerated by Ontario's harsh climate combining freeze-thaw cycles, acid rain, salt exposure, and pollutio...

Movement of masonry units from their original installed position due to settlement, thermal effects, structural loads, or other forces. Displacement c...

Effective drainage systems are the unsung heroes protecting your foundation and masonry from water damage, directing thousands of gallons of annual pr...

White, chalky mineral deposits that appear on brick and stone surfaces when water carries salts through masonry and evaporates, leaving crystallized m...

Emergency masonry repair addresses sudden failures that threaten safety, property damage, or building security—situations where waiting risks catastro...

Expansion joints are the unsung heroes of brick construction, allowing your building to move naturally with Ontario's extreme temperature changes with...

A separation designed to allow thermal and moisture movement in masonry structures. Prevents cracking due to expansion and contraction.

Exterior insulation transforms drafty Ontario brick homes into energy-efficient buildings while preserving interior space and architectural details—wh...

A type of ceramic brick designed to withstand high temperatures. Used in furnaces, kilns, fireplaces, and other applications where regular masonry mat...

Thin, impervious material installed in masonry construction to direct water away from vulnerable areas and prevent moisture penetration. Common flashi...

The critical technique of properly placing and sealing flashing materials in masonry construction to direct water away from vulnerable areas. Requires...

A flat, rectangular tool used to smooth and level fresh mortar, concrete, or plaster surfaces. Wood floats produce a textured finish, while plastic or...

The enlarged concrete base beneath foundation walls that distributes building loads over a larger soil area to prevent excessive settlement. Footings ...

The critical structural base that supports your entire building and transfers weight safely to the ground. In Ontario, foundations must resist frost a...

Foundation repair addresses the root cause of many masonry problems, stabilizing the base that supports your entire structure and preventing progressi...

Foundation waterproofing is your home's first defense against water damage, a critical concern for Ontario homeowners facing harsh winters and spring ...

Freeze protection for masonry is essential in Ontario where temperatures plummet below -20°C, causing water trapped in bricks and mortar to expand wit...

Ontario's most destructive force against masonry, occurring when water trapped in brick and mortar repeatedly freezes and thaws throughout winter and ...

A fluid mixture of cement, sand, water, and sometimes aggregate used to fill voids in masonry construction, particularly in the cores of concrete bloc...

Grout injection is a specialized repair technique that fills voids, stabilizes structures, and waterproofs masonry from the inside out—solving hidden ...

A flat, square board with a perpendicular handle underneath, used by masons to hold a workable amount of mortar while laying brick or stone. The hawk ...

A brick or stone laid with its short end facing outward. Headers are used to tie multiple wythes together and create structural bonding.

Heritage brick represents irreplaceable pieces of Ontario's architectural history, requiring specialized knowledge to preserve these century-old mater...

Historic masonry construction requiring specialized restoration expertise to preserve cultural significance while meeting modern performance needs. On...

Historic mortar, primarily lime-based before 1900, possesses unique properties essential for preserving Ontario's heritage buildings and preventing da...

Historical restoration preserves Ontario's architectural heritage while ensuring buildings meet modern safety and comfort standards—a delicate balance...

The vertical sides of doorway or window openings in masonry construction that support the weight above the opening and provide bearing surfaces for do...

A specialized tool used to shape and finish mortar joints between masonry units, creating consistent joint profiles while the mortar is still plastic....

Traditional mortar essential for heritage building restoration and compatible repairs on Ontario's historic masonry structures. Unlike modern cement m...

Corner blocks used with mason's string to maintain straight, level courses during masonry construction. These L-shaped devices hook onto the corners o...

A horizontal support beam placed across the top of a door, window, or other opening to bear the weight of the structure above it. In masonry, lintels ...

Load-bearing walls are the backbone of your home's structure, carrying weight from the roof and upper floors down to the foundation—and in Ontario's o...

A long, precision spirit level specifically designed for masonry work, typically 48 inches or longer, used to ensure that courses of brick, block, or ...

Strong, non-stretch cord used with line blocks or pins to create reference lines for laying masonry courses. The string is stretched tightly between f...

Modern masonry adhesives provide incredibly strong bonds for repairs and construction, offering advantages over traditional mortar in specific applica...

Masonry anchors are critical hardware components that secure everything from brick veneer to structural connections, playing a vital but often hidden ...

Professional masonry cleaning removes decades of dirt, pollution, paint, and biological growth that masks architectural beauty while harboring moistur...

Masonry innovation brings 21st-century technology to this ancient craft, introducing materials and methods that solve persistent problems while mainta...

Regular masonry inspection is your early warning system for developing problems, catching minor issues when repairs cost hundreds rather than thousand...

Masonry longevity—the 100+ year lifespan properly maintained brick structures achieve—makes it one of the most durable and cost-effective building mat...

Masonry paint can beautify and protect brick surfaces, but incorrect product selection or application causes moisture entrapment, peeling, and acceler...

Masonry reinforcement strengthens brick and block structures to withstand Ontario's challenging conditions—from seismic activity to extreme weather ev...

Understanding masonry repair costs helps Ontario property owners budget appropriately and avoid both unnecessary expenses and dangerous delays that mu...

Masonry restoration breathes new life into deteriorating brick structures, combining structural repairs with aesthetic improvements to restore or exce...

Masonry safety protects workers and property during construction and repair, with falling materials and structural collapse representing serious hazar...

Masonry sealers provide invisible protection against Ontario's harsh weather, but choosing the wrong type can trap moisture and accelerate deteriorati...

Masonry stabilization provides emergency and long-term support for failing structures, preventing collapse while permanent repairs are planned or pres...

Masonry standards established by organizations like CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and industry bodies ensure construction quality, safety, and ...

A comprehensive masonry warranty protects your investment by guaranteeing workmanship and materials, providing peace of mind that repairs will last an...

Moisture infiltration is the silent destroyer of Ontario brick homes, causing damage that often goes unnoticed until expensive repairs are needed. Wat...

Moisture testing reveals hidden water problems destroying your masonry from within, identifying issues before visible damage appears and repair costs ...

The crucial binding material that holds bricks and stones together while allowing natural building movement. In Ontario, mortar selection is critical ...

Mortar analysis reveals the hidden recipe that holds your masonry together, ensuring repair materials match original composition for compatible, lasti...

The space between masonry units filled with mortar. Mortar joints provide structural bonding, weather resistance, and aesthetic appearance.

The process of analyzing existing mortar composition, color, and texture to create compatible replacement mortar for restoration work. Involves labora...

Classification system for mortar based on compressive strength and composition, designated as Types O, N, S, and M in order of increasing strength. Ty...

Quarried rock materials used in construction including limestone, sandstone, granite, marble, slate, and fieldstone. Each type has unique characterist...

A low protective wall that extends above the roofline of a building, often used to conceal roof equipment, provide fall protection, and create archite...

Protective cement coating applied to foundation walls and chimneys to create a waterproof barrier and smooth finish. Essential in Ontario where ground...

Parging repair restores the protective cement coating on foundation walls and block surfaces, your first defense against moisture infiltration and fre...

Building methods and materials authentic to specific historical eras, involving understanding of traditional techniques, material properties, and cons...

The vertical mortar joint between adjacent masonry units in the same course. Also called a head joint.

A vertical structural support element, typically square or rectangular in cross-section, used to support beams, arches, or other structural loads. Pie...

A weighted tool suspended from a string or line to establish a perfectly vertical reference line through the force of gravity. In masonry work, plumb ...

Pointing is the precise art of finishing mortar joints in brickwork, creating weather-resistant seals that protect your Ontario home from moisture whi...

The external finish to the mortar joints between masonry units, such as bricks or stones. Pointing protects the mortar joint from weather and provides...

The most common type of hydraulic cement used in modern construction, named after Portland stone for its similar appearance when set. Portland cement ...

Preventive maintenance is your masonry's insurance policy, investing small amounts regularly to avoid massive repair bills when neglected problems cas...

Cornerstones or specially shaped masonry units used to reinforce and accent building corners. Quoins may be structural, providing additional strength ...

Steel bars, mesh, or other materials embedded in masonry to increase tensile strength and overall structural capacity. Common reinforcement includes r...

The meticulous process of renewing deteriorated mortar joints to restore structural integrity and weather protection to masonry walls. Critical for On...

Comprehensive professional renewal of deteriorated masonry to original condition while preserving historical character and improving structural perfor...

Restoration planning transforms overwhelming masonry projects into manageable phases, optimizing budgets while ensuring critical repairs happen before...

The depth of a wall opening measured from the exterior face of the wall to the window or door frame, representing the thickness of the masonry wall at...

Salt damage is a major threat to Ontario brick structures, caused by road salt, de-icing products, and naturally occurring salts that destroy masonry ...

A temporary elevated platform system that provides safe access to work areas during masonry construction or repair. Scaffolding must be properly erect...

Chemical compounds applied to masonry surfaces to create a protective barrier against water penetration, while typically allowing vapor transmission. ...

Gradual sinking or shifting of your building's foundation, causing cracks, uneven floors, and masonry damage. Common in Ontario due to clay soils that...

Settlement cracks tell the story of your building's foundation movement, requiring careful diagnosis to distinguish between normal settling and seriou...

The horizontal masonry element that forms the bottom of window and door openings, designed to shed water away from the opening and support the weight ...

A course of bricks laid vertically with their long faces exposed. Often used as decorative elements or over openings.

Surface flaking, chipping, or breaking away of brick and stone faces, typically caused by Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles, poor drainage, or age-related ...

Discoloration of masonry surfaces from various sources including mineral deposits, organic growth, pollution, metallic corrosion, or water infiltratio...

A masonry unit laid with its long face parallel to the wall face. The most common orientation in brick construction.

A decorative horizontal band of masonry that runs across the face of a building, often at floor levels or other significant architectural divisions. S...

A professional structural assessment is your roadmap to understanding your building's true condition, revealing hidden problems and prioritizing repai...

Structural cracks are serious warning signs that require immediate professional attention, indicating foundation movement, settling, or load-bearing f...

All buildings move—the key is understanding normal settling versus dangerous structural movement that threatens your investment and safety. Ontario's ...

Restoration approach using materials and methods compatible with original construction while meeting current building performance standards. Critical ...

Thermal imaging reveals hidden masonry problems invisible to the naked eye, using infrared cameras to detect temperature differences indicating moistu...

Thermal mass refers to your brick home's natural ability to store and release heat, providing free climate control that can significantly reduce your ...

Daily and seasonal expansion and contraction of masonry materials due to Ontario's extreme temperature swings from -30°C to +35°C. Different materials...

A flat, handheld tool with a handle used to apply, spread, shape, and smooth materials like mortar, concrete, and plaster. Masonry trowels come in var...

The skilled restoration of deteriorating mortar joints in brick and stone walls by carefully removing old mortar and installing fresh, properly matche...

Plants, moss, algae, or other biological growth in masonry joints or surfaces that can cause structural damage through root expansion, freeze-thaw act...

A thin layer of masonry, typically one wythe thick, used as a facing material over a structural backing. Provides appearance without structural load-b...

Wall reinforcement saves failing masonry structures from demolition, using modern engineering solutions to restore strength and stability to walls com...

Metal connectors used to bond separate wythes or layers of masonry together, ensuring they act as a composite structural unit. Wall ties transfer load...

The rate and amount at which masonry materials absorb water, typically expressed as a percentage of dry weight or volume. Water absorption affects fre...

Essential protective treatments that prevent water infiltration into masonry while allowing the building to breathe naturally. Critical for Ontario's ...

Techniques and treatments applied to protect masonry from weather-related damage including freeze-thaw cycles, wind-driven rain, and thermal expansion...

Small drainage openings in the bottom course of masonry walls that allow moisture to escape from the wall cavity. Essential for preventing water damag...

The quality and skill level demonstrated in masonry construction, encompassing accuracy of alignment, consistency of joints, proper material handling,...

A single vertical layer of masonry units, one unit thick. In cavity wall construction, there are typically two wythes separated by a cavity.