Weaknesses and Strengths of Masonry

It is important to note that masonry is not just the pouring of concrete to make a foundation of an edging mortar around the cracks of bricks. Materials commonly used by masons include brick, travertine, granite, limestone, glass, tile, concrete, and stucco. Masonry is highly regarded as a backbone of construction and its two commonly types used include brick and concrete.

One of the main benefits of masonry is the good use of materials that increase thermal mass of a given building. Mortar and brick, usually do not need painting or any form of secondary covering. It is a great protection since it has high resistant features. The walls are designed to hold against many elements and therefore can withstand forces from tornadoes and hurricanes. A mason notes that most of the buildings that were constructed by use brick and limestone have lasted more than 500 years.

It is important to note that there are some limitations in the use of masonry work. For instance, areas with extreme weathering are not ideal for masonry structures. This is so because they are likely to deteriorate with time. It is advisable to use other means of construction in such areas. Also mortar and brick are unlikely to survive intact for a long period of time in areas with frost and ice. This is so because the cold weather will chip away at the building structure. Also these areas have been reported to be difficult for masons and other building professionals to deal with. Reinforced concrete, brick and other materials may be heavy and therefore difficult to use since they need strong structural foundations.

One of the greatest weaknesses of masonry is weak tensile strength though they are used in bolstering an impressive and great strength of handling heavy vertical loads. Any building that is constructed though this process is likely have problems arising from stretching and twisting unless it is reinforced by use of stable materials such as iron. This explains why solid masonry is probably becoming obsolete nowadays.

Nowadays, solid and reinforced masonry is used or reserved for structures used in landscaping. The different types of masonry include dry set masonry, concrete block, veneer, solid masonry, brick and even serpentine. Masonry must have modern architecture and it’s likely to be so for many decades to come because it is a link of the past and our future. Therefore hiring a great company is always a better option.