Common Mistakes in Brick Masonry and How to Avoid Them

Brick masonry is an important job in construction work that ensures the strength of the house. Nowadays many people make many mistakes while constructing their house. It is very important to avoid these mistakes as they mainly affect the strength of the building. So, we will tell you what kind of mistakes to avoid and how good brick masonry can be done.

Making mistakes in brick masonry not only reduces the strength of the wall, but can also cause a variety of problems in the building over time. So, it is very important to work correctly from the beginning. Let’s know which mistakes are commonly made and how they can be avoided.

1. Negligence in the quality of bricks

• Selection of bad bricks: It is very important to choose good bricks. Sometimes people buy cheap and poor-quality bricks. This weakens the wall and can break quickly. Good bricks can be identified by their texture and shape. Substandard bricks are often uneven shaped and may also have cracks.
• Checking of bricks: While buying bricks, one should check their sound, color and texture thoroughly. Good brick makes a tuck-tuck The color of the brick should be uniform and there should be no stains on it. Good brick absorbs very little water and has a smooth surface.

2. Incorrect preparation of spices

• Cement-sand ratio: Many times, masons do not keep the right ratio of cement to sand. This makes the spice either too thin or too thick. The spice made in the right proportion strengthens the wall. The spices should have a sand and cement ratio of 1:6.
• Water content: It is very important to have the right amount of water in the spice. Adding water reduces the strength of the spice. The spice should be thin enough to be easily used. After adding water, the spices should mix well.

3. Carelessness in soaking bricks

• Lack of time: Many people do not soak bricks in water for a sufficient period. It is necessary to soak the bricks in water for at least two hours before masonry. Soaking makes the bricks stick well to the spices. Dry bricks absorb the spice water which makes the spice weak.
• Irregular damping: Sometimes some bricks get over-wet and some under-soaked. All bricks should be soaked for the same amount of time so that they remain the same. It is difficult to work with too much wet bricks. After soaking, the bricks should be kept in the shade.

4. Misalignment and Levels

• Wall tilt: Often the level of the wall is not kept right. This causes the wall to lean to one side and can collapse over time. The straightness of the wall needs to be checked by level every two feet of height. The wall is kept upright using plumb.
• Line fault: The bricks are not mounted in a straight line. This makes the wall look crooked and reduces strength. The bricks should be fixed in a straight-line using thread. Each layer should be mixed with the previous layer.

5. Difference in thickness of joints

• Uneven joints: In many places the spice joints are thick and, in some places, thin. The thickness of the joints should always be uniform. Use a scale to measure the thickness of the joints. Making the joints clean and uniform makes the wall look strong and beautiful.
• Thicker joints: Some mechanics make joints very thick. This reduces the strength of the wall and does not look good. The thickness of the joints should not exceed 10 Thick joints are more prone to cracks.

6. Mistakes in bond patterns

• Incorrect bond pattern: The bricks are laid without any pattern. Every layer should have the correct order of bricks. The addition of brick to one layer should come in the middle of the other layer. The right bond pattern increases the strength of the wall.
• Strength of corners: Special attention is not paid to the corners. Special bond patterns should be used to make the corners stronger. The bricks at the corners should be well connected. The corner bricks should be cut and placed in the right size.

7. Carelessness in curing

• Lack of water: The newly built wall is not given enough water. The wall should be watered regularly for at least 7 days. Watering is necessary both in the morning and in the evening. In the summer season, the wall should be covered with a sack.
• Uneven curing: Some parts are given more water and some parts less water. The entire wall should get water evenly. Water using pipes or sprinklers. Direct sunlight should not fall on the wall during curing.

8. Incorrect arrangement of lintel over door and window

• Small lintel: Small lintel is placed above the door or window. The lintel should be at least 9 inches large on both sides. The size of the lintel should be decided according to the width of the door or window. Weak lintel can cause cracks.
• Incorrect support: Incorrect support is not provided properly under the lintel. This does not lead to the correct distribution of weight. It is important to provide strong support below before applying the lintel. Supports should not be removed for at least 14

9. Mistakes in brick cutting

• Wrong way: Bricks are not cut correctly. This makes the brick pieces useless and weakens the wall. Use special tools to cut the brick. Before cutting, the brick should be marked and cut.
• Cutting without measurement: Bricks are cut without the correct size. This leaves gaps in place and reduces the strength of the wall. The edge of the cut brick should be straight. Broken bricks should not be used.

Brick masonry is an art that requires caution and precision. Small mistakes can cause big problems. So always get the work done by an experienced mechanic and let the work be done under his supervision. Brick masonry done correctly will keep your home strong and beautiful for a long time.