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title: "Masonry Construction Techniques Brick Block Stone | AVANORTH"
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AVANORTH Home
**Construction Tips**·May 1, 2026· 3 min read
# **Masonry Construction Techniques: Brick, Block, and Stone**
Masonry is one of the oldest and most durable construction methods. Understanding mortar types, joint profiles, wall ties, and modern cavity wall systems ensures masonry that lasts centuries.
**AVANORTH Team**
AVANORTH Construction
Masonry construction has a history spanning thousands of years. Brick, concrete block, and natural stone are among the most durable, fire-resistant, and aesthetically versatile building materials available. In Ontario, masonry veneer over wood or steel framing is the predominant system for residential and low-rise commercial construction, while structural masonry (concrete block) is common for mid-rise and industrial buildings.
---
## Masonry Units
| Unit Type | Standard Size (mm) | Weight (kg) | Compressive Strength | Common Use |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Clay brick (modular) | 190 x 90 x 57 | 2.0-2.5 | 20-100+ MPa | Exterior veneer, interior feature walls |
| Concrete block (standard) | 390 x 190 x 190 | 15-18 | 15-30 MPa | Structural walls, foundations, load-bearing |
| Concrete block (lightweight) | 390 x 190 x 190 | 10-12 | 10-20 MPa | Partitions, non-load-bearing, fire separation |
| Natural stone (limestone) | Variable (typically 90-150 mm thick) | Variable | 40-80 MPa | Exterior veneer, feature walls |
| Manufactured stone veneer | Variable (25-50 mm thick) | Light (about 1/3 of natural stone) | N/A (non-structural) | Exterior accents, interior feature walls |
---
## Mortar Types
| Type | Proportions (Portland:Lime:Sand) | Compressive Strength | Use |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Type M | 1 : 0.25 : 3 | 17.5 MPa | Below grade, retaining walls, high-load structural masonry |
| Type S | 1 : 0.5 : 4.5 | 12.5 MPa | Exterior above and below grade, general purpose structural |
| Type N | 1 : 1 : 6 | 5.0 MPa | Above-grade exterior veneer (most common for residential) |
| Type O | 1 : 2 : 9 | 2.5 MPa | Interior non-load-bearing only |
> **Common Misconception:** "Stronger mortar is always better" is wrong. Mortar must be weaker than the masonry units it bonds. If stronger mortar is used with softer brick, thermal and moisture movement will crack the brick (expensive to repair) rather than the mortar joint (easy to repoint). For most residential clay brick veneer, Type N mortar is correct.
---
## Modern Cavity Wall System
The standard masonry veneer wall in Ontario consists of (from outside to inside):
1. **Masonry veneer:** Brick, stone, or manufactured stone. This is a cladding, not a structural element. It hangs on the structure via wall ties.
2. **Air space (cavity):** Minimum 25 mm (1 inch) between the back of the veneer and the face of the sheathing. This space allows drainage of any moisture that penetrates the veneer and ventilation to promote drying.
3. **Flashing and weep holes:** At the base of the wall, above windows, and at shelf angles, flashing collects water from the cavity and directs it out through weep holes (every 800 mm or third brick head joint).
4. **Sheathing / air barrier:** The weather-resistant barrier (building paper, housewrap, or self-adhered membrane) on the sheathing prevents air and water infiltration into the wall assembly.
5. **Structural frame:** Wood studs or steel studs carry the building loads.
6. **Insulation:** Cavity insulation (rigid foam in the air space) and/or batt insulation between studs.
7. **Interior finish:** Drywall.
### Wall Ties
| Type | Material | Spacing | Use |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Corrugated ties | Galvanized steel | 600 mm vertically, 800 mm horizontally | Low-rise wood frame (traditional, being phased out) |
| Wire ties (2-piece adjustable) | Stainless steel or galvanized | 600 mm vertically, 800 mm horizontally | Steel stud backup (standard modern system) |
| Screw-attached ties | Stainless steel | Per manufacturer | Retrofits, renovations |
---
## Joint Profiles
| Profile | Weather Resistance | Appearance | Recommended Use |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Concave (tooled) | Excellent | Classic, smooth arc | Standard for all exterior masonry |
| V-joint (tooled) | Good | V-shaped groove | Exterior, decorative |
| Flush | Fair | Flat, even with brick face | Interior or sheltered exterior |
| Raked | Poor | Recessed, creates shadow lines | Interior only (collects water if used outside) |
| Struck / weathered | Poor-Fair | Angled inward at bottom | Decorative interior |
> **AVANORTH Masonry Standard:** Our masonry veneer is installed by journeyman masons with proper mortar type (Type N for above-grade clay brick), full bed and head joints, tooled concave joints, stainless steel adjustable wall ties, and continuous flashing with weep holes at every critical point. We insist on full cavity drainage because Ontario's freeze-thaw climate punishes any moisture trapped in the wall assembly.
#masonry #brick #construction-techniques
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