Masonry & Brick (D05)
Brick and masonry combine timeless beauty with structural strength – but Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles demand expert installation.
This BidScope guides you through masonry applications: full brick homes and veneers, brick accent walls and chimneys, outdoor brick features like fire pits and pizza ovens, and structural block walls.
Learn brick types and grades: face brick for exterior exposure (graded SW for severe weathering in Utah climate), common brick for backup work, and specialty bricks for unique appearances.
Understand mortar types: Type S mortar for exterior work and freeze-thaw exposure (high strength, moderate workability), Type N for interior and above-grade exterior, Type M for below-grade and high-compression loads.
Master joint styles: concave joints shed water best for Utah weather, flush joints for modern looks, raked joints for shadow lines.
Navigate flashing and weep hole requirements – critical for preventing water damage behind brick veneer.
Learn proper expansion joints every 25-30 feet to accommodate brick movement.
Understand brick ties and anchors connecting veneer to structure.
Know when reinforcement is required in structural masonry walls.
Calculate quantities accurately – waste factor typically 5-10% for standard patterns, more for complex designs.
Understand sealing and cleaning requirements.
Plan for scaffolding and access.
Budget for skilled labor – masonry is an art requiring experienced craftsmen.
This tool ensures your brick work is beautiful, structural, and will endure Utah winters for generations.
What’s Included:
- Masonry applications (brick homes, brick veneer, accent walls, chimneys, outdoor features)
- Full brick construction vs brick veneer
- Structural masonry vs veneer cladding
- Brick types and grades (face brick, common brick, specialty brick)
- SW grade brick for severe weathering (Utah requirement)
- Brick sizes (modular, standard, jumbo, utility)
- Brick colors and textures selection
- Mortar types (Type S, Type N, Type M, Type O)
- Type S mortar for exterior and freeze-thaw (2,500 PSI minimum)
- Type N mortar for interior and protected exterior
- Type M mortar for below-grade and high compression
- Mortar color matching and consistency
- Joint styles and water shedding (concave, flush, raked, struck, weathered)
- Concave joints best for Utah weather (sheds water, compacted)
- Tooling techniques and appearance
- Flashing installation (through-wall flashing, step flashing at roof)
- Weep holes spacing and placement (every 24-32 inches)
- Water management and drainage behind veneer
- Brick ties and anchors (corrugated, adjustable, rigid)
- Tie spacing requirements (every 16 inches vertically, 32 inches horizontally)
- Air space behind veneer (1-inch minimum)
- Expansion joints spacing (every 25-30 feet) and materials
- Control joints in masonry
- Lintels over openings (steel, precast concrete)
- Structural masonry reinforcement (horizontal and vertical)
- Grout fill in block cores
- Caps and copings for walls and chimneys
- Chimney construction and flue lining
- Foundation requirements for masonry
- Scaffolding and access requirements
- Brick cleaning methods (muriatic acid wash, water cleaning)
- Efflorescence prevention and removal
- Sealing masonry (breathable sealers)
- Quantity calculations and waste factors
- Cost factors (material, labor, complexity)
- Finding experienced masons
- Portfolio and reference checking
