In the construction sector, brickwork involves uniform patterns to maximise the strength of the structure. The industrial terminology for this uniform pattern is brick bonding. Brick bonding influences the structural strength and the appearance of the façade. This provides aesthetic character to many properties. It becomes essential to consider your brickwork because they have a significant impact on the overall appearance of the build. A better understanding of brick bonding is imperative to choose the most suitable one. Thus, brick bonding is a method of arranging bricks immediately above or below one another. Meanwhile, the bricks used in masonry are all of uniform size. In the bricklaying process, the successive courses of bricks do not lie in the same vertical line because the continuous vertical joints will result in little strength and stability. The bond created between the bricks distributes the concentrated loads over a larger area. Their uniform dimensions and smaller size make the process of bonding simple. Based on the laying and bonding style of bricks in walls, brick bonding can be classified. While there are many types of commonly used bonds in masonry, this article deals with facing bonds. This piece provides you with a better understanding of what face bonding is and its applications, advantages and disadvantages in the construction sector.
What is Facing Bond
Facing bonds are used when the bricks’ thicknesses differ. These bricks with different thicknesses are used to face and back the wall with the head course provided after several stretch courses. To negate the factor of different thicknesses influencing the bond, the vertical distance between the successive header courses is kept equal to the least multiple of the thickness of backing and facing bricks. The difference in the number of joints in the backing and facing causes uniform load distribution.
How to Install a Facing Bond: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: The wall or surface must remain clean, dry and level before applying the facing bond. Remove damaged materials if you are working with an existing structure. Lay a strong concrete foundation or structural wall if the work begins from scratch. Ensure the surface is horizontal or plumb with a spirit level.
Step 2: To achieve consistency, mix the mortar in a mortar board or wheelbarrow with a suitable ratio of cement and sand. The typical use of standard mortar mix for a facing bond is 1 part cement to 3 parts sand. Prepared mortar must be in moist condition; a strong bond will not be formed if it is too runny.
Step 3: The prepared mortar is applied on the first row of facing bricks. The mortar is smoothened with the use of a trowel. The mortar bed on the top of facing bricks varies based on the type of brick and the type of bond.
Step 4: Place the bricks into the mortar bed, making your way across. Ensure the placement of these bricks aligns well with the facing bricks with an equal level and spacing. To have a uniform and clean-looking finish, ensure the bricks are straight both horizontally and vertically. While typical joint thickness is 3/8 inch, use a mortar joint to space the bricks as this varies depending on the desired aesthetic.
Step 5: To create a bond, apply each layer with the mortar on the top of the previously laid bricks. In this step, ensure the alignment of headers and stretchers is as per the bond pattern.
Step 6: To fit the available space, bricks need to be cut precisely. A brick hammer or masonry saw is used and cut-down bricks are laid properly in the row.
Step 7: To give a clean and professional look, use a brick jointer to smoothen the applied mortar. This step ensures the joint is solid and aesthetically consistent. In some cases, raked joints are used to provide a more textured finish.
Step 8: Finally, leave the mortar and bond to harden for 24 to 48 hours. Following all these steps will create a high-quality facing bond for a brick wall.
Application of Facing Bond
The primary purpose of facing bonds in the masonry part of the construction sector is for decorative and aesthetic purposes. This highlights the exterior appearance of a wall or structure immensely. As discussed above, the use of facing bonds could be seen in the construction of exterior walls of residential and commercial buildings. Apart from their external appearance, they may even be used in chimneys and fireplaces. The bricks in the facing bond are highly resistant to heat, making them apt for exposure to high temperatures. Some other common applications are boundary walls, fencing, facades of buildings, historical and heritage restoration, retaining walls and landscapes, courtyards, and retail commercial installations.
Advantages of Facing Bond
- The primary advantage of using a facing bond is the visual appeal it exhibits. Its flexibility to customise to achieve unique textures and patterns fits them among many architectural preferences.
- The uniformity and polished finish can be achieved with the use of facing bonds as they provide a consistent pattern throughout the wall.
- This type of bond is resistant to inclement weather conditions and is resistant to rain, wind, The mortar joints prevent moisture from pervading into the walls, decreasing the risk of damage to walls.
Disadvantages of Facing Bond
- The entire process of laying bricks in facing bonds and other steps is time-consuming. The requirement to cut down the bricks makes it even harder compared to the other simpler bonding styles.
- This type of bonding requires highly skilled labourers to lay the bricks to precise standards.
- More complex patterns and careful selection of bricks with high quality can add up to the cost making it more expensive.
Conclusion
Facing bonds are a preferable bond for finishing brickwork with designs and textures. They create a neat and consistent appearance and add value to the overall design of the structure. Also, since facing bonds are water resistant, they protect the wall from water damage. On the flip side, however, the process takes longer to complete and requires competent labour who can accurately place each brick in position. The intricate designs in all-facing bonds and the need to cut bricks into more regular shapes can add to the overall construction costs as well. Despite these issues, facing bonds still proves itself to be an effective tool for architects and builders who aim to create eye-catching yet robust structures made of brick.