What Are Masonry Walls and the Types of Masonry Walls
The best masonry construction in Tulsa, OK builds the most resilient component of any building or structure which is the masonry walls. The term “masonry” refers to construction using mortar as a joining substance with individual units of blocks, stones, marbles, rocks, solid squares, tiles, and many others.
Various Types of Masonry Walls
Masonry contractors use masonry walls to construct a solid wall structure. We’ve listed below various types of masonry walls you can choose from when you decide to construct your home or business. This will help you decide which type of construction aligns with your needs and preferences.
- Load-bearing Masonry Wall
A wall that supports a load depends on its weight construction and the base structure’s labor to support the load. Large buildings typically employ this kind of wall for safety reasons. Construction work on dwellings or towering buildings are primarily constructed out of stone, concrete blocks, or brick.
Weight is moved from the root to the foundation with the aid of the load-bearing wall. This kind of wall depends on the type of building and the number of stories, which are measured to determine an appropriate thickness to support the weight above them. Without this, the foundation works for walls can become unstable risking the safety of occupants.
Another is that this kind of wall can be both inside and outside. Because load-bearing walls are the typical framed structure of building construction, it is simple to spend a bit less money than on other types of walls, making them more flexible. Masonry walls can be load-bearing walls with or without reinforcements.
2. Reinforced Masonry Walls
Reinforced masonry walls can be load-bearing and non-load-bearing. Walls can bear tension stresses and significant compressive loads thanks to reinforcing. When subjected to significant compressive pressures and earthquakes, unreinforced masonry walls are vulnerable to cracking and failure.
In times of strong wind and rain, they have a limited ability to endure lateral forces. Additionally, unreinforced masonry walls can develop cracks from differential foundation settling or pressure from the earth.
Masonry walls that have been reinforced are employed to solve these issues. Wall reinforcement is used horizontally and vertically at necessary intervals. Based on the loads on the walls and structural circumstances, reinforcing size, quantity, and spacing are chosen.
3. Hollow Masonry Walls
Masonry walls with hollow or cavity spaces keep moisture from penetrating a structure by dividing the outside and interior sides. These walls’ hollow spaces aid in the external temperature regulation of the building.
Long-term moisture exposure to a wall causes the water to seep through the outside face and flow downward because of this water is drained outdoors using weep holes. To lessen moisture, these empty spaces should be covered with damp-proofing or water-repellent material.
4. Composite Masonry Walls
Stones and bricks or hollow bricks are two common combinations used to create composite masonry walls. This style of wall construction aims to reduce overall construction costs while increasing building durability by using higher-quality materials and excellent workmanship in the faces.
Composite masonry walls help enhance a structure’s appearance by concealing subpar construction with excellent materials where they are needed. The advantages of this sort of wall include affordability and aesthetic appeal. There are 3 types of composite masonry walls. These are:
- Brick backed ashlar
- Brick facing with rubble or concrete backing
- Stone facing with Brick, Rubble, or concrete backing
5. Post-Tensioned Masonry Walls
Masonry walls post-tensioned, which have been constructed by your trusted masonry services, are built to be more resistant to forces like wind and earthquakes that could cause tension in the wall.
As these walls are built from the foundation level up, post-tensioning rods are installed in the foundation. These rods are vertically run between the wythes or in the center of concrete masonry units. Once the masonry wall construction is complete and has had time to cure, these rods are tensioned and secured on the steel location at the top of the wall.
Bottomline
To avoid making a mistake you will regret for the rest of your life, consider hiring a masonry construction and services that will construct the property you will build for you and your family. The most satisfying feeling is having your dream property built from scratch from years of hard work for your and your family’s comfort.
To ensure your property lasts for centuries, always consider using high-quality building materials such as masonry.
