Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Masonry Building

Summary: Labor intensiveness and higher costs compared to other methods are drawbacks, making masonry's suitability project-dependent.

FREMONT, CA: Masonry construction is renowned for its durability and strength. Masonry units are renowned for their resistance to fire, extreme weather conditions, and wear over time. The tight interlocking of individual units and the application of mortar create load-bearing walls that can withstand substantial pressure and provide exceptional structural stability. This durability contributes to the longevity of masonry structures, often resulting in reduced maintenance and lifecycle costs.

Masonry offers inherent thermal mass properties that can regulate indoor temperatures naturally. Masonry walls absorb and release heat slowly, helping to maintain a consistent indoor climate by reducing temperature fluctuations. This quality enhances energy efficiency and contributes to the occupants' comfort and well-being.

Masonry construction techniques have evolved to accommodate modern construction methods and technology. Reinforced masonry, for instance, integrates steel reinforcement within the masonry units to enhance load-bearing capacity and seismic resistance. Moreover, precast masonry elements and innovative mortar formulations have streamlined construction processes, allowing for quicker assembly and reduced construction time.

In addition to its durability, versatility, and ability to create beautiful and durable structures, masonry construction is a method of construction that dates back thousands of years and has many advantages over other construction methods. Although masonry is durable and versatile, there are also some disadvantages. For example, masonry is often more costly than other types of construction and can take longer to build.

Visible crumbling from the separation of bricks is surprisingly common. However, the issue frequently goes unnoticed until many bricks crumble, dislodge, or pull away from the building. It is especially difficult to see when the damage is centralized on a high, vertical wall. These problems are almost always caused by water intrusion. While repairing the masonry will be necessary, solving the water entry issue is also an important part of the process. Water typically enters from failed joint sealants, clogged drainage pipes, and other vulnerable points in the structure.