26 Ways to Prevent Cracks in Brickwork

This course describes numerous ways designers, mason, and contractors can prevent cracks in brickwork due primarily to elastic deformation of the brick. The course provides advice from three veteran brick industry technical experts on the basics and correct application of expansion joints, both horizontal and vertical, the use of lipped brick courses, recommended aesthetic treatment of expansion joints, and the proper use of expansion joints in thin brick applications. Reference is made to Brick Industry Association Technical Notes 18, 18A, and 28C.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• LIST several physical characteristics and properties of brick that can affect brickwork installation and longevity.
• DESCRIBE the proper location of horizontal and vertical expansion joints in brickwork.
• DISCUSS the use of a “lipped” brick course when a large horizontal expansion joint is called for.
• DELINEATE the technical factors for locating expansion joints in thin brick applications according to Brick Industry Association Technical Note 28C.