Mortar joints are made of a mixture of mortar and grout that holds bricks together. While you may think every brick mortar joint is the same, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Different mortar joint systems serve different purposes in construction. Knowing how to use different mortar joint systems and where to use which type of system makes the difference between mediocre construction and a quality construction job that’s built to last.
Concave
A concave mortar joint system is the most common type of joint system. It’s designed to prevent water from sitting on any flat surfaces. If a concave joint is done correctly, you should see a slight indent, or concave, between the mortar and the brick. Concave joints are the most helpful on exterior walls that are exposed to rain and snow.
V Joint
A v joint system works to prevent water in the same way a concave joint was, but it actually uses the opposite effect to get the job done. Instead of an indentation, v joint systems have mortar that is curved slightly out from the bricks in a v shape.
Internal Wall Joints
Internal wall joints are specifically designed to be used in areas that aren’t exposed to weather or precipitation. There are three major types of internal wall joints. These include grapevine joints, raked joints, and struck and weathered joints. The type of internal wall joint that’s used will depend on the contractor’s preference and the customer’s desired style. For instance, grapevine joints tend to look more dated than struck and weathered joints.
Extruded Joints
Extruded joints are the simplest type of mortar joint, but they’re also the most problematic. An extruded joint system is formed when you just place a brick on top of the mortar and grout mixture, allowing the weight of the brick to push the mortar out. This will leave a small edge of the mortar. Since there’s a surface for water to settle on, extruded joints shouldn’t be used outside. They tend to look not-so-great on interior surfaces either. Most experienced contractors stay away from extruded joints because they lack practicality, style, and water resistance.
There’s a lot that goes into choosing what mortar joint system is needed and then putting that mortar joint system into action. Attempting to turn brickwork into a DIY project is never a good idea. Instead, contact Bruno Guerriero Construction today to schedule an appointment with a brick restoration and installation specialist! Our team can help add new brickwork, improve existing brickwork, and increase the overall value of your home. Winter will be back before you know it, so schedule your brickwork consultation appointment with a qualified contractor today!
