What is facing brickwork?
Facing brickwork, also called fair-faced brickwork (Dutch: schoonmetselwerk or schoonwerk), is masonry that remains visible and is not plastered or clad. It therefore has to be built with undamaged bricks, and the laying and pointing must be done carefully. The opposite is common brickwork: masonry that will be finished or hidden, for which less attractive bricks may be used.
Facing brickwork is mostly found in facades and chimneys, but also indoors, in internal walls, fireplaces, vaults and station halls. Glazed bricks are sometimes used.
Application
The appearance of facing brickwork depends on the brick, the bond and the joint. Points to watch:
- Brick choice: for external walls, choose a brick suitable for the exposure. The European standard for clay bricks (EN 771-1) classifies freeze/thaw resistance as F0, F1 or F2; F2 is normally used where brickwork is exposed to severe weather.
- Blend from several packs: lay from several packs at once to spread colour variation between batches.
- Accuracy: use a gauge rod and string line; keep courses, perpends and headers exactly in line. Crooked joints remain visible forever.
- Work clean: remove mortar smears from the face immediately, not after they have hardened.
- Protect: cover new brickwork against rain and frost. Saturated brickwork leads to efflorescence and lime staining.
- Pointing: choose joint colour and profile deliberately (for example flush, recessed or weatherstruck); the joint largely defines the look of the wall.
- Cleaning: don’t use aggressive acids or pressure washers on soft bricks; test on an inconspicuous area first.
- Movement joints: plan movement joints in long walls to prevent cracking from shrinkage and thermal movement.
Related Terms
- Brick
- Brick bond
- Pointing
- Brick-on-edge course
- Movement joint
- Engineering brick
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