Joint dimensions in brickwork according to SNiP

By drawing the thickness of the seam, you can visually determine the quality of construction of any structure, regardless of whether it is an economic structure or a residential one. If the distance between the levels between the building stones is not observed, then this not only impairs the appearance and attractiveness of the structure, but also becomes the reason for the decrease in its reliability. Therefore, every bricklayer must constantly monitor the thickness of the seams at the stage of construction. This can be done both by measuring with a ruler and visually.

Any masonry brick is made from a clay composition using different technologies, but this does not affect the strength of the structure. The strength of any masonry is influenced by the presence of voids inside the stone. In this case, the solution can penetrate into the brick and provide it with a more reliable adhesion to the base. Depending on this, it can be:

• hollow;
• corpulent.

First of all, it depends on the consistency of the solution, which can creep along the sides when pressure is applied to it from above. Experts note that the optimum seam thickness is 10–15 mm in the horizontal plane, and vertical seams should be made on average 10 mm. If double bricks are used, the seams must be 15 mm.

You can control these dimensions by eye, but you can also use crosses or rods made of metal of a certain thickness. All these dimensions are determined by SNiP, and the training of the employee himself affects compliance with the standards. Therefore, when laying facades of buildings or decorative structures, it is recommended to give preference to professionals who can prepare the mortar in accordance with the requirements, adding the required amount of sand or other components to it in order to keep the thickness of the masonry within the required limits.

Climatic conditions and the subsequent operation of the facility during masonry are of particular importance. If laying at low temperatures, it is recommended to add special additives to the solution. In this case, the seams must be made minimal, which makes it possible to reduce the influence of negative factors on the solution and make the masonry monolithic.

Today you can find these types of seams:

• pruning;
• single-cut;
• wasteland;
• convex;
• double-cut.

All building stones that are used in the construction of structures must be selected in accordance with the standards for various types of building materials, which also determines SNiP. Brick that is used for outdoor masonry must have a rectangular shape and clear edges. Each building stone is visually inspected by a master before laying.

It is also important to properly prepare the solution, which should have a mobility of no more than 7 cm.To ensure such parameters, it may be necessary to add various components to the cement mixture, including plasticizers, lime and chemical additives. These components are introduced depending on the requirements of the manufacturer.

In winter, it is recommended to keep the temperature of the solution not lower than +25 degrees. If conditions do not allow adhering to such a temperature, then it is necessary to add plasticizers to the solution.

Also SNiP determines that it is prohibited to use building stones that do not have appropriate certificates, especially when erecting residential buildings.

These points are also regulated by GOST, so all construction work must be carried out in accordance with the projects and carried out by qualified bricklayers, depending on their category. Any masonry is regulated by SNiP in the order of work.

1. Marking the place for the wall.
2. Determination of openings for doors and windows.
3. Setting orders.

When erecting a multi-storey building, work is carried out in stages, and after forcing the first floor, an overlap is made. Further, internal walls are erected and, if necessary, reinforced.

The tool used must be reliable and meet specifications and must be in working order. When performing work, you must strictly comply with the safety requirements of SNiP. If the building is high-rise, then all workers must have special belts for working at height. All masons working with the supply of material must have a slinger certificate and communication with each other to ensure a well-coordinated work. There should be no foreign objects on the site that will interfere with the work.

An important role to ensure the finished look of the structure is played by the jointing, which is carried out after the brick is laid. It can be of various types and protects against the penetration of water into the brick and mortar, which increases the life of the building. The distance between the bricks is sewn with the help of special devices, which allows you to form a clear seam. If necessary, special components are added to the solutions to increase adhesion. Such a structure after joining takes on a more attractive appearance.

The joining work itself is painstaking and requires a certain skill from the worker. At the last stage, it is necessary to constantly monitor the dimensions of the seams and the observance of technological regimes, depending on the element of the masonry.

The construction of any structure begins by laying out the corners with the fixing of the order, which is a special bar for adjusting the level of the masonry. If the wall will be further insulated or finished with other materials, then it is necessary to sink the mortar between the bricks so that it does not protrude outward. After the corners have been erected, it is necessary to make adjustments so that in the future the walls are without slopes. And it is also recommended to erect several rows of bricks at once, giving time to the mortar to grab, so that this does not affect the geometry of the wall.

You will learn how to make the perfect brickwork seam in the video below.