The use of masonry construction techniques is increasingly becoming popular all over the world. Building your house using the masonry technique entails using concrete blocks, sand, cement, and bricks, which results in strong structures when bound together in a firm foundation.
However, the use of masonry construction techniques avails certain pros and cons that every builder should be aware of when determining the construction techniques to use in their construction projects.
In this blog, you shall find the pros and cons associated with the use of masonry.
Advantages of Masonry
Durability
One of the qualities associated with the use of masonry techniques is durability. Unlike the use of wood and steel, which are subject to wear and tear, stones and bricks are strong, increasing the life span of your house.
Thus, if you are planning to build a permanent residence, then masonry is the best option in your construction.
Fire Resistance
The use of wood in the building leaves your house and that of your neighbors vulnerable to fire. In many instances, once a wooden house catches fire, the entire building goes down in flames destroying your hard-earned assets within seconds.
However, this is not the case with concrete, stones and bricks, which are not good conductors of heat.
Additionally, should your concrete-constructed house catch fire, you can be sure that putting the fire out is easier since concrete walls are fireproof.
Moreover, it guarantees the safety of firefighters if they are putting the fire out as they save the lives and assets inside the house since the stone walls can support their weight.
Affordable Maintenance
Structures built using masonry may go for years without needing repairs or maintenance; however, you may discover cracks on your walls with time.
C & D Commericial Services Inc., a company that specializes in masonry repair in Dallas TX repairs cracks on your walls and roofs in just a matter of minutes and gives your house a new look.
Easily Complements Other Materials
Masonry can easily be integrated with other construction materials such as wood, glass, and steel to building modern houses.
For example, today, you will find concrete houses with wooden doors, glass windows, and gates made from steel. Integrating these materials goes a long way in making your home more beautiful.
Improved Security
The increasing rates in home insecurities are alarming, and as you build your house, you8s should be aware of the protection benefit that masonry brings.
It’s almost impossible to jump over the tall concrete walls and break into a house-made using masonry techniques.
As said earlier, masonry produces strong structures that cannot be easily broken into, which offers security to your home and assets.
Offers Resistance Against Adverse Climate
Masonry protects your house against adverse climatic conditions, such as storms, heavy downpours, and lightning. Moreover, it also keeps you away from the sun’s scorching sun rays, which helps keep your skin smooth and healthy.
In areas subject to heavy rains, masonry structures are known to be more strong and thus cannot be washed away by the floods.
Remember, when the masons are building your house, they usually lay strong foundations that can keep your house strong and safe in the event of disasters.
Disadvantages of Masonry
Costly In Terms Of Time and Money
It is one of the major limitations of using bricks and concrete in your construction project. Normally masonry projects may take up to a year, depending on the house’s size and materials used.
Moreover, the building materials are found in remote areas, and ferrying such materials brings about additional expenses that hike your project’s costs.
Requires Legal Approval
State and federal authorities will also have to send the relevant construction authorities to your building site to certify that you are using the right materials, labor, and building the house in a prescribed way. This is because rare accidents arising from masonry are fatal and claim many lives once they occur.
Affected by Weather
Experts recommend building your housing using the masonry technique during sunny days, allowing the mortar and concrete to dry and blend into each other well.
Thus, houses built during the cold season using bricks are more prone to accidents than those built during sunny days.
Like every building technique, masonry has its pros and cons that have been discussed extensively in the sections above.
As you scroll above, you will come across practical points that should help you choose the technique to use in your next construction project.
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Masonry, brick or stone has one disadvantage, they can be very vulnerable to earthquakes and earth movements. That could, and I stress COULD, be a very, very expensive, and long, rebuild.
Eric, that’s a great point.
Thanks for your feedback.
I am planning to build a healthy new traditional style home in Santa Fe, NM. We don’t plan to use stick frame construction. I have looked at FasWall Blocks and Airiated Autoclaved Concrete, both of which are quite expensive. Is concrete block or cinder block viable in this climate, adding a non-foam insulated sheets on the exterior of the home. Or how about masonry walls. Affordability is a consideration. The exterior must be stucco to conform with HOA guidelines, along with a 14′ wall height limitation. Any other suggestions would be welcome.