We encounter walls daily, don’t we? Some of them appear intriguing, while others do not. But have we ever observed the formation of the JOINTS in the masonry walls? When constructing a masonry wall, bricks or concrete blocks are joined with mortar. The mortar may be composed of cement or lime, etc. However, regardless of the type of mortar used, mortar joints must be durable, watertight, aesthetically pleasing, and weatherproof. These mortar joints fill the spaces between the bricks or blocks with a mortar mixture.

The type and style of the mortar joints ultimately determines the performance of the brickwork. Additionally, the type of mortar joint utilized in the construction of brickwork determines the overall aesthetics of the surface, especially when plastering is not planned.
Different patterns of mortar joints impart a unique appearance to masonry walls, assure water resistance, and preserve the structural integrity of freestanding walls. Below are the ten most common mortar joint types used in constructing masonry walls.

It is essential to consider the desired architectural aesthetic and weather resistance features while selecting the most appropriate mortar joint type.
Here are the different mortar joint varieties to consider:

1. Concave Joint

For this mortar junction, a curved steel jointing tool is used. It is one of the most widely used mortar joints due to its high resistance to rainwater penetration and excellent sealing qualities. The curved steel instrument used to create this junction keeps the mortar compact. A mortar joint with proper placement aids in preventing water intrusion.

2. V Joint

This joint is called the “V” joint because of its “V” form. And due to its shape, this mortar joint offers little protection against water infiltration. If the joint is not adequately compressed, it can act as an entry site for water; therefore, it must be properly tooled so that water does not accumulate in the produced ‘V’ groove.

3. Struck Joint

This joint’s top edge is finished flash with a brick edge, while the bottom edge is recessed. The water resistance of this joint is appallingly inadequate. This is because the joint’s slope attracts water and allows it to settle on the brick. This gives water a great deal of time to penetrate; hence the struck joint is ideal for internal walls and not exterior walls.

4. Weather Joint

This joint resembles the struck joint, but its top edge is indented rather than its bottom edge. Due to the slope, water can readily flow away from this connection. The mortar in the joint must be well attached; otherwise, the likelihood of water moving through the joint’s underside increases. This can lead to shrinkage cracks throughout the whole bond line.

5. Raked Joint

This is another prevalent sort of mortar joint. In a raked joint, the mortar is pushed slightly inwards to be approximately 2 mm lower than the facing brick. Because the mortar is somewhat set back from the face of the brick, there is not much cover between the front of the mortar joint and the top of the brick. This is because the mortar is slightly offset from the face of the brick. The saturated mortar joints permit water to penetrate the wall’s cores and permeate the entire structure. Similar to the struck junction, this one is not suggested for external usage due to its ledge, which could allow water or snow to accumulate on the brick.

6. Flush Joint

This mortar joint is predominantly employed in constructing brick walls that require plastering and final finishing. Consequently, these joints are finally concealed. Making this joint water-resistant requires extra time and work during construction. If the flush joints are constructed so that they protrude from the bricks, water may pool on top of them.

7. Extruded Joint

This joint requires no special equipment. It is generated organically as surplus oozes out and forms a protrusion between the bricks. Extruded joints are susceptible to deterioration when exposed to various weather conditions.

8. Squeezed Joint

There are frequently squeezed joints in indoor architecture and exterior fencing. This specific joint has a highly rough and rustic appearance, yet it offers a concern of moisture ingress. This is primarily due to the fact that it has three sides exposed to the elements, which can cause premature deterioration and, as a result, increase moisture infiltration.

9. Beaded Joint

Due to its exposed ledges, this connection, like the compressed joint, is not suggested for exterior building walls. These are abundant in stone foundation walls; they serve as an architectural element.

10. Grapevine Joint

During the Colonial period in America, the grapevine joint was quite popular; it is created using a grapevine jointer, a metal blade with a raised bead that makes a depressed line in the center of the mortar joint. The lines are predominantly rough and undulating, resembling a grapevine’s essentially straight but slightly uneven appearance. This junction is typically utilized on brickwork with an antique or matte finish.

The Bottom Line
Always keep in mind that exterior walls should be constructed with tooled mortar joints, such as the “V” joint, regardless of which mortar joint you use to build your brick walls. Moreover, the brick type and the mortar quality play a role in determining which mortar joint is optimal.
If you want to know more and are seeking the services of experts for your masonry work, do not hesitate to contact us at New York Brick Pointing.