Question 1

Efflorescence

Accepted Answer

White, powdery deposit of water-soluble salts on brick surfaces.

Question 2

Tuckpointing

Accepted Answer

Repairing mortar joints between bricks by removing old mortar and replacing it.

Question 3

Wythe

Accepted Answer

A continuous vertical section of masonry, one unit in thickness.

Question 4

Brick frog

Accepted Answer

The indentation in the face of a brick that helps hold mortar.

Question 5

Flemish bond

Accepted Answer

A brick bond pattern that alternates headers and stretchers in each course.

Question 6

Running bond

Accepted Answer

A brick bond pattern in which all bricks are laid as stretchers in a staggered pattern.

Question 7

Soldier course

Accepted Answer

A horizontal row of bricks standing on end with the narrow side exposed.

Question 8

Rowlock course

Accepted Answer

A horizontal row of bricks laid on their ends with the short edge exposed.

Question 9

Brick veneer

Accepted Answer

A non-structural layer of brick used for aesthetic purposes.

Question 10

Spalling

Accepted Answer

The chipping or flaking of bricks due to moisture penetration or freeze-thaw cycles.

Question 11

Mortar joints

Accepted Answer

The horizontal and vertical spaces between bricks filled with mortar.

Question 12

Brick ties

Accepted Answer

Metal connectors that anchor brick veneer to a structural backing.

Question 13

Weep holes

Accepted Answer

Small openings at the base of a wall that allow trapped moisture to escape.

Question 14

Mortar consistency

Accepted Answer

The workability and adhesion properties of mortar.

Question 15

Head joint

Accepted Answer

The vertical mortar joint between bricks.

Question 16

Bed joint

Accepted Answer

The horizontal mortar joint between bricks.

Question 17

Grout

Accepted Answer

A fluid mixture of cement, water, and aggregate used to fill voids in masonry.

Question 18

Control joint

Accepted Answer

A joint in masonry that allows for movement due to expansion or contraction.

Question 19

Expansion joint

Accepted Answer

A joint that accommodates expansion and contraction of masonry units.

Question 20

Masonry anchors

Accepted Answer

Fasteners used to secure masonry to a substrate.

Question 21

Lintel

Accepted Answer

A horizontal support that spans an opening in a wall.

Question 22

Arch

Accepted Answer

A curved masonry structure that spans an opening and distributes weight.

Question 23

Bearing wall

Accepted Answer

A wall that supports the weight of a structure.

Question 24

Reinforced masonry

Accepted Answer

Masonry that includes steel reinforcement to increase strength.

Question 25

Composite masonry

Accepted Answer

Masonry constructed of two or more different types of masonry units.

Question 26

Flashing

Accepted Answer

Waterproof material installed to direct water away from a building.

Question 27

Damp proofing

Accepted Answer

A treatment applied to a surface to resist moisture penetration.

Question 28

Parging

Accepted Answer

A thin layer of mortar or cement applied to a masonry surface for protection or aesthetics.

Question 29

Cavity wall

Accepted Answer

A wall composed of two wythes separated by an air space.

Question 30

Curtain wall

Accepted Answer

A non-loadbearing exterior wall attached to a building's structural frame.

Question 31

Mortar bed

Accepted Answer

The layer of mortar on which bricks are laid.

Question 32

Raking

Accepted Answer

A technique of removing mortar from joints to a specified depth before tuckpointing.

Question 33

Plumb

Accepted Answer

Vertical alignment of masonry elements.

Question 34

Level

Accepted Answer

Horizontal alignment of masonry elements.

Question 35

Tooling

Accepted Answer

The process of finishing mortar joints to a desired appearance.

Question 36

Scaffolding

Accepted Answer

Temporary structures used to support workers and materials during construction.

Question 37

Stretcher

Accepted Answer

A brick laid with its long side exposed and parallel to the face of the wall.

Question 38

Header

Accepted Answer

A brick laid with its short side exposed and perpendicular to the face of the wall.

Question 39

Sill

Accepted Answer

A horizontal member that forms the bottom of a window or door opening.

Question 40

Coping

Accepted Answer

A protective cap or cover on top of a wall to prevent water penetration.

Question 41

Corbel

Accepted Answer

A masonry projection that supports a load.

Question 42

Bond beam

Accepted Answer

A horizontal beam of reinforced masonry that strengthens a wall

Question 43

Quoin

Accepted Answer

Decorative masonry blocks at the corner of a building, often contrasting in color or texture.

Question 44

Dogtooth

Accepted Answer

A decorative pattern of projecting brickwork, typically set diagonally.

Question 45

Back buttering

Accepted Answer

Applying mortar or adhesive to the back of a masonry unit before installation.

Question 46

Mason's hammer

Accepted Answer

A dual-purpose hand tool with a square face for striking and a chisel-shaped edge for trimming.

Question 47

Trowel

Accepted Answer

A flat, triangular-shaped hand tool used for spreading, shaping, and smoothing mortar or concrete.

Question 48

Muriatic acid

Accepted Answer

A diluted form of hydrochloric acid used to clean mortar residue from bricks.

Question 49

Brick modulus

Accepted Answer

A standard unit of measure for bricks, used to ensure consistent dimensions and spacing.

Question 50

Stack bond

Accepted Answer

A brick bond pattern in which bricks are stacked directly above and below one another, without staggering.

Question 51

Modular brick

Accepted Answer

A type of brick designed for easy installation and uniform dimensions.

Question 52

ASTM C270

Accepted Answer

A standard specification for mortar used in masonry construction.

Question 53

Lime mortar

Accepted Answer

A type of mortar made from a mixture of lime, sand, and water, known for its flexibility and breathability.

Red Seal Exam Bricklayer Flashcards