With so many beneficial properties, masonry remains a solid choice for a variety of building and project types across the globe – from high-end public projects to basic road construction.
Masonry can be made from common materials such as brick, marble, granite, cast stone, concrete, glass, and adobe, among others.
According to Chemistry World, masonry forms “some of the most expensive real estate in the world,” and it points to The Burj Dubai skyscraper, Japan’s earthquake-proof bridges, and apartment blocks in Tokyo, as examples.
Masonry is also among the oldest of building materials as excavations and records show its use more than 5,000 years back.
In modern times, main streets in small towns and the country’s largest cities alike have embraced masonry facades.
This isn’t a coincidence. It’s hard to compete with masonry’s aesthetic, cost-saving and longevity benefits.
Installation Costs
With advancements such as veneers, wall systems, and concrete masonry units (CMUs), a variety of shapes and textures are available and can be quickly installed — even by less experienced tradespeople.
Longevity
Masonry doesn’t show dirt easily and cleans up well, whether marred by natural sources or influences such as graffiti. Because masonry does not show signs of wear-and-tear, the beauty and value of the building lasts longer.
Fire Resistant
Masonry won’t burn, which protects the property and the people within by providing more time for escape. After a fire, the masonry portion of the structure is often reusable.
Strength
Masonry has excellent load-bearing capacity and can be reinforced with wall systems or, in the case of concrete block, with vertical steel reinforcement. It won’t be easily dented or damaged by many sources of weather, accidents or vandalism.
Energy Efficiency
Masonry’s thermal mass helps maintain consistent temperatures with less effort from heating and cooling units. Wall systems that include an insulation layer can add even greater R-value.
Design Options
CMUs can be used on the interior or exterior, as well as for hardscaping. Often produced within close proximity to the project site, it is easy to match CMUs to an area’s natural materials, or just about any other design vision.
Health
CMUs don’t emit any Volatile Organic Compounds into the air, don’t require painting with materials that may give off fumes for a finished look, and will not give off smoke in the event of a fire.
Acoustics and Sound Reduction
With its higher mass, concrete masonry reduces the transmission of noise and sound. Wall systems can increase this soundproofing quality.
Choose Masonry for Your Next Project
As one of history’s oldest building materials, masonry has literally “stood” the tests of time for the benefits it provides.
With advancements in the way it can be produced, installed, reinforced, and made even more weather-resistant, it is still difficult to find a more suitable material for municipal projects — whether ambitious world towers, or a functional municipal building a community will rely on to last generations.
Originally published on https://www.echelonmasonry.com
