Brick masonry is also a very old trade, and there are examples of brick buildings that have stood for centuries in many cities and towns.

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How are bricks made?

The creation of bricks involves mixtures of clay, sand, soil and cement, which are heated or fired in kilns. The colour depends on the types of minerals and chemicals in the raw materials, and the reaction to firing.

The Characteristics of Brick Buildings:

• Rows or 'courses' of bricks, offset from the row beneath for strength
• Mortar joints between each brick
• 'Bond patterns', repetitive ordering of bricks in different orientations - ends showing, half-bricks, standing and angled.
• 'Imbrication', decorative arrangements of brick, pronounced from wall surface to create unique textures.
• Arches over windows and doors
• Wall thickness for structural brick is called 'withes'. Two layers of brick would be a double-withe brick wall, three layers would be triple-withe.
• Modern brick application is done as a 'veneer', attached to a wood, steel or concrete structure with metal ties. A brick veneer is a very durable exterior finish and requires special considerations for support at the foundation.