What Is a Header Called in Masonry
In masonry, a header is called a ‘header course.’
Did You Know?
1. In masonry, the header is the name given to the brick or stone placed with its narrow side facing outward, creating the visible face of a wall.
2. The header course in masonry refers to the row of bricks or stones laid horizontally, alternating their orientation between headers and stretchers, giving the wall structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
3. The term “header” in masonry gets its name from the fact that these bricks or stones are often used at the top of the wall, acting as a cap or crown for the structure.
4. An interesting historical fact is that headers were sometimes marked with unique symbols or patterns by skilled masons, allowing them to claim credit for their work or showcase their craftsmanship.
5. Masons carefully arrange headers in a particular pattern to distribute the weight of the structure evenly, ensuring the stability and durability of the masonry wall over time.
Stretcher Course
In masonry construction, a stretcher course refers to a horizontal row of bricks or stones that are laid widthwise, with their long sides facing the viewer. They form the main body of the wall and are used to build up its height.
The stretcher course is characterized by its uniform appearance and the absence of any visible headers, which are bricks or stones laid lengthwise. This course provides stability and strength to the structure, as the weight is distributed evenly along its length.
The stretcher course is an essential component of masonry construction and serves as the foundation for the other courses of brickwork or stonework. It is often the most visible part of the wall and contributes significantly to its overall aesthetic appeal. The choice of materials, such as bricks or stones, and their color and texture can greatly influence the visual impact of the stretcher course.
- The stretcher course is a horizontal row of bricks or stones laid widthwise.
- Its uniform appearance and absence of visible headers provide stability and strength.
- It serves as the foundation for the other courses of brickwork or stonework.
- The choice of materials, color, and texture greatly influences its visual impact.
“The stretcher course is an essential component of masonry construction, providing stability and serving as the foundation for the wall.”
Header Course
The header course in brick or stone construction involves laying bricks or stones lengthwise, with their short sides facing the viewer. These headers are placed at regular intervals, alternating with the stretcher course, to create a pattern known as bond. This technique not only strengthens the wall by tying the different layers together but also enhances the overall stability of the structure.
In addition to its regular placement, the header course is strategically positioned at key locations within the wall, such as corners and openings, to provide additional support. By distributing the weight evenly, it prevents the wall from collapsing under pressure. The arrangement of headers can be adjusted to meet the specific design and structural requirements of the project.
Natural Bed
The natural bed refers to the side of a brick or stone that is in direct contact with the mortar or other adhesive material when it is laid in a masonry construction. It is the surface that is exposed to the viewer once the brickwork or stonework is completed.
The natural bed plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and durability of the structure by providing a strong bond between the individual bricks or stones. A proper natural bed is essential for maintaining the integrity of the masonry construction. It should be flat, even, and free from any defects or irregularities that could compromise the strength of the wall.
The quality of the natural bed greatly depends on the skill and precision of the mason, as well as the type and condition of the adhesive material used.
- A proper natural bed is essential for maintaining the integrity of the masonry construction.
- It should be flat, even, and free from any defects or irregularities.
- The quality of the natural bed depends on the skill and precision of the mason, as well as the type and condition of the adhesive material used.
“The natural bed plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and durability of the structure.”
Types Of Joints
Joints in masonry construction are the spaces between bricks or stones filled with mortar to create a solid structure. There are different types of joints used in masonry, each with unique characteristics and applications.
The vertical joint is the most common type, running vertically along the wall’s height. Another common type is the horizontal joint, running horizontally across the wall’s width. Techniques for forming these joints include flush joints, where the mortar is leveled with the surface, and recessed joints, where the mortar is slightly indented.
Additional joint types include raked joints, where the mortar is raked out to create a groove, and vee joints, where the mortar is shaped into a V-shaped groove. The choice of joint depends on factors like aesthetic effect, structural requirements, and mason skill level.
Queen Closer
A queen closer is a brick or stone that is cut or shaped to fill the gap between a header and the adjacent stretcher in a masonry construction. It is used to achieve a uniform and visually pleasing bond pattern by creating a symmetrical arrangement of bricks or stones. The queen closer covers half the width of the header, resulting in a neat and cohesive appearance.
The purpose of a queen closer is to ensure a proper bond between the adjoining bricks or stones, maintaining the wall’s strength and stability. It helps distribute the load evenly and prevents weak points that could compromise the structural integrity of the wall. Skill and attention to detail are required for the precise cutting and placement of queen closers, as they significantly impact the overall quality of the masonry construction.
Understanding the various components and terms associated with masonry construction is essential for architects and construction professionals. The stretcher course forms the main body of the wall, while the header course strengthens and ties the structure together. The natural bed provides stability and durability, and different types of joints create a solid and visually appealing bond. Finally, the queen closer serves to maintain the strength and aesthetic integrity of the wall. Familiarizing ourselves with these concepts allows us to appreciate the complexity and artistry involved in masonry construction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a header in masonry?
In masonry, a header refers to the shorter square face of a brick, typically measuring 9cm x 9cm. This type of bond, also known as heading bond, involves placing all bricks in a course as headers on the faces of the walls. This arrangement creates a visually appealing pattern while maintaining the structural integrity of the masonry construction.
What is header in stone masonry?
In stone masonry, a header refers to a stone unit that is laid in such a way that its length is perpendicular to the face of the wall. It is a shorter face of the brick that adds strength and stability to the structure. Headers are carefully positioned throughout the wall to ensure proper bonding and create a visually appealing pattern.
What is a header and stretcher?
In architecture, a header refers to a brick or stone that is positioned in a wall with its end facing towards the surface of the wall. This type of placement creates a visually appealing pattern and adds strength to the overall structure. On the other hand, a stretcher is a brick or stone that is laid with its length parallel to the surface of the wall. By aligning multiple stretchers in a row, a continuous pattern is achieved, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and sturdy wall. Both headers and stretchers play vital roles in creating captivating architectural designs while ensuring structural integrity.
Why is it called a header?
A header is referred to as such because it occupies the top position, or “head,” of a document. It serves as a distinct section that is visually separated from the main text, often appearing in a larger or bolder font. This term is commonly used when including page numbers in a long paper or when formatting a document for school or professional purposes.
