Masonry and Hardscape terms, defined
Plain definitions of the masonry and hardscape words that come up on estimates, inspections and supplier calls, written for masons. Each term says where it matters on the job and links the Koira calculator, cost guide or template that goes with it.
B
Shared with ConcreteBase courseThe base course is the layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone under a slab, patio or pavers that spreads loads and drains water.Masonry and HardscapeBond beamA bond beam is a course of special U shaped block filled with grout and horizontal rebar that ties a masonry wall together.Masonry and HardscapeBrick veneerBrick veneer is a single layer of brick tied to a wood or steel framed wall with an air space behind it.
C
Shared with ChimneyChimney crownThe chimney crown is the sloped cap of concrete or mortar across the top of a masonry chimney, around the flue tiles.Shared with LandscapingCompactionCompaction is pressing soil or gravel down with a plate compactor or roller so it is dense and will not settle under a slab, patio or wall.Masonry and HardscapeConcrete blockConcrete block, or CMU, is the hollow concrete masonry unit used for foundations, retaining walls and commercial walls.Shared with ConcreteConcrete sealerConcrete sealer is a penetrating or film forming coating that protects concrete from water, salt and stains.Shared with ConcreteControl jointA control joint is a groove tooled or sawn into a slab so that when concrete shrinks and cracks, it cracks along the joint instead of randomly.Shared with RoofingCounter flashingCounter flashing is the upper piece of a paired flashing.Masonry and HardscapeCrack fillingCrack filling is cleaning out cracks in asphalt or concrete and filling them with a flexible sealant to keep water out.
E
Shared with WaterproofingEfflorescenceEfflorescence is the white, powdery salt deposit left on concrete, brick or block when water moves through it and evaporates at the surface.Shared with ConcreteExpansion jointAn expansion joint is a full depth gap filled with a compressible material that lets concrete or masonry sections move without pushing on each other.
G
L
M
P
Shared with RoofingParapetA parapet is the low wall that rises above the roof line at the edge of a flat or low slope roof.Masonry and HardscapePaver patioA paver patio is made of individual concrete, clay or stone units laid on a compacted base and sand bed, with joints filled with sand.Masonry and HardscapePermeable paversPermeable pavers have wide joints filled with open graded stone over a deep stone base, so rainwater soaks through instead of running off.Masonry and HardscapePolymeric sandPolymeric sand is joint sand mixed with binders that harden when wetted, locking pavers and resisting weeds and washout.
S
Masonry and HardscapeSealcoatingSealcoating is spraying or squeegeeing a protective coat over asphalt driveways and lots to slow oxidation and water damage.Masonry and HardscapeSegmental retaining wallA segmental retaining wall is built from interlocking concrete blocks stacked without mortar, held in place by their weight, setback and often geogrid.Masonry and HardscapeShelf angleA shelf angle is a steel angle bolted to a building's structure that carries the weight of brick veneer at a floor line or over a large opening.Masonry and HardscapeStone veneerStone veneer is a thin layer of natural or manufactured stone attached to a wall, either anchored with ties or adhered with mortar over lath.Shared with SidingStuccoStucco is a cement plaster applied in coats over lath or masonry to make a hard exterior wall finish.
W
More for masons: free masonry and hardscape tools, templates and guides and how the trade runs on Koira. Or browse the whole glossary.