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We do all types of Columbia SC custom masonry construction.- Columbia SC chimneys, brick block-Repair Remodels We also do remodels, upgrades Design Work We also offer limited design work for your masonry projects. Restoration Work New to historical. Mason, Brick,  Mason, Masonry Repair......COLUMBIA SC BRICK MASONS, BLOCK MASONS, COLUMBIA SC STONE BRICK BLOCK LAYERS MASONS REPAIR COLUMBIA SC FOUNDATIONS WALLS

I am your brick layer My arms are strong. I pride myself in the number of bricks that I can lay in an hour. I was laying bricks 5 thousand years ago and likely I'll be laying bricks long into the future. Where there were rivers, there were bricks. I am your bricklayer. I stand in awe of the structures created with bricks and mortar in the past. Bricks represent strength and security. Weathered bricks bring a special quality of beauty to the home. Sitting in front of a brick fireplace makes the world seem warm and secure. I like the order and systematic feeling of seeing my efforts turn into creations. I know my sidewalks will last for generations. My brick homes will be cost efficient and strong. It is hard work. I had to get used to it at first, but I was young then. I learned to get into a rhythm that took me to a very peaceful place. Later the muscles might ache but not while I worked. In silence, I listen to my creation. My labors have put something there that is useful and that will last. I am your bricklayer. Generations will enjoy the warmth of the fireplace. My bricks withstand fire and cold, time and weather. Bricks give me a quality of strength and I give them my skill. I arrange them in the shape they desire. I wonder sometimes if the bricks partake of me as I partake of them. My intent shapes their form. Sometimes I think my epitaph will be all the brick structures I have erected. This will be my contribution to society. I am your bricklayer. I mix the mortar carefully, I want my bricks to remain in place for a long time. Bricks and mortar have come to mean the basics of what keeps something together, of how and what you build. I am a practical person who likes to see the results of his work right away but sometimes I dream of the walls I have built; what laughter will they see, how will life be strengthened by my bricks? The bricks under your feet, they support your weight; they also support your fears. Do my bricks lend support to your visions? My fireplace warms, nurtures the wood burning to give off sparks of spirit. I am proud to have been your bricklayer.

Course Setting

Course Setting a course means to arrange in a row. A row of bricks, when laid in a wall, is called a course. It is a continuous level range or row of brick or masonry throughout the face or faces of a building. Each horizontal layer of brick in a masonry structure is called a course. Brick laid flat and perpendicular to the face of the wall are called headers. A header course consists entirely of headers (horizontal, short, narrow side laid on wide edge).

Rowlock Occasionally a special type of course is used for either structural or decorative purposes. The rowlock or rolok is similar to the header course except that the brick are laid on narrow or face edge. This type of course is often used as the top course or cap of garden walls and as window and door sills (horizontal, short, narrow side laid on narrow edge).

Stretcher Brick laid flat with the long face parallel to the wall are called a stretchers. When all the brick in the course are laid in this manner, it is called a stretcher course. (horizontal, long, narrow)

Soldier A soldier course is one in which brick are laid standing on end with the narrow edge facing out. This type of course is sometimes used for decorative effects over door and window openings and in fireplace facings (vertical, long, narrow).

Sailor A sailor course is similar to the soldier course but with the wide edge facing out. It is used for decorative effects (vertical, long, wide). The width of a masonry structure can be measured by stretchers and joints. The height of a masonry structure can be measured by courses and joints.

Wall Laid in English Bond,

When a brick is laid down the mason must decide which side of the brick will face outside towards the viewer. Will the brick be set flat or will it stand up? Will the wide side or the narrow side face out? The following are terms which describe how the brick is set. Is it vertical or horizontal? Does it show the long or or the short side? Does it show the narrow or the wide side?  Is it laid down on the narrow edge or the wide edge?

Custom Fireplace

Note: Mortar should be protected from freezing for at least 48 hours after construction. If your project involves laying brick or block during cold weather,

Joints and Courses

Bond A bond is the patterned arrangement of brick or stone in a wall. The brick must be lapped upon one another, to prevent vertical joints from falling over each other.

Mortar Mortar is a pasty building material composed of sand, lime and cement mixed with water. This mixture gradually hardens when exposed to the air. Mortar is used as a joining medium in brick and stone construction.

Joint A joint is the mortar bond placed between individual masonry units such as brick, block or stone.

Types of Brick Building brick — Structural bricks are for construction. The holes are there to save material and reduce weight. Face brick — The solid ones that show. They are available in various colors, sizes and shapes. Firebrick — Heat resistant; made especially for fireplace or heat-sensitive construction. Pavers — For sidewalks, patios, and edging. Antique or tumbled brick — For instantly achieving the impression of antiquity.

Structural bricks are for construction. Pavers come in various shapes and sizes.

Grades of Brick There are three grades of brick to choose from: Grade SW — Severe Weathering - able to experience freeze and thaw cycles. Grade MW — Moderate Weathering - tolerance to frost and freezing. Used for outdoor walls. No Weathering — for indoor use only.