The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

First Aid For The Ailing Houses

Grade M (medium-hard) brick is usually referred to as "run-of-the-kiln" and consists of brick that ranges from a medium red to the dark, brownish red of the gradc-H brick. Medium-hard brick is generally used in house construction and withstands normal weathering very well. They are unevenly colored, however, and where appearance is a factor, "face" brick is used. Grade S (soft) brick is light red in color, and is quickly affected by severe weathering. Soft brick should never be used for outside construction unless covered with stucco or some other coating that is impervious to weather in itself, In general, the use of soft brick is confined to interior construe tion.

The second type of brick generally used around the house is "face" brick. This is brick that has had a facing color, texture, or smoothing applied and fired on at high temperatures. It is highly resistant to weathering and is similar enough to present a very even and matched appearance when used for exterior facing, such as brick walls, fences, etc.

Bricks are generally about 35i inches wide, 21/4 inches thick, and 8 inches long. This is the American standard brick, and both face and common brick are available in this size. However, smooth-surface face brick is usually 37/8 inches wide, and tliere are also a number of special facing bricks on the market which may vary considerably from these dimensions.

Fire brick, used where direct fire or heat come into contact with the brickwork, is made of special high-temperature clay. They are used in chimneys, furnace fire boxes, fireplace linings, and wherever else fire resistance is needed. Firebrick sizes are 41/2 inches wide, 21/2 inches thick and 9 inches long. Special mortar is used for building up a masonry that must withstand extreme heat and flame.

MORTAR

Straight cement mortar consists of 1 part portland cement and 3 parts sand. This gives great resistance to compression and is used for underground masonry or other work where dampness is present. This mortar sets quickly; it will lose strength should it freeze before it is thoroughly set.

Cement-lime mortar sets more slowly; it will not contract in setting, and for this reason it will bond more completely to brick, tile, and stone than straight cement mortar. The proportion of lime is from 10 to 20 per cent of the cement.

Straight lime mortar was formerly in exclusive use; it was largely displaced by the introduction of portland cement but is returning to favor for ordinary house construction. It hardens more slowly than straight portland-cement mortar and requires more time in preparation. The usual proportions are 1 part slaked or hydrated lime to 21/2 parts sand, although this may vary; with not enough sand the mortar will stick to the trowel, and with too much sand the mixture will be too stiff to be workable.