Masonry Glossary – Brick, Stone & Structural Terms Explained
About this glossary. This masonry glossary was prepared by A&A Masonry, a Toronto masonry contractor specializing in brick repair, chimney repair, foundation masonry, stone porches & patios, and SurGuard® Coating applications. It explains common masonry terms in plain language for homeowners.
A
Anchor (Brick Anchor)
Metal ties that secure brick veneer to the structural wall behind it.
Why it matters:
Failed anchors can cause bulging or loose brick walls.
A&A Masonry service:
Inspection and replacement during brick repair and restoration.
Armour Stone
Large natural stone blocks used for retaining walls and landscaping.
Why it matters:
Improper installation can lead to wall movement or collapse.
A&A Masonry service:
Professional armour stone retaining wall installation.
B
Brick Replacement
Removing damaged bricks and installing new matching bricks.
Why it matters:
Prevents moisture from spreading damage to surrounding masonry.
A&A Masonry service:
Careful brick matching and replacement.
Brick Spalling
Flaking or breaking of the brick surface caused by moisture and freeze–thaw cycles.
Why it matters:
Spalling weakens bricks and accelerates deterioration.
A&A Masonry service:
Brick replacement and moisture correction.
Brick Tie Failure
Failure of metal ties that connect brick veneer to the structural wall.
Why it matters:
Can cause walls to bow or separate.
A&A Masonry service:
Inspection and stabilization of brick veneer systems.
Brick Veneer
A non-load-bearing layer of brick installed for appearance.
Why it matters:
Still requires anchors, drainage, and flashing to perform properly.
A&A Masonry service:
Brick veneer repair and restoration.
Brick Wall Separation
When brick veneer begins pulling away from the structural wall.
Why it matters:
May become a safety issue if left unaddressed.
A&A Masonry service:
Structural stabilization and rebuilds.
Bulging Brick Wall
A section of brick that bows outward from the structure.
Why it matters:
Often indicates anchor failure or moisture damage.
A&A Masonry service:
Structural brick stabilization.
C
Caulking
A flexible sealant used around masonry openings.
Why it matters:
Failed caulking allows water behind masonry.
A&A Masonry service:
Targeted exterior caulking.
Chimney Cap
A protective covering installed at the top of a chimney flue.
Why it matters:
Prevents water, animals, and debris from entering.
A&A Masonry service:
Chimney cap installation.
Chimney Crown
Concrete cap at the top of a chimney that sheds water.
Why it matters:
Cracks allow water penetration.
A&A Masonry service:
Chimney crown repair and replacement.
Chimney Flashing
Metal installed where a chimney meets the roof.
Why it matters:
One of the most common causes of chimney leaks.
A&A Masonry service:
Chimney flashing repair.
Chimney Rebuild
Partial or full reconstruction of a deteriorated chimney.
Why it matters:
Unsafe chimneys can leak or collapse.
A&A Masonry service:
Code-compliant chimney rebuilding.
Chimney Tuckpointing
Replacing deteriorated mortar joints on a chimney.
Why it matters:
Chimneys deteriorate faster than walls.
A&A Masonry service:
Professional chimney tuckpointing.
Cold Joint
A visible line where two concrete pours meet.
Why it matters:
May allow water infiltration.
A&A Masonry service:
Concrete crack repair.
Concrete Spalling
Surface breakdown of concrete caused by moisture and freezing.
Why it matters:
Common on steps and porches.
A&A Masonry service:
Concrete resurfacing and repair.
Control Joint
A planned joint that allows masonry movement.
Why it matters:
Prevents random cracking.
A&A Masonry service:
Joint installation and repair.
Coping Stone
Protective stone cap installed on top of walls.
Why it matters:
Prevents water from entering wall systems.
A&A Masonry service:
Coping stone repair and replacement.
D
Drainage Slope
The grading that directs water away from a foundation.
Why it matters:
Poor drainage increases moisture pressure.
A&A Masonry service:
Masonry repairs coordinated with drainage recommendations.
E
Efflorescence
White powdery residue caused by moisture carrying salts.
Why it matters:
Indicates moisture movement through masonry.
A&A Masonry service:
Efflorescence cleaning and diagnosis.
F
Face Brick
The visible exterior surface of a brick wall.
Why it matters:
Damage here accelerates moisture intrusion.
A&A Masonry service:
Brick repair and replacement.
Flashing
Metal used to direct water away from masonry joints.
Why it matters:
Missing flashing causes hidden leaks.
A&A Masonry service:
Flashing installation and repair.
Footing
The concrete base that supports foundation walls.
Why it matters:
Movement can lead to settlement cracks.
A&A Masonry service:
Masonry crack assessment.
Foundation Crack
A fracture in a foundation wall.
Why it matters:
Allows water ingress.
A&A Masonry service:
Foundation crack repair.
Foundation Wall
The structural wall supporting the home.
Why it matters:
Deterioration leads to moisture problems.
A&A Masonry service:
Foundation masonry repair.
Freeze–Thaw Cycle
Repeated freezing and thawing of moisture in masonry.
Why it matters:
Main cause of masonry damage in Canada.
A&A Masonry service:
Moisture-corrective repairs.
G
Grade Correction
Adjusting soil levels to direct water away from foundations.
Why it matters:
Reduces hydrostatic pressure.
A&A Masonry service:
Repair recommendations coordinated with drainage fixes.
H
Hairline Crack
A thin crack in masonry or concrete.
Why it matters:
May widen over time.
A&A Masonry service:
Early-stage crack repair.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Water pressure pushing against foundation walls.
Why it matters:
Forces moisture into cracks.
A&A Masonry service:
Foundation moisture solutions.
J
Joint Raking
Removing deteriorated mortar before repointing.
Why it matters:
Ensures new mortar bonds properly.
A&A Masonry service:
Professional tuckpointing preparation.
Joint Tooling
Shaping and compacting mortar joints.
Why it matters:
Improves water resistance.
A&A Masonry service:
Standard tuckpointing finish.
L
Lintel
Steel or concrete support above openings.
Why it matters:
Rusting lintels crack brickwork.
A&A Masonry service:
Lintel repair and replacement.
Lintel Rust
Corrosion forming on steel lintels.
Why it matters:
Expansion causes brick failure.
A&A Masonry service:
Lintel replacement with brick restoration.
M
Masonry Crack Repair
Repairing cracks in masonry materials.
Why it matters:
Stops water penetration.
A&A Masonry service:
Masonry crack evaluation and repair.
Masonry Sill
A stone, brick, or concrete sill beneath windows.
Why it matters:
Cracked sills allow water entry.
A&A Masonry service:
Sill repair and replacement.
Masonry Veneer
Decorative brick or stone not carrying load.
Why it matters:
Requires proper anchoring and drainage.
A&A Masonry service:
Veneer repair and reinforcement.
Mortar Joint
The bonding material between masonry units.
Why it matters:
Failed joints allow water ingress.
A&A Masonry service:
Tuckpointing and repointing.
Mortar Type (N, S, M)
Different mortar strengths used in masonry.
Why it matters:
Incorrect mortar damages brick.
A&A Masonry service:
Mortar matching and repair.
Mortar Washout
Loss of mortar due to prolonged water exposure.
Why it matters:
Weakens wall integrity.
A&A Masonry service:
Tuckpointing and repointing.
P
Parapet Wall
A masonry wall extending above a roofline.
Why it matters:
Highly exposed to weather damage.
A&A Masonry service:
Parapet wall repair.
Parge Coat Failure
Cracking or peeling of a parging layer.
Why it matters:
Exposes foundations to moisture.
A&A Masonry service:
Parging repair.
Parging
Cement coating applied to foundation walls.
Why it matters:
Protects foundations from moisture.
A&A Masonry service:
Parging repair and replacement.
Porch Repair
Repairing or rebuilding masonry porches.
Why it matters:
Porches deteriorate quickly in winter climates.
A&A Masonry service:
Concrete and masonry porch restoration.
R
Regrading
Reshaping soil to improve drainage.
Why it matters:
Poor grading increases foundation moisture.
A&A Masonry service:
Drainage recommendations.
Repointing
Replacing deteriorated mortar joints.
Why it matters:
Extends masonry lifespan.
A&A Masonry service:
Precision repointing.
Retaining Wall
A wall designed to hold back soil.
Why it matters:
Failure can cause collapse.
A&A Masonry service:
Retaining wall construction and repair.
S
Salt Damage
Deterioration caused by de-icing salts.
Why it matters:
Accelerates spalling.
A&A Masonry service:
Repair of salt-damaged masonry.
Settlement Crack
A crack caused by soil or foundation movement.
Why it matters:
May indicate structural issues.
A&A Masonry service:
Masonry crack evaluation.
Soft Brick
Older porous brick common in Toronto homes.
Why it matters:
Requires compatible mortar.
A&A Masonry service:
Heritage brick repair.
Spalling
Surface breakdown of masonry caused by moisture.
Why it matters:
Leads to structural deterioration.
A&A Masonry service:
Targeted replacement.
Step Rebuild
Complete reconstruction of damaged steps.
Why it matters:
Ensures safety and durability.
A&A Masonry service:
Concrete and masonry step rebuilds.
Step Repair
Repairing cracked or spalling steps.
Why it matters:
Prevents trip hazards.
A&A Masonry service:
Concrete step repair.
Stone Repointing
Replacing deteriorated mortar joints in stone.
Why it matters:
Prevents water penetration.
A&A Masonry service:
Stone repointing.
Stone Veneer
Decorative stone facing installed on walls.
Why it matters:
Poor installation leads to failure.
A&A Masonry service:
Stone veneer installation and repair.
T
Tuckpointing
Removal and replacement of deteriorated mortar between bricks.
Why it matters:
Prevents water penetration and brick damage.
A&A Masonry service:
Core masonry restoration service.
V
Wall Bowing
Outward movement in a masonry wall.
Why it matters:
Indicates structural stress.
A&A Masonry service:
Structural masonry evaluation.
Water Ingress
Unwanted water entering masonry.
Why it matters:
Leads to long-term damage.
A&A Masonry service:
Masonry leak detection.
Waterproofing
Systems used to reduce water penetration.
Why it matters:
Water drives masonry deterioration.
A&A Masonry service:
Breathable masonry protection.
Weep Holes
Openings that allow moisture to escape brick walls.
Why it matters:
Blocked holes trap moisture.
A&A Masonry service:
Weep hole inspection and clearing.
Weeping Tile
Perforated drainage pipe around foundations.
Why it matters:
Essential for moisture control.
A&A Masonry service:
Coordination with waterproofing solutions.
Window Sill Replacement
Removing and replacing deteriorated masonry sills.
Why it matters:
Failing sills allow water into walls.
A&A Masonry service:
Custom masonry sill replacement.
W
Wall Bowing
Outward movement in a masonry wall.
Why it matters:
Indicates structural stress.
A&A Masonry service:
Structural masonry evaluation.
Water Ingress
Unwanted water entering masonry.
Why it matters:
Leads to long-term damage.
A&A Masonry service:
Masonry leak detection.
Waterproofing
Systems used to reduce water penetration.
Why it matters:
Water drives masonry deterioration.
A&A Masonry service:
Breathable masonry protection.
Weep Holes
Openings that allow moisture to escape brick walls.
Why it matters:
Blocked holes trap moisture.
A&A Masonry service:
Weep hole inspection and clearing.
Weeping Tile
Perforated drainage pipe around foundations.
Why it matters:
Essential for moisture control.
A&A Masonry service:
Coordination with waterproofing solutions.
Window Sill Replacement
Removing and replacing deteriorated masonry sills.
Why it matters:
Failing sills allow water into walls.
A&A Masonry service:
Custom masonry sill replacement.
