Spotlight Magazine
What Do Bricklayers Do?
Here in the UK almost everyone lives
and works in some sort of brick-built
establishment, yet we barely spare a
thought for the people who build these
structures.
In contrast, in America, where most people
live in wooden houses, bricklayers are held
in very high regard.
Recently, a good friend of mine
commissioned a brick built extension to
his property and while visiting him I fell into
conversation with the project foreman.
I commented on the speed at which the
bricklayer was working and he replied,
“Yes, but there’s a lot more to it than
that. Speed is essential but it has to be
combined with strength, precision and
artistry.”
While I was considering this he smiled and
added, “They literally talk to the walls you
know.”
I must have looked sceptical, “Yes really,”
he said. “They converse with their project;
ask what it demands, what sort of bricks
they should use and how they should lay
them for maximum strength and visual
impact. They ask themselves if the climate
is hot or cold, damp or dry and the answers
to those questions influence the way the
structure is built.”
prefabricated masonry panels.
Bricklayers need to be able to understand
and interpret technical drawings and
specifications. They need to be able to
determine the best brick-pattern for the
wall, the correct mortar to use and how
much to make, and they need a good
knowledge of safety issues, especially
when they’re working high up.
A job begins with the construction of a
pyramid of bricks at each corner of the
structure, around which all the rest of the
bricks are laid. These corner leads, as they
are known, can only be laid by the most
experienced bricklayers as they need to
be absolutely precise. Less experienced
brickies can fill in the wall between the
corners.
A job ends with cleaning, which must be
carried out properly, or stains and streaks
will spoil the appearance of the finished
project.
So, if you want a strong, attractive brickbuilt structure you really are advised to call
in the experts.
Useful Information
Guild of Master Craftsmen (GMC)
http://www.guildmc.com/
01273 478449
Fascinating. There was
obviously more to this than
meets the eye. Mind you my
only experience of bricks was
with the brightly coloured
plastic variety so I had a lot
to learn.
Bricklayers might not work
with Lego but they do work
with materials other than
traditional red brick. They
may use solid bricks, hollow
concrete blocks, natural
and artificial stone and
14
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01332 416 121 • [email protected]