Joints in Architecture: Understanding the Terminology and Differences for ARE 5.0
PDD — Section 1, Objective 1.1 or Section 2, Objective 2.3
Terminology in architecture and construction carries a lot of weight. Subtle distinctions in meaning make a big difference among common materials, assemblies, and practices, and using the appropriate terms (especially when writing test questions) is essential.
Sill plate vs. sole plate, rift sawn vs. quarter sawn, vapor barrier vs. vapor retarder, to name a few.
The terminology used in one practice test question highlights just how challenging it is to craft a good one. The topic is mortar joints—specifically, the purpose of different joints, when they’re used, and how they’re made, which is crucial for ARE test prep.
Unfortunately, the question refers to “troweled joints” and “weather-struck joints” as two types of mortar joints, when in fact, “troweled” is a method for making various types of joints, one of which is “weather struck” [weathered]. Semantics aside, here’s what you need to know.
Two Joints
There are (generally) two ways to make a mortar joint; troweling and tooling. These methods are used to produce different joint profiles, each with unique advantages, disadvantages, and visual characteristics.
Troweled Joint
The mason uses a trowel to form the profile of the mortar joint. Because the excess mortar is simply scraped off, the surface of the remaining mortar is rough, porous, and less effective at preventing water penetration. Joint profiles include:
- Flush: Often used when the surface needs plastering and final finishing.
- Weathered: The mortar profile helps to shed water and emphasize the horizontal joints.
- Struck: Not recommended for exterior use. The mortar profile allows water to collect on the top face of the brick.
Tooled Joint
The mason uses a specially shaped tool to smooth the surface and compress the mortar into the joint, making the mortar itself more water-resistant.* Joint profiles include:
- Concave: The most common profile. It is considered the best joint for preventing water penetration.
- V-shaped: The tooling creates a line in the center which emphasizes the joint.
- Beaded (round or square): An ornamental bead highlights the joint. The surface of the joint is proud of the brick face, which can trap water and negate the water resistance provided by the tooling.
- *Raked: Not recommended for exterior use. Although a tool is used to scrape out mortar to the desired depth, the surface of the mortar is not smoothed and compressed, making it less water-resistant. Additionally, the profile of the joint allows water to collect on the top face of the brick.
Selecting the appropriate joint profile requires balancing effectiveness and esthetics (mostly effectiveness). For a little more insight into joint tooling, this short video is 90 seconds well spent.
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