How to inspect masonry

Step by step

1. 1

   Verify units, materials, and the mix

   Confirm the block or brick, mortar type, and grout match the submittals, and that materials are protected and dry. Check the mock-up if one was built — it sets the accepted standard for color, joint, and workmanship.

2. 2

   Check layout, coursing, and dimensions

   Verify wall location, thickness, openings, and coursing against the drawings, and that the wall is plumb and level within tolerance. Bond pattern and joint dimension should match the approved mock-up.

3. 3

   Inspect reinforcement, dowels, and grout cells

   Confirm vertical and horizontal reinforcement size, spacing, laps, and that dowels line up with the bars they splice. Verify which cells are to be grouted are clean of mortar droppings and that cleanouts are provided where required for high lifts.

4. 4

   Verify grouting and consolidation

   Watch that grout lifts are placed and consolidated per the spec, and that grout fills the reinforced cells solid. Under-consolidated or bridged grout leaves voids around the very steel the wall relies on.

5. 5

   Check ties, anchors, and joint reinforcement

   For veneer and cavity walls, verify tie type, spacing, and embedment, and that joint reinforcement is continuous and lapped. Ties are the only thing holding a veneer to its backup — missing or corroded ties are a life-safety issue.

6. 6

   Inspect flashing, weeps, and the cavity

   Confirm through-wall flashing is continuous with end dams and lapped correctly, that weep holes are open and clear at the right spacing, and that the cavity and drainage plane aren't mortar-fouled. This is the wall's drainage — block it and it leaks.

7. 7

   Coordinate the special inspector where required

   For engineered and reinforced masonry, confirm the special inspector observes reinforcement, grout, and any prism or mortar testing at the required frequency. The inspection keeps pace with the wall, not after it.

8. 8

   Document each lift before it's covered

   Photograph reinforcement, cleaned cells, flashing, and weeps before grout and the next courses hide them, and log any nonconformance for disposition. The record has to be built as the wall is.

Questions people ask

When do you inspect reinforced masonry?

As it's built, lift by lift. Reinforcement and cell cleanliness are verified before grouting, and grout placement is watched as it happens. Once a lift is grouted and the courses continue, that work is permanent.

Why are weep holes and flashing such a big deal?

Because a masonry wall is a drainage wall — water gets in and is meant to drain back out through the flashing and weeps. Block the weeps or reverse the flashing laps and the water has nowhere to go but into the building.