Masonry is a popular choice for claddings and can be found on the majority of NZ buildings — and for a good reason. Masonry cladding has proven weathertightness, is solid, hardwearing and low maintenance.

However, New Zealand is subject to seismic events, making the chance of cracking in the brick or block veneer quite realistic. There are a couple of areas prone to cracking that require extra support:

• Above all openings, windows and doors (especially where they meet rooftops and decks and the gap is smaller than 800mm)
• External corners
• Rooftop gable meets a soffit
• When the bricks or blocks are laid in a stacked way

Two things that bricklayers can do to help prevent cracked mortar joints:

1. Control joints
2. Reinforcement

Masons Bricklock and Blocklock products have been developed to strengthen brick and block veneer, walls and fences. Both are excellent products for areas that are prone to cracking or movement. They are made from 4mm galvanised or stainless steel rods in 2m lengths. For corners, Bricklock corner pieces are available.  

Specifying Brick or Blocklock is easy

Specifying brick reinforcement in plans is a level of assurance well worth the small additional time and cost. Find specification details at:

• MASTERSPEC: 4261MB Masons Brick Veneer System
• SMARTSPEC: Masonry Veneer Cladding Accessories
• Two Storey Brick Veneer System. BRANZ Appraisal No. 690 [2017]

Alternatively, specifiers can search for BrickLock on EBOSS or the Masons website.

Bricklock and Blocklock are available through merchants including ITM, Placemakers, Mitre10, Carters, Bunnings and other independent trade stores.