Why Do Bricks Have Gaps Between Them

By History of Simple Things

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Why do construction workers leave gaps between bricks instead of placing them tightly together? Those narrow lines of mortar are an essential part of how brick walls are built, allowing builders to handle differences in brick size, temperature changes, moisture, and small movements over time. In this episode of History of Simple Things, we explore the history and practical science behind mortar joints, from ancient brickmaking to modern masonry. 00:03 Why do bricks have gaps between them 01:04 What mortar actually does 01:41 Why brick walls need room to move 02:32 How temperature affects masonry 03:04 Why bricks are never perfectly identical 04:23 Why softer mortar can be better 05:37 How moisture affects brick walls 06:15 Expansion joints in modern construction 06:40 Why the gaps help walls last 07:03 The hidden purpose of gaps between bricks #HistoryOfSimpleThings #BrickWall #Construction #Masonry #Engineering

Tags: #HistoryOfEverydayItems, #HowItsMade, #BehindTheProduct, #SimpleThingsExplained, #EverydayInnovations, #ManufacturingProcesses, #FromRawToFinished, #TheMakingOf, #EverydayWonders, #ExploringOrigins, #UncoveringCreation, #TheStoryBehind, #CraftingEssentials, #OriginsOfInnovation, #DiscoveryOfCreation