A header in brickwork refers to a brick laid with its shorter square face (approximately 9cm x 9cm) exposed on the face of the wall.
Headers are a crucial element in creating various brick bonds, most notably the header bond, also known as the heading bond. In header bonds, every brick course consists solely of headers. This bond is primarily used for single brick walls or to provide a decorative effect.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects:
- Definition: The short end of a brick visible on the wall surface.
- Dimensions: Roughly 9cm x 9cm (though exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on the specific brick).
- Function: Primarily used to create specific brick patterns and structural integrity, particularly in single-brick walls.
- Common Bond: Forms the basis of the header bond, where all bricks in each course are headers.
The presence of headers can significantly affect the aesthetic appearance and structural strength of a brick wall. Header bond provides lateral strength, especially when used with brick ties to connect to an internal wall.