A brick header refers to a brick laid in a wall with its short end exposed on the face of the wall. It shows the end face of the brick, typically representing the width or depth of the wall structure.
In traditional brickwork, headers can serve both structural and aesthetic purposes. Structurally, they can tie together different courses or layers of bricks within a wall. Aesthetically, they are essential components used to create various bond patterns like Flemish Bond or English Bond, where they alternate with stretchers (bricks laid with their long side exposed) to create distinct visual designs and provide structural stability.
For applications using brick slips (thin slices of brick used as a cladding system), a specific component called a brick slip header is used. According to the reference, brick slip headers are brick slips which are cut from the short ends of a brick.
Key Characteristics and Uses of Headers
Headers, particularly brick slip headers in veneer systems, are crucial for replicating the appearance of traditional brick bonds without needing a full structural brick wall.
- Visual Appearance: They display the smaller, end face of a brick (~90mm or ~3.5 inches wide).
- Purpose in Bond Patterns: Headers are generally used and needed when the bond pattern dictates the need for a half brick profile, for example, in patterns like Flemish Bond.
- Detailing: Headers are often used in detailing work to create specific visual effects or finishes.
- Origin (for slips): Brick slip headers are manufactured by being cut from the short ends of a brick.
In essence, a header is the short-faced brick component seen on the wall surface. In brick slip systems, a brick slip header is specifically the cut end piece used to achieve this characteristic appearance, vital for accurately representing traditional brick bonds and detailing where a half-brick look is required.
Examples of Bond Patterns Using Headers:
- Flemish Bond: Alternates headers and stretchers within the same course.
- English Bond: Alternates entire courses of headers with entire courses of stretchers.
Understanding headers is fundamental to appreciating the design and construction methods used in both traditional bricklaying and modern brick slip cladding systems.
