Red Seal Bricklayer Practice Exam

Using wet bricks in construction can lead to a higher risk of structural failure due to several factors. When wet bricks are laid, they can absorb moisture from the mortar or adjacent bricks, which can compromise the curing process of the mortar. This might result in weaker bonds between the bricks and mortar, reducing the overall integrity of the structure. Additionally, moisture trapped within the bricks can lead to expansion and contraction as the temperature changes, which may create stress points. Over time, this can contribute to cracking and potential failure of the wall or structure.

On the other hand, while wet bricks might seem like they would increase bonding strength or aid in faster curing of mortar, the reality is that excessive moisture often has the opposite effect. Similarly, while some might think wet bricks could improve thermal efficiency, this is typically not the case, as poorly bonded or compromised materials generally fail to perform effectively in maintaining thermal properties.