Red Seal Bricklayer Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of mortar in bricklaying?

1. To bond bricks together and fill the joints

2. To create insulation between bricks

3. To provide aesthetic appeal to the bricks

4. To enhance the color of the bricks

The correct answer is: To bond bricks together and fill the joints

The primary purpose of mortar in bricklaying is to bond bricks together and fill the joints. Mortar acts as the adhesive that holds the bricks in place, ensuring structural integrity and stability in the wall or structure being built. By filling the joints, mortar also helps to distribute loads evenly and provides resistance to moisture penetration, contributing to the overall durability of the masonry. While insulation between bricks is important in certain applications, it is not the function of mortar specifically; insulation materials are typically used separately to achieve thermal performance. Similarly, while mortar can contribute to the aesthetic appeal of masonry and be mixed in various colors, the primary function of mortar is structural rather than decorative. Enhancing the color of the bricks may be a consideration in some cases, but it is not the main purpose of using mortar in bricklaying. Therefore, the correct understanding focuses on the bonding and joint-filling capabilities of mortar, which are critical to the integrity of any brickwork.