TIL a simple brick bond pattern can change how water drains off a wall

I was down in Charleston last month cleaning a house that backed up to this old garden wall. The bricks were laid in a Flemish bond, but what caught my eye was how the headers stuck out just a hair past the stretchers. The owner told me it was on purpose, something about directing rainwater away from the mortar joints. I always thought bond patterns were just for looks, but now I am starting to wonder if we overlook the practical side of things. On one hand, a flush face looks cleaner and is easier to tool. On the other hand, a slight overhang might save you from repointing every 10 years. Has anyone else seen this done on purpose, or was that guy just feeding me a story?

2 comments

2 Comments

scott.grace19d ago

Huh, never thought of it that way but that actually makes a ton of sense.

skyler_craig19d ago

@scott.grace congrats, now you're stuck overthinking this forever like the rest of us.