1. Choosing the right material is crucial

When constructing external walls, selecting the appropriate building material plays a key role. Several options are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Brick blocks – An excellent choice due to their high strength, good thermal mass and long lifespan. Modern precision-cut bricks also reduce mortar consumption and speed up construction.

Aerated concrete blocks – Lightweight, easy to work with and offering excellent thermal insulation properties. Their disadvantage is lower structural strength compared to brick.

Concrete blocks – Ideal for load-bearing and retaining walls, providing high strength but weaker thermal insulation.

Before construction begins, it is important to consider climate conditions, building type and energy efficiency requirements to select the most suitable material.

2. Proper base preparation and laying the first course

The first course of masonry forms the foundation of the entire structure. If it is not level and precise, all subsequent courses will be uneven, which can cause serious issues later on.

The foundation must be level and dry – Before building, check the flatness of the foundation slab using a spirit level or levelling equipment.

Installation of damp-proofing – A damp-proof membrane must always be applied to prevent rising moisture from entering the masonry.

Precise laying of the first course – A builder’s line and spirit level are essential tools. The accuracy of this step determines the quality of the entire wall.

A properly laid first course saves time during further construction and eliminates the need for complex wall adjustments.

3. Use high-quality mortar and correct construction techniques

The mortar used directly affects the strength, stability and durability of the masonry. The choice depends on the type of building material being used.

Cement mortar – Suitable for traditional brickwork, ensuring strong and durable joints.

Thin-bed adhesive mortar – Used with precision-cut bricks and aerated concrete blocks, significantly reducing thermal bridges.

Thermal insulation mortar – Ideal for energy-efficient buildings, as it reduces heat transfer through joints.

For traditional masonry, a joint thickness of 10–15 mm is recommended, while thin-bed systems require only 1–3 mm.

It is also important to follow the bonding rule – each new course should be offset by at least half a brick to prevent continuous vertical joints.

4. Ensuring wall strength – reinforcement and lintels

Even when high-quality materials are used, certain parts of the wall require additional reinforcement, especially above doors and windows.

Lintels above openings – Prefabricated lintels or reinforced concrete lintels cast on site are used to bridge openings.

Masonry reinforcement – For some wall types, such as aerated concrete, reinforcement bars should be placed in selected courses to improve stability.

Expansion joints – For longer walls, expansion joints are necessary to prevent cracking caused by temperature changes.

Following these principles ensures that the masonry is not only visually neat but also structurally strong and resistant to mechanical stress.

5. Quality control and compliance with standards

Continuous quality control during masonry work is essential. Errors made during construction are difficult to fix later and can lead to additional costs.

Use a spirit level and builder’s line – Regularly check each course to avoid uneven walls.

Respect curing times – Allow sufficient time for mortar and masonry to cure properly to prevent cracking.

Consult professionals – If you lack experience, consult a specialist or hire a professional bricklayer.

Before starting work, it is advisable to review current construction price lists to understand the expected costs. Prices vary depending on location, wall type and project complexity.

High-quality masonry is the foundation of a successful build

Correctly built external walls ensure structural stability, energy efficiency and a long service life for the building. The key is to follow proper construction methods, use quality materials and regularly check accuracy during the build.

If you are planning new construction or renovation, consider whether to carry out the masonry work yourself or hire professionals. The cost of bricklaying varies depending on project complexity, but investing in skilled workmanship can save time, stress and future repair costs.

Before starting construction, carefully review building cost estimates and choose a solution that offers the best balance between price and quality. Building a house is a major investment, and it pays to prioritise precision and quality right from the foundations.