Brickwork That Defines the Structure

Architectural brick masonry services built for homes and commercial properties in Duluth.

When you see a building in Duluth with brick that wraps corners cleanly, aligns at every course, and holds up through years of weather without cracking or staining, you are looking at architectural brick masonry done right. This is not just a veneer applied over framing—it is a structural or design element that contributes to the way the building looks, performs, and ages over time.

JF Masonry LLC handles architectural brick masonry for residential and commercial projects, working with full-size clay brick, thin brick, and custom patterns that require precision cutting and layout. The work includes laying brick in running bond, stacked bond, or custom patterns, integrating flashing and weep holes to manage moisture, and matching existing brick on additions or repairs so the new section blends with the old.

If you are planning a project in Duluth that involves brick, reach out to JF Masonry LLC to go over materials, patterns, and timelines.

How Brick Masonry Changes a Building's Appearance

Your project in Duluth starts with a foundation or prepared wall that can carry the weight of the brick, followed by layout lines that mark where each course will land to keep the rows level and the joints consistent. Each brick is set in mortar, tapped into place with a trowel handle, and checked with a level before the mortar begins to set.

Once the work is complete, you will see crisp joint lines, corners that turn without gaps, and a surface that sheds water instead of soaking it in. Architectural brick does not warp, fade, or require repainting, and it holds its color for decades without treatment or maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.

The mortar joints are tooled to a concave or flush profile depending on your preference and exposure, which affects how water runs off the surface. Flashing is installed above windows, doors, and at the base of the wall to direct moisture out through weep holes rather than into the wall cavity. This work does not include interior brick veneer or non-structural accent walls, which require different anchoring methods.

What homeowners ask before the masonry begins

People in Duluth who are planning brick masonry projects often want to know how the brick attaches to the building, how long the work takes, and whether the brick will match what is already there.

What is the difference between structural and veneer brick masonry?
Structural brick masonry carries the load of the building and is built in multiple wythes, while veneer brick is a single layer attached to a wood or steel frame with metal ties. Both require flashing and drainage, but veneer is lighter and faster to install.
How long does architectural brick masonry take to complete?
A typical residential project in Duluth takes one to three weeks depending on the square footage, weather conditions, and whether scaffolding or wall prep is needed. Mortar curing times can extend the schedule in cold or wet conditions.
Why do some brick walls have white stains on them?
White stains, called efflorescence, occur when water moves through the brick or mortar and deposits salts on the surface. Proper flashing and weep holes reduce this by controlling moisture movement within the wall.
What is a weep hole and why does it matter?
Weep holes are small openings at the base of a brick wall that let water drain out from behind the brick. Without them, moisture can build up and cause cracking, staining, or freeze damage over time.
How do you match new brick to old brick on an addition?
You compare the size, color, and texture of the existing brick and source a match from the same manufacturer or a similar product line. Mortar color is also adjusted to blend with the original joints so the addition does not stand out.

JF Masonry LLC installs architectural brick masonry on homes and commercial buildings throughout Duluth, working with full-size and thin brick in standard or custom patterns. Contact us to review your project and discuss materials, layout, and scheduling.