English Bond and Flemish Bond – Features & Difference
When it comes to brick masonry patterns used in wall construction, two of the most commonly employed bonds are the English bond and Flemish bond.
These bonds differ in their arrangement of stretchers and headers within each course, resulting in distinct features and appearances. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of each bond and highlight their differences.
English Bond
The English bond is a brick construction pattern where alternate courses consist of headers and stretchers. This bond can be used for walls of various thicknesses and is renowned for its strength.
Features of English Bond
The English bond exhibits the following features:
- Absence of continuous vertical joints: This bond creates a pattern where no continuous vertical joints are formed. Each course alternates between displaying headers and stretchers in the elevation.
- Alignment of headers and stretchers: In every alternative course, each header is centrally positioned above the joint formed by the two stretchers directly beneath it.
- Minimum lap for stretchers: Stretchers have a minimum lap of one-fourth their length over the headers. This applies specifically to the stretcher course.
- Appearance on different faces: Walls constructed with even multiples of half bricks exhibit the same appearance on both faces. Hence, a course that displays stretchers on the front face will also show stretchers on the back face. However, walls made with odd multiples of half bricks present stretchers on one face and headers on the other.
- Headers in thicker walls: The middle portion of thicker walls consists of headers.
- Use of queen closer: A stretcher course does not require a queen closer, but it is used for the header course placed just after the quoin header. Importantly, no header course should start with the queen closer.
- Varying joint thickness: Joints formed in the header course are twice as thick as those in the stretcher course. This results in thinner joints in the header course compared to the stretcher course.
Flemish Bond
The Flemish bond pattern consists of alternate headers and stretchers in each course. Moreover, every alternate course begins with a quoin header at the corner. Additionally, quoin closers are placed next to quoin headers in alternate courses to develop face lap. There are two variations of Flemish bond: double Flemish bond and single Flemish bond.
1. Double Flemish Bond
The double Flemish bond maintains a pattern of alternate headers and stretchers in each course. It possesses the same appearance on both the front and back faces, giving it a superior aesthetic quality compared to the English bond, regardless of wall thickness.
Features of Double Flemish Bond
The key features of the double Flemish bond include:
- Alternating headers and stretchers: Each course consists of headers and stretchers placed alternately.
- Uniform appearance: The facing and backing of the wall exhibit the same appearance.
- Quoin closers: Quoin closers are placed next to quoin headers in alternate courses.
- Use of bats: Walls with odd multiples of half bricks utilize half bats and three-quarter bats. In contrast, walls with even multiples of half bricks do not require bats.
2. Single Flemish Bond
A single Flemish bond combines the double Flemish bond on its facing side with an English bond as backing, incorporating hearting in each course. By utilizing the strength of both the English and Flemish bonds, this pattern is suitable for constructing walls with a thickness not less than one and a half brick. The facing side employs high-quality, expensive bricks, while cheaper bricks can be used for backing and hearting.
Difference between English and Flemish Bond
The primary difference between the English bond and Flemish bond lies in the arrangement of headers and stretchers within each course. In English bond, alternate courses consist of headers and stretchers, whereas Flemish bond comprises alternate headers and stretchers for each course. Additionally, the English bond showcases headers in the middle portion of thicker walls, while Flemish bond employs quoin headers and closers to maintain a consistent appearance on both faces.
Both bonds have their unique features and aesthetic qualities, making them suitable for different applications. Whether you choose the strength of the English bond or the visual appeal of the Flemish bond, understanding their characteristics enables you to make an informed decision when it comes to brick masonry patterns in wall construction.