A queen closer is a specialized brick portion, precisely half the width of an original brick, created by cutting a standard brick along its length into two equal halves. This unique size makes it an indispensable component in quality masonry construction.
Understanding the Queen Closer in Masonry
In brickwork, maintaining a strong bond and avoiding continuous vertical joints is crucial for structural stability. This is where various types of "closers" come into play, and the queen closer is one of the most common and important.
Definition and Formation
A queen closer is fundamentally a broken brick portion whose width is half as wide as the original brick. It is formed when a full brick is cut precisely along its length, dividing it into two identical halves. This results in two pieces, each retaining the original length and depth, but with half the original width.
Key Characteristics of a Queen Closer:
- Dimensions: Retains the full length and depth of a standard brick but has exactly half its width.
- Formation: Produced by a lengthwise cut through the center of a full brick.
- Purpose: Primarily used for adjusting bond patterns and creating neat, strong corners and wall intersections.
Importance and Applications in Brickwork
Queen closers play a vital role in ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of brick walls. Their specific dimensions allow masons to achieve proper brick bonding, which prevents weak points in the structure.
Achieving Proper Bond Patterns
One of the primary reasons for using a queen closer is to maintain the bond pattern of a brick wall. Bond patterns dictate how bricks overlap, ensuring that vertical joints in adjacent courses do not align. This overlapping distributes loads evenly and prevents cracks.
- Corner Construction: Queen closers are frequently used at corners to start a course of bricks, allowing for a half-brick overlap with the course below and around the corner. This creates a strong interlocked corner.
- Jambs and Openings: They are essential around door and window openings (jambs) to provide correct bonding and a clean finish.
- Adjusting Lengths: When a wall section doesn't perfectly accommodate full bricks, a queen closer can be used to fill in the gap and maintain the required offset in the bonding pattern.
Enhancing Structural Stability
By preventing continuous vertical joints, queen closers contribute significantly to the overall stability and strength of a masonry wall. A wall with continuous vertical joints would be highly susceptible to cracking and failure under load or movement.
Practical Benefits:
- Improved Load Distribution: Helps distribute compressive loads more evenly throughout the wall.
- Enhanced Shear Strength: Increases the wall's resistance to forces that could cause sliding or shearing.
- Aesthetic Finish: Ensures a consistent and appealing brick pattern, free from unsightly aligned vertical joints.
Queen Closer vs. Other Closers
While the queen closer is distinct, it's helpful to briefly compare it with other types of brick closers:
| Closer Type | Description | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Closer | A brick cut lengthwise, resulting in a piece half the original width. | Corners, jambs, maintaining bond patterns. |
| King Closer | A brick cut diagonally from the corner of one end to the center of the other end, removing a triangular portion. | Adjusting bond at acute or obtuse angles, or for specific patterns. |
| Bevelled Closer | A brick cut at an angle along its length, creating a taper. | Creating splayed or chamfered edges, decorative purposes. |
For more detailed information on brick masonry techniques, you can explore resources on construction terminology or bricklaying standards.
In conclusion, the queen closer is a fundamental component in brick masonry, vital for achieving strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing structures by ensuring correct bond patterns and structural integrity.
