Masonry Inspection

Per EN 1996-2 Section 3, masonry units must comply with EN 771 (clay, calcium silicate, concrete, or natural stone). Mortar must comply with EN 998-2 — prescribed (by volume/weight) or designed (by compressive strength, e.g., M5, M10, M15). Mortar class must match the design specification.

1. Verify masonry units have CE marking and comply with relevant EN 771 part

2. Check unit compressive strength matches design requirements

3. Verify mortar class (M2.5, M5, M10, M15) matches specification

4. For prescribed mortar, check mix proportions (cement:lime:sand ratios)

5. For designed mortar, check compressive strength test results

- Wrong unit type or strength class delivered

- Mortar too weak — incorrect mix proportions or excessive water

- Units not properly wetted before laying (high absorption units)

- Factory-made mortar expired or incorrectly mixed on site

Per EN 1996-2 Section 3.6, walls must be built with proper bonding pattern, perpend and bed joints fully filled (for structural walls), and within verticality tolerances. Wall ties in cavity walls per EN 845-1 must be at specified spacing (typically 2.5/m² minimum). Bed joint thickness is typically 10–15mm.

1. Check wall verticality with plumb line — tolerance per EN 1996-2 (typically ±20mm per storey)

2. Verify bonding pattern is correct — staggered perpend joints per course

3. Check bed joint thickness is consistent (10–15mm typical)

4. Verify perpend joints are filled in structural walls

5. Check cavity wall ties are installed at correct spacing and slope outward

- Walls out of plumb or alignment

- Unfilled perpend joints reducing wall strength

- Bed joints too thick or variable — reduces compressive strength

- Missing or incorrectly spaced wall ties in cavity walls

Per EN 1996-2, movement joints must be provided to accommodate thermal and moisture movements. Typical spacing: 12m for clay masonry, 6m for concrete/calcium silicate. Damp proof courses (DPC) must be installed per EN 1996-2 Section 3.4 at minimum 150mm above external ground level.

1. Verify movement joints are at correct spacing for the unit type

2. Check joints are continuous through the full wall thickness

3. Verify DPC is installed at correct level (≥150mm above ground)

4. Check DPC material is undamaged and laps are sealed

5. Inspect cavity trays above openings and at changes of level

- Missing movement joints causing cracking in long walls

- DPC bridged by mortar droppings or render

- Cavity trays missing or not extending to weep holes

- Movement joints filled with rigid mortar instead of flexible sealant