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Wythe refers to a single unit thick vertical section of masonry, commonly made of brick or block. Different types of wall construction include single, multiple, and rainscreen veneer walls. Single skin walls are cheap and strong but require careful construction to be weatherproof.
Wythe, or white, is a term for a vertical section of masonry that is one unit thick, meaning it is built from a single line of masonry units. Units are usually brick, clay or terra cotta, or block, such as concrete. This term is often used when describing different types of wall construction. A masonry wall can be a single or multiple wall, and each type has its strengths and weaknesses. Brick cladding is a special type of construction and is usually used to provide attractive and durable cladding without serving a structural function.
In the past, structural walls commonly consisted of multiple wythes, using several layers of different masonry units such as stone, clay and concrete. These walls were often very solid and very thick but are also difficult to insulate due to the solid nature of the masonry. Examples of this type of construction include most clay brick and terra cotta brick walls built in the early 20th century.
A common type of wall construction consists of two wythes, usually with an outer layer of bricks and an inner layer made of cinder or cinder blocks. The two sections are generally held together by metal tie rods or rows of header bricks, which are installed laterally at regular intervals. There are also rainscreen veneer walls that have a masonry exterior, usually brick, separated from an interior structural wall by a cavity wall. The cavity wall makes insulation easier and also provides protection from the weather by allowing water that gets inside the exterior wall to escape.
In recent times, structural walls have commonly been constructed as single skin walls. This type of wall is often built using large brick or cinder block. A wall like this is relatively cheap to build and requires little maintenance, is fire and sound resistant, and can be very strong if built correctly. However, it has no cavity walls inside, so it must be carefully constructed to be weatherproof. Flashings and drain holes must be installed and the surface treated with a water repellent or paint. When building a single wall, it’s important to use the proper materials, both for the units, be they brick or block, and for the mortar.
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