Question

It’s the end of the work day, and you are out at the job site when you notice the mason toothing the brick. What is the mason doing and should you allow it?

Answer

Toothing is a near vertical termination of a masonry wall from which the end stretchers of alternate courses project. The mason is probably finishing the work for the day and believes this keying system will make a strong joint. Toothing however makes it difficult to fill joints adequately and achieve proper bond. The wall should be terminated at a vertical expansion joint or should have successive courses stepped back.