---
title: "Masonry & Exterior"
url: https://bkgreenstone.com/topics/masonry-and-exterior/
description: "The rule that governs almost every masonry repair: the material you can replace must be the one that fails first."
---

# Masonry & Exterior

## All topics

- IN[Insulation & Air Sealing](https://bkgreenstone.com/topics/insulation-and-air-sealing/)
- WD[Windows & Doors](https://bkgreenstone.com/topics/windows-and-doors/)
- HV[Heating & Ventilation](https://bkgreenstone.com/topics/heating-and-ventilation/)
- PW[Plumbing & Water](https://bkgreenstone.com/topics/plumbing-and-water/)
- ME[Masonry & Exterior](https://bkgreenstone.com/topics/masonry-and-exterior/)
  - [Repointing mortar and why hardness matters](https://bkgreenstone.com/articles/repointing-mortar-and-why-hardness-matters/)
  - [Diagnosing damp in a basement wall](https://bkgreenstone.com/articles/diagnosing-damp-in-a-basement-wall/)
- MF[Millwork & Finishes](https://bkgreenstone.com/topics/millwork-and-finishes/)

## Reference sheets

- [Nominal lumber sizes](https://bkgreenstone.com/reference/nominal-lumber-sizes/)
- [Fastener and pilot sizes](https://bkgreenstone.com/reference/fastener-and-pilot-sizes/)
- [Insulation material guide](https://bkgreenstone.com/reference/insulation-material-guide/)

The rule that governs almost every masonry repair: the material you can replace must be the one that fails first.

Four joint profiles and where water sits on each. A recessed joint holds the most; a weathered joint sheds soonest.

## Notes filed under this topic

- [Repointing mortar and why hardness matters](https://bkgreenstone.com/articles/repointing-mortar-and-why-hardness-matters/) last worked on 2015-06-02
- [Diagnosing damp in a basement wall](https://bkgreenstone.com/articles/diagnosing-damp-in-a-basement-wall/) last worked on 2015-04-21

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