Figure 8-43.-Making a closure joint in a header course.

as on both sides of the closure brick (view 2). Then, lay the closure brick carefully into position without disturbing the brick already laid (view 3). If you do disturb any adjacent brick, cracks will form between the brick and mortar, allowing moisture to penetrate the wall. You should place a closure brick for a

Figure 8-44.-Making a closure joint in a stretcher course.

stretcher course (figure 8-44) using the same techniques as for a header course.

As we mentioned earlier, filling exposed joints with mortar immediately after laying a wall is called pointing. You can also fill holes and correct defective mortar joints by pointing, using a pointing trowel.