Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

What is a common feature in the brickwork of homes built around 1907?

1. The lack of insulation layers in the brick walls.

2. Presence of header courses in the brickwork.

3. Use of brick veneer walls for larger structures.

4. Use of lightweight materials in wall construction.

5. Inclusion of modern weatherproofing techniques.

The correct answer is: Presence of header courses in the brickwork.

The presence of header courses in the brickwork is a notable feature in homes built around 1907. Header courses are rows of bricks laid flat, with their short end facing out. This technique not only adds visual interest to the façade of buildings from this period but also plays a crucial role in structural integrity by providing a strong bond between the bricks. It was a common practice during this time, particularly in the construction of load-bearing walls, to use header courses strategically in the design. In contrast, the other options reflect construction practices or materials that were either not prominent or evolved significantly after this period. For instance, the lack of insulation layers in brick walls reflects the building codes and energy efficiency standards that were less stringent in the early 20th century. While brick veneer walls became popular later for larger structures, during the early 1900s, solid brick construction was still more dominant. Lightweight materials in wall construction and modern weatherproofing techniques are innovations that emerged much later, aligning more with contemporary building practices rather than those of 1907.