What is the purpose of buttering in masonry work?

The purpose of buttering in masonry work primarily involves spreading mortar on the end shell or face of a block before laying it. This technique ensures that an adequate amount of mortar is present to bond the blocks together, facilitating a strong union between the units and enhancing overall structural integrity. Buttering helps to fill gaps and inconsistencies, allowing for better alignment and contact between blocks during the laying process. By applying mortar in this manner, it also aids in achieving a uniform appearance and can help mitigate issues such as voids that might compromise the wall’s performance.

Other options, while important in their own contexts—such as creating watertight walls or finishing the surface—do not specifically pertain to the act of buttering blocks in preparation for laying them in a masonry wall. The emphasis on the application of mortar before placement distinguishes buttering from other masonry processes, focusing on the initial bonding stage that is critical for the effective construction of masonry structures.