Scored concrete masonry units are manufactured with one or more vertical scores on the face to simulate additional mortar joints in the wall. Scored units reduce the perceived scale of the masonry wall while still allowing construction using full sized units. The scores are molded into the face of the unit during manufacture. Units with one vertical score are most common, and give the appearance of 8 in. x 8 in. (203 x 203 mm) units laid in stack bond. Units may also be available with 2, 3, 5, or 7 vertical scores.

Laying Units

It is usually desirable to lay units so that scores align vertically when the units are placed. This may require different bond patterns, depending on the configuration of the scores. For example, units with two and five scores can be placed in either stack bond or in a one-third running bond to align scores in adjacent courses. Note that varying bond patterns can impact how the wall responds to structural loads.

Scored Units