North Carolina General Contractors Practice Exam

What is the main characteristic of the moderate weather (MW) brick grade?

1. Used in interiors only

2. Exposed to severe freezing temperatures

3. Not permeated by water but exposed to freezing

4. Uniform in size and color

The correct answer is: Not permeated by water but exposed to freezing

The main characteristic of the moderate weather (MW) brick grade is that it is designed to be not permeated by water but exposed to freezing. This means that while MW bricks may be subjected to moisture and potentially freezing conditions, they have qualities that reduce water absorption, thereby minimizing the risk of damage that can occur when water within the brick freezes and expands. This characteristic makes MW bricks suitable for use in regions that experience moderate climate conditions where there is some exposure to wet weather, but not the extreme conditions that warrant a higher grade of brick such as severe weather (SW) bricks, which are designed to withstand harsher environments. In contrast, other options either misinterpret the conditions MW bricks are designed for or relate to other types of brick grades, such as those intended solely for interior applications or those required to withstand extreme freezing conditions without specifications on permeability. Uniformity in size and color is more related to aesthetic preferences rather than the defining characteristics of the MW classification.