What is a common use for headers in bricklaying?

In bricklaying, headers are commonly used to tie two walls together. This technique is crucial for providing structural integrity and stability to a masonry wall. Headers are laid flat, with their ends facing the outside of the wall, which allows them to extend across the joint between two walls. This interlocking method helps distribute loads and improves the overall strength of the structure. By using headers in this manner, masons can effectively create a bond that resists lateral forces and enhances the durability of the walls.

While the other options may seem feasible in certain contexts, they do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of headers in the traditional masonry sense. For example, headers can contribute to archways, but they are primarily structural elements for bond reinforcement rather than decorative features. Similarly, while headers may support courses above them in specific instances, their main role lies in connecting walls rather than serving as a first course support or forming a bond beam on their own.