The defects of masonry in outer layers of walls of buildings with the bearing framework are considered. Consideration is conducted in the form of opposition to abstracts of article suggesting to forbid use of a hollow brick and stones in a laying of facades of buildings. It is shown that the percent of holes in masonry units is not the factor directly influencing operational reliability of facing layings. Examples of mass successful application of a brick and stones with high hollowness in housing construction of St. Petersburg are given. Insolvency of attempts of a prohibition on use of hollow products is proved in facing of external walls.