Take a look at these interesting facts about bricks to learn more.
We see bricks everywhere, from buildings to sidewalks to hardscaping features and more. However, there is a lot more to bricks than meets the eye. Take a look at these interesting facts about bricks to learn more.
Different Bricks Are Used For Different Things
There are different types of bricks with different uses. These are:
Face Bricks: These attractive and durable bricks are used in the exteriors of buildings.
Common Bricks: These are more important for their mechanical uses than their visual appeal. These are often used underground, where they might be covered with other materials as a part of a larger structure.
Paving Bricks: These bricks are used for walkways and roadways.
Fire Bricks: These bricks are used to line kilns, fireplaces, and furnaces.
Refractory Bricks: These bricks are specially designed to withstand high temperatures and have low thermal conductivity.
Brick Color Comes From Their Mineral And Chemical Content
Have you ever wondered what gives bricks their color? It’s the chemical and mineral content of their raw materials before they are fired. Fired bricks often contain sand, clay, lime, iron oxide, and magnesia. Iron oxide makes them red, but a higher lime content can make them white or yellow.
The Original “Brickmaking Capital Of The World” Was Along The Hudson River
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the largest brick making region in the world was along the Hudson. More than 100 brick manufacturers were in operation along the river for decades. Many of these bricks were used to make the buildings in New York City. The thriving industry there fell into decline around World War II.
Bricks Have Frogs
Bricks have frogs, and not the ribbiting kind. The indentations you can see in bricks are called frogs. No one knows why they are called frogs, or what exactly the frogs are supposed to do.
Interesting Facts About Bricks from Del Prete Masonry
If you are ready to upgrade your landscaping and hardscaping, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.