Brick has been used for thousands of years by masonry experts.
It is one of the most eco-friendly materials available for construction. Most bricks are made from clay that has been heated to a thousand degrees centigrade. This timeless construction material remains an essential component of the masonry process. Here are a few fun and interesting facts about brick and brickwork:
- The standard brick size in the United States is 2 ½ x 3 ¾ x 8 inches.
- The Great Wall of China was made from 3.8 billion bricks.
- The oldest discovered bricks were made from shaped mud and date back to 7500 BC in the upper Tigris region of Mesopotamia.
- There are thousands of types of bricks all named for their use, size, forming, method, origin, quality, texture, and/or materials.
- The white powdery scum that is sometimes found on new brick masonry is known as efflorescence, and it comes from water-soluble salt deposits emerging from within the masonry wall. It can be prevented by the right additives.
- Bricks are usually assembled into a variety of patterns. The most commonly used pattern is called a running bond. A row of bricks is called a course.
- Outdoor bricks that are used on the ground are called pavers.
- Bricks make for energy efficient structures. They hold heat as the sun goes down.
- Bricks are non-combustible and will not assist in the spread of fire.
- Bricks are incredibly durable and can hold out against intense wind and storm conditions.
- The color of bricks is established by the minerals used to make them. For example, red bricks are red due to iron. Higher firing temperatures also contribute to darker brick color.
- The brick building process produces minimal waste, with only an insignificant amount of minerals and moisture vanishing during the heating process.
- Brick homes have an average 6% higher resale price than non-brick homes.
Masonry Repair and Restoration from Del Prete Masonry
For all of your questions regarding masonry repair and restoration, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.
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