Southeast Michigan Veneer Brick Expert, Ambrico, Launches New Website

Ambrico’s renovated website showcases the company’s advanced thin brick installation system, which offers homeowners and builders a simple and affordable alternative to traditional brick. WARREN, Michigan, November 1, 2010 — Featuring Ambrico’s (https://ambrico.com) latest projects and product developments, the American Brick Company’s new website will supply visitors with an extensive array of valuable information. In addition to advice pertaining to …

Leave that brush alone! Experts say masonry facades are ‘happier unpainted.’

Masons aren’t big fans of painting brick, for aesthetic reasons as well as maintenance and structural integrity issues. “I like the natural look of the brick,” said mason Mark Vaughan. Some question whether paint can trap moisture in the masonry wall, especially in softer, more permeable old bricks. Old bricks, dating to before the World War period or even earlier, …

Brick facades are sturdy, but keeping them that way requires care

As old as dirt, the sturdy brick is. Long before fairy tales with pigs and wolves came along, ancient peoples knew the strength, fire resistance and durability of the humble clay brick. Modern people know that it adds value and the aura of prestige to a home. “Brick has housed humanity in its move from sticks, stones and caves,” said …

39 Ways to Prevent Cracks in Brickwork

Changes in temperature or moisture can wreak havoc on building materials, and brick is no exception. Elastic deformation due to loads, creep, or changes in volume can cause movement, which can crack your project’s lovely brickwork. There are two basic ways to avoid cracks in masonry elements (for the purposes of this article, we’ll stick to bricks): 1) minimize the …

Info about becoming a Brick Mason

Significant Points * Job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with restoration skills. * Some entrants learn informally on the job, but apprenticeship programs provide the most thorough training. * The work is usually outdoors and involves lifting heavy materials and working on scaffolds. * About 27 percent of brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons were self-employed. Brickmasons, blockmasons, …

Ambrico adds Twitter!

Ambrico is proud to have started a twitter feed. You will find updates about our site on twitter. To visit our twitter page, go to: http://twitter.com/#!/americanbrickco Our twitter username is @AmericanBrickCo

How to Cut a Hole in Brick Veneer

Brick veneer is a thin layer of surfacing material commonly found on both the interior and exterior of houses. Brick veneer can add elegance and style to a home. It provides durability with very low maintenance requirements. Installation differs depending on whether it is an inside or outside application. Cutting a hole in outside brick veneer is a job that …

Ambrico Updates McDonald’s Locations with a Quick and Simple Restoration Option

When McDonald’ s decided to renovate thousands of locations within a tight timeframe, Ambrico’ s (https://ambrico.com) brick panels were the one and only option with classic results and a trustworthy construction method. Delivering an elegant renovation alternative with all the luxuries of traditional brick at a fraction of the cost, Ambrico’ s veneer brick is gaining popularity with many contractors …

The Role of Flashing in Masonry

Jeremy Douglas Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sandell Construction Solutions We tend to think of bricks, blocks and mortar as some of the most durable building materials ever known to man. Throughout history, monuments, public facilities, and even our homes have been made with one form of masonry or another. Ironically, as we continue to develop new products and …