Is there a library of information on how to use brick?

BIA publishes a series entitled Technical Notes which contains our most current information available on brick. This series covers a broad range of topics including design, specifications, properties, and construction. The Technical Notes present the most up-to-date information available on brick from BIA staff engineers. Most of the topics and answers given in this Frequently Asked Questions feature are derived from the Technical Notes.

Are there many color options available with brick?

Brick is an all-natural building material that is made from a mix of clay and water that is then baked, or "fired," in a kiln until hardened. Different clays produce different colors, and there are many different types of clays. In addition, various natural coatings, such as sand and limestone, can also be added during the firing process to produce different colors, effects, textures and finishes.Even a brick's position in the kiln can affect the final look. When you combine these with the tonal varieties of today's mortars, you can see that your color choices in brick are virtually endless.

Where can I find out about my color options in brick?

Visit a brick showroom near you to review your options. You'll have the chance to review hundreds of brick and mortar combinations. To locate a showroom, go to the online Member Directory. Also, be sure to check your local Yellow Pages under "Brick." hundreds of brick and mortar combinations.

How can I match existing brick?

Unfortunately, there is no national database of brick colors and textures. However, a local brick distributor representing a wide variety of manufacturers will probably be able to match your brick if it is still manufactured. A good brick salesman will know which brick in his stock comes closest to yours. This web site also has links to manufacturers many of whom have brick displayed on their web site. For names of local brick manufacturers and distributors, see your local Yellow Pages under "Brick".

Why should I buy a brick home?

Nothing else can match the classic beauty and elegance of a brick home. Building with brick says, "You have arrived." But there's more to brick than just looks. Brick offers lasting value. It can enhance the resale value of your home by as much as 6 percent. Brick is virtually maintenance free. It doesn't rot, dent, or need to be painted and it won't be eaten by termites. Brick is also energy efficient, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In short, brick offers you a combination of advantages not found in any other siding material. The world's most beautiful and most practical homes are built with brick.

Is brick that much more expensive than other siding materials?

Brick costs more than some other commonly used siding materials because brick is a premium product, but it's not nearly as expensive as you might think. In many parts of the country, a new brick home will cost you only a small percentage more than a comparable vinyl-sided home. Other products, such as artificial stucco, cost about the same as brick, but are far less durable and require much greater maintenance and upkeep.

What kind of maintenance does a brick home require?

A brick home is virtually maintenance free. Brick is one of the oldest building materials in the world, and one of the reasons it's still so popular is brick's ease of upkeep. Brick never needs painting, never rots, will never be eaten by termites and will never dent or tear. Brick homes built hundreds of years ago still stand today.

Is brick energy efficient?

Brick is a building material that has exceptional "thermal mass " properties. Thermal mass is the ability of a heavy, dense material to store heat and then slowly release it. For you, this means that during the summer months your brick home stays cool during the hottest part of the day. During the winter, brick walls store your home's heat and radiate it back to you. Vinyl, aluminum, wood or EIFS (artificial stucco) are all thin, light building materials that don't have good thermal mass properties. The superior thermal mass qualities of brick have been known for centuries. Most notably, the Pueblo Indians in the Southwest used adobe masonry to moderate weather extremes and keep their homes comfortable.

How does brick impact my home insurance costs?

A brick home is fire resistant, pest resistant and weather resistant. Brick is such a strong and durable building material that your insurance companies may even offer you a discount on your home insurance costs. Check with your agent for more details.

Do brick homes have a better resale value?

Take a look through this Sunday's real estate section of your local newspaper and read the home listings. Notice how people always list brick as a primary selling point. Brick's beauty and practicality are always a plus when you resell. On average, a brick exterior adds 6% to the resale value of your home.

Does brick allow me to personalize the look of my home?

Brick is not a one-dimensional product like stucco or siding. Brick allows you to personalize the look of your home with elegant detailing, such as arches and quoins, different bond patterns and special shapes. Brick expresses your personality and style like no other building product can.

Can I change my brick's color once it is in a wall?

A brick's color can be attributed to its clay composition, any added compounds, its firing temperature and any surface treatments. Because brick is composed of naturally occurring materials, all brick will not necessarily be exactly the same. For this reason, some brick may be of a slightly different color than others in a given batch. Usually, this adds character to a wall, but occasionally it is desired to blend these brick with other brick in the wall. This can be done by individually staining the brick in question.

Staining is a common practice and is usually done by a professional with expertise in its application. The stain itself is a proprietary product made specifically for brick. A local brick supplier in your Yellow Pages should be consulted for a product and professional applicator. Since the surrounding mortar joints must be masked, it is a time consuming process and is usually only done when a limited number of brick are involved. If staining is done properly, it should have no detrimental effect on the bricks and should provide a long lasting finish.