We are in need of more corner bricks for the terrace renewal at the Lamberson house. I can have a custom run of angled bricks made, which will be very expensive and a bit of a wait. Or...
Is it possible to cut solid bricks to the appropriate size? Would the cut face/ end hold up to the weather? Would the color of the cut face/end be similar enough to match the fired face?
Brick question
Most likely, the uncut face will be relatively smooth and have more of a slightly 'gloss' look to it than the cut face, which - when cut - will expose the more 'grainy' interior of the brick - and that most likely will have more of a matte look to it. The difference will probably be noticeable to the eye.
But, you could always get a brick you are thinking of using and cut it with a masonry blade, put it up against the existing brickwork and see what you think.
David
But, you could always get a brick you are thinking of using and cut it with a masonry blade, put it up against the existing brickwork and see what you think.
David
We had many "specials" fired for the restoration of the masonry at Dobkins.
It did take about 9 months to receive them but we did order a relativity small quantity.
As for price they were more costly than the common standards but we wanted what originally was used. The texture, color and surface was very important to us...and yes a cut brick looks different and absorbs water differently. A cut brick, over time, will also attract and display dirt and pollution to a greater extent than an uncut brick.
It did take about 9 months to receive them but we did order a relativity small quantity.
As for price they were more costly than the common standards but we wanted what originally was used. The texture, color and surface was very important to us...and yes a cut brick looks different and absorbs water differently. A cut brick, over time, will also attract and display dirt and pollution to a greater extent than an uncut brick.
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Laurie Virr
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peterm:
When I was building my house I was able to purchase 120˚ squint bricks, but not 60˚. 45˚ squints were available, and I decided to cut those to 60˚ for some of the quoins.
It was necessary to cut 2000 bricks for this purpose alone. [I also cut all the quarter and half bats in the walls, not wishing the masons to cut bricks with their trowels, a process that results in a ragged edge.]
David C’s description of the likely immediate effect is absolutely correct. In the case of my house the cut face eventually blended with the remainder of the masonry, but it was a process that took years.
If you were to choose to cut the bricks, it is worthwhile bearing in mind that if they have frogs, a portion of them may be revealed on the cut face: a trap for young players.
dtc had special bricks cast for the restoration of the Dobkins house, and the manufacturer did a fine job.
In the 37 years since I cut the bricks for this house, whenever I have required squints for clients’ houses I have always opted for the custom product over the cut version, and have never regretted it.
When I was building my house I was able to purchase 120˚ squint bricks, but not 60˚. 45˚ squints were available, and I decided to cut those to 60˚ for some of the quoins.
It was necessary to cut 2000 bricks for this purpose alone. [I also cut all the quarter and half bats in the walls, not wishing the masons to cut bricks with their trowels, a process that results in a ragged edge.]
David C’s description of the likely immediate effect is absolutely correct. In the case of my house the cut face eventually blended with the remainder of the masonry, but it was a process that took years.
If you were to choose to cut the bricks, it is worthwhile bearing in mind that if they have frogs, a portion of them may be revealed on the cut face: a trap for young players.
dtc had special bricks cast for the restoration of the Dobkins house, and the manufacturer did a fine job.
In the 37 years since I cut the bricks for this house, whenever I have required squints for clients’ houses I have always opted for the custom product over the cut version, and have never regretted it.
Brick
The recent project at the Weltzheimer House to rebuild the brick mass containing the Workspace and the extension of an exterior wall to conform to the original plans required special bricks commisioned from Belden Bricks in Ohio.
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Laurie Virr
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peterm:
I am hardly an expert on the climate of the Midwest.
Here in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, we have high temperatures in summer, and low in winter, with a maximum of 44˚ Celsius [111˚ Fahrenheit] and a minimum of - 9˚ Celsius [15.8˚ Fahrenheit]. The freeze/thaw cycle which causes so much damage elsewhere in the world, is virtually nonexistent, for altho the nights are cold, the frost is of short duration, and daytime temperatures in winter can rise to 10˚ Celsius, and even higher.
As I wrote previously, under this regime the cut bricks took years to attain the same color: nor, to the discerning eye, will the texture of the sawn face ever assume that of the rest of the masonry. At that time there was no manufacturer here prepared to make a special squint brick.
You have that opportunity. Were I you, I would grab it.
I am hardly an expert on the climate of the Midwest.
Here in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, we have high temperatures in summer, and low in winter, with a maximum of 44˚ Celsius [111˚ Fahrenheit] and a minimum of - 9˚ Celsius [15.8˚ Fahrenheit]. The freeze/thaw cycle which causes so much damage elsewhere in the world, is virtually nonexistent, for altho the nights are cold, the frost is of short duration, and daytime temperatures in winter can rise to 10˚ Celsius, and even higher.
As I wrote previously, under this regime the cut bricks took years to attain the same color: nor, to the discerning eye, will the texture of the sawn face ever assume that of the rest of the masonry. At that time there was no manufacturer here prepared to make a special squint brick.
You have that opportunity. Were I you, I would grab it.
Bricks with fired exposed faces will hold up much better than solid bricks with a cut face. Plus the appearance of a cut face is different.
Paul Harding FAIA Restoration Architect for FLW's 1901 E. Arthur Davenport House, 1941 Lloyd Lewis House, 1952 Glore House | www.harding.com | LinkedIn
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Education Professor
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/hypnoraygu ... 2877176099
The original corner bricks were from a separate firing as can been seen in this photo. So, do I match the "mistake", or match the field brick? This lighter color is consistent throughout the house. It doesn't bother me at all, but when one goes to restore... If I were to cut the brick, I might end up with a similar lighter color, and save a lot of money!
The original corner bricks were from a separate firing as can been seen in this photo. So, do I match the "mistake", or match the field brick? This lighter color is consistent throughout the house. It doesn't bother me at all, but when one goes to restore... If I were to cut the brick, I might end up with a similar lighter color, and save a lot of money!
Education Professor:
Yes, all the bricks at Dobkins were fired by Belden brick...office in Canton, Ohio, and brick factory in Sugarcreek, Ohio. They were fired originally in 1954 and most recently for the renovation in 1999.
Belden assured me they have been making these bricks for years using the same clay body, same grog, fired at the same temperature with the same fuel, which guaranteed the same color.
Because of our success, the Weltzheimer restoration architects used Belden as well, to produce their bricks a couple years back.
P.S. Belden also created the new bricks that were needed at the Robie restoration.
Yes, all the bricks at Dobkins were fired by Belden brick...office in Canton, Ohio, and brick factory in Sugarcreek, Ohio. They were fired originally in 1954 and most recently for the renovation in 1999.
Belden assured me they have been making these bricks for years using the same clay body, same grog, fired at the same temperature with the same fuel, which guaranteed the same color.
Because of our success, the Weltzheimer restoration architects used Belden as well, to produce their bricks a couple years back.
P.S. Belden also created the new bricks that were needed at the Robie restoration.
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Education Professor
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Thank you, dtc....I always appreciate your steadfast commitment to the stewardship of Dobkins and your keen attention to detail.
peterm......Although I'm not sure where the Lamberson bricks were fired, perhaps Belden could provide some technical guidance for your project given their successful track record with Dobkins, Weltzheimer, etc...
EP
peterm......Although I'm not sure where the Lamberson bricks were fired, perhaps Belden could provide some technical guidance for your project given their successful track record with Dobkins, Weltzheimer, etc...
EP