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ASTM Standards for brick masonry
All face brick used for wall construction should conform to ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) C216. ASTM is the governing body that sets the minimum standards a clay brick has to meet in order to be considered adequate for building walls. Any designer interested in building with brick should have a copy of ASTM C216 and use it to properly choose the type of brick needed.
How Brick is Made
Raw surface clay and shale materials are taken from the ground in a process that is called winning. Materials are then carefully blended to control the quality, color and consistency of the desired finished product. The material is then formed by adding water and mixing materials in a pug mill. After mixing, the pugged clay is forced through a die creating a long extruded column of clay which is then wirecut to size. The material is then carried by conveyor systems into the firing kiln where it is first predried, and then carried through the firing stage of the kiln where temperatures can reach nearly 2000 degrees Farenheit. The brick can then be cubed and stored for shipping.
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AVAILABLE BRICK SIZES
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For convenience and convention, different names are used to indicate the size of brick. Unfortunately, this can lead to some confusion - always remember to double check the actual dimensions of the brick you are choosing.
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Brick size
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D
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H
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L
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Modular Brick
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3 5/8”
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2 1/2”
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7 5/8”
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Standard Brick
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3 5/8”
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2 1/4”
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8”
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Jumbo Brick
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3 5/8”
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2 3/4”
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8”
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King Brick
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3 5/8”
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2 3/4”
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9 5/8”
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Roman Brick
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3 5/8”
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1 5/8”
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11 5/8”
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Norman Brick
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3 5/8”
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2 1/4”
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11 5/8”
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Jumbo Norman Brick
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3 5/8”
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2 3/4”
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11 5/8”
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Economy Brick
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3 5/8”
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3 5/8”
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8”
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Utility Brick
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3 5/8”
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3 5/8”
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11 5/8”
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BRICK TECHNICAL ARTICLES
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Studies by the National Association of Home Builders and other building organizations continually find that 60% of the nation's homebuyers prefer brick homes. To the consumer, a brick home means a sound investment and savings. It increases a home's investment value, sells faster and brings a higher resale price. Brick is virtually maintenance-free. It never needs painting, caulking or staining. For more information on brick homes, visit i