Made by fusing together clay and shale, red bricks can last for many decades without ever requiring any maintenance; just one of the reasons why they’re so popular within the construction industry to this day.
When red bricks are being formed in the kiln – which is brought to a temperature of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit – the process during which chemicals are transformed causes the minerals found in the clay to fuse together, creating an entirely new material that looks great and performs even better: brick.
The popularity of red bricks in the U.S.
Ever since early Colonial America, red bricks have been used in the construction industry to create buildings that look incredibly impressive, and which stand the test of time. In fact, some buildings that were constructed way back in the 1700’s can still be seen standing proudly today, centuries later.
What better guarantee for masonry contractors and homeowners alike, that red brick should be the material of choice for their next project, than being able to see buildings made of red brick that have clearly endured hundreds of years of external hardship, from wars and destruction, to harsh weather conditions and environmental changes.
The creation of pavers
Pavers have actually been around in one form or another for thousands of years, with people in 4,000 BC inhabiting what is now known as Iraq and Syria, having been among the first to develop them in a kiln using a combination of sand and clay, and which they subsequently shaped into blocks of a rectangular shape.
Pavers have been used over the centuries to help create streets and sidewalks, but nowadays, they’re mainly used for such things as garden pathways, patios and driveways in residential settings.
What makes pavers so great in a residential setting?
When a driveway or patio is created using concrete, while it might look good initially, cracks and stains that are hard to eradicate or repair, can tarnish it and make it look old and outdated before its time. With pavers, on the other hand, as soon as any section of it needs to be repaired or replaced for any reason, it can simply be removed, at less cost and a lot less disruption.
Additionally, because the color of pavers is fired through their body, it never fades and never needs for sealant to be applied, unlike concrete. As such, pavers make for an extremely low maintenance installation for homeowners.
How are bricks and pavers manufactured today?
Rather than being formed by hand, and fired, as they were in days of old, machines are now used to manufacture bricks and pavers, and using a process called ‘face-coating,’ they can be made in a whole host of different colors and textures. As a result of this, bricks and pavers can be used as a veneer instead of being the primary material that forms a structure, but their classic character, durability, and adaptability still make them firm favorites for construction companies the world over, when compared to other modern materials.
Employing many hundreds of thousands of Americans to this day, the brick industry is embedded in American culture, and looks set to continue contributing to a diverse and rich aspect of the country’s history for centuries to come.
If you’re looking for a sturdy, long-lasting material to construct a home from, you can’t go far wrong with the timeless style and quality of bricks, while pavers make a great choice for enhancing the exterior of a property and making it safer and easier to access.