ALL
ABOUT BRICKS:
Bricks manufactured today have changed little in design and manufacture
from those that were produced thousands of years ago. The big difference
is that the old bricks were sun baked or dried in the sun, but today's
bricks are heated in a kiln to harden them and to make them more
resistant to moisture and the weather.
The standard
size of a brick-2-1/4x3-3/4x8 inches -has not changed significantly
from the days when brick makers figured out that the unit was just
about the right size to handle easily with one hand.
Although
there are a great number of different kinds of bricks, there are
four basic types used in most modern construction.
Building
or Common Brick-
This is the most economical and popular brick made. It can be used
for almost any type of construction-including walkways. Because
the color and dimensional size of common brick varies, it is especially
suitable for walkways. Building
or common bricks are available in three different grades:
- SW:
This brick will withstand severe weathering such as freezing,
thawing, or rain-and-freeze conditions. These are the most expensive
grade of common brick.
- MW:
This grade withstands modest weathering, including some rain and
freezing, but cannot be used in areas of severe weathering.
- NW:
NW bricks can be used in mid climates where there is no danger
from freezing or frost. They are also suitable for frost areas,
but only if the bricks are protected from rain or moisture.
Face
Brick-
Face brick is the best quality brick. It is manufactured so that
all bricks are uniform in color, size, texture, and face surface.
It is more expensive than common brick.
Paving
Brick-
Paving brick is extremely strong and sturdy. It is made to be used
without mortar for walkways, driveways, courtyards. The paving brick
is composed of special types of clays that are baked at higher temperatures
and for a longer time than other brick types. The result is a very
durable and strong brick.
Firebrick-
This material is used to line fireplaces, and it is not recommended
as a paving type product.
SAND-BED
BRICK WALKWAYS:
Laying brick in a bed of sand is by far the easiest way to create
a walkway. If you follow the proper procedures, and if the climate
is mild, the job will last as long as if laid in a bed of mortar.
Pay careful
attention to proper grading and installation of the sand bed, or
else the project will look shoddy and haphazard. Remember, too,
that no matter how carefully you work on the sand bed, it will still
settle somewhat, resulting 1 depressions in the brick surface after
the job has been completed. To remedy the problem, remove the bricks
that have sunk down, place more sand beneath them, and then replace
the bricks, filling the joints with sand.
Excavating
the Subgrade-
One of the prime prerequisites to creating a good-looking, long
lasting brick walkway is a solid, well-packed subsurface. Usually,
you need only cut away the turf to the depth necessary to accommodate
2 inches of sand and the thickness (or part of it) of the bricks.
The paving material often reaches as much as 2 inches above the
ground level.
Clear
away all rocks and debris from the area and smooth it out as much
as possible. In areas where the soil is not naturally well-packed
or does not drain properly, you may need to first add a layer of
well-tamped gravel or crushed stone fill. If this layer is added,
adjust the depth of the excavation to suit. Even a well-packed soil
surface can be improved by tamping it thoroughly before the sand
bed is set.
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