B.G. Schickedanz Homes Inc.

 The reasons for brick’s enduring popularity are manifold.  In contrast to alternative exterior finishes, brick provides structural solidity and natural insulation from both extreme temperatures and noise.  Its thermal insulation can provide long-term savings to homeowners—now more than ever as energy costs continue to rise.  Brick is fire resistant and stands up well to inclement weather conditions.  Furthermore, brick requires very little maintenance over time, saving homeowners money and hassle.  Laypersons and designers alike overwhelmingly agree that the appearance of brick actually improves with age.

 Brickwork is also aesthetically pleasing.  Bricks are available in a variety of colours and can be arranged in a nearly limitless array of patterns, each of which offers its own structural and aesthetic benefits.  It does not need to be repainted as brick’s colour is ingrained, a product of its component materials and the temperature at which they have been fired.

 Bricks were first used in ancient Mesopotamia, perhaps as early as 8000 BC.  Used mainly in temples, they were chosen for their fire resistance and grandiose appearance.  Whereas bricks are now fired in large ovens called kilns, they were then baked in the sun.  Bricks were used in the construction of the Great Wall of China, a structure which defines durability.  Brick was also a key building material in ancient Rome.  Roman bricklayers took their skills throughout Europe.  These skills were largely lost with the decline of the Empire, but brick was reintroduced as a viable building method in the Middle Ages.  The material’s popularity gradually blossomed, and by the 18^th Century it was employed widely throughout Europe, particularly in more northerly climates.

 Brick is most often comprised of clay and other materials, such as chalk and ash.  As mentioned, the presence and proportion of these materials determine the finished brick’s colour.  Prior to 1800, most bricks in the United Kingdom were red due to the high iron content in the clay.  Because transportation was limited, brick materials had to be obtained locally, close to the site of construction.  Consequently, builders could not offer a wide range of colours.

 Advances in transportation, such as railways and canal systems, allowed building materials to be moved over greater distances.  Buyers now had a choice when it came to colour.  Changing aesthetic ideals led to the popularity of ‘white’ bricks, which contain lime.   These bricks range in colour from pale yellow to brown.  Red bricks came back into vogue in the 1870s and have remained popular to this day.  Cobalt, manganese and sand produce other colours, such as terra-cotta, blue or blue-black.  Often, structures incorporate bricks of two or more colours to great artistic effect.  Nevertheless, red and reddish-brown brick continues to dominate.

 Until the 1920s, mortar, which is comprised of sand and lime, was used to join bricks.  Cement gradually became the preferred joining material as it is much harder and largely impervious to water.  The way in which the bricklayer forms the joint determines the joint type, which can be bevelled out like an arrow (arrow head), level with the brick (flush), etc.  Each joint type has its own merits and demerits with regard to structural integrity, moisture resistance and aesthetic effect.  Different joint types, for instance, will cast different shadows on the brick as the sun passes overhead.

 In addition to providing an unparalleled exterior finish for the modern home, brick is commonly used for fireplaces, driveways and perimeter walls.  Skilful application of brick can produce intricate design details such as cornices, windowsills and balustrades.  Finally, brick can be laid in different patters to powerful effect.  For walls, we have the English bond, the common bond, the Flemish bond and several other patterns.  Driveways can be laid in designs such as herringbone and basket weave. 

 The appeal and popularity of brick is unlikely to wane even as building methods continue to evolve.  Most homebuyers in Canada would not consider buying anything other than a well-constructed brick home.  Of all common external home finishes, brick offers the greatest value.  For this reason brick homes have higher resale values than homes finished with alternative materials such as vinyl or aluminum siding.  Often overlooked on account of its ubiquity, brickwork is a craft which can boast of tremendous history and surprising complexity.  Brick appears well situated to retain its status as a paragon of durability, value and timeless elegance.