While traditional clay brick continues to be a workhorse material in new construction projects, it is rarely used as a structural building component. When compared to alternative nonstructural veneer options, such as precast concrete and thin-brick systems, clay brick can be excessive in terms of weight and installation time.
Dryvit aims to rectify the peccadilloes of brick when used as a façade with the introduction of NewBrick, a lightweight insulated brick product that is coated with a specially formulated finish to mimic the look and feel of traditional brick. The thin-brick material is installed much like bathroom or kitchen tile. Each unit is adhesively attached to almost any substrate—concrete, masonry, air/water resistive barrier, EIFS. The joints are then sealed with conventional mortar to replicate the appearance of handlaid brick construction. An engineered drainage plane removes incidental moisture.
NewBrick is 12 times lighter than conventional four-inch face brick, weighing 2.45 lbs./sf compared to 29 lbs./sf. This weight savings means NewBrick is easier, safer, and faster to work with, especially for multistory construction, according to the maker. Building support systems, such as shelves, pans, and ties, are no longer needed, and the costs associated with transporting materials to the job site are decreased.
When used with Dryvit’s Outsulation system, NewBrick creates an energy-efficient wall assembly that meets IECC and Title 24 requirements for the use of continuous insulation.
Available in 16 standard colors, four blends, three textures, three effects, and four sizes: modular, utility, economy, and norman. A full line of corner, end, edge cap, and flat brick units are also available.
Courtesy of Dryvit.
An office building in Schenectady, N.Y., was one of the first NewBrick installations. Courtesy of Dryvit.
Related Stories
| Nov 10, 2011
Skanska Moss to expand and renovate Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
The multi-phase terminal improvement program consists of an overall expansion to the airport’s footprint and major renovations to the existing airport terminal.
| Nov 10, 2011
Suffolk Construction awarded MBTA transit facility and streetscape project
The 21,000-sf project will feature construction of a cable-stayed pedestrian bridge over Ocean Avenue, an elevated plaza deck above Wonderland MBTA Station, a central plaza, and an at-grade pedestrian crossing over Revere Beach Boulevard
| Nov 8, 2011
Transforming a landmark coastal resort
Originally built in 1973, the building had received several alterations over the years but the progressive deterioration caused by the harsh salt water environment had never been addressed.
| Nov 8, 2011
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Moisture-related failures in agglomerated floor tiles
Agglomerated tiles offer an appealing appearance similar to natural stone at a lower cost. To achieve successful installations, manufacturers should provide design data for moisture-related dimensional changes, specifiers should require in-situ moisture testing similar to those used for other flooring materials, and the industry should develop standards for fabrication and installation of agglomerated tiles.
| Nov 8, 2011
$11 million business incubator Florida Innovation Hub at the University of Florida completed by Charles Perry Partners, Inc.
The facility houses the UF Office of Technology Licensing, UF Tech Connect, other entities, and more than 30 startup technology tenants.
| Nov 4, 2011
Mortenson Construction builds its fifth wind facility In Illinois
Shady Oaks Wind Farm is under construction near Compton, Ill.
| Nov 1, 2011
Holcim awards winners for North America announced
A socio-architectural project to create regional food-gathering nodes and a logistics network in Canada's high arctic territory won the top prize for North America of $100,000.
| Oct 26, 2011
Metl-Span selected for re-roof project
School remained in session during the renovation and it was important to minimize the disruption as much as possible.
| Oct 26, 2011
Shawmut Design and Construction awarded Tag Heuer build in Aventura, Fla.
New store features 1,200 sf fit out at Aventura Mall.