It may seem a heavy truth to take, but the U.S. construction industry is in the midst of a significant brick shortage.
According to those in the building industry, the protracted good economic times have brought about a residential and commercial building boom that has left many brickyards a few short of a full load. Bricks have always been a pricey option for residential construction, as well as structurally prohibitive for remodeling, but now they are also just flat out hard to find.
However, a recent technology offering a mortarless alternative to traditional brick has made its way to the U.S. from Canada. Novabrik, best described as a split-face concrete masonry siding, uses an interlocking tongue-and-groove design that screws into a home’s frame. Measuring 3 by 2.6 by 8 inches, Novabrik comes in several colors and, unlike traditional brick, does not require a foundation.
Developed by Alba Stone Products of Quebec in 1996, Novabrik is now owned and marketed by Minneapolis, Minn.-based Allen Block, which has licensed a number of block manufacturers around the country.
“A key to the product is the fact that there is no mortar involved,” said Tague Damberg of Novabrik. “By taking the mortar out you have a product that can be worked with 12 months a year, you have lower set-up and clean-up costs and no need for a brick ledge on your foundation.”
Damberg also notes that projects are now no longer 100 percent dependent on the availability of bricks and, just as significantly, a mason.
“It seems their numbers are diminishing,” he said. “It’s a tough line of work that can really beat you up over time and these folks can be hard to find.”
Unlike brick alternatives of the past that came in thin sheets and finished off with mortar, the patented Novabrik systems are composed of full-size masonry units that lock together much like aluminum siding. The resulting finish strongly resembles traditional brick construction without the signature mortar.
“It’s a specific look” Damberg said. “I think three-quarters of the people who might drive by would see just another red brick house, while the rest would say, `Hey, there’s something different there.’ “
In terms of cost, Damberg says a typical residential application of Novabrik will run 10 to 30 percent less than traditional bricks and mortar, with the savings coming primarily from labor.
For most people, this is not a do-it-yourself product, but just about all carpentry and siding professionals can handle it without any problem. Novabrik installers must go through a one-day certification course.
Part of the appeal of Novabrik is the ability to avoid using a professional mason while still getting a brick-like finish. However, John Nelson of Kankakee-based Triangle Supply says he has had a number of masons take the installation course because they see the product as an opportunity.
A brick and concrete supplier, Triangle recently added Novabrik to its line of available products.
“Masons currently have virtually none of the re-siding and remodeling market that makes up about two-thirds of the total exterior finishing market,” Nelson said. “That, combined with the brick shortage, makes this product an exciting option for them.”
Nelson has started several Kankakee-area projects with Novabrik. He says he sees so much upside that he is planning on opening a new company with a showroom dedicated to the product.
“Our industry has had very few advances over the years. It’s not like computers, where things change every day,” he said. “I think this is a significant advance. I think of it as brick siding.”
More information on Novabrik is available on the Internet at www.novabrik.com or by phone by calling Allen Block at 800-279-5309.
BITS N’ BYTES: Should you be bold enough to want to do your own concrete work, you would be well-served to review the Quikrete Web site at www.quikrete.com. In addition to helpful hints (avoid contact with eyes), there is also a cool project of the month with step-by-step instructions on efforts like how to build your own barbecue.
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Don Hunt and Brian Edwards write about technology related to buying, renting and fixing homes. They can be reached via e-mail at hitekhome@aol.com, or you can write to them: The High-Tech Home, Chicago Tribune, Your Place section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611.
