HOW TO BRICK It™ ?

Brick It three step installation program illustrates the ease and simplicity of thin brick installation.

Our patented metal grid system is the easiest and most economical way to install thin brick. Our study shows that it decreases job complexity and increases brick adhering efficiency by up to five times in comparison to traditional methods. Installation details will vary slightly depending on job conditions, substrate and other details but general idea is shown in the few steps bellow.

Step 1

Metal Panel Installation, Continuous ledge design eliminates a need for starter channels and adapts to corner returns.

Our panels are designed with an interlock system; female at the bottom and male on top. Adhesive holes allow adhesive to seep thru to bridge any gaps created by “oil caning”. Mortar locks hold mortar firmly in place.

Measure and determine grid and brick layout.
Install the first row of metal grid using appropriate fasteners.
Offset vertical grid joints leaving 1/4" gaps.
Figure brick to extend pass grid by 1/2" at grid ends.
Always use metal snips when cutting panels to size.
Notch brick ledges and bend metal around corners. Click here.

Step 2

Thin Brick Installation, Brick It adhering method allows for thin brick installations even when temperature falls below freezing.

Three adhesive spreading methods are used depending on application; typical horizontal 3/8” bead recommended for interior use, dime sized three dots in the back of each brick and multiple vertical 3/8” beads for exterior MCS system.

Always start by adhering corner brick.
Adhere two rows of bricks across the entire wall to conform proper layout.
Adjust vertical brick joints to fit wall space. Approx. 3/8”.
Draw vertical lines every 48” to maintain spacing.
Press bricks firmly to wall while installing. Check periodically and repress to grid if necessary.
Cut brick as needed using proper masonry blade.

Step 3

Brick Grouting, Brick It mortar comes pre-mixed with all the components. Just add water.

Brick joint finishes will vary depending on brick type used, geographical popularity or customer’s preference. Most popular finish is called “Concave” and it’s used in a lot of commercial applications, “Grape Vine” is popular with Hand Made bricks and “Over Grout” is often used with Reclaimed bricks.

Place mortar mix into a 5 gal. bucket and add clean cold water slowly until mortar is thoroughly mixed. Preferably use slow speed ½ drill to mix.
Mortar is properly mixed when it flows easily out of the bag with a slight squeeze.
Apply mortar to joints; horizontal first and then vertical. Over fill joints to avoid voids.
When mortar attains a firm consistency (check every 3 to 5 minutes) joints are ready for tooling.
Cut excess mortar with a trowel, fill any voids and strike it with appropriate tool for desired finish.
Brush entire wall with a stiff brush. This is typically performed 20 to 30 minutes after striking but exact timing will vary.

Bonding & Patterns

In thin veneer masonry, brick bonding (patterns) is serving strictly decorative purpose. We show few popular examples here.

In full veneer masonry, bonding of brickwork is the arrangement of brickwork by the pattern of headers (the shorter face of the brick) and stretchers (the longer face of the brick). The most common form of bond on historic buildings is Flemish Bond. Modern cavity walls are built in the monotonous Running Bond.