Masonry Fireplace Maintenance

Q: I'd love to add some brick or other masonry around my home and yard, but it seems so much more expensive than other alternatives that it's hard to justify. Any suggestions to get the rich look of masonry within my budget?

A: Brick is desirable because it's a traditional building material that gives a look and feel of permanence and stability to a home or building.

Although frequently used as a structural material up to about 50 years ago, brick is now used primarily for appearance's sake. This is due to the high cost of materials and labor necessary to build brick structural walls to satisfy today's building code requirements. However, there are many cost-effective ways to achieve the timely beauty of masonry.

Clay brick products are available in a wide range of colors, sizes and textures. The quality is more consistent than the hand made brick of the past; however, real bricks are often used because of their rustic, non-uniform appearance.

Concrete block has pretty much replaced clay brick for structural purposes because of its practicality and economy.

Today concrete block is not just the gray industrial material that usually comes to mind, but is also available in a variety of attractive colors and textures, including splitface, scored and slumpstone block.

Other Uses of Brick:

• Paving: Brick is frequently used on patios and walkways.

  Brick paving should be laid on a concrete base to avoid later problems with movement or settling.

  To lower the cost, brick detailing or inserts can be used in a concrete slab to improve the appearance. Interlocking paving units are available in a variety of colors and shapes for use in both commercial and residential work.

• Walls: Masonry walls have many advantages over wood fences. They require little maintenance, they block sound and they provide much more privacy.

  Concrete block wall systems are now available which are competitive in price with quality wood fences.

• Fireplaces: Although not relied upon primarily for heating today as they were in the past, people enjoy having a fireplace in their home. It's often the centerpiece of a room because of the warmth and charm it adds.