Has anyone used this product in the Southeastern part of the United States for residential work? I know traditionalists will probably bark a dog and pony comment, but I am curious as the alterntive to poorly installed (i.e. not stupid-proof) conventional brick seems to push ideas to the extreme.
While I think that the interlocking method is interesting and a necessity to bind the bricks to form a monolithic structure, I can see how the aesthethic interpretation can present a problem. I was first aware of this product a couple of years ago and wondered why the original creators of the product didn’t seek to fabicate a false or fake mortar ‘liner’ to restore the mortar look.
I sent an email to the Dillion company to inquire about more localized businesses using this product and also curious as to the costs–anyone know?
Replies
Haven't used it in the southeast... but I have used it (ohio).
Good product for what it is. Certainly does not look like conventional brick. Some customers like the look... some don't.
Went to their class on installation.. pretty simple... not rocket science. They have a bit of an issue with the interlock not being consistent... so I cut small slivers of aluminum to use as shims to level it up as I go.
Cost is pricy... but not as much as what it would cost to retrofit for brick. I'm paying .75 a brick, 2.50ish for wainscot and sill. Corner block is about 1.75ish. Be aware that white is much higher (20-30% higher).
For the right application.. I really like it. For the wrong application... it REALLY looks out of place.
I have used it for the inset portion of a bi-level... looked REALLY good. Had a customer request it for a fireplace surround... looked good only after some adjustments for architectural details.
Did a steel building exterior... and while the customer liked it... I didn't. Too much... needed something to break it up. Looked like a huge sandstone blob.
It goes up fast... prep is pretty simple (be sure to not skimp on 1x3... you'll use a lot of it).... and a little ingenuity makes the finish trim somewhat simple.
Edited 3/22/2005 1:57 pm ET by Rich from Columbus
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