Teger Stone

Today I stopped by the job site to visit with Teger Stone. I was able to get a small sample showing the metal lath being applied along with a section of the scratch coat. I will try to get more detailed steps as I visit more jobs. Basic steps for stone application could be broken down to a couple of steps. 1) What is the structure am I appling the stone on? This will determine if a scratch coat is needed or not. Also, what type of surface preperation do I need to do? 2) Moisture barrier. (Tyvek, felt, other approved materials) I would also include any flashing for openings. You have to think like water, be the water, feel the water, with a little wind and gravity. 3) Vapor barrier. I would check with the stone supplier and ask if you could use a vapor barrier. (Make sure this does not void your stone warrenty) A vapor barrier would consist of a material that would creat a 1/4" void between the lath and the moisture barrier. An example would be MortAirVent. http://www.benjaminobdyke.com/ Ask for Bill, he's a great guy, tell him Mike sent you.

Stephen Alexander Homes

This is Summerton built by Stephen Alexander Homes of Chesapeake, VA. These are located on Kempsville Rd in Chesapeake. Steve Quick chose the Artistic Mountain Cobble Stone for the project. Other elements used are brick with special shapes, which adds tremendous character to the project. With the mixture of brick, stone, hardie siding, special trim, and the mixed roof lines, this is a must see for anyone. Great job on Summerton, and I am proud to be part of Summerton. Great job Steve.

Split Brick

Have you ever noticed these small brick underneath windows. The reason for the small cut brick under the window is so the brick could reach the window. The windows are already in the structure. When the masons start the bottom course, they need to measure from the starter block and figure the spacing. In this case the mason waited to see when they would hit the window, and fill in with a spacer. A way to avoid this is to measure to the window first, figure the joint spacing, if jointing will be to big or too small, the mason could use a split brick to start with on the starter block. A split is a brick cut in half length wise. Instead of the full 2 3/4" face height (oversize brick) it would be roughly

1 5/8" face height. This would allow for a normal joint size and mess with the window. So, let's use the splits next time.

Brick Complaint

Well, I found out how to use my camera as a recorder. This adds a whole new deminsion to my blogging. Well since this is my first video posting, I will stop writing and let the films begin.

www.jfschoch.com

Check out JF Schoch's website at http://www.jfschoch.com/ you will enjoy!!!!

JF Schoch, Heritage Park, Virginia Beach

Talk about pure ELEGANCE, this is it. JF Schoch creates masterpieces. This home is located in Heritage Park, VA Beach. The brick used is Lawrenceville's Cape Charles with Federal white mortar. The roof lines are outstanding and add so much character. I know one of the trade marks of JF Schoch is the grand entrances, this is has it and much more. Great job to all of the people with JF Schoch and thanks for allowing Lawrenceville Brick to be a part of it.

Back Bay, Prince Goerge Estates

Here is a great job by Back Bay of Virginia Beach. The subdivision is located off of London Bridge Rd. The name of the subdivision is Prince George Estates. Mike Perry chose an oversized Chesapeake brick from Lawrenceville Brick and Masonry Supply. The type of mortar is Holcim gray. This is a new brick from Lawrenceville Brick and this is the first job in Virginia Beach. Thanks to Mike and all from Back Bay. Great Job.

Back Bay, Victoria Park

This is the model home for Back Bay in Victoria Park, Virginia Beach, VA. The installation was done by Teger Stones of Virginia Beach. The stone used was Heritage Stone, Top Rock field stone with Holcim gray mortar. This home has several elements involved. The brick skirt is a gray color, the hardie board being blue/gray color, the metal roof, then the stone accents. This definitely has a down home drawl. Great job all the way around. Notice the stone keys with accent trim stones above the windows. Excellent!!!

Seahaven Custom Builders

Dennis I hope you don't mind, I am putting in a plug for your business.

Seahaven Custom Builders

Here is another great job by Dennis Williams of Seahaven Custom Builders. This home is located in High Court subdivision in Virginia Beach. The brick used is Carter's Grove with piedmont buff mortar. With the dark roof and white trim and the dark earth tone brick, this home pops. I have seen the inside of Dennis' homes, and they are decked out. The richness on the outside is definitely what is on the inside.

Deer in headlights

This week we completed a 2 day seminar on thin brick application. Thin brick is a new product in this area. The product can be used interior and exterior. The product is an actual thin piece (1/2 inch thick) of brick. We showed how to apply using the TABS System. I will talk more about the system in later publications.

Here again, if you are planning to renovate the exterior of your home or even new construction, thin brick is a great product to get brick on your structure. The product is supported by the structure and not the footer.

Artistic Suede Southern Ledge Stone

This is a Artistic Stone job. The profile and color is Suede Southern Ledge Stone. Teger Stone of Virginia Beach was the installer. This was an exsiting home that went through an exterior renovation. Benson Builder's of Virginia Beach was the contractor on this project. Outstanding job all around.

Mixed Brick Lots

Here is a classic example of brick runs being mixed. Typically this happens when some brick is shipped out on job and a second load is sent from another job lot. This situation can be solved several ways. 1) Tear out brick and lay brick that matches. If the home is a month or older, the actual run of brick is probably gone. 2) The next option is to stain the brick. A solution of sodium silicate, water and additives that were used to manufacture the brick (clays) can be added to stain the brick to match. Typically it is easier to go from light to dark. The main objective is to remove the boarders or balance the wall. 3) The masons or job super should have noticed and called the supplier immediately to handle the problem.

Whenever ordering brick, ask that all brick be shipped from same job lot. This will drastically reduce any problems such as this.

Robinson thin stone, Gray Castle

JM Froehler used Robinson Gray Castle thin stone. I saw the home before the stone was applied. The home looks incredible. No footer was needed to apply the stone. The stone is applied directly to the structure. This is what makes this product so desirable. This is definitely a show case on the block.