Masonry Magazine March 2004 Page. 46
Brick & Block
A Brick, is a Brick, is a Brick... Or is it?
By Jennie Farnsworth
MASONRY HAS THE REPUTATION AMONG MANY CONSUMERS as being a high commodity item. Some consumers may decide to turn to siding and other cheaper, but less durable, materials; others will hold out that their dream of owning a well-built, long-lasting masonry home will come true, as well as within their price range.
Over the years, the industry has discussed the possibilities they can pursue to keep masonry on the walls of buildings, thereby bringing steady work for mason contractors and their crews. There's been talk of keeping masonry competitive with other systems, creating new innovations, introducing certifications, and dozens of other options across the board to raise the market share of masonry in the U.S. building industry.
Many times, options and introductions for new ways of doing things for the good of the whole industry can lead to a decline in market share for certain members of the group. For instance, there are some in the masonry manufacturing industry who feel that the introduction of concrete brick is taking market share from clay brick manufacturers. While that is one way to look at it, others feel that concrete brick is just one more option to keep masonry on buildings, when the consumer could have gone with a non-masonry product instead.
Masonry discussed this topic with two manufacturers: Acme Brick Company, whose products include clay brick; and Hanson Brick, which produces both concrete and clay brick, among other items.