Think Brick

Homeowners are more aware than ever of brick’s lasting qualities that extend beyond the old brick schoolhouse or stately designs. They’re asking for brick because it’s one of the world’s most “green” building products.

The sustainable features of Mutual Materials brick not only add lasting value to a home, but help us all live a little greener.

• Locally manufactured—lowering carbon footprint
• Made from natural raw materials—essentially clay (shale) and water
• Durability—known life-cycle to 100 years or more
• Termite resistant—insects do not eat brick
• Low maintenance—no need for onsite finishes; it can be used as an interior and exterior
• Recyclable—reclaimed brick to make new ones or using old brick in retro designs
• Fireproof—nonflammable
• Natural insulator—keeping warm in winter and cool in summer

For more information on the green benefits of brick download this pdf from the BIA.

For the Advancement of Brick Masonry….

There is an organization that works to promote the advance of brick masonry, Western States Clay Products Association (WSCPA). Founded in 1962, its primary accomplishments have been to provide needed funding for research of clay brick masonry design and construction, especially research relating to the challenges of seismic activity in the Western United States.

Historically, much of the development of masonry building code language in the International Building Code, and formerly the Uniform Building Code, has been impacted by the research sponsored either wholly or in part by WSCPA. The organization has also published several documents that help with the proper design of various brick masonry wall systems.

Design Guide for Anchored Brick Veneer Over Steel Studs

Notes on the Selection, Design and Construction of Reinforced Hollow Clay Masonry

Design Guide for Structural Brick Veneer

Currently, the Design Guide for Structural Brick Veneer is under review. Updated references to current building codes as well as new developments in design and construction practices will help make this
Document more valuable to the architect and engineer.

Other documents available through WSCPA are:

Sustainable Design and the LEED Rating System

Fire Endurance Ratings of Clay Brick Masonry

Color That Lasts Forever...Paving Brochure

Brick Veneer on Steel Studs Brochure

Should any of these articles interest you, they can all be downloaded free of charge from the WSCPA website, http://www.brick-wscpa.org/index.php. A hardcopy may also be ordered through your Mutual Materials representative.

Along with WSCPA, Mutual Materials Company continues to help advance the use of one of the most beautiful, durable, and sustainable construction products available – reinforced clay brick!

Rick Crooks,
Mutual Materials Company

Retaining Wall Block Can Add Structure & Beauty To Any Project

When most people think of retaining walls, the first thing that comes to mind are those very tall, monstrous block walls that can be seen along the freeway holding up an entire hillside. These large engineered retaining wall systems perform very well in these type complex projects.

The fact is segmental retaining wall block (SRW) is very versatile, and not just for commercial use. Residential landscape projects often have multiple uses for SRW. You can use larger block like Cornerstone and Pisa to level off a slope and expand your yard. You can utilize smaller blocks like Manorstone and Roman Stackstone to create flowerbeds and planter boxes. Retaining wall block can also be used to create stairs and borders throughout your landscape.

If your landscape project is on the smaller scale and you want to “do-it-yourself”, you can come into any of our branches and talk to a sales person about which SRW will work best for your situation.

We also encourage people to go to our website: www.mutualmaterials.com, to find a contractor that specializes in retaining wall design and installation. Our Preferred Contactors have experience and training in the proper use of SRW and can be a great resource for you.

Sincerely,

Rob Rosson

Residential Sales Manager

Permeable Pavers in Action

Five years ago Mutual Materials worked with TCA Architecture to put permeable paving in place at the Snoqualmie Fire Station headquarters in Snoqualmie, Washington. We wanted to ensure that a system was being built that could support vehicle as heavy as a hook-and-ladder truck (approximately 73,000 pounds). With Mutual Materials Uni-Ecoloc, TCA was able to design a highstrength permeable pavement system that supports heavy traffic loads and allows rainwater to quickly return to the water table, avoiding the problems associated with surface runoff (higher water temperatures, pollutant discharge and peak flow damage).














Today, Snoqualmie Fire Chief, Bob Rowe, is still pleased with the system put in place. In his words:

"Though we have not kept up on the maintenance, the system is continuing to outperform my expectations. I was hesitant at first as to the durability of the pavers, and was skeptical whether they could hold up to the constant use of a fully loaded fire engine. The system has performed well beyond my expectations. There is no movement, channeling or cracking of the pavers. They still look great with very little noticeable wear."

To find out more about Mutual Materials permeable paving solutions, please visit: www.mutualmaterials.com/go_green.asp.














Sincerely,

Kendall Anderegg
Director, Residential Sales and Branch Operations