METROBRICK Technical Information

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

This section is intended as an informational resource to aid in specifying METRO^®BRICK Architectural Thin Brick. Please refer to specific installation and substrate product guides for instructions on using those specific products.

METRO^®BRICK is a thin, fired clay unit used as a wall covering and providing the appearance of conventional brick masonry. Metro Brick can be either thin-set or mortar-set in the field using traditional tile setting and grouting methods or various types of panel systems.

METRO^®BRICK can be used on a variety of interior and exterior wall substrates such as concrete, concrete unit masonry, gypsum sheathing, cementitious backer board, and plywood.

METRO^®BRICK can be used to shop or field fabricate a variety of modular wall panels faced with thin brick veneer.

Note: Code requirements for the installation of thin brick will vary from one municipality to the next. METRO^®BRICK thin brick should be installed according to ANSI standards and local codes as they apply. Use only reputable installers and the correct installation products to suit the application.

A typical specification to assure the use of METRO^®BRICK Architectural Thin Brick on your next job should be written as follows:

A. Thin brick shall be “METRO^®BRICK as manufactured by Ironrock Capital, Canton, Ohio, 44711."

B. The body composition shall be of the finest shales and clays producing a uniform dense body.

C. Color shall be:______________________

D. Sizes shall be:______________________

E. Test results shall be available upon request.

F. Joint width shall be as specified and provided by template (liner) manufacturer.

G. Mix bricks from several cartons for best shading during installation.

*H. Thin brick shall be waxed sufficiently on face to be exposed to prevent adhesion by concrete/mortar.

*I. Clean with 200 degree F. low pressure cleaner using water. Some acid based cleaners may damage grout joints. If necessary to use, test a small area first. Wet with clean water before applying any acid cleaner. Do not use any product containing Hydrofluoric acid, as it will attack both grout and bricks

*For panel systems only.

FOR THIN SET AND MORTAR SET
The recommended installation methods in the Tile Council of America’s "Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation”, and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards should be followed.

TCA installation methods TCA W201-02 and TCA W202-02 are recommended for exterior applications.

Methods TCA W211, W221, W222, W231, W241, and W244 may be used for interior applications and may be used for exterior applications when appropriate precautions are taken. These exterior cautions include flashing, expansion joint placement, and consideration for the particular climate conditions and exposure.

Test results and characteristics

METRO^®BRICK shall be of standard grade quality and shall exceed all of the requirements of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) C-1088-01a, the standard specifications for thin veneer brick units made from clay or shale.

The ASTM C-1088 standard specifications also require the ASTM C-67 Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile as shown below:

Specification Test Standard METROBRICK

Saturation Coefficient ASTM C-1088 N/A N/A

Efflorescence ASTM C-67 None None

Chipping ASTM C-1088 Max. 3% <2%

Size ASTM C-1088 Max. 1% Meets the Standard

Warpage ASTM C-1088 Max. .5% Meets the Standard

Modulus of Rupture ASTM C-67 250 lbs./sq.in. >500 lbs./sq.in.

Compressive Strength ASTM C-67 15,000 lbs./sq.in. Meets the Standard

Absorption ASTM C-67 Max. 5% <3%

Freeze-Thaw ASTM C-67 Min. 50 Cycles Passed 3,000 Cycles

Freeze-Thaw Brick in Concrete ASTM C-666 150 psi or greater Passed 300 cycles Meets the Standard

Shear Bond Strength
to Portland Cement ASTM C-482 Min. 50 psi >150 psi

Chemical Resistance ASTM C-650 Not Affected Not Affected

“METROBRICK” will exceed ASTM C-1088-01a (Type TBX Select) requirements for exterior grade.
“METROBRICK” will exceed the applicable ANSI (American National Standards Institute) requirements.

For more detailed information or if you have further questions about METROBRICK please call our customer service department @ 1-888-325-3945