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  1. FAQs

BRICK FAQs

A: 230 x 76 x110mm. Of course, not everyone follows these measurements to the letter, but this is the ‘Australian Standard’.
A: These are bricks built to withstand saline (salty) environments and their exposure grading is determined by a lab test. They are recommended when building up to 1km from a surf coast or up to 100m from a non-surf coast.
A: Efflorescence is a fancy way of describing the white, salty powder that sometimes appears on bricks (usually from salts in cement and mortar). Fortunately, the powder is completely harmless and will usually weather away with time. You can brush it off, although it may return if the salt source is still active.
A: The most common mix is a) one part cement, b) one part lime and c) six parts sand (M3 1:1:6, though the 'Australian Standard’ lists 7 other mix options). Whichever mix you choose, however, we strongly recommend one containing lime as it makes the mortar more durable and less prone to cracks.
A: ‘Thermal Lag’ is a term used to describe the way bricks both absorb and release heat slowly (hence the ‘lag’ part). It helps keep brick homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
A: The best time to clean brickwork is while it is being laid. Mortar smears should be cleaned as soon as possible using a scrubbing brush, running water and a sponge. If mortar hardens, acid cleaning can be used, but only as a last resort.
A: PGH bricks are made from clay, shale and other minerals that are moulded into the ‘brick’ shape then fired (cooked) at temperatures up to 1200°C.
A: Actually they’re better. Thanks to improved technology, not only are today’s bricks are stronger than ever before, they also come in a wider variety of colours and textures.
A: A brick’s ‘face’ is the side designed to be seen. Most bricks only have one ‘face’ and therefore it is important that bricklayers lay them correctly.
A: Bricks with holes (or ‘extruded bricks’) are manufactured with these holes to ensure that when they are fired, they cook evenly. The holes, up to 30% of material thickness, have no effect on the insulation or fire resistance of the brick (as confirmed by Australian Standards).
A: Yes. In fact, bricks are one of the few construction materials that can. The only circumstance where a brick might not be suitable for reuse is if that brick was not manufactured for a saline environment or wasn’t intended to be a ‘face’ brick.
A: Absolutely. Bricks have a remarkably low environmental cost, an extraordinary long life. Their thermal mass even reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling.
A: When designing energy efficient buildings, the architect and consulting engineers need to be able to calculate the heat loss or gain of materials used to construct the buildings. This is why building materials are categorises into 3 categories: Light (L), Medium (M) and Dark (D). Light coloured being a low solar absorptance and Dark coloured being a higher solar absorptance.

PAVER FAQs

A: Yes. Depending how these pavers are laid, however, not all are right for all driveways. Please call us on 13 15 79 if you need more information.
A: Not all pavers are manufactured for use in marine environments. Fortunately, PGH has a large selection of products that are suitable for these environments.
A: There are definitely situations where a slope may be too steep for laying pavers. The best way to discover if your driveway is suitable is to discuss it with your licensed tradesperson.
A: The majority of PGH pavers are sealed with Pavegard. This coating that helps guard against efflorescence and staining.
A: No. Due to issues with staining and drainage, it is an industry practice not to lay pavers on crusher dust.
A: We guarantee that all our products will be fit for purpose. Due to the natural variation that occurs in fired clay products affecting colour, texture and other features, however, we can’t guarantee our products will match any sample or brochure.
A: PGH pavers are made from fired clay, ensuring their colour and strength will last a lifetime.
A: The minimum amount varies between states due to different packaging configurations. To check the minimum in your state call us on 13 15 79.

PGH STONE FAQs

Tile adhesive over properly prepared substrate. Mechanical fixing may be required in certain circumstances. Please refer to the PGH Stone Cladding Installations. Recommendations document available on the Stone resources page.
It is not required to seal our Stone. A sealer will provide added protection and will usually be easier to clean if the surface becomes dirty. If you choose to use a sealer for added protection, use a penetrating breathable masonry sealer. NOTE: A sealer may affect the stone colour and may create a gloss or matte finish. Always test a small area beforehand.
The manufacturer of PGH Stone commits to sustainability by reducing waste and conserving resources during production. It recycles the wastewater from its manufacturing process and crushes imperfectly manufactured products to repurpose the material.
PGH Stone is made in Australia, does not require painting or coating, and can be used indoors or outdoors. It is backed by CSR, has minimal maintenance long-term and comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of 15 years.
Periodic washing to remove surface dust and debris is all that is required. Most products are virtually maintenance free.
Contact installer for accurate price.
PGH Stone can be applied to any structurally sound surface with the proper preparation. It fits nearly any building plan — large or small, interior, or exterior, new residential or commercial projects — or on any remodel.
Our hand-crafted products are made with reconstituted sandstone utilising naturally occurring aggregates, with various advantages over natural stone; its ease of installation, prefabricated corner pieces and caps to suit all products, its availability, more economical to buy than natural stone, colour can be altered to suit personal taste.
PGH Stone is cast from moulds created using actual stone pieces, PGH Stone displays the same textures, colours and patterns found in real stone masonry.
PGH Stone products may be adhered to any prepared clean, untreated, structurally sound wall surfaces. AC/ cement sheeting over timber or steel frame, Masonry and Brick, Tilt/Pre cast panel. Please refer to our installation instructions for further information.
PGH Stone can be installed around a fireplace. The veneer must be a minimum of 20cm from any open flame.
PGH Stone products will perform the same as any other quality reconstituted stone. Although, it should be taken into consideration with any reconstituted stone or natural material, continued exposure to chlorine and other chemicals may eventually affect the colouration of the products. When frequently exposed to water, we recommend protection with a non-film breathable masonry sealer. NOTE: A sealer may affect the stone colour and may create a gloss or matte finish. Always test a small area beforehand.
The approximate weights range from 48kg to 62kg per m2 depending on the PGH Stone product selected (exclusive of installation materials).
The loose stones are packed in corflute outdoor suitable boxes. Flats are sold in boxes ranging from 0.42–0.6 per m2. Corners are sold in boxes ranging from 1–1.2 L/m. Capping is sold individually
Yes! The products are suitable for both applications. They allow you to bring the outdoors inside as well as emphasizing your design and continuity in your colour and textures schemes.
The base colour is blended throughout, and permanent mineral oxide pigments are applied and absorbed when the veneer is cast. Colour becomes an integral part of the veneer and, like natural stone, there are minimal noticeable colour changes after years of weathering. 15-year warranty against colour fade no greater than 2%.
The choice between mortar or grout comes down to personal preference. Either can be used. Sand and cement based mortar can be tinted with an iron oxide pigment. This style of application can enhance or accompany the stone colour used. Tile grout can also be used to achieve the same outcome. Please refer to the grout manufacturer for technical assistance.
In general, installation of PGH Stone can be installed by almost anyone. However, installation does require a fundamental understanding of stone masonry. For Classic Ledgestone and Rugged Ledgestone, we highly recommend a professional installer. Please refer to our user installation guide.
As with any building material, the beauty of the product is greatly enhanced by how well it is installed. PGH Stone, careful consideration regarding the type of profile and colour selected, the actual installed stone “pattern”, and the type of grout technique used, are all very important factors to regard. It is always best to create a mock up board with the desired aesthetic appeal prior to installation on your project.
Yes, PGH Stone are easily cut or trimmed using a hatchet or wide-mouth nipper. We highly recommend the use of a dustless vacuum saw. Cutting guide available on the resources page.
Manufactured from crushed sandstone chips tend to blend in with the face colour and add a natural appearance to the Stone.
Not recommended for walkways due to the undulating finish. Not recommended for water features due to water absorption and adhesion.
Brick Terms

Arris

The sharp edge formed by any two surfaces meeting at an angle.

Banding

Brickwork, normally of a contrasting colour or texture, one or more courses high.

Batch

The specific production run of bricks or pavers.

BCA

Building Code of Australia.

Bevelled

The edges of the face of some bricks are bevelled or sloped, providing a softer decorative effect.

Blends

A mixture of two or more brick types.

Brick sand

Also called 'brickies sand'. Common term for sand used for making mortar. Colour can vary by region and therefore impact the mortar colour achieved.

Brick Veneer

Construction where a timber or metal frame is covered with a lining material for internal walls and a single leaf or layer of brickwork forms the exposed exterior of the building.

Burns

An aesthetic treatment during firing to create light to dark blushes. Also known as 'flashing'.

Commons

Bricks that are to be covered up, or used where they are not seen.

Crazing

Very fine non-structural cracks on the face of the brick.

Damp course

A course, or layer, of impervious material in a wall or floor to prevent the migration of moisture. Also called 'damp-proof course' or DPC. The Building Code of Australia requires the DPC to visibly extend beyond the mortar.

Dry Pressed bricks

Solid bricks that are made by pressing clay into individual moulds.

Efflorescence

A white or sometimes coloured powder, often furry in appearance, that can form on the surface of brickwork. This is caused by salt deposits in the mortar and can easily be brushed off. It disappears over time.

Face

The long surface of a brick to be exposed in a wall.

Flashing

A method used during firing to create light to dark blushes or areas of deepened colour.

Footings or foundations

The base of a building, usually concrete, designed to transfer loads to the ground.

Frit

A glass substance melted onto bricks to create glossy spots.

Full or double brick

Construction where most of the external and internal walls are made of brick. The external walls are usually composed of two layers of brick, with a 50mm cavity between them.

Hearting

A red, or sometimes orange, aesthetic burn on the brick face.

Joint

How the layer of mortar between two bricks is finished.

Monochromatic

Containing only one colour.

Mortar

A mixture of lime, cement, sand and water.

Owner builder

A builder who controls the building process of their own home, managing the project and coordinating subcontractors.

Pack

A package or bundle of bricks or pavers prepared for delivery.

Rockface

A brick face texture where the face of a brick is chipped off.

Slurry

A texturing process where a coloured solution is applied and kiln fired into the body of the brick to create a permanent, ceramic finish.

Tumbled or rumbled

A term used to describe the distortion of brick edges.

Vanadium

A form of efflorescence derived from yellow or green salt deposits that is particularly visible on light-coloured bricks.

Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw)

A measure of the reduction in sound level passing through a wall.

Wirecut bricks

Also called extruded bricks, these are bricks with holes made by forcing a column of clay through a die, and then cutting with a wire.

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