230 x 76 x110mm. Of course, not everyone follows these measurements to the letter, but this is the ‘Australian Standard’.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
Absolutely. Bricks have a remarkably low environmental cost, an extraordinary long life. Their thermal mass even reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling.
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.
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.
Not all pavers are manufactured for use in marine environments. Fortunately, PGH has a large selection of products that are suitable for these environments.
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.
The majority of PGH pavers are sealed with Pavegard. This coating that helps guard against efflorescence and staining.
No. Due to issues with staining and drainage, it is an industry practice not to lay pavers on crusher dust.
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.
PGH pavers are made from fired clay, ensuring their colour and strength will last a lifetime.
The minimum amount varies between states due to different packaging configurations.
Yes. Cultured Stone products are suitable for both, and allow you to bring the outdoors inside, emphasizing design and continuity in colour and texture.
Base colour is blended throughout the entire product. Colour overtones are applied and integrated into the product during the casting process.
Cultured Stone is the registered brand name for our extensive line of manufactured stone veneer products.
Cultured Stone products are cast in moulds taken from carefully-selected natural stone, using a process that faithfully captures even the faintest detail. Each colour and texture uses its own blend of Portland cement, lightweight natural aggregates and iron oxide pigments. Even on close examination, these manufactured stones look and feel just like the originals
Flat pieces are sold by the carton in square metre lots, and corner pieces (by the carton) are sold by the linear metre. Watertables / Sills and Cap Stones are also available.
The installed cost of Cultured Stone products is usually much lower than the installed cost of natural stone. Cultured Stone products require no additional footings, foundations or wall ties (depending on height), and installation time will be considerably less than when using natural stone.
As Cultured Stone products are a lightweight concrete material, they typically last as long as any quality concrete or masonry material such as concrete block, brick etc. Cultured Stone products carry a 50 year limited warranty.
Occasional washing to remove surface dust and dirt is all that is required. Cultured Stone products are virtually maintenance free. Never use any harsh detergents or chemicals on Cultured Stone products.
Cultured Stone products may be applied over most properly prepared, clean, untreated, structurally sound wall surfaces such as wood, wallboard, masonry or metal. See the Cultured Stone Installation Instructions for details.
Just as natural stone, Cultured Stone products will experience normal weathering during the life of the installation, no different than any other cement based material. See actual printed warranty for details.
