Hanson Brick was long recognized as one of North America’s largest and most reliable manufacturers of brick and clay products. While the company has undergone various brand transitions over the years—most notably becoming part of the Meridian Brick family and later General Shale—the legacy of Hanson Brick products remains a staple in the construction industry. Whether you are a homeowner looking to match existing masonry or a builder selecting materials for a new project, understanding the characteristics and applications of these brick products is essential for a successful outcome.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Hanson Brick products, including their primary types, aesthetic options, and practical benefits. We will also discuss how to identify these bricks today and the best practices for keeping them in top condition. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of why these products are valued and how to utilize them effectively in your next home improvement or construction task.
The Evolution of Hanson Brick
Hanson Brick earned its reputation by producing high-quality clay bricks that met rigorous industry standards for strength and weather resistance. For decades, they operated numerous plants across the United States and Canada, offering localized styles that reflected regional architectural trends. This regional approach allowed them to provide a vast array of colors and textures tailored to specific markets.
In recent years, the Hanson Brick brand was integrated into Meridian Brick, which was a joint venture that eventually became part of the General Shale and Wienerberger families. For users searching for “Hanson Brick” today, it is important to know that many of the original product lines are still manufactured under these newer brand names. If you are trying to find a specific Hanson product for a repair or expansion, your local masonry distributor will likely point you toward the current General Shale or Meridian catalogs.
Primary Types of Hanson Brick Products
Hanson Brick offered a diverse range of products designed for different structural and aesthetic needs. Understanding the differences between these types helps in choosing the right material for your specific application.
Face Brick
Face brick is the most common type of product associated with the Hanson name. It is designed to be used on the exterior of a building where appearance is just as important as structural integrity. These bricks are manufactured to be durable, fire-resistant, and capable of withstanding various weather conditions while maintaining their color over time.
Thin Brick
Thin brick, also known as brick veneer, offers the look of a traditional brick wall without the weight and thickness. Hanson’s thin brick products are often used for interior accent walls, kitchen backsplashes, or exterior siding where a full-depth brick is not feasible. They provide the same texture and color as full-sized bricks but are much easier to install on existing surfaces.
Paving Bricks
Beyond walls, Hanson produced a variety of clay pavers. These are specifically engineered to handle foot traffic and vehicle loads. Unlike concrete pavers, clay pavers are known for their colorfastness, meaning they will not fade under intense sunlight. They are ideal for driveways, walkways, and patios, providing a timeless look that requires minimal maintenance.
Choosing the Right Style and Texture
One of the reasons Hanson Brick became so popular was the sheer variety of styles available. When selecting a brick, you should consider both the color and the texture, as these will define the overall character of your building.
- Smooth Texture: These bricks have a consistent, uniform surface. They are often used in modern or contemporary architecture to create clean lines and a polished appearance.
- Wire-Cut Texture: This texture is created by cutting the clay with wires during the manufacturing process. It results in a slightly roughened surface that provides more visual interest than a smooth brick.
- Tumbled or Antique: To achieve a historic or rustic look, bricks are often tumbled in a large drum. This rounds the edges and creates a weathered appearance, making them perfect for traditional-style homes or restoration projects.
- Sand-Faced: These bricks have a layer of sand applied to the surface before firing. This creates a soft, matte finish and can introduce subtle color variations that add depth to the wall.
Benefits of Using Clay Brick Products
Choosing Hanson-style clay brick offers several long-term advantages for homeowners and developers. Brick is frequently cited as one of the most sustainable and cost-effective building materials over the life of a structure.
Durability and Longevity: Clay brick is incredibly strong and can last for over 100 years. It does not rot, dent, or succumb to pest infestations like wood or vinyl siding might. It is also highly resistant to high winds and debris impact.
Energy Efficiency: Brick has a high thermal mass. This means it can absorb and store heat energy, helping to keep the interior of a home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This natural insulation can lead to significant savings on utility bills.
Low Maintenance: Once installed, brick requires very little upkeep. It does not need to be painted or stained. Aside from occasional cleaning and checking the mortar joints every few decades, brick remains beautiful with almost no effort.
Fire Resistance: Because clay bricks are fired in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, they are naturally non-combustible. This provides an extra layer of safety for your home and can often lead to lower homeowners’ insurance premiums.
How to Match Existing Hanson Brick
If you are renovating an older home or repairing a damaged wall, matching existing Hanson brick can be a challenge due to the brand transitions. However, it is possible to find a close match by following these steps:
- Identify the Original Product: Look for any leftover bricks in your garage or basement. Sometimes the product name or code is stamped on the side or end of the brick.
- Take High-Quality Photos: Capture images of your existing brick in natural daylight. Take both close-up shots of a single brick and wider shots of the whole wall to show the color range.
- Consult a Professional: Visit a local masonry supply yard that carries General Shale or Meridian products. These experts often have “cross-reference” guides that match old Hanson product names to current equivalents.
- Order Samples: Never rely solely on a catalog or screen image. Always request physical samples to hold up against your existing wall to ensure the texture and color tones align.
- Consider the Mortar: Remember that the color of the mortar accounts for about 20% of the wall’s appearance. Even if you find the perfect brick match, using the wrong mortar color will make the repair stand out.
Maintenance and Care Tips
While Hanson brick products are low-maintenance, they are not “no-maintenance.” A little bit of care can prevent common issues like staining or moisture penetration.
Cleaning: For general dirt and dust, a simple garden hose and a soft-bristle brush are usually sufficient. Avoid using high-pressure power washers, as these can damage the surface of the brick or erode the mortar joints. If you encounter stubborn stains like mold or efflorescence (a white, powdery salt deposit), use a specialized masonry cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspecting Mortar Joints: Over several decades, the mortar between the bricks may begin to crumble or crack. This is known as “spalling.” When this happens, you should perform “repointing” (or tuckpointing), which involves removing the damaged mortar and replacing it with new material. This prevents water from getting behind the brick and causing structural damage.
Vegetation: While ivy-covered brick walls look charming, climbing plants can actually damage masonry. Their roots can grow into the mortar joints and expand, causing cracks. It is generally recommended to keep vines and heavy shrubbery away from the surface of your brick walls.
Conclusion
Hanson Brick products have set a high standard in the masonry industry for quality, variety, and durability. Although the brand has evolved into new names like Meridian and General Shale, the core values of the product remain the same. By choosing these clay products, you are investing in a material that offers superior protection, energy efficiency, and timeless beauty for any structure.
Whether you are starting a new build or maintaining a classic home, understanding the types and styles of brick available will help you make an informed decision. For more information on home exterior projects and material selection, explore our other articles on masonry care and home renovation basics to ensure your property stays in excellent condition for years to come.