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Southeastern Wisconsin's leader in Brick, Stone, and Landscape products.

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Benefits of Using Realstone Systems Stone for Your Wisconsin Home

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Natural stone adds elegance to your home. Realstone Systems Stone are top of the line stone manufacturers located in the Midwest. Champion Brick is proud to offer this brand and is one of the few dealers in southeastern Wisconsin. Here’s what you need to know about using stone from Realstone Systems for your next project.

What’s Realstone Systems?

Realstone Systems, based in Troy, MI, is a manufacturer that produces an assortment of stone veneer. They offer a vast selection of different styles for homeowners to choose from. There a number of factors that earns Realstone Systems their reputation.

What are the Benefits of Using Realstone?

Stone veneer from Realstone provides numerous benefits to homeowners, firstly, it provides eco-friendly benefits.

Eco-friendly Material

Our society is becoming more environmentally conscious as the years go on. The same goes for stone manufacturers. Going green is highly beneficial for homeowners because it can significantly reduce how much natural resources you use. Therefore, using eco-friendly material in your home can also get you a LEED certification.

Work Up Some LEED Points

LEED, or Leadership in Environmentally Engineered Designs, rates a project’s impact on the environment. A LEED certification rates a project’s recycled content, construction waste management, impact on air quality and the innovation of the design. Installing Realstone in your home can help you work towards getting a LEED certification and add value to your home.

Stone Veneer Adds Value to Homes

Homeowners aren’t just going green, they’re investing in it. According to an article from Construction Dive, “area homes built to LEED between 2008 and 2016 saw an 8% increase in value, while homes built to more general green standards experienced a 6% rise.” Even then, stone veneer in itself adds significant value to a home’s resale value.

According to data from a cost vs. value report from Remodeling, homeowners who installed manufactured stone veneer saw 94.9% return on their investment. If you’re interested in boosting resale value, using real stone veneer helps homeowners get a bigger return on their investment.

Realstone is easy to work with. Above all, Realstone Systems’ does a great job with custom orders and sizing.

Realstone is Good for Custom Projects

Realstone is a good option for homeowners that are looking for a wide selection of colors and custom sizing. As a result, Champion Brick offers a wide range of Realstone Systems’ stone veneer, and homeowners can choose the dimensions they need for their next project. Looking for some inspiration for installing Realstone in your home? Take a look at Houzz’s gallery showcasing home improvement projects using Realstone Systems and see our guide to natural stone veneer!

Getting Realstone in Your Home

In conclusion, Realstone Systems’ stone veneer can be a great addition to your home for DIY projects and siding. Interested in availability? Call on Champion Brick for your next home improvement project!

Getting a Start on a Career in Masonry

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The trades are a great place for anyone looking for a career that’s hands-on and creative. Being a brick mason or stone mason opens up an opportunity to grow as a professional. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for masonry workers is expected to increase by 12% through 2026. If you like working with your hands or you are changing career paths, here’s what you need to know about getting a career in masonry.

What Does a Mason Worker Do?

A mason worker is anyone who builds structures out of materials such as brick, stone or concrete. There are many different pathways you can take in a career in masonry.

Brick Mason

Brickmasons lay brick and build structures such as walls, floors, chimneys, fireplaces and more. Cleaning masons help clean and restore structures made from brick. Refractory masons specialize in building and restoring structures exposed to lots of heat, such as furnaces.

Stone Mason

Stonemasons primarily work with natural or artificial stone to make walls, pavers or home exteriors.

Cement Mason

Cement Masons pour, level and finish concrete for sidewalks, roads, and driveways. They may use pour concrete over steel for additional support.

A mason worker doesn’t just build things out of brick, stone or concrete; they require a certain set of skills that make them a special breed.

The Skill Sets Needed for Masonry

Masonry requires good hand-eye coordination and strength. You may be required to get additional training and education in order to be able to read blueprints, work power tools and other skills that aren’t prerequisite to a job in masonry.

Education and Training

At the very minimum, you should have a high school diploma before you start your career in masonry. The most common routes for getting an education in masonry work is through apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs offer on the job training, meaning individuals learn as they work towards a associates degree in masonry work. The associate’s degree gives students a more focused curriculum by choosing a concentration of masonry work, whether it’s working with stone or cement.

A career in masonry opens the opportunities to work in a variety of different environments and projects.

What is the Work Environment Like?

A job in masonry can puts you in a variety of different settings. Brick and stone masons can work in both commercial and residential settings, working with bricks and stone to deck out homes and offices. Cement masons can find work paving roadways or building bridges, some can even find work in the arts!

The ability to work with stone, brick or cement is a valuable skill that requires immense skill and creativity. Interested in what professional stone and brickwork looks like? Take a look at our gallery page today or give Champion Brick of Wisconsin a call to find out what it takes to work in masonry.

Five of the Oldest Buildings in Wisconsin

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Wisconsin is home to beer, cheese, and some of the oldest buildings in the United States. Most of the buildings have maintained their structural integrity and kept their original infrastructure. Here are just five of the oldest buildings still standing in Wisconsin.

Basilica of St. Josaphat: Milwaukee, WI

The Basilica of St Josaphat is one of the oldest churches in the city of Milwaukee. The architect Erhard Brielmaier planned for the basilica to be made entirely of brick. It was decided that the Basilica would contain mixed materials salvaged from the Chicago Post Office. The Basilica was the product of the growing parish and Milwaukee’s Polish community in the late 1800s. This church has served Milwaukee’s south side for over 100 years, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Milton House: Milton, WI

The Milton House, located in Milton, Wisconsin, was built by Joseph Goodrich in 1844. The building was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a safe place for runaway slaves for almost 20 years. Goodrich excavated tunnels for slaves to make safe passage until the 1860s. It’s also the oldest grout building in the United States, which is a rare sight in itself!

Fairlawn Mansion: Superior, WI

On the far northwest tip of Wisconsin there lies a hidden gem. That gem, the Fairlawn Mansion, is a Victorian-era mansion that has been restored and is now a museum. The mansion served as a children’s home for over 40 years, providing shelter for a couple thousand children in need.

Wakely House: Nekoosa, WI

The Wakely House, located near Wisconsin Rapids, is the oldest home in Wisconsin. The house was built in 1842 by Robert and Mary Wakely. The couple migrated from New York, selling lumber along the way, to finally arrive in Nekoosa. The Wakely House serves as the main attraction for people visiting the Wisconsin Rapids area.

Ernest Hueffner Building: Racine, WI

Racine’s Historic Sixth Street Business District hosts many buildings that are still standing after more than 100 years. The Ernest Hueffner Building was built in 1842, making it one of the oldest buildings in the business district. It was originally built with Cream City brick, a cream-colored brick native to Wisconsin. To find out more about the significance of Cream City brick, see our blog post on the history of Cream City Brick!

Want to learn more about the oldest building in Wisconsin? Stay tuned for the second part of this post.

 

 

 

DIY Stone Veneer Projects for Wisconsin Homes

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Winter can be a great time to brainstorm DIY projects for your Wisconsin home. Stone veneer can be the main ingredient in sprucing up your home in time for spring. Whether it be inside or outside, there are a number of ways you can incorporate stone veneer in DIY projects. Here are just five ways you can get creative with DIY stone veneer projects.

Paneling Your Walls with Stone Veneer

You don’t have to bring out the paint bucket to spruce up your walls. Adding stone veneer panels can spice up your home. One benefit of using stone veneer is that it gives your walls more dimension. A good mix of elegance and liveliness is essential for creating an aesthetic. Champion Brick is proud to offer a number of different styles of stone veneer to choose from. Stone veneer works well with appliances such as grills and fireplaces.

Stone Veneer for Grills & Fireplaces

The cold months can get you dreaming about gathering around a fire pit or grilling out with friends. Stone veneer can be the source of inspiration to craft a DIY fire pit or grill. If you’re interested in making your own DIY stone veneer fireplace or grill, Pinterest is a great place to find ideas for DIY stone veneer installations! Decking out your home appliances with stone veneer works both in and outdoors.

Deck Out Your Kitchen with Stone Veneer

Stone veneer can be a great addition to your kitchen. The versatility it provides can give your kitchen an accent that will keep people in the room. Some popular choices for adding it in are kitchen tables, breakfast bars, cabinets, and backdrops for walls. Stone can also be a great addition to your bar.

Adding Stone to the Bar

You can turn your ordinary basement or outdoor bar into something more extravagant. Adding stone veneer to your bar is a great way to give your bar new life. Do It Yourself has a great step-by-step guide on installing a DIY stone veneer bar front. It may even lead to longer conversations with guests…and a few too many cocktails. Pavers are another great DIY stone veneer project for inside and outside of your home.

Why You Should Be Recycling Your Leftover Bricks

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So, you’ve redone your brickwork and there’s a heap of old bricks left over. You may be better off recycling them than letting them go to waste.

Bricks are a recyclable material. Numerous states have recycling plants designated for construction materials such as bricks. Recycling brick can have positive effects on the environment, economic advantages, and can spark new ideas for home improvement projects.

Recycling Bricks Is Good for the Environment

Bricks have been used for centuries because they are one of the most sustainable building materials. They are, however, often wasted. For instance, statistics from The Environmental Protection Agency showed that over 11 million tons of brick were wasted in 2015 alone. Statistics also showed that the production of brick rose from 2012 to 2014, meaning more unnecessarily wasted materials.

The report Benefits of Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling in the United States from the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Association (CDRA) notes that construction debris can be dangerous to the environment if not recycled properly.

If you don’t have a use for your old bricks, you can take them to a recycling plant or even antique stores that salvage construction waste. However, that doesn’t mean old brick should be wasted. Your leftover brick can provide economic advantages.

Recycling Brick Creates Jobs and Saves Money

Construction and demolition recycling is an important resource for homeowners and presents job opportunities. The benefits report from the CDRA also notes that workers at these recycling plants handpick reusable material to make new products.

Furthermore, if you’re a homeowner, reusing brick can also save you a little bit of money. For instance, you can use bricks that have been damaged as fill for pavers and for pouring concrete. If you enjoy DIY projects, there are plenty of crafty ways to reuse bricks around the house and garden.

Old Bricks Can Be the Start of a New Project

A load of recycled brick can be a source of inspiration for homeowners. Bricks are a trending material in the DIY sphere because of their sustainability, their strength, and their resistance to heat. For instance:

Start Your Next Project Today

As we look toward creating a greener future, expect brick to be a mainstay product for homeowners. From new bricks used for large projects to recycled brick used for outdoor living and gardens, brick is here to stay.

If you’re inspired to find ways to use brick around your home or property, visit our project gallery and see some of the many Southeastern Wisconsin brick projects we’ve completed. For all of your brick needs, remember Champion Brick.

Wisconsin Home Improvement Projects That Increase Home Value

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A home is a living project, both literally and figuratively. There’s always a project that can add style and value to your property. But how can you know what home improvement projects will add the most value to your home?

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, consider one of these five projects.

1. New Siding and Brickwork Adds New Life to Your Home

You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but a home’s brickwork often forms a lasting first impression. Regularly maintaining your home’s brickwork and siding adds a nice polish that makes your home look inviting.

According to a blog from Investopedia, homeowners who redo their siding can expect an average of 80.7% return on investment. However, the type of siding you install determines how much return you see. When in doubt, homeowners may see the best return on brickwork.

Alternatives to brick (like manufactured stone) are also creating a boom in return on investment for homeowners.

2. Replace Siding on Your Home

While vinyl sidings are a cheap option for dressing your home, they can also add value. According to a 2018 cost-value report from Remodeling, homeowners who invest in siding may see an average of 76.7% return on their investment. However, the type of material you use for siding your home greatly influences value.

For a high-end look with even greater returns, homeowners should consider alternatives to siding that mimic stone, like thin brick and stone veneer.

3. Add Manufactured Stone Veneer Siding

If you have the money, swapping out vinyl for manufactured stone may up your home’s value. The 2018 cost-value report from Remodeling shows that homeowners who added manufactured stone saw an average of 97.1% return on their investment.

Even if you aren’t in the market for selling, adding manufactured stone can give your home a welcoming look. Sprucing up your home’s appearance will have people wondering what other great additions your home has to offer.

4. Additions to Your Deck or Patio

A patio starts off as a blank canvas. It’s what you add to it that brings it to life. According to Remodeling’s 2018 cost-value report, homeowners who added to their deck or patio saw an average of 82.8% return on their investment.

Adding wooden additions like pergolas or brick fireplaces and ovens makes your backyard the place to be during a summer in Wisconsin.

5. Add Pavers Around Your Home for a Grand Entrance

Pavers are a product of multiple materials, such as concrete, stone, and brick. The variety of materials available gives homeowners plenty of options for finding what will look best for their homes.

Here are just a few great ways to use pavers:

  • Put them around your property to create a trail for exploration.
  • Use them to guide your guests into your home or around to the backyard.
  • Create a unique walking path through your garden.

Improving Your Wisconsin Home Means Choosing the Right Materials

While trends come and go, adding beautiful hardscapes and maintaining your home will inevitably add value to it. If you’re looking for a change for the better but don’t know where to start, contact a local company with experience and expertise. They can help you find the right materials to meet your goals.

To see the many ways our clients have used our high-quality brick here in Wisconsin, visit our project gallery. For more information on our bricks, manufactured stone, or hardscape materials, contact us today.

Soot: How to Identify & Remove From Brick

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If your brick house gets damaged in a fire or a fireplace made of brick, there’s a good chance your bricks developing soot. Soot, according to Merriam-Webster, is “a black substance formed by combustion or separated from fuel during combustion, rising in fine particles, and adhering to the sides of the chimney or pipe conveying the smoke.” Soot is not only cosmetically unappealing, but it also presents a wide range of health problems. Here’s what you need to know in order to identify and remove soot from your home.

What Does Soot Look Like?

Soot is likely to form wherever something burns, such as a brick fireplace or chimney. It can also appear on the outside of your home due to fire and smoke damage. According to Restoration Master Finder, soot occurs due to charred remains of wood, coal or oils. The incomplete burning of these materials leaves behind a black, tarry substance. It’s also referred to as black carbon and is commonly mistaken for mold & mildew by homeowners.

A simple method for identifying soot vs. mold/mildew with a paper towel and a little bit of bleach. According to a post from Clayton Homes’ Home Care Guide, if the substance doesn’t come off after rubbing it, it is most likely soot. It’s important to know when your brickwork needs maintenance. Having an inspection done is the best way to confirm the presence of soot.

Why is Soot Dangerous?

Breathing in carcinogens is a known health hazard. Constant exposure to smoke and carbon particles can lead to respiratory issues and cardiovascular issues similar to those who smoke or have asthma. According to a study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, people who are often exposed to the chemical may be susceptible to developing lung cancer and other ailments. The study showed that chimney sweepers were especially at-risk due to the work environment. Being proactive in getting rid of soot is the only solution, and it’s relatively easy.

How do I Remove Soot?

You can remove soot from brickwork with the right tools and productivity. It’s important to act fast on cleaning soot due to brick’s high porosity. In a video from This Old House, they demonstrate a method for cleaning masonry work using acid-based cleaners. Beware, acid can cause physical harm, so you should consult a professional before taking a DIY approach.

When to Call a Professional

Whether it’s inside or outside of your home, it’s important to contact a professional if you suspect soot. The health hazards of breathing in carcinogens present long-lasting effects. If your brick is unsalvagable due to fire damage and incomplete burning of materials, it’s likely you’ll have to replace your brickwork. Call on Champion Brick, we specialize in brickwork & stone veneer installation across southeastern Wisconsin.

How Cream City Brick Gave Milwaukee A Name

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Milwaukee is most known for beer and cheese. Did you know that it’s biggest city got the name “Cream City” from brick? The name Cream City comes from a locally sourced brick that helped build the city of Milwaukee during the 1800s. The origin, composition, and influence around the world make Cream City brick an important part of Milwaukee history.

Where did Cream City Brick Come From?

Cream City brick originated along the Menomonee River Valley and Lake Michigan. Terry Pepper’s essay “Cream City Brick: The Brick From Which Milwaukee Got Its Nickname” illustrates that the location made it easily accessible to suburbs surrounding Milwaukee. Cream City Brick made its way across the country before it ceased production in the 1930s. From houses to businesses, Cream City brick birthed the progression of Milwaukee’s industrial ventures for nearly 100 years. You might ask, what makes Cream City brick different from any other brick?

What Makes Cream City Brick Different From Other Brick?

The banks of Lake Michigan and the Menomonee River Valley supplied the red clay with unique properties. The high amounts of sulfur and magnesium mixed with high heat turned the red clay into a cream-colored brick. If you look at the history of brick, it originated in the east over 10,000 years ago and remains as one of the most durable & sustainable building material. Countries took bricks and developed new styles, and the same goes for Milwaukeeans.

While a popular choice and trustworthy for building, there is some debate on how strong the brick was. In an article from WUWM, some builders opted for more traditional brick because it wasn’t as sturdy and had the tendency to turn black due to its high porosity. Debate aside, homeowners and business owners take pride in the preservation of the locally sourced brick.

Are There Buildings That Still Have Cream City Brick?

There are many landmarks in Milwaukee that still bare Cream City brick. The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, located in downtown Milwaukee, was originally made from Cream City brick according to a nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places. The Schlitz Brewery Building Complex hosts a number of buildings that still have Cream City Brick. According to a post from Terry Pepper, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City, Michigan still bares Cream City brick.

How Cream City Brick Gave Milwaukee A Name

Cream City brick is an essential part of Milwaukee’s history. The brick has a longstanding place in Milwaukee’s development. 100 years after they ceased production, it’s remarkable that buildings are maintaining Cream City bricks presence. If you liked this post check out parts two & three of the history of brick!

Building a Retaining Wall? Here’s How to Make Your Project a Success

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Are you trying to make your backyard an oasis? Do you enjoy landscaping projects hoping to upgrade your yard or garden? Or is your property sloping and have different elevations? There are plenty of different reasons to consider installing a retaining wall.

Retaining walls aren’t just for holding back soil anymore. Many homeowners employ retaining walls to bring some architectural interest to their yards. And retaining wall design has come a long way from its utilitarian roots. A retaining wall can make all the difference in your outdoor space.

Natural stone retaining wall with plants and stairs

Read on for our tips to make your retaining wall project a success.

Building a Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a structural piece of your yard, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be attractive.

Material Options

When considering building a retaining wall in your yard, you need to choose the right material for your wall’s purpose. There are a few different options.

  • Manufactured block or stone
  • Pressure treated lumber
  • Segmental blocks
  • Stones
  • Bricks

Necessary Tools

If you’re not like Tim the Tool Man Taylor, you may need to go to your local big box home improvement store to rent the tools necessary to build your retaining wall.

If you are doing a huge revamp of your yard and need to move soil around, you may also need to rent some heavy duty equipment, like an excavator or a skid loader. Unless you are construction savvy, you may opt to hire someone to do this type of preliminary work for you.

There are several more basic tools that you’ll need, including:

  • Safety glasses
  • Chisel
  • Square
  • Tape measure
  • Hammer
  • Shovel
  • Level
  • Stakes
  • String
  • Hand tamper

Important Prep Work

Solid Base

It is extremely important to have a solid base for the wall. If the foundation is off, the wall is likely to be off as well. A crooked or slanted retaining wall will mean trouble in the long run.

Dig out the base, tamp it using your hand tamper, and fill with gravel or whatever filler you’re using. Make sure it is compacted and ready for the next step. It will keep your wall nice and sturdy.

Drainage

If your yard has a slope, you will need to add drainage so that rainwater doesn’t puddle in one area.

Use gravel and a drainage pipe at the base of your project. Cover the ends of the pipe with a mesh fabric to prevent the pipe from getting clogged.

Ready to Build the Wall

Start with your first layer of whatever material you chose. As you build the wall, you need to consistently check to make sure it’s level. You can use any number of decorative caps or edges to complete the wall.

As you build, stagger joints to make it visually appealing. Also, backfill as you go along and make sure to compact the soil so that there is no settling later.

Other Hardscaping Projects

Pinterest is full of images of beautiful backyards with creative uses of brick, pavers, stone, and other hardscape products. Do some research, find the bricks you need, and start planning your next project!

Whether you are building a retaining wall, adding a patio, or sprucing up a walkway with pavers, we can assist you. Visit our website to see all we have to offer for your hardscaping projects.

Do I Need a Brick House? Brick and the Alternatives

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Does your house need the regular brick look? Could you use brick alternatives instead?  When it comes to building a home, it’s important to know what material works and looks best. Here’s how bricks compare to other building materials, and how they fare in cost, maintenance, and sustainability.

Brick vs. Vinyl Siding

Cost

Vinyl siding, a plastic sheeting made mostly from PVC, is a popular material. It’s also a very cost effective substitute for brick. Home Advisor’s price rating estimates an average cost of $5,645 – $14,190 for vinyl siding for a home. For a brick home, the site estimates an average cost of $15,000. The high cost of bricks may be off-putting but it can be a real lifesaver.

Maintenance

According to The Brick Industry Association (BIA), both materials are low maintenance; however, bricks have an average 100-year lifespan while vinyl siding averages at 25 years. On top of all that, bricks offer more protection from winds and fire than vinyl siding. A brick’s ability to provide more benefits with less maintenance gives it an edge over vinyl siding. With that being said, the production of brick is more environmentally friendly.

Recyclability

Bricks take the cake for being both low maintenance and environmentally friendly because they require minimal manufacturing. This means there are fewer emissions, and energy is reduced when producing bricks. Brick is also highly recyclable. Damaged bricks from construction sites can be used for fill-in when pouring concrete, DIY home projects, and even making new brick!

15 Creative Ways Old Bricks Can Be Turned Into Beautiful Decorations

Brick vs. Manufactured Stone

Cost

According to roofingcal.com, it can cost you anywhere from $27,000 to $80,000 to install manufactured stone for an average sized home. Brick takes the cake for the most budget-friendly, but each material has its own unique benefits.

Maintenance

Manufactured stone is very malleable, meaning it’s easy for customized design. This makes it a very easy material to install and perfect for getting creative with your home’s appearance.  However, it does not provide the same level of protection as brick does. The BIA points out that manufactured stone does not provide fire protection and may be susceptible to water damage.

Recyclability

According to the BIA, the information on manufactured stone’s recyclability is limited due to it being a newer product.

Brick or Stone? Which One Should I Go For?

It’s important to know the benefits and drawbacks that come with each building material. No matter the material, each one provides its own level of sustainability and either can add a distinguished look to your home.

Can’t decide which one you like? Contact Champion Brick for more information!