The Belden Brick Company Q and A with the Experts
A Conversation with Jim Piteo, National Paving Products Manager
What kind of applications/projects are clay brick pavers most popular and why?
Genuine clay pavers have been used in on-the-ground applications with outstanding success since early Colonialism. Because clay brick offers wear longevity and color retention, clay brick pavers are top-rated for streetscapes. They can play a crucial role in projects that incorporate the principles of New Urbanism, a multidisciplinary approach to restoring walkable, neighborhood-based developments to our communities. On a practical level, clay pavers are used because they are manufactured for durability, low maintenance, and versatility. For example, our process makes Belden Clay Pavers naturally colorfast, unlike other segmental paving materials, so when landscape architects and designers look at neighborhood planning, they can be confident in finding the same colors and products for ongoing phases.
How well do clay brick pavers handle high (foot/vehicle) traffic? What are some of the benefits of bricks in these areas?
Belden Clay Pavers work extremely well in high-traffic pedestrian and vehicular applications, and the variety of available installation systems allows designers and contractors several options that will achieve outstanding results. Our manufacturing process assures Belden Clay Pavers meet or exceed ASTM C902 requirements for pedestrian and light traffic and ASTM C1272 for heavy vehicular traffic uses. Combining durability, flexibility, and versatility leads to superior long-term economic value. At the same time, high compressive strength and low absorption make it easy to understand why architects and designers keep specifying Belden's genuine clay brick pavers.
What options are available for drainage? What are some design techniques/practices for featuring clay brick pavers in high-perspiration climates?
Using permeable pavers in landscapes is a way to not only create adequate drainage but ensure that outdoor areas are as beautiful as they are functional. Permeable clay paving systems are popular because they help reestablish a more natural hydrologic balance and reduce stormwater runoff volume. Belden Permeable Series Pavers can design and construct porous pavements in any public or private setting where impervious cover is limited, stormwater is to be managed under contemporary environmental requirements, or traffic load is pedestrian or light vehicular. They bring several advantages, from aesthetics to function; withstanding extreme weather, they are a healthy option for rural areas to prevent flooding, replenish groundwater, and homeowners looking for resourceful, beautiful ways to go green.
Can you tell me about the different customization options for clay brick pavers (colors, patterns, sizes, etc...)?
Belden's clay pavers, bar none, offer the most colors compared to other clay paver manufacturers. The Belden Brick Company's mining assets provide supply security and quality for our operations and are a source of high-value raw materials for our manufacturing process. Architects and designers tend to get creative with our offerings, and we encourage that creativity in our wide range of distinctive colors, exclusive textures, and adaptable sizes. Plank Series Pavers rethink traditional clay pavers with a long linear contemporary look and feel suited for the most demanding commercial applications. As with all Belden Clay Pavers, the benefits include a through-the-body color that will not fade over time. Installers can lay Plank Series Pavers flat or edge set to construct running bond, stack bond, herringbone, chevron, or basket-weave patterns or combine with our Standard and Standard 8 x 8 paver size to create random pattern possibilities. Tumbling and blending are also very popular with Belden Clay Pavers. Our tumbling process gives our pavers an appealing, time-worn appearance and is an excellent alternative to our sand-molded pavers when a more robust solution is needed.
