Does Thompson Building Materials offer delivery?Yes. Thompson has line trucks and delivery trucks to deliver product for your project wherever it may be. That includes anywhere throughout the United States. |
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Does Thompson Building Materials install the product it carries?No. Thompson does not have installation crews. A list of qualified installers is available by contacting any Thompson Representative. |
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Can I use natural thin stone veneer, manufactured stone veneer or thin brick on an interior application?By all means yes. Stone veneer or thin brick is relatively easy to install and it will add a balance of color, warmth and texture throughout your project. |
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Can I install brick or stone over my existing concrete or asphalt driveway, patio or walkway?Paving can be installed over existing concrete or asphalt as long as the driveway is in reasonably good condition. To ensure an adequate foundation for the brick or stone, the existing concrete slab or asphalt should be inspected and repaired as necessary. Cracks, chips, holes and other surface variations should be repaired in order to achieve a flat surface. |
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Should I seal my brick or stone to keep it clean?Generally, yes. However, always refer to the manufacturers’ recommendations for the correct product and application instructions. |
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Where can I find knowledgeable masons?Your Thompson Building Materials Representative can recommend local masons that are experienced installers of all the products Thompson’s carries. |
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Does Thompson carry garden art and fountains?Yes. Thompson stocks several types of pots, fountains and garden art. However, since the inventory is ever-changing these products are not displayed on the website. Contact a Thompson Representative for more information or visit a Thompson Building Materials yard to view their selection. |
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Is brick a “sustainable” Product?Brick’s incomparable life-cycle, 100+ years of energy efficiency and all-natural ingredients are just a few of the properties that make brick the perfect sustainable building material. Couple these traits with the minimal waste produced during production, its countless options for recycling and it’s hard to find another building material equal to all-natural, clay-fired brick. |
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How does brick contribute to greater energy efficiency?Brick is a natural insulator which can help reduce carbon emissions. Its ability to absorb and release thermal energy over an extended period makes it an ideal choice for reducing the amount of energy used for mechanical heating and cooling. Brick is 100% safe and it’s fireproof, waterproof and insect resistant. |
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What is the difference between clay brick and concrete brick?Clay brick — made from clay — is kiln fired at 2,000 + degrees and does not fade over time. Concrete brick is molded from brick forms but its composition is concrete, aggregates and color pigments. Over time concrete bricks can fade. |
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Can I use clay brick pavers on my driveway?Yes, they are very durable and the color never fades. |
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What’s the difference between full face brick and thin brick?Mainly its thickness. Full face brick is approximately 3.625" thick but can be even thicker depending on the manufacturer. Thin brick ranges from (approximately) .625" to .75" thick. |
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What is Thompson’s Thin Brick?Thompson’s Thin Brick is a full face brick that has been cut thinner and sold where Thompson Building Materials markets its product. Often, it is brick from one of the many manufacturers Thompson represents. Thompson uses recycled well water which is reclaimed after the brick is cut. The surplus clay is recycled and used for landscaping, ground cover, parks; even baseball diamonds. |
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Is Used Brick just as good as new brick?Yes. Used Brick is salvage from older, demolished structures. Rather than going to a landfill they are cleaned and re-palletized without damaging the integrity of the brick. |
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What is the difference between manufactured stone veneer and natural stone?Manufactured stone veneer is cast from molds of real stone which make it lighter than natural stone. Natural stone can require wall ties and footings, which, in turn, can increase installation cost and difficulty. It is lighter in weight, designed to adhere easily to a variety of structurally sound surfaces and is capable of installations that would normally be very difficult and costly to achieve with natural stone. |
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Can I install manufactured stone myself?In general, installation of manufactured stone can be installed by almost anyone. However, installation does require a fundamental understanding of stone masonry. Contact your Thompson Representative for installation instructions. |
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How much does manufactured stone weigh?Approximately 10-12 lbs. per square foot. |
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Does manufactured stone fade?Most manufacturers blend their base color throughout the product. Color becomes an integral and no noticeable changes in the color occurs after years of weathering. |
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What is the difference between natural stone and natural stone veneer?Natural stone veneer is a natural stone cut thin so it can be installed as a light weight veneer. |
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Can I blend different types of natural stone to achieve the look I am after?Yes. Thompson’s always encourages selection of preferred stone types which you feel are best suited for the project. Variety could add an even greater appeal. |
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What is the expected “life” of clay pavers?The Brick Industry conservatively estimates a forty year life but there are many clay pavers older than 100 years. As with any product, the proper design and installation impacts the product’s lifespan. |
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Do clay pavers disintegrate?This is a common concern but, generally, all clay paver manufacturers say that clay pavers do not disintegrate. |
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Do clay pavers require maintenance?With the proper design and installation, the only maintenance is “sweeping sand” replenishment, possible moss growth and vehicle fluid stains. |
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Do clay pavers need to be sealed?Most manufacturers do not recommend sealing their clay pavers. Since a clay paver is fired at extreme temperatures the clay particles are fused together to fortify the clay so it doesn’t wear down, disintegrate or fade in color. |
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Why should I consider natural stone pavers?Natural stone has a random beauty which appeals to many people. Natural stone has characteristics other pavers do not possess. |
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What are the advantages of slate, granite and travertine pavers?All three have their own unique characteristics. Slate is slip-resistant and has a wider range of color. Granite is a hard, durable surface and travertine has an appealing earthen beauty that the other two do not possess. |
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Can I get uniform colors with natural stone pavers?Not really. Natural, random mineral deposits in each slab of stone means naturally occurring differences in color and pattern for each cut paver. |
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How long do natural stone pavers last?With the proper design and installation, natural stone pavers will last indefinitely. |
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How do I take care of natural stone pavers?Protect stone pavers from long-term wear by sealing the stone. Your Thompson Representative can suggest the proper product for natural stone pavers. For spills, be sure to wipe clean as soon possible. |
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Why are concrete pavers also categorized as “interlocking”?When a concrete paver “interlocks” the load is dispersed over a wider area. Interlocking is the key strength of this pavement system. |
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Do I need to seal interlocking concrete pavers?Sealing concrete pavers is not necessary. However, sealed pavers may offer desired benefits including: color enhancement, joint sand stabilizing and stain resistance. Areas such as pool decks and back patios are commonly sealed. |
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How long do interlocking concrete pavers last?Typical residential installations will last 30 years or more with little or no maintenance. |
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What are the components of an interlocking concrete pavement?The pavers, base, bedding and joint sand and an edge restraint that contains the pavers at the perimeter. |
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