Facts About Z-BRICK Products   Z-BRICK Corporation was the first manufacturer in the brick facing industry starting in 1955. Since that time, there has been a multitude of manufacturers who have attempted to imitate the Z-BRICK products, but with minimal success. The Zygrove Corporation, which manufactures Z-BRICK products, is the world's largest manufacturer of Do-It-Yourself brick and stone wall facings.

Z-BRICK products are all-mineral products which have the look, texture and durability of traditional masonry without the cost or bother of masonry.

A primary ingredient in Z-BRICK products is vermiculite - a material also used in insulation, which makes each stone or brick lightweight and natural in texture.

• Z-BRICK products contain a variety of mineral products including clay.
• Z-BRICK products are specially formulated so they cure at room temperature; while traditional (or thick) brick requires a high temperature to cure.
• Z-BRICK products are not brittle and breakage is kept to a minimum.
• Z-BRICK products are much lighter than traditional (thick) brick. The light-weight feature eliminates the need for special footings or other structural reinforcements.
• Z-BRICK products cost far less than traditional laid-up brick.

Z-BRICK products are natural looking and have an authentic brick texture. They are not a "replica" or "simulated" brick with a painted finish - as some plastic or gypsum bricks are. Color is an integral part of each brick. It will not fade, wear off or weather away.

Because Z-BRICK products are weather resistant, they are ideal for exterior use. They have been tested for more than 30 years of weather exposure, and are guaranteed for ten years, when installed according to manufacturer's specifications.

Z-BRICK products are easier to install than other veneer bricks. There is no need for spacers or caulking to fill joints. Installation requires no special training or tools; and, there is an easy four-step installation outlined in each package of Z-BRICK products.

With Z-BRICK products - as with many building materials - variations in color and texture occur with different lots. For this reason, all materials needed for a specific project should be purchased at one time from the same lot number to assure color consistency.

The exterior adhesive mortar, Z-MENT is a high quality acrylic-base adhesive formulated with added fibers (not asbestos) and ground vermiculite to give the body and texture of cement mortar. It has a water base and can easily be cleaned from tools and skin while it is still moist. Once it has dried, however, it becomes permanent and insoluble in water. This is what makes it weatherproof. When installing Z-BRICK products outdoors, the project should be protected from rain for at least three days. It should then be sealed with two coats of Z-SEALER for waterproofing and weatherproofing.

Z-MENT does not dry rock-hard and is designed with enough elasticity to allow for seasonal changes. It will retain this elasticity for many years. This characteristic keeps it from cracking the way most common mortars will.

Z-MENT will adhere to all common building materials: plywood, plaster board, poured concrete, concrete block, and plaster.

Z-MENT is available in gallon pails and covers 16 to 20 square feet per gallon.

Z-SEALER is a high quality clear acrylic sealer. It looks milky in the can and continues to look milky when first applied; but turns crystal clear when dry. It dries completely within half an hour - except in very humid conditions. It is "flat", not glossy; and gives a satin finish.

One coat of Z-SEALER should be applied over all applications to keep the brick or stone from soiling and to make it easy to clean. Two coats should be used around stoves and fireplaces and other areas where you have a heavy exposure to grease or dirt. Two coats are also necessary for exterior applications.

Z-SEALER is available in quarts. A quart of Z-SEALER will cover about 80 square feet, one coat.

Z-BRICK products are produced by the Zygrove Corporation. The production facilities and national corporate headquarters are located in Mound, Minnesota.