Abstract: A brick or other structural member is provided for use in building a wall or other similar structure which is to be provided with a cementitious surface coat application to one, typically exposed, face. The brick includes a relief pattern or profile on at least one face. This allows the installer to adequately affix an external cementitious surface coat to the outer surface of, a brick wall, while also providing a “depth gauge”, which can identify proper coating thickness during installation, which not only ensures proper application thickness but can preclude waste due to overapplication. The added brick texture (a.k.a. profile) increases the surface area of the brick to improve the bonding of the brick surface coating and to provide mechanical underpinning for the surface coating.

Abstract: A brick or other structural member is provided for use in building a wall or other similar structure which is to be provided with a cementitious surface coat application to one, typically exposed, face. The brick includes a relief pattern or profile on at least one face. This allows the installer to adequately affix an external cementitious surface coat to the outer surface of, a brick wall, while also providing a “depth gauge”, which can identify proper coating thickness during installation, which not only ensures proper application thickness but can preclude waste due to overapplication. The added brick texture (a.k.a. profile) increases the surface area of the brick to improve the bonding of the brick surface coating and to provide mechanical underpinning for the surface coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and installing a roof structure, in which clay is formed into tiles which simulate wood shakes, and the tiles are attached atop a supporting surface in a predetermined manner in a substantially unrecognizable pattern. The tile configuration provides a structure which is light in weight yet is structurally sound, which lends itself to ready installation upon a wide variety of structures. Secondary supporting ribs for strength and upwardly-directed support ridges for improved stackability are also provided.

Abstract: A clay tile or other formed item having a simulated appearance and a method and apparatus for providing same includes the use of perceptibly random spray patterns and multiple spray nozzles to dispense a coating liquid upon the item prior to its drying and possible firing. Upon drying, the tiles processed thereby include improved appearance characteristics. Spraying is accomplished by a computer controlled spray system which includes, in one embodiment, multiple banks of spray guns (as an example, three guns per bank) which spray liquid upon clay tiles or other items passing thereunder. The spray guns can oscillate sidewardly relative to the general path of the moving items, to further enhance the perceptibly random spray patterns. Different types of engobe or other coatings may be sprayed by each of the banks of spray guns. The method and apparatus can also be used in association with the coloration of clay brick, concrete roof tiles, concrete brick, and concrete block.

Abstract: A concrete or other roofing tile is provided which simulates wood shake roofing, and which may be used in either a direct deck or batten configuration. The simulated wood shake configuration includes an angled cut portion by means of a butt treatment, and also includes the use of an elongate medial slot which has a rectangular configuration.