Abstract: A system and method for securing a brick to a wall, including attaching a panel to the wall, the panel having: (a) a repetitive pattern of aligned peaks and valleys; and (b) a series of ledges associated with the valleys and configured such that at least a portion of each ledge extends beyond adjacent peaks of the aligned peaks and valleys. A tension clip is attached to a first ledge on the panel. The brick is secured to the panel by compressing the tension clip downward with the bottom of the brick, wherein the compressed tension clip forces the brick upward into secure engagement with an upwardly adjacent ledge.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a panel usable for forming a surface, the panel having an at least one finish element; a backing material; and a polyurethane material cured between the at least one finish element and the backing material. Upon curing, the polyurethane material forms a structural substrate having a first side and a second side. Upon curing, the backing material is adhesively bonded to the first side. Also upon curing, the at least one finish element is adhesively bonded to the second side.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a method of manufacturing a composite panel that includes the steps of providing a layer of porous material, and dispersing a particulate material further comprising a binder composition mixed therein onto the layer of porous material. The method includes using a vacuum to at least substantially retain the particulate material on the layer of porous material, and conveying the retained particulate material toward an application mechanism. The method also includes using the application mechanism to associate a polymeric substrate with the particulate material, and applying a backing layer onto the polymeric substrate and the particulate material.