Exterior Finish ID

[Reba]

I just bought an 1860 house and I'm trying to identify the exterior material. I was told by the previous owner it's Insulbrick, but from my research I can't find any Insulbrick that looks like it. It appears to be a concrete like brick with mortar. The random diagonal pieces are unlike anything I've seen before. Any thoughts on what it might be?

And then thoughts on if it can be finished over or must be removed? I'm concerned there is wood damage that can't be assessed below it. We are gutting the interior of the house and plan to reinsulate from the interior at a minimum. 

[Les]

Hi Reba, do you have any photos that show a larger area or area around doors and windows? 

I have never seen Insulbrick like that but then again I haven't seen it all!  Looks like your in Pennsylvania so it could be regional.

[wedgren]

 

[Bill Kibbel]

It's not "Insulbrick".  Inselbric, Inselstone & Insulsyde are made with an asphalt-coated fiberboard and stone granules imbedded.  It looks just like the surface of asphalt shingles.

What's pictured looks like an early manufactured stone veneer (fake stone made from concrete with pigments and colored aggregates added).  Most common from the late 1940s into the 60s.

[Tom Raymond]

I agree with Bill, and will add the product most commonly used here in WNY was PermaStone.

 

[Bill Kibbel]

Permastone and formstone have become the generic term for the old lickum-stickum veneer.

There was a short documentary/commentary produced on the stuff.  I think it's called Little Castles.  The unique film director John Waters is in it and called it the "polyester of brick".

[Reba]

I appreciate the responses!  From my own research, I was starting to suspect it is PermaStone, but still could not find a picture of a similar product or pattern. A stone veneer made to look like concrete makes the most sense since it seems to have defined mortar joints.  The era of the late 50s aligns with when the previous owner thought it was installed.  Her parents owned the house previously and installed this. She believes it was previously stucco based on old photographs.

I'll see if I can find the documentary somewhere - what a lovely name - "polyester of brick".

Are there any recommendations on what to do with it if we need to make repairs or confirm it's in good enough shape to keep? If we decide we want another exterior finish is it best to remove it before applying something else rather than applying it over the existing veneer? I would like to increase the energy efficiency of the envelope and make sure we don't have any moisture issues. We will reinsulate the stud cavities from the interior, but that only gets you so far. The windows are getting replaced, so I presume this will be the time to make any changes.

 

[Les]

Thanks for photos.  It looks like a great house and should be fun to work on.  Bill and Tom put you on the right path.  They are a tad older and know about the historic stuff! 😁

The photos show there is work to be done, so I would carefully consider where to spend my money.  Personally I would likely be looking to replace it if possible.  If properly installed there would be a thermal benefit that would have to be considered.

Tom/Bill  remember Z brick?  The original formula material expanded when exposed to flame.  

 

[Tom Raymond]

Les, my brother-in-law lives in what was his grandparent's house. Grandpa put Z brick in the kitchen for the backsplash.

[Bill Kibbel]

On 3/30/2023 at 7:50 AM, Les said:

Tom/Bill  remember Z brick?

Not just for '70s backsplashes.

[John Kogel]

That's how Volvos were built back then, the proverbial brick shirt house on wheels  😄.