Homebuilder Sues Brick Manufacturer for Defects that Led to ‘Spalling’

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A builder who used “Old Abbey Queen” brick in the construction of a South Carolina residence alleges in a lawsuit filed recently that the product contains a manufacturing defect causing it to absorb water and deteriorate soon after installation.

The lawsuit, originally filed in Lexington County Court of Common Pleas and removed to federal court on Sept. 30, names brick manufacturer Kinney Brick Co. and a Georgia-based company that distributes the brick material. Both are accused of supplying the product with knowledge that it is susceptible to “spalling,” a process that occurs when brick are improperly manufactured …