concrete-construction-building-news

Though they may look the same to the uneducated eye, each type of brick its own characteristics and properties…

1) Common Bricks

The term ‘common brick’ comes from the fact that, although they are fired hard enough to use for most purposes, they are of a lower quality than most other types of brick. Little attempt is made to have them look good, so bricks in the same batch may differ in color, and the edges of them may be uneven or chipped.

2) Engineering Bricks

Commonly thought of as the toughest brick available, an elaborate process is required to make engineering bricks. The process delivers a brick which has very high compressive strength with very low water absorption. As they are the least vulnerable to damp, they are nearly always used in preference to other brick types for any part of a structure that falls below ground level.

3) Facing Bricks

Facing bricks are those which make up the external face of a structure i.e. those you see when you look at it. They are hard burned to give them strength and durability, which they need to withstand varying temperatures and extreme weather conditions. There are several sub-types of facing bricks, so you will need to do a little research before purchasing them. The climate that you live in will make a difference to which sub-type you need.

4) Special Bricks

These bricks are used to add finishing touches to a building or structure. If you are prepared to pay a premium, then you can get a brick in practically any shape that you want it. As well as shape, you can also specify what color you want special bricks to be.

5) Concrete Blocks

Not a brick as such, but concrete blocks are an alternative that can be used to get the same result. Plain concrete blocks can be used when a wall is to be rendered and / or painted, trench blocks are a good and cost-saving choice for foundation courses, and ‘Thermalite’ blocks can be easily shaped into whatever form you want. If you need a stylish finish, then they are widely available with a natural stone look.

As which type of brick is best to use, there is no single answer, as it depends on what you are building and the location you are building it. Rather than just guess, you should ask a senior employee at your local brick merchant what they would advise. They should be able to talk you through which combination of bricks is best for getting your job done.

Post a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.