Dating all the way back to 7000 BC, bricks are no doubt one of the oldest building materials used by man. People have been using bricks for thousands of years and their use has been found present in almost every culture; from the ancient Egyptians to the Chinese, the Romans, and the Mayans, among many others.
And even to this day, bricks are still predominantly used in construction due to their strength and longevity. Throughout the years, however, bricks have evolved from simple mud bricks into many different types.
Here are the six types of bricks you can use for your construction projects. And if you want professional work done, you can check out these brick installation costs.
1. Common Burnt Clay
Common burnt clay bricks are typically used for general construction, disregarding any need for aesthetics. When builders make use of these bricks, especially on walls, they would need plastering and rendering.
Common burnt clay bricks are made by pressing clay into a mold, allowing it to dry, and then burnt in a kiln afterward; hence the name. They also tend to have the trademark red color associated with bricks.
2. Sand Lime
Sand-lime bricks are known for their grayish color instead of the typical red and are characterized by their uniform shape and smoother surface. This uniformity and smoothness allow sand-lime bricks to be free from plastering.
Not only that, but they are also known for their strength which makes them highly suitable as load-bearing members.
The process of producing sand-lime bricks involves the use of sand, fly ash, and lime. Wet mixing these three substances would produce a chemical reaction that would see to their binding. Afterward, the mixture formed would be poured into a mold.
3. Engineering
Engineering bricks are produced by using extremely high temperatures in order to create a dense and strong brick that is also resistant to chemicals and has low water absorption.
These types of bricks are excellent load-bearers, chemically resistant, and damp-proof which make them highly sought-after in areas affected by these conditions. They are also mostly used for specific projects such as groundwork, wall retaining, damp-proof courses, and other civil engineering work.
There are two types of engineering bricks: class A and B. Of the two, B-class engineering bricks are the most commonly used but those of the A-class variety is the strongest.
Because of the special qualities of the engineering bricks, they tend to cost more than other types of bricks. Colors for engineering bricks tend to range from the common red to blue.
45. Concrete Common
Concrete common bricks, also known “common bricks” or simply concrete, are probably the most used type of bricks by home-builders. Though concrete bricks tend to be of low quality and low compression strength, they can still be used in internal brickwork as well as facades and fences. However, it is advised that concrete bricks are not to be used below ground.
These types of bricks are made from solid concrete.
5. Fly Ash Clay
As their name suggests, these bricks are made from clay and fly ash wherein the process makes use of temperatures reaching up to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
Fly ash clay bricks don’t need to be plastered when used for walls because of their smooth surface and thin joints. They are also porous than clay bricks but are still more affordable. Unfortunately, they are also known to expand after coming into contact with moisture and water.
6. Facing
Facing bricks are those which can be placed on the external facade of a building, particularly in walls. These are commonly used for their aesthetics and weather resistance.
Concrete and clay are the most commonly used materials for this type of bricks. However, any brick can be used as a facing brick as long as it satisfies the basic requirements of form, finish, and function.
Choosing The Right Type Of Brick For Your Projects
Because there are many different types of bricks for you to choose from, finding the ones that are suitable for your project can become quite taxing. If you find yourself stuck in such a situation, take time to consider the following:
1. Style
Consider the style of your project. If you already have an existing building and would just like to add to it, such as a wall or fence, it would make things easier if you consider the style of the building when choosing the right type of bricks.
The bricks that you choose should reflect on the building’s style in order to achieve harmony in the design. If your project itself is a building, deciding on a predominant style should be your first priority. Afterward, let it direct you towards the bricks that are suited for the style you had chosen.
2. Location
Since bricks are subject to environmental conditions, it is important that you consider the location on which you will conduct your project. If you are in an area that is frequented by rain and cold weather, it would be best for you to choose bricks that are damp-proof and having low water absorption.
3. Colors
Bricks come in an assortment of color, from the common red to yellow, blue, and black. The color of the bricks you choose will play a significant role in providing the overall feel of your project. Since you can choose from a number of colors, it is up to you whether or not you’d like a singular color for your project or several. Colors can either give your project a modern or traditional feeling depending on your choice.
4. Size
Brick sizes are determined by their purpose, the dimensions of the building they will be used on, or the overall style of the project. So it is important that you establish these factors first before you think about brick sizes.
Traditional houses often use standard sizes (230mm x 110mm x76mm) or larger while modern homes or buildings tend to lean towards longer, thinner bricks.
As far as sizes go, you can choose to use a number of different brick sizes in order to create visual interest for your project.
5. Texture
Choosing the right brick texture can invoke charm, individuality, and character; adding them to your project.
Brick textures could range from a smooth surface to one that is coarse. There are also textures purposefully created to add more artistry and design to the bricks.
Just like brick size, the texture should also accommodate its purpose and the overall style of the project.
6. Blending
Blending is a quickly rising trend for projects and allows people to use bricks of varying color, texture, and size. Thus it creates something that is personal and unique. Blending bricks give people a personal and artistic touch on their projects.
7. Mortar Color
Bricks and mortar always go hand-in-hand. In order to make sure that the bricks you choose can complement the mortar, you shouldn’t forget to take into consideration the color of the mortar. This is important because mortar takes a significant portion of the project and affects the overall look of the brickwork.
8. Expert Opinion
If you cannot trust your own judgments, you can always seek the help of an expert. People who specialize in brickwork can definitely help you understand more about bricks. Not only that, but they could also help you organize your plans and wishes for your project; making sure that everything – from the style to the color of the mortar, complements each other.