In the UK, over 1.9 billion bricks were made between 2010 and 2020. It’s a huge figure and shows how popular they are among various trades. Due to their small size, which makes them ideal for various construction projects, bricks are commonly used for building structures. Although most commonly made from clay, you can also find various types of brick, such as concrete blocks and calcium silicate. The type of brick that’s best suited for your use case will vary.
Aside from walls, fences, and fireplaces, bricks can also be used to build various other structures, such as chimney caps and garden fences. Although brickwork is often attractive, it’s not always easy to master. Before you start working on a brick project, it’s important to choose the right type of brick, as this will allow you to create beautiful and functional structures.
Different Types Of Brick
Although there are many ways to classify bricks, most experts only group them into three categories: engineering bricks, common, and facing. Other special bricks that you should be aware of include air, fire, and concrete blocks.
Facing Bricks
The term “facing brick” refers to the type of brick that’s commonly seen on the exterior of houses and feature walls. These are made from clay and are weather resistant, which is important in the UK’s classic windy and wet climate. There is also a type of wirecut or extruded brick that’s made in a rectangular column. This type of soft mud brick can be used for mass production and has a consistent appearance. It is fired in a kiln and produced in individual moulds. This type of brick can also be used to match old brick.
Engineering Bricks
Due to their high compressive strength, engineering bricks are commonly used in various civil projects, such as tunnels, foundations, or groundworks. They are also resistant to the cold and can be used in areas where water damage is a risk. There are two kinds of engineering bricks: Class A and B. These two types of bricks have excellent loadbearing capacity and are ideal for structural work.
Common Bricks
Although common bricks are typically the most basic type of material, they can be used for projects that aren’t focused on their appearance. They can be used for creating shared walls or internal walls, and they’re usually covered in other materials such as render. Most common bricks are made using a simple clay mix, which means that their texture and color aren’t the most appealing. They usually come in pairs, with the face being more prominent. Red tones are commonly used on these bricks, though they can also vary depending on the region.
Fire Bricks
Refractory or fire bricks are made by firing them at high temperatures in a kiln. Through a chemical reaction, they become incredibly durable and can resist water, fire, and temperatures. They are ideal for building various types of structures, such as fireplaces, pizza ovens, and brick BBQs. Fire bricks are usually white, grey, or black in color, and can be colored with stains for added beauty.
Air Bricks
Air bricks or ventilation bricks are used in various applications, such as heating and cooking equipment. They are commonly made from clay and feature a unique waffle hole pattern, which encourages air flow. In addition to being used in cavity walls, air bricks can also be used on suspended floors to circulate air and reduce moisture. Due to the size of holes in air bricks, small rodents, insects, and flies can sometimes enter them. To prevent these animals from entering, mesh is used to cover the openings of the bricks.
Concrete Bricks
Thermal conductivity, water resistance, and compressive strength are some of the characteristics of concrete blocks that contribute to the control of temperature in buildings. These are commonly used for various construction projects, such as walls, foundations, and ceilings. Hollow concrete blocks are also ideal for below-damp proof course levels. In England, building regulations require that concrete block products have compressive strength. Before you choose a concrete block, make sure that the specifications are in accordance with these requirements.
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