Bricks

Types of Bricks by Material

 

Bricks can be made from various materials, and the manufacturing process can vary significantly, which explains the differences in properties of different types of bricks. Currently, the following types of bricks can be distinguished:

 

• Ceramic;
• Silicate;
• Pressed bricks;
• Clay bricks;
• Fire bricks;
  
  
  

Ceramic Bricks

Ceramic bricks are produced by firing clay in kilns at a temperature of approximately 1000°C. Since red clay is often used, the brick acquires a characteristic color, which is why it is also called red brick. Clay varieties with different colors can be used or pigments can be added, resulting in a completely different color of the product.

High-quality clay with minimal sulfate and shale impurities is used as the raw material. After forming, the product is placed in a kiln for firing: a properly fired brick will have a reddish-brown color when struck. Unfired material has a mustard color, is susceptible to moisture, and does not retain heat. Fired brick has a dark core and fused edges, and is not used in wall construction.

One of the following forming methods is used in the production of ceramic bricks:

• Plastic. The initial moisture content of the clay mass is 15-21%, and bricks are produced using the extrusion method. Solid bricks are made in vacuum devices. Plastic bricks are more resistant to frost and are ideal for house construction.
  
  
• Partially dry and dry. The clay has a lower moisture content (7-12%, depending on the production characteristics), it is ground into powder, from which raw bricks are formed in presses without drying or with reduced drying, and then fired. 
  
  

Ceramic bricks are used everywhere: for foundations, load-bearing walls, partition walls, walls facing buildings, interior finishing. The main advantages include various colors, sizes, shapes, ease of installation, long service life, environmental friendliness, good thermal and sound insulation, and affordable price.

 

Silicate Bricks

Silicate bricks are the most common, and their main reason for popularity is their low price. They are made from quartz sand (90%), lime (about 10%), and an additive mixture. The color is white, but other shades can be obtained by adding coloring pigments. The bricks are formed by dry pressing, and the hardening is achieved through the chemical reaction of slaking lime. The reaction is accelerated by autoclaving at high temperature and pressure.

Among the main advantages of lime sand bricks:

• Affordability;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Excellent geometry and aesthetic properties. Silicate facing bricks are widely used for building facades;
• Good durability and sound insulation;
• Sufficient resistance to frost;
  
  

If you are unsure which bricks to choose for partition and wall construction and have a limited budget, you can opt for silicate bricks. They are still the most popular choice for private construction, but they should not be used for foundations.

 

Pressed Bricks

Pressed bricks resemble artificial stone in appearance. They are primarily made of limestone, marl, dolomite, and marble, which account for 90% of their composition. Cement is used to bind the limestone, and iron oxide or other natural ingredients are used to give the material color. Ordinary water acts as a solvent. The homogeneous mixture is sent under a press, and under high temperature, individual particles are fused together, resulting in the strongest material with precise geometry. The brick is then steamed and sent for rusting.

Advantages:

• High durability, hardness, and environmental friendliness;
  
  
• Aesthetic appearance, variety of shapes, colors, and sizes;
  
  
• Resistance to cracking, the brick can withstand up to 150 freeze/thaw cycles;
  
  
• Low moisture absorption.
  
  
  

Fire Bricks

Fire bricks are made from special refractory clays, including chamotte clay. During the production of the material, the temperature rises to 1100°C, causing individual particles to fuse together and all voids to be filled. The selection of raw materials is done very carefully, resulting in a solid monolithic brick that is resistant to high temperatures, environmentally friendly, heat-resistant, and has a long service life. The variety of surface shapes, colors, and types is huge, allowing fire bricks to be used for cladding facades, paving garden paths, and arranging fireplaces and chimneys, as they are primarily facing bricks. 

 

Brick Filling

Depending on the filling, bricks can be:

• Solid;
• Hollow;
• Porous - a separate type of brick.
  
  

Solid bricks have no openings or cavities. They are more durable, so they are used for foundations, walls, columns, and other critical structures. This material has high flexural strength, resistance to frost, but it has high thermal conductivity, so the walls need to be insulated.

Hollow bricks are characterized by the presence of round, rectangular, or square chambers or holes, which can be open or closed on one side, horizontally or vertically. The cavity of silicate bricks can reach 30%, and for ceramic bricks - up to 45%. Due to the voids, raw materials are saved, so such bricks cost less, and their low weight makes them easier to work with. But their main advantage is their thermal insulation properties, as air is trapped inside the void. Hollow bricks are usually used for internal partitions and facades, rarely for lightweight external walls, and never for arranging fireplaces and chimneys.

*Translated using automatic translation tool
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