Type of bricks: selection and application criteria
People involved in constructions who lack the knowledge often argue on which type of bricks is better. This formulation of the question is incorrect initially. There are different types of bricks that differ in composition, strength characteristics, water resistance, fire resistance, thermal conductivity and, as a consequence, in the field of their application.
Many people are choosing to build their own houses in Sydney to have the full control of everything including what material to use. If you want to choose the same path, this article will help you know more about types of bricks that are available to you.
Silicate bricks – one of the most popular
Silicate bricks are made of a mixture of lime and. Their extraordinary prevalence is primarily due to cheapness and wide scope of application for domestic purposes (construction of cottages, garages, etc.)
At the same time, these bricks have some drawbacks. They are heavy and fragile at the same time. These characteristics make it possible to use this type of bricks for building walls and interior parts of the construction. For masonry, fireplaces, and foundations silicate bricks aren’t suggested.
Facing bricks – stronger than they seem
Name of this brick type gives us a clue about their purpose. They are used more for decorative than actual construction purposes. However, this is not always accurate. These bricks are strong enough to be even used for foundation purposes and also for walls, sidewalks and for interior purposes.
Such bricks in the decorative design can be deliberately smooth (glazed) or, conversely, chopped (imitation of ordinary stone). They can have an unusual shape. The most common form of facing bricks with rounded corners. The name “facing” only says that it can be used in cases where the qualitative (aesthetic) characteristics of the internal or external surfaces made of it are important.
Double brick / ceramic stones
This particular type can be combined into a large group called ceramic stones or double bricks. These large blocks significantly increase the speed and quality of the masonry. Due to their porosity, they are light and economical. Usually, they are used for laying of external walls. The sufficiently massive size of ceramic stones allows saving considerably on the amount of mortar used for masonry.
Clinker Bricks – one of the most durable
According to its technology, manufacture and composition, they are similar to conventional ceramic bricks. However, higher temperatures are used in their production, which makes it possible to use them for such purposes as masonry of gutters, tracks for motor vehicles, foundation and etc.
Chamotte bricks – durable to fire
The following types of bricks, also known as, refractory, or fireclay. Despite the fact, those conventional ceramic blocks are able to withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees, which is quite sufficient for domestic needs, in everyday life refractory brick types are used in stove laying because of their unique ability to gradually accumulate and slowly give heat. A stove made of this type of material heats up slowly but also gives a long heat. In combination with conventional ceramic bricks, their use ensures a uniform and long-term heating of the premises.
Full bodied and hollow bricks
Depending on the load of the structure, either full-bodied brick types or hollow brick types can be used for different purposes. The first is more durable. They are used, for example, in the construction of walls and columns. Due to their high thermal conductivity, they require insulation if used for outer walls. But they are fairly fragile and are mainly used in the construction of not heavily loaded structures.