The Different Types of Bricks in Home Construction

Bricks have been used for years in Sri Lanka. Its rich and diverse landscapes offer a healthy supply of good quality clay, as well as natural stone sourced.

Cost

The cost of bricks is highly dependent on the brick type, the area in which you wish to build, and the corresponding transportation costs. It is always wise to shop around and do your research, to ensure you get the best deal. Recommendations are invaluable when constructing your own brick house.

Types

Types of Brick Available:

Common Burnt Clay Bricks (Red Bricks) – Whether pre-fabricated or hand-cast, these bricks are made pressing clay in a mould and then sun-dried or fired. They have no special aesthetic appearance and require a top finish of plastering or rendering.

Concrete Bricks – Concrete blocks are one of the most adaptable, in terms of size and color, to suit the individual needs of the home-owner, which make them a common choice for home construction. They also have a smooth and appealing aesthetic.

Sand Lime Bricks – These are made using sand, fly ash and lime, followed by a chemical process and then pressed in a heavy mould, to form the brick. Sand is a further natural resource available in varying quantities and for varying costs. In their favor, these bricks don’t require plastering and have a smooth exterior aesthetic, pleasing to the eye.

Fly Ash Clay Bricks – These bricks are made using clay and fly ash but some studies have shown that under certain weather conditions, the bricks perform badly, tending to expand when coming into contact with moisture.

Engineering Bricks – These are the big-daddys of bricks and one of the strongest, offering high load bearing capacity as well as having good damp proof properties.

It is important to seek a professional opinion when choosing building materials, to ensure you choose the right brick to suit your needs and the demands of your chosen location and climate.

Reasons to use Brick

A Good Insulator – In areas where temperatures can soar, bricks keep interiors cool and well-ventilated. They also protect against extreme cold in the winter.

They Look Nice – Bricks come in different colours, depending on your choice of brick and offer a pleasing aesthetic for home owners.

Fire Resistant – Both clay and concrete bricks have a great fire resistance. They are able to withstand fire for up to 6 hours and can protect items inside the house, if a fire is on the outside. They are also far more fire resistant than their fellow construction material alternative, wood.

Durable and Moisture Resistant – Bricks are extremely durable, resistant to wind-driven rain and have a great breathability, which makes them a great choice for house building.

Widely Available and for a Moderate Price – Bricks are pretty easy to get hold of, wherever you are and for a reasonable cost, which makes them a common favourite.

Sound Proofing – Bricks help keep the noises in or out, to ensure higher levels of privacy and peace for any home owner or family.

Surface Work

Once the brick is in place, it’s important to treat it right, to ensure it is adequately prepared for the different seasons and natural wear and tear. Plaster, paint or ornamental tile work are the options and the choice is down to personal taste or whatever is most appropriate for your particular geographical area.

Important to Remember

It is imperative that construction guidelines and building permit laws are carefully followed, along with the highest standard of construction techniques, to ensure your house has a solid structure and is sufficiently prepared to withstand natural factors, to keep you safe and warm, or cool, all year round.