Brick Types Every DIYer Should Know
Bricks are frequently employed in industrial, residential, and commercial construction because they are strong, long-lasting, and largely fireproof building materials. However, even for little masonry tasks like setting up an outdoor grill station, creating the supports for a garden bench, or simply installing a straightforward brick mailbox stand, the quality of brick can make all the difference. It’s crucial to educate yourself about which type of brick is appropriate for your current or future projects or brick repair and how to tell the difference between these types of brick because several distinct types of brick are frequently used to finish building projects.
Sand Lime Bricks
Sand lime bricks are typically used for load-bearing walls in homes and multi-story buildings because of their great compressive strength and ability to be colored to change the brick’s final appearance. This kind of brick requires less mortar plaster, which cuts down on project expenses and saves time.
Firebricks
Firebricks are the ideal material if the masonry project aims to build a high heat- and fire-resistant construction, wall, or framework. These bricks, also known as refractory bricks, are created from fireclay, a unique kind of clay with a silica and alumina predominance. Consequently, firebricks can endure temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees.
Burnt Clay Bricks
Due to their abundance in contemporary buildings, burned clay bricks are often referred to as common bricks. These bricks have a wide range of uses, including foundations, walls, columns, and more. To increase the strength, water resistance, and insulating properties of the burnt clay bricks when used to create walls, plastering or rendering with mortar is necessary.
Engineering Bricks
Due to their superior density and great compressive strength, which make them excellent materials for use as load-bearing structures, engineering bricks are a favorite among structural engineers, as their name suggests. To prevent the bricks from crumbling, cracking, or leaking, engineering bricks also have a low absorption capacity, which means that they cannot absorb a substantial amount of moisture.
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