concrete-construction-building-resources

Do not be fooled into thinking that bricks are all pretty much the same, as each type has different properties and characteristics…

1) Common Bricks

The term ‘common brick’ comes from the fact that, although they are fired hard enough to use for most purposes, they are of a lower quality than most other types of brick. Little attempt is made to have them look good, so bricks in the same batch may differ in color, and the edges of them may be uneven or chipped.

2) Engineering Bricks

An engineering brick goes through an elaborate process of clay selection, careful crushing, firing and molding, to make it a very hard brick indeed. They can take a lot more wear and tear than other types of bricks and have a low rate of water absorption. As they are the least vulnerable to damp, they are nearly always used in preference to other brick types for any part of a structure that falls below ground level.

3) Facing Bricks

The bricks you see when you look at a building or structure are facing bricks. They are hard burned to give them strength and durability, which they need to withstand varying temperatures and extreme weather conditions. There are various sub-categories of facing bricks, with each variant being tailored to meet the demands and conditions of the location where it will be used.

4) Special Bricks

These bricks are used to add finishing touches to a building or structure. Brick companies can make a brick into almost any shape you like as long as you are prepared to pay for it. As well as shape, you can also specify what color you want special bricks to be.

5) Concrete Blocks

As well as bricks, there are all sorts of concrete blocks that can be used for similar purposes. They are cheaper to use than bricks, can be more easily shaped, and are a ideal for foundation courses. They might not look the best if you buy the standard ones but they are available with different finishes, which can make them more visually appealing.

It is impossible to say which of the above types of bricks is best because different ones excel in different circumstances. Rather than just guess, you should ask a senior employee at your local brick merchant what they would advise. They will know for sure which bricks are best for the structure that you are building.

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