Constructing Using Bricks: 8 Benefits That Make Brick a Top Building Material
Is brick still a prime building material? Or has it been overtaken by time and technology? Join us as we discuss why brick remains one of the best construction materials for single-storey and multi-storey buildings.
Bricks Are Resistant To Fire
Bricks are poor heat conductors since they have low thermal conductivity. Clay, the primary material used to make bricks, does not ignite readily and withstands high temperatures well. The additional raw materials mixed with clay to make bricks exhibit the same fire-resistant properties. These include:
- Shale
- Sand
- Lime
- Fly ash
- Iron oxide
Bricks Are Resistant to Harsh Weather
Brick houses stand up to extreme weather conditions quite well. Heat, strong winds, frost, high pressure, and rain do not damage buildings made using bricks.
However, bricks are not impervious to water; it’s advisable to check for signs of water seepage after heavy rains and do the necessary repairs before further damage occurs. Waterproofing and insulation provide extra protection against water damage. You may prefer Powder Coating Systems that provide durability to your construction building.
Where high-quality brick walls are exposed to regular rainfall, the absorption rate hardly exceeds 20%, and the bricks eventually dry.
Brick Walls Keep Internal Temperatures Steady
Because of their high thermal resistance, bricks restrict the movement of heat. Thus, they preserve the heat inside the house, keeping the temperatures inside constant.
Likewise, they block excessive heat from transferring into the house, so the house remains cool in hot weather and vice versa. The same quality keeps the house warm at night when temperatures may dip, so you don’t have to turn on your air conditioning if the weather is mild.
Brick Provides Sound Insulation
If street noises annoy you, you don’t want to hear your neighbours fight at two in the morning—or maybe you don’t want them to listen as you argue with your mate—brick walls can help. They are excellent at noise control.
Brick’s dense and rigid nature prevents soundwaves from passing through the material. A double brick wall with a cavity provides even more soundproofing. Even without insulation, a brick wall can reduce the noise level by at least 40 db, 45 db if plastered on both sides and 50 db if it’s a double wall with a cavity.
Brick Is an Eco-Friendly Material
Bricks are made from natural materials that are 1) abundant and 2) easy to source. No toxic chemicals or fumes are involved in manufacturing bricks, making brick one of the most environmentally safe building materials. The excavation site can be repurposed so that it remains a productive resource. Should a building be demolished, all the composite materials can be recycled to produce new bricks or used in other ways.
Brick is Safe
Your children, an elderly parent, anyone in ill health, and pets can stay in a brick house without you worrying about toxins affecting their health. Bricks do not contain any chemicals that can seep into rooms or inhalable particles. There are no health or environmental hazards tied to living in a brick house.
Bricks Are Durable
Anyone who grew up seeing brick houses around them can confirm that brick structures do not crumble over time. A brick structure can last a decade or more, even with minimal care. And if you pay attention to the building and perform the needed maintenance, the structure can last hundreds of years, possibly more.
Brick Houses Are Easy To Maintain
Having a brick house means enjoying a beautiful home without bending over backwards to maintain it. You won’t need to polish or clean your brick walls every few months. You don’t require expensive cleaners and chemicals to clean the walls, either.
You’ll do most brick maintenance routines annually or semi-annually. Some, like resealing, can be done every five years, while others—like repointing—are performed after decades.
What’s important is to inspect the house every few months so you can notice any problem areas and act before they worsen. You’ll be able to notice discolourations or cracks and determine whether weep holes need unclogging.
Conclusion
There are many benefits of using brick as a building material. From blocking and containing noise to stabilising temperature inside the house, brick walls do it all to make buildings habitable and comfortable. Durability and low maintenance are other reasons that make brick a superior construction material.
Consider checking out Building Materials Wholesale’s brick store for the best prices and brick in the UK.
FAQs
- Are clay bricks made purely of clay?
While clay is the main ingredient required to make bricks, it’s not the only one. Several other materials are added, including sand, lime, and water. Additives like oxides and other clay conditioners improve the mixture in different ways. For example, they promote homogeneous mixing of the ingredients and increase the strength of clay.
- Can brick walls crumble due to heavy rains?
The heating step during manufacture strengthens bricks, making them strong enough to withstand rain. However, excess water seepage can cause structural damage to a building. Consult a brick expert to assess your building for water damage if you suspect your brick walls have soaked too much water.
- Should I be worried about cracks on my brick wall?
It’s normal for brick walls to develop small cracks due to settling and mild temperature changes. However, cracks bigger than 2mm and any crack that starts small and becomes bigger may indicate underlying structural problems and need the attention of a professional.
