What are the Different Types of Bricks?

When it comes to Building Material and Permanent Structures, Bricks are likely to be on your Shopping List.

Whether you are Building Walls or running a Construction Site Selecting the suitable types of bricks is essential to your Building project.

Brick Types go through different manufacturing processes, and ensuring you have the correct type of brick matching your Project is essential.

The manufacturing process contributes to the long-term performance and looks of your Bricks.

Whilst Common Bricks tend to be a uniform shape, They may have smooth surfaces or extruded surfaces.

The most common bricks you are likely to come across are;

• Engineering Bricks

• Facing Bricks

Engineering Bricks

Engineering Bricks are used when there is more of a need to withstand frost or water.

This High-Quality Brick has low porosity and is weather resistant.

You will likely find Engineering Bricks in locations such as;

• Sewers

• Damp proof course

• Retaining Walls

• Ground Works

• Maintenance holes

• Tunnels

• Subways

   

Brick colour is commonly Red, but Staffordshire blue bricks are also available.

Made of Staffordshire Slate Blue Brick, this sculpture honours the area's heritage and the Ibstock brick works that once stood on the site.#ItsWhatIbstockIsMadeOf pic.twitter.com/lT9CsYCNCG

— Ibstock Brick (@ibstockbrick) September 17, 2021

The Brick will likely have a Smooth Surface with Holes for Mortar and Steel Rods.

There are two different types of Bricks

• Class A

• Class B

So, what's the difference between Class A and Class B Engineering Bricks?

Class A Bricks

The Strongest of the Two Bricks includes;

• Compressive Strength of at Least 125N/mm2

• Water Absorption of less than 4.5%

Class B Bricks 

• Compressive Strength of at Least 75N/mm2

• Water Absorption of less than 7%

What does this mean? 

Compressive Strength is the Load Bearing Range

Water Absorption applies to how much water the Bricks take on.

Engineering Types of Brick are commonly used and proven in the UK.

Structural Engineers are likely to recommend Engineering Brick Types due to their resistance against chemical or water attacks and as high load-bearing members.

Sand Lime Bricks

Sometimes known as Calcium Silicate Bricks, Sand Lime Bricks offer a Smooth Finish and can sometimes be Custom Coloured, removing the need for Plastering.

Concrete Bricks

Often used for Internal Brickwork, these Special Bricks can be made in different shapes and sizes using moulds and wet concrete.

Clay Bricks

A Burnt Clay Brick comes in four categories, from First Class Bricks to Forth Class Bricks and is moulded and burnt in Kilns.

Facing Bricks

A Good Quality Brick, standard in Residential Buildings throughout the United Kingdom.

Wire Cut, also known as Extruded Brick, is made from clay through an Extrusion Head.

Soft Mud Bricks or Stock Bricks are commonly manufactured.

Facing Bricks Benefits include;

• High Aesthetic Qualities

• Weather Resistant

• Strong

• Durable

• Texture Options

• Colour Options

• Size Options

• Value

Conclusion

There are many more Types of Brick to meet the needs of all types of Innovative Building.

Whether you need an Irregular Shape or unique Fire Resistance, you can be sure our Innovative Brick Manufacturers can Help.

The Humble Brick has come a long way since we were first introduced to them in the Eleventh Century by the Romans.