Which Type Of Brick Is Best For House Construction?

Common Types Of Brick Used In Australia For Construction

Used, Everyday Bricks Made from Burned Clay

As a building material, bricks have been around for a long time and are still widely used today. Masonry walls, foundations, columns, etc. all benefit from their use. It's important to note that when used in walls, burnt clay bricks typically necessitate plastering or rendering.

Lime Sand Bricks

High pressure is applied to a mix consisting of sand, lime, salt, and autoclaving to create a white masonry material used to make these bricks. These grey bricks are a popular alternative to the more conventional red bricks. Sand lime bricks have a more refined appearance and don't need to be plastered. They are resistant to fire and store heat and moisture exceptionally well.

Blocks of poured-concrete

They are also referred to as masonry units and concrete blocks (CMU). Used almost universally as a wall-building material among builders. Moreover, these bricks can really be made to provide a variety of colours, allowing for highly aesthetically pleasing designs for walls and barriers.

Fire-Resistant Bricks Made From Fly Ash

These bricks cut down on the amount of time and mortar needed to complete a project. Yet, they harm the environment and contribute to the growing problem of water and air pollution caused by the proliferation of thermal power plants.

What Are Bricks & What Are They Used For?

Bricks, along with stone and wood, are among the earliest and most widely used construction materials still in use today. Since clay is used as the major material, it is essential that it be of high quality. For these reasons, brick is a popular choice for wall construction because it lasts a long time, needs very little upkeep, and can be recycled when it's finally worn out. Brick has great thermal performance and hence makes houses very energy efficient. Brick buildings, if constructed with care, can last for generations and provide all the requisite amenities for a pleasant existence. The typical density of a brick is 125 PCF. Bricks come in a wide range of hues, textures, sizes, and forms.

Uses Of Bricks

Because of its high reliability, brick is used in many different types of masonry building blocks:

• Structures, substructures, arches, and pavements; brick flooring

Bricks are versatile due to their affordability, portability, and availability in a wide range of sizes, forms, and colours, and as a result are used for:

• Architectures that use brick paving as the facade often

What Is Concrete & What Is It Used For?

Concrete is a manmade composite material that consists of Portland cement, particles, and water. To modify its characteristics, additives are frequently used. The use of concrete blocks in contemporary home building has skyrocketed. Modern concretes have been refined to the point where they provide outstanding insulation and fulfil all the needs of their potential buyers. When compared to wood, concrete blocks have a lower organic volatile compound (VOC) emittance rating; this makes them a healthier option due to the fact that VOCs induce headaches, sickness, sinus irritation, and internal organ damage. This kind of brick is made primarily out of cement. Concrete slabs are the best option if you need a sturdy structure and a quick masonry job done at the same time. Thinking over the pros and downsides of concrete block masonry is important for anyone considering buying a house made of this material.

Uses Of Concrete 

• As a basic building component, blocks have several uses:
• Limitations Added for Safety
• Decoration of Garden Walls as Part of a Landscape

Cost 

The price of adhesive and technical expertise have a much larger impact on brick construction expenses than do the price of concrete blocks or brick. A single clay brick will set you back around $1.50, whereas an 8-inch cinder slab will run you about $1.35 (an aerated concrete block would set you back $11.00 when fitted), and a heavier block will set you back around $15.00.

Advantages Of Bricks

• Low-maintenance, high-performance, and ideally suited for passively heated and cooled structures.
• Very little upkeep is required, so you can save both money and time.
• Artistic and vivid, with a riot of contrasting hues and textures that really pop.
• Quality building materials and timeless masonry will protect your family for many years to come.
• Durable, reusable, free of pollutants, and fire resistant; lengthy life cycle provides continued environmental and health benefits; sustainable.
• cost-effective and simple to employ; economical.

Disadvantages Of Bricks

• Brick takes longer to build, and any necessary alterations to the structure can be a major hassle.
• Due to the ease with which it collapses during an earthquake, it is unsuitable for usage in highly seismic areas.
• As bricks absorb water readily, the lack of ventilation leads to efflorescence. Need to clear moss and stains
• Inadequate tensile strength; material is stiff and easily breaks under tension.
• Bricks can be a pain to clean, so a pressure washer is definitely a good idea.
• The facade's colour will shift over time as low-quality brick fades in the light.

Advantages Of Concrete

• In a high-humidity area, this house requires little upkeep because it resists the growth of mould and mildew even when left damp.
• In addition to being good load-bearers, these materials are also resistant to high winds; in fact, some constructions can survive gusts of over 200 miles per hour without suffering any damage.
• Offers a natural barrier against flames, making it a top choice in high-risk areas.
• Reduces heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%, and even more so if additional insulation is installed.
• Ideal for use in noisy urban areas or in close proximity to military bases; eliminates the need for further soundproofing by blocking out 75% of ambient noise.
• Good for your health, as it keeps out radon and other potentially dangerous airborne pollutants.
• Cheaper to rebuild in the event of a calamity; combined with steel reinforcing rods, they are especially useful in earthquake-prone areas.

Disadvantages Of Concrete

• Depending on where you live, the price of mortar and concrete might be as much as three times what it would be in a cheaper region, thereby increasing the overall cost of construction.
• Not enough cement or stucco was used before painting, thus the building now lacks kerb appeal.
• Permeability means water can seep through it over time, potentially causing damage to your home.
• Not ideal in many areas; not all building teams will have experience with it, and you may need to use reinforcing steel to ensure a solid structure.
• While it is simple to sacrifice environmental advantages through openings, it is necessary to select doors and windows with appropriate weather stripping.

Benefits Of Bricks

Need to know what to use as building material? I'll explain why bricks are superior.

Bricks Are Low-Maintenance

Brick walls don't have to be sealed, painted, or protected from termites. Brick walls do not decay, deteriorate, peel, or rot. Maintaining their beauty is as simple as brushing it off with a gentle bristled brush. Brick is one of the ancient building materials used by humans, and several structures from the Roman era, more than two millennia ago, are still standing and in use. Property owners and developers favour them because of their durability, resilience, and low maintenance requirements, all of which contribute to their timeless aesthetic appeal.

Bricks can keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer

Brick is a popular construction material because of its high "thermal mass." Heavy, thick materials have what's called thermal mass, which allows them to retain and gradually release heat. Brick dwellings retain their coolness even during the hottest parts of the day, and in the winter, the walls store heat and give it back to the house's occupants. They are the most effective heat-saving building solution and work well in Australia's sunny climate when combined with insulation.

The materials used to create bricks are entirely organic

Among the most plentiful resources on Earth, clay and shale are used extensivly in brick production. They generate nothing in the way of byproducts and can be recycled for use in other items. They are so resilient because they are crafted from all-natural materials and fired in ideal settings so they can resist nearly any climatic condition without diminishing in quality. Bricks made of clay are non-reactive and do not off-gas any harmful chemicals. Buildings made of clay bricks and the materials used in them are safe for human and animal use.

Shelter From the Elements

Brick is fireproof because its main component, clay, gets vitrified at high temperatures. This implies it is fireproof and can help save a home from destruction during a blaze. Also, because brick is so long-lasting, many insurance companies provide discounts to homeowners whose homes are constructed entirely of brick.

Compared to wall systems made of other exterior materials, brick veneer assemblies are more effective in regulating moisture. Clay bricks are not totally waterproof, but they do prevent moisture, even wind-driven rain, from getting inside. Hence, compared to other wall assemblies, ranch style wall systems are more effective in preventing the growth of mould, the decay of wood, the invasion of insects, and the rusting of fasteners set into wood.

Research has also revealed that brick walls provide significantly more protection from flying objects than do vinyl or fiber-cement ones.

Bricks Are Beautiful

Bricks can be seen in homes ranging from the majestic and Victorian to the ultra-modern and mid-century. They're multipurpose and tactile, with a wide variety of colours, finishes, and textures to choose from, letting homeowners express their individuality in the design of their homes. Bricks with a sleek texture or metallic coatings are at home in modern or midcentury architecture, while typical sand stock bricks look well in rustic country residences or lofty factories.

Conclusion

Bricks have been used centuries, are visually pleasing, and have numerous practical applications, making them a fantastic pick for your dream home. Because of their low cost, wide availability, mass production, and proven reliability, they can sustain fire temperatures that rise to 1250 degrees Centigrade. Insulation, soundproofing, and protection against pests like termites that rot are all enhanced by using double brick. Walls are among the most effective in dampening ambient noise because of the unique combination of technical, thermal, and visual benefits that they offer. One must thoroughly consider the advantages and disadvantages of each brick before making a final decision.

Brick veneer is less expensive than double-brick building, but it has its limitations. Fire ants and other wood-eating insects can easily chew through it, and it won't keep out noise as well as genuine brick because it isn't as thick or heavy. Used, ordinary bricks made of Burned Clay, lime sand pavers, fire-resistant bricks made of Fly Ash, masonry units, and concrete blocks are all often used in construction around Australia. These stones can be manufactured to provide a wide range of colours, enabling the creation of walls and obstacles with striking visual appeal. There is an increasing concern about air and water contamination due to the growth of thermal power plants, which these devices potentially exacerbate.

Bricks, along with sandstone, are among the oldest and most commonly used construction materials that are still in use today. Brick is frequently used for walls due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and the fact that it can be recycled after it has served its purpose. It may be found in many different sizes, shapes, and colours, and it doesn't break the bank. Composed of Portland cement, aggregate, and water, concrete is a composite material with a human hand. As a result of their efforts, it now provides superior insulation and meets the needs of potential customers.

As organic volatile compounds (VOCs) cause headaches, nausea, sinus irritation, and interior organ damage, choosing concrete blocks is a better option. When speed is of the essence but you still want a solid foundation, concrete slabs are really the way to go. Brick construction costs are more heavily influenced by the cost of bonding and technical skills than by the cost of cement walls or brick themselves. Bricks are great for passively cool and hot buildings due to their low maintenance requirements and high performance. Concrete is cheap and easy to use, as well as long-lasting, reusable, pollution-free, and fire-resistant.

Bricks are windproof, fireproof, and resistant to mould and mildew, making them an excellent material for humid climates. They are perfect for places that are noisy due to city life or adjacent to military bases, and they provide a physical barrier against fire. They are especially helpful in earthquake-prone regions since they are easier to rebuild after a disaster. There are a number of issues with concrete, including the high cost of mortar and concrete, the failure to properly prime the surface with cement or stucco before painting, and the material's susceptibility to water seepage. For proper insulation, choose windows and doors with weather stripping.

Brick is widely used as a building material because of its high "thermal mass," which allows it to hold and gradually release heat, its durability, sturdiness, and low maintenance needs. With a combination of insulation and windows, it is the best method for reducing a building's internal temperature during the hot Australian summer. Bricks are made from all natural materials that produce no waste. Bricks are long-lasting because they are made from natural materials and are fired in controlled conditions. They don't react with anything and don't give off any toxic gases, so it's safe to use them around people and pets.

These can prevent a house fire from spreading. When it comes to controlling moisture and keeping it out, brick veneer assemblies fare much better. Yet studies have shown that brick walls are much more effective at stopping projectiles than vinyl or fibre optic ones. Brick is used in a wide variety of architectural styles, from grand and Victorian to ultra-modern and mid-century.

Content Summary

• Advantages of brick will be explored, as will the difference between double brick and bricks veneer, and the most common brick variants in Australia.
• Brick veneer, like double-brick building, is strong and attractive.
• Despite its many benefits, brick veneer does have some downsides.
• Anyone interested in purchasing a home made of concrete blocks should carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this building material.
• To a considerably greater extent than the cost of concrete blocks or brick, the cost of adhesive and technical experience contributes to the overall cost of a brick construction project.
• Your family will be safe in your home for many years to come if you use high-quality materials and classic construction techniques.
• Inadvantages of Brick Construction Brick construction is more labor-intensive and can make structural changes more difficult.
• As low-quality brick weathers in the sun, the facade's colour will gradually change.
• Concrete's Drawbacks The cost of building materials, such as mortar and concrete, can be significantly higher in some areas than in others.
• Water can leak through it over time, which could be bad for your house if it happens.
• Clay brick construction and the materials used in it are completely secure for habitation by humans and other animals.
• This indicates that it is fireproof and can protect a house from complete devastation in the event of a fire.
• If you're looking for an exterior wall system that can effectively regulate moisture, brick veneer assemblies have the upper hand over other wall systems.
• To Put It Simply, Bricks Are Gorgeous
• Bricks can be seen in a wide variety of architectural styles, from the stately and Victorian to the ultra-modern and mid-century.