Dimensions of facing bricks

The main materials used in construction for the walls of buildings are often not aesthetic and ugly. To improve the appearance of such structures, finishing work is often carried out, in which facing bricks are used. It can be of both standard and non-standard dimensions (but nevertheless approved by GOST). What types of facing bricks exist today, we will tell in this article.

Facing buildings with bricks not only ennobles their appearance, but also creates additional protection against the adverse effects of the external environment, and also increases the strength of the erected walls.

The classification of bricks is carried out according to several main criteria:

1. for production technology - corpulent and hollow;
2. by the manufacturing method - using special equipment or manually;
3. by type of surface - smooth, rough (matte);
4. for finishing;
5. by color - red, white, yellow, etc .;
6. by material of manufacture - silicate, hyper-pressed (concrete), clinker, ceramic;
7. by the hardening method - ceramic (by furnace firing), non-firing.

Hollow bricks, in addition to being lightweight, compared to solid bricks, retain heat better (by an average of 10-15%).

Ceramic bricks are obtained by high-temperature firing prepared and formed mixture, consisting of low-melting red clay with various additives that correct thermoplasticity. These additional elements include quartz sand, sawdust, ash, coal dust, etc.

The main difference between brick and facing brick lies in the more precise preparation of all the ingredients prior to the formation of the product itself. This helps to reduce the likelihood of cracks and the appearance of unaccounted for elements that can disfigure the appearance of the product.

The finished product is distinguished by a very high moisture resistance, strength and ability to retain heat. Ceramic facing bricks are produced in all variety of colors and textures, which is achieved by adding to the composition of the brick mixture of mineral dyes, such as chromium oxide, ground iron and manganese ore and other components.

Clinker brick is similar to ceramic in several respects, but differs in the composition of raw materials and firing modes. To create clinker, medium and refractory clays are taken, therefore, its heat treatment requires higher temperatures.

In terms of color and texture, this type of facing bricks is on a par with ceramic.

Hyper-pressed or concrete bricks are made from a mixture of cement, granite chips and water. This type of cladding does not undergo firing, bricks are simply formed from the mixture, and the hardening process proceeds naturally.

In the matter of strength, hyper-pressed bricks do not "give in" to clinkers, they are very resistant to various external influences. An excellent appearance is ensured by a rich color range of finished products.

Silicate facing bricks are made from a mixture of silicate sand with hydrated lime.This product also does not undergo heat treatment by firing. The process of solidification of the brick mass is accelerated by means of an autoclave - an installation that provides high pressure and temperature.

At the moment, the popularity of sand-lime bricks has fallen sharply due to the poor range of colors. As for the technical indicators, they are at the proper level. Silicate bricks absorb moisture better, but more resist the processes of regular wetting, freezing and thawing.

In addition to this method, the following surface decoration methods are also used.

• Shotcrete. Mineral chips are applied to the edges of the bricks.
• Engobing. The surface of the product is coated with a special compound, which, under the influence of high temperature, turns into a glossy film.
• Glazing. In many ways it is similar to the engobing method, the only difference is in the thickness and durability of the resulting film, since these indicators are higher here.

Cladding bricks are produced in different sizes.

Cladding brick size chart

• Standard. Standard dimensions of brick for facing - 250x120x65 mm. Differences for manufacturing products are found only in thickness. This does not apply to handmade products.
• Single. The thickness of this type of brick is 65 mm.
• One and a half. The thickness indicator for this type is 88 mm, and for double - 138 mm.
• Decorative. The reference dimensions of decorative bricks can have the following values ​​- 250x120x65 mm, 250x90x65 mm and 250x60x65 mm.
• Euro. European manufacturers have slightly different standards for the dimensions of bricks for facing: for a ceramic product - 250x85x65 mm, for a thickened type - 250x85x88 mm.

The most widespread shades of facing bricks are red, yellow, white.

The composition of raw materials for red brick includes iron, it is made by firing at a temperature of about 1000 degrees. As a result, the building material receives high strength, durability and reliability in use. It is used for laying foundations, walls, stoves and fireplaces.

Sand and lime are the main raw materials for the production of white building materials. Aesthetically attractive, frost and moisture resistant, durable material is not subject to temperature fluctuations. Houses, pavilions, fences, etc. are built from it.

Yellow brick is made from clay with the addition of cement and / or lime oxide. The main advantages are good thermal insulation properties and low cost.

For information on how to choose a facing brick, see the video below.