In the world of construction, bricks play a vital role. As we have progressed in technology, we have been able to develop a more advanced form of bricks. Traditionally, the bricks were made of clay. The history of bricks goes as far as 5000 BC. These pieces of ancient technology were used by Roman, Egyptian and Indian civilizations. Interestingly, the bricks used by them are still intact and hold the architectural marvels. Today, bricks come in different types, with an array of diverse colors, textures, and sizes, each one having its own unique characteristics. It wouldn’t be wrong to say, depending on your project type. Given below are few pointers that you should analyse while selecting the bricks.
Colour
Colour selection is a key factor to decide. Fired bricks are one of the longest-lasting and strongest building materials, sometimes referred to as artificial stone, and have been used since circa 4000 BC. Air-dried bricks, also known as mud bricks, have a history older than fired bricks, and have an additional ingredient of a mechanical binder such as straw. But gone are those days nowadays bricks are available in multiple colours. You just need to decide.
Type
People give little attention on what type of brick could be used in building a house. Worst still, many are not even aware of different kinds of bricks available in the market live alone the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
There are various types of bricks such as Common Burnt Clay Bricks, Sand Lime Bricks (Calcium Silicate Bricks), Concrete Bricks, Fly ash Clay Bricks, Fire Clay Bricks and the Hollow Brick, the latest technology in bricks segment.There is a lot of variety in the type of masonry to be build for constructing of houses. The type of bricks or masonry to be used for your house depends on lots of factors such as – budget, affordability, location of your house(whether insulation is required or not), easy availability of materials,etc.
Size
A brick has a length, width and height. The size or dimensions of a brick are determined by how it is used in construction. Manufacturers produce bricks to their own specifications (the same manufacturer may even produce different sizes across plants), so it is important to confirm sizes. There are different ways of discussing sizes when it comes to brick and it is important to understand the different sizes so there isn’t any confusion.Besides any other various dimension of bricks, the global construction agencies maintain a standard dimension of brick. Standard brick size for working purpose is 225 x 112.5 x 75 in mm dimension (length x depth x height). In addition, this includes 10 mm mortar joints, and then the actual dimension of brick is 215 x 102.5 x 65 in mm dimension. Besides these different countries uses a different standard dimension of brick.
Texture
All of our bricks are available in a variety of textures – smooth, light textured, heavy textured, tumbled and stock. In some circumstances, texture is as important as colour. Often it is crucial to reflect the look and feel of existing legacy brickwork, and texture can play a vital role in this process. Texture will also influence the way light is reflected off the brick surface, how much light and shade is created, and the final, perceived colour of the façade.
Mortar
Mortar is an integral part of brickwork. Mortar is a workable paste used to bind bricks and other masonry units together. A mortar joint acts as a sealant, a bearing pad, the glue that sticks the units together yet keeps them apart and, in this sense, performs as a gap-filling adhesive. Its role is also to seal irregular gaps between masonry and provide a barrier to the passage of moisture. The correct designation of mortar is vitally important in providing not only strength to the wall construction but also durability against water ingress
Bond
Bond, in masonry, systematic arrangement of bricks or other building units composing a wall or structure in such a way as to ensure its stability and strength. The various types of bond may also have a secondary, decorative function.A brick bond is the pattern in which bricks are laid. It applies to both brick walls and brick paving for patios and paths, as well as to concrete block and other types of masonry construction. There are many different types of brick bonds and each has its own look, installation challenges, and in the case of walls, structural considerations.
Orientation
The building orientation is generally used to refer solar orientation while planning of house with respect to sun path. Best brick orientation can increase the energy efficiency of your home by making it more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run from energy consumption point of view.The chief aim of the best house orientation is to provide physically and psychologically comfortable living inside the building to give good health & happiness to the user in a secure way.
Materials
In modern construction practices, common bricks are categorized according to their component materials and method of manufacture. Under this classification, there are five common types: Burnt clay bricks, Sand lime bricks (calcium silicate bricks), Concrete bricks, Fly ash clay bricks and Firebrick.
Nowadays there are Special shaped bricks also that offer a range of benefits, from enhancing the aesthetics of brickwork to providing added durability and protection.