How to choose quality bricks?

As we all know, bricks are critical to constructing a building. The durability of the building lies in bricks. Bricks are made up of natural materials which will not affect the environment. The reason behind their firmness is that they are burnt at high temperatures.

Choosing the quality bricks for your construction project is a critical decision that significantly impacts your structure’s durability, aesthetics, and overall quality. With a wide range of brick types available, each offering unique characteristics and advantages, it is vital to understand the factors contributing to the best quality bricks. This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in making an informed choice by highlighting key considerations when selecting bricks for construction.

This guide will delve into various factors that should be considered during the brick selection process. We will explore the importance of brick type, considering options such as clay, concrete, and fly ash bricks and how their specific properties align with your project requirements.

Before going into the factors determining the quality of bricks, let us see some types of bricks.

Based on raw materials:

• Burnt clay brick
• Fly ash clay brick
• Concrete brick
• Sand-lime brick
• Fire brick

Based on the location:

• Facing brick
• Backing brick

Based on Weather-resisting Capability:

• Severe weather grade
• Moderate weather grade
• No weather grade

Based on shape:

• Bullnose brick
• Airbricks
• Channel bricks
• Coping bricks
• Cow nose bricks
• Capping bricks
• Brick veneers
• Curved sector bricks
• Hollow bricks
• Paving bricks
• Perforated bricks
• Purpose made bricks

Based on their use:

• Common bricks
• Engineering bricks

When choosing the best quality bricks for construction, several factors must be considered. Here are some key points to help you make an informed decision:

• Brick Type: Bricks come in various types, such as clay bricks, concrete bricks, and fly ash bricks. Each type has its advantages and characteristics. Clay bricks are known for their durability, thermal insulation, and aesthetic appeal. Concrete bricks offer strength and load-bearing capacity, while fly ash bricks are environmentally friendly. Consider your project’s particular needs and select a brick type accordingly.
• Compressive Strength: The compressive strength of bricks determines their ability to withstand load and pressure. It is crucial to select bricks with adequate compressive strength to guarantee the stability of your construction. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or consult a structural engineer to determine the required power for your project.
• Dimensional Accuracy: Choosing bricks with consistent dimensions and shapes is essential. Bricks with irregular shapes or sizes can lead to uneven walls, resulting in structural issues and aesthetic problems. Inspect the bricks for any visible defects before purchasing them.
• Water Absorption: The water absorption capacity of bricks is essential as it affects their durability and resistance to weathering. High-quality bricks should have low water absorption rates, typically less than 20%. Excessive water absorption can lead to cracks, efflorescence, and deterioration of the brickwork.
• Efflorescence Resistance: Efflorescence is the white salt deposit that can form on the surface of bricks due to moisture and soluble salts. It affects the appearance of the brickwork. Look for bricks that have good efflorescence resistance to minimize the occurrence of this issue.
• Durability: A good quality brick should be durable and withstand various weather conditions and environmental factors. It should resist freezing and thawing cycles, chemical attacks, and other forms of deterioration. Consider the brick’s composition and manufacturing process to evaluate its durability.
• Certification and Standards: Check if the bricks meet your region’s relevant quality standards and certifications. For example, in the United States, bricks can be tested and certified by organizations such as ASTM International.
• Supplier Reputation: Choose a reliable and reputable supplier for your bricks. Research their track record, read reviews, and ask for references if possible. A trusted supplier will provide high-quality bricks that meet your requirements.

Four critical tests to find the quality of bricks:

• Clap test – when you make two bricks collide with each other, metallic “cling “sound should come. That is the sound of solid brick.
• Drop test – It is evident that strong and quality bricks should break when they fall off. Drop the brick from a height of 4 feet. Check whether the brick is undergoing any damage.
• Crack test – make sure that all bricks are even from all sides, uniformly smooth, and there should not be any cracks at all edges.
• Water weight test – weigh your brick and note down the measurement. Submerge the brick underwater for a more extended period. Again consider the soaked brick. If the weight of the brick is not increased by 15%, then it is a quality brick.

As we all know, it is more complicated to choose quality and apt bricks for construction; it is advised to select professionals with complete knowledge of all the materials required for construction. Hence, you develop the best solution, Noah Infrastructures, the best civil construction contractor in Chennai. We provide full service from design to completion. As we provide turnkey construction solutions, you need not worry about choosing materials, the construction process, and detailed completion. Hurry up and book us.