How to choose the best brick for house cladding: review of materials, prices. Facing brick: so that the facade of the house is impeccable What brand should the facing brick be

The facade of the house can tell a lot. For facade cladding, siding, protective and finishing plasters are used in our time, thermal insulation boards. But the rigor and completeness of the forms are given to the facade of the building only by facing with special bricks.

Most often in construction for facing works, three types of this material are used:

Ceramic brick.
Clinker brick.
Hyper pressed brick.

Each type is good in its own way, with its own advantages and disadvantages. In the framework of this article, we will try to understand the question of which facing brick is better. Each of the above types of building material has significant differences that can affect the quality and service life of the masonry.

ceramic brick

Facing ceramic bricks are distinguished by the shape (and cross-sectional area) of through holes that connect the bedded surfaces. The size of the holes affects the consumption of masonry mortar. Experienced builders prefer to work with ceramic brick, the holes in which have the smallest cross-sectional area.

Ceramic brick has a high degree water absorption. A large number of branched system of internal pores contributes to the normal ventilation of the inner wall, allows you to remove excess steam, i.e. allows the walls of the building to "breathe" normally. The disadvantage of this property of ceramic bricks is its ability to absorb atmospheric moisture. In the event of temperature fluctuations, wet ceramic bricks, if hydrophobization work is not carried out, will collapse. Therefore, after the masonry work is completed, it is recommended to carry out additional work on the waterproofing of the masonry.

The use of clay bricks in construction works ah - a centuries-old tradition. For most people, ceramic bricks are a symbol of completeness. The brick has a relatively low cost, has durability and excellent insulating characteristics.

This is the most popular type of brick for facing works. But it also has drawbacks: each batch of bricks has its own unique shade, so for work you have to select bricks from different batches

Clinker brick

This type of brick has a lower degree of water absorption, so hard brick is used for its masonry. masonry mortar, with low water content.

At the moment it has the highest strength characteristics. This means that this brick will last much longer than other types of facing bricks. Absolutely does not need care. In some European countries, houses lined with clinker bricks retain an almost original appearance for a hundred years.

Manufacturers currently offer this product in various options, including a textured front side pattern and various shades of colors. Clinker bricks are more expensive than other types presented in the article.

This video presentation is dedicated to the advantages of clinker bricks.

Hyper pressed brick

If we talk about the advantages of bricks of this type, then hyper-pressed brick allows you to expand the limits of fantasy. Its front surface is often made textured. You could observe the walls of many cottages, laid out, as if from old, weathered bricks.

This type of brick has too dense and smooth bed surfaces. Therefore, experts recommend using bricks of this type, which have through holes small section.

Recesses in the bed surfaces also increase the strength of the brickwork and increase the degree of adhesion of the surfaces to the mortar.

Brick of this type has a tendency to microcracks on the front side. Unfortunately, a façade made of unfired bricks of this type needs to be hydrophobized. The vapor permeability of this brick is very low, the thermal conductivity is high.

Hyper-pressed brick can rightly be called one of the most affordable. There are factories or just workshops for its production in almost every region. High competition usually stimulates a decrease in the selling price, the manufacturer offers various bonuses.

As a result, the facade, laid out of this brick, is quite democratic in cost, but it will take additional expenses on the hydrophobization of bricks and the device of a normal, balanced regime of steam and thermal insulation.

In terms of operational properties, the best facing brick is clinker. By price the best way- hyper-pressed brick. But also a simple ceramic brick - reliable material, time-tested.

And the final choice is still up to you.

The outer walls of the house are protection from the weather, the walls themselves also need protection. Most often, this role is played by brick cladding, and the main thing here is to choose right kind and brand of material.

Every homeowner wants their home to last a long time. minimal cost for repair and maintenance. Of course, if the cottage is built according to the latest building codes, insulated in accordance with climatic standards, lined with clinker tiles or plastered, then it does not need additional protection.

When it comes to old buildings made of wood, wood materials or porous blocks made of lightweight concrete (foam concrete, aerated concrete), protection of the outer surface is a must. Made of brick, the exterior cladding performs several functions:

protection from adverse climatic factors (precipitation, high and low temperatures, wind);
improvement of thermal characteristics;
improvement in appearance.

The industry produces several types of bricks with different characteristics, designed for different operating conditions. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you should study their main properties.

Types of material, which is better to choose

Facing bricks are produced by firing ( different kinds ceramic and clinker) and without firing method (hyperpressed and silicate), which gives the material completely different qualities. For the choice of material for external wall cladding, the following characteristics are important:

weight - affects the power and thickness of the foundation;
strength grade;
frost resistance mark - the number of freeze-thaw cycles that the material withstands for 1 season, for external cladding, according to building rules, cannot be less than Mrz 35 for walls and Mrz 50 for the basement, cornice and parapet;
water absorption - shows how much moisture the material absorbs for 24 hours when completely immersed in water, materials with a high level of water absorption are not suitable for, cornice and parapet, since when the material is frozen with moisture, the front surface of the masonry is destroyed;
thermal conductivity - is needed to calculate the required thickness of the masonry or the thickness of the insulation.

When choosing a cladding and buying a material, you should familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's passport for a batch of goods, in which these indicators are indicated. A high-quality bar has a uniform color throughout its thickness, without damage to the integrity of the edges and the front layer. The pink tint of ceramics is a sign of underburning; too dark or black color (except for colored and clinker) indicates burnout.

Ceramic

Ceramics is the oldest invention of mankind in the field of artificial building materials. An ordinary ordinary brick is produced by the method of semi-dry or plastic pressing from clays with various additives, followed by firing at t = 900-1000 ° C. Unlike ordinary facing material must have:

increased frost resistance - the minimum value of Mrz 35;
minimal moisture absorption - 2-6%;
increased strength - from M 75;
vapor permeability - ceramics have the property of "breathing", that is, releasing excess moisture into the atmosphere.

Ceramic facing bricks are made with various finishes front surfaces, it can be textured, glazed or engobed. By applying the front decorative layer, the brick is given a wide range of colors - from white to black.

Ceramic bricks are produced solid and hollow with a different number of voids. The voids reduce the weight of the masonry and thermal conductivity, but make it more vulnerable: in a harsh climate with a large number of freeze-thaw cycles, a brick with a low frost resistance grade quickly collapses, and the front surface peels off in the area of the outer row of voids.

The weight of a corpulent bar is 1650 kg/m3, a hollow one is from 1350 to 1480 kg/m3.

Clinker

Clinker bricks have been made for over 200 years from special fireclay clays with various mineral additives at elevated temperatures (up to 1300°C) and continuous firing. Available in full-bodied and hollow, single, euroformat, narrow, thin or curly. Clinker differs from conventional ceramics in its enhanced characteristics:

it is stronger (from M 150);
heavier (1800-2000 kg/m3);
has minimal water absorption (2-3%);
increased frost resistance (from Mrz 75).

In the process of making clinker, special shale clays are used, additives are only mineral composition, manual molding or extrusion method and a large amount of energy. The production method makes the cost of the material much higher than conventional ceramics.

The appearance of clinker depends on the method of production and additives: made by hand and fired in authentic kilns, it has uneven edges and an interesting texture, spectacular color transitions.

The clinker produced on modern lines is distinguished by its ideal geometric shape. The color range depends on the mineral pigments included in the mass for pressing - from almost white to dark red, brown and black.

Clinker brick is a real aristocrat in the world of facing materials.

Silicate

Sand-lime brick is made from a mixture of quartz sand, lime and additives by the autoclave method, which makes the cost of the material much lower than that of ceramics. According to its characteristics silicate brick significantly inferior to clinker and ceramic:

frost resistance - Mrz 25 - 35;
water absorption - 13-15%;
greater weight - 1800 kg / m3.

ATTENTION: Due to low frost resistance and high water absorption, silicate brick is forbidden to be used when laying and facing the most loaded and weather-prone structures - plinth, cornice, parapets, various protruding elements.

However, silicate bricks are actively used for wall cladding due to their good geometry, wide enough color scheme and cheapness.

hyperpressed

The material obtained by hyperpressing surpasses even clinker in its characteristics: strength is higher than natural stone, zero water absorption, fire resistance.

The technology of hyperpressing consists in exposing the molded mixture high pressure at elevated temperatures, due to which the fusion of the components occurs at the molecular level. The production uses a large amount of electricity, which leads to a high cost of the product.

Hyper-pressed bricks are produced in a wide variety of shapes, textures and colors. It is used both in the exterior and interior of buildings. It can be used for lining stoves, fireplaces and chimneys.

Main dimensions

Facing bar dimensions domestic production defines GOST 530-2007, which subdivides the dimensions of products as follows:

single brick - 250x120x65 mm;
one and a half - 250x120x88;
double - 250x120x138;
narrow - 250x60x65;
thin - 250x22x65.

The document gives the manufacturer the right to produce products of other sizes as agreed with the buyer. In addition to rectangular bars, cladding material is produced in various figured rounded shapes for laying out arches, frames, fillets.

ATTENTION: The EU countries produce products according to their own standards, the brick is distinguished by a thickness reduced by 0.7.

Popular colors

The color of the front surface depends on the degree of firing, the composition of the initial mixture, the dyes used, the method of finishing. Different batches of material even from the same manufacturer differ in color, so you need to purchase a brick from one batch, and if this is not possible, then with facing works the master must mix bricks from different batches.

TIP: Body-dyed brick is preferable, because even if the face layer is damaged, the color will remain unchanged.

In addition to colored, facing bricks can have a smooth or chipped surface.

Red

Brick facing red - ordinary clay ceramic or clinker brick, moreover, than more time firing, the more intense red color. A silicate or hyper-pressed bar can turn red when a dye is added. Red color is obtained by applying glaze or engobing.

Yellow

Red ceramic bricks with a glazed or engobed front surface are produced and yellow color. Silicate, clinker or hyper-pressed material is made yellow by the corresponding mineral dyes introduced into the mixture. Bricks of yellow color are produced in different shades - from light to rich ocher.

White

Sand-lime brick without the addition of dye is white with a slight grayish tint - this is the most economical option for obtaining a white facade. Pure white can be hyper-pressed material, clinker with special additives, red ceramics with a painted front layer.

How to get rid of efflorescence

Efflorescence - a whitish coating on the front surface of the masonry, has nothing to do with the quality of the brick. The appearance of efflorescence is determined by additives introduced into the masonry mortar, most often during winter masonry.

Eliminates efflorescence from laying masonry on hard solutions with a low moisture content. The use of hard mixtures is mandatory when finishing with a material with low moisture absorption - clinker or hyperpressed.

The possible appearance of plaque prevents the use of water repellents - organosilicon compounds that give the masonry water-repellent properties. Penetrating into the pores of the material, the water repellent creates a film that prevents the movement of moisture, but at the same time depriving the brick of the ability to breathe.

Special building washes have been created to remove salt deposits. There is folk methods fight against efflorescence: washing stains with a 5% solution of vinegar, hydrochloric acid or ammonia.

How much does it cost

The cost of facing material depends on the type, characteristics and location of the manufacturer.

The cheapest option is cladding with a white silicate bar: raw materials for production are available everywhere, the steaming plant does not take up much space, and electricity costs are low. The price of white silicate brick starts from 9 rubles / piece.

Ceramic facing bricks have a wide variation in cost: the products of the factory in Revda (Urals) from 8 rubles / piece. up to 78 rubles / pc. imported production.

The cost of clinker starts from 70 rubles / piece. production of the Russian Federation up to $ 254 per m2 of Quebec clinker, size 230x105x71, white.

Prices for hyper-pressed material start from 12.5 rubles / piece. for a narrow format (actually a tile with a thickness of 22 mm, up to 71 rubles / piece for a one and a half format product.

Conclusion

The house, lined with brick, gives the impression of a solid, well-groomed dwelling. Choosing a combination of products different color and textures, you can turn a simple box into a building with spectacular architecture. The main thing is to take into account all the characteristics when choosing a material. Responding to main question: what is facing, - we answer with confidence: necessity and decoration.

Dacha, cottage, internal partitions, foundation, chimney, stove - all this can be built of brick. This material has already become traditional and, despite the availability of alternatives, continues to be popular. Accordingly, many are faced with the question - which brick is better? We will share a few simple rules that will help you choose a really good brick.

1. Learn the main types of bricks

Brick is different, and all of it is quite good. It's just that each type must be used wisely, taking into account the pros and cons.

The most popular types of bricks:

silicate (white);
ceramic (red);
hyperpressed;
clinker;
fireclay.

Within some species there is also a division. For example, ceramic red brick can be solid and hollow, and ceramic porous blocks are also made from the same material. Now let's talk about each type separately.

2. White sand-lime brick is an affordable option for walls

Silicate brick is made from a mixture of quartz sand and lime, as well as additional additives. This option is mainly used for building walls.

Advantages:

affordable price;
environmental Safety;
convenient shape of a parallelepiped, smooth edges, clear corners;
good sound insulation;
frost resistance.

The disadvantages of bricks are also many:

big weight;
fragility;
poor thermal insulation;
unstable to high temperatures - cannot be used for stoves and chimneys;
breaks down quickly in wet conditions.

However, if you need a good brick for walls at an affordable price, the silicate option is fine.

3. Red ceramic brick - a versatile option

Red brick is made from clay, which is then fired. The classic version has a red color and a characteristic sonorous sound when struck. If you do not want to think about which brick to choose, the red option is suitable for most types of construction.

Advantages:

universality;
durability;
good heat and sound insulation;
ecological cleanliness;
acceptable price;
ease of installation;
variety of options (solid, hollow, facing, etc.).

If we talk about the shortcomings, then possible defects are most often associated with production violations, which is why it is better to buy a good brick from trusted manufacturers.

4. Chamotte refractory brick - for furnaces and chimneys

If you need to lay down a stove, chimney or fireplace, the choice is simple - fireclay refractory bricks. Only he is adequately reliable when high temperatures Oh. It is based on burnt chamotte clay. Classic ceramic brick also withstands heat up to 800 degrees, but fireclay is more reliable.

5. Clinker brick - reliability and durability

Clinker bricks are another type of clay building materials. It is made from refractory grades and fired at very high temperatures. The result is a good brick, in which there are practically no voids. It can be used anywhere, but most often it is chosen to form the foundation and plinth, where it is necessary to withstand heavy loads. However, it is also unusually good as a cladding, since it forms a strong, beautiful masonry. Disadvantages - high cost and the need for additional thermal insulation.

6. - for decorative cladding

This type of brick is made from limestone with the addition of binding components. The result is a material that looks like an artificial stone, and in its properties is comparable to other good bricks. It comes in a variety of natural colors and is mainly used in decorative purposes. This perfect material for facade cladding interior decoration and even to decorate fireplaces. As for the disadvantages, this is a high price, high weight and thermal conductivity. If you think about which brick is better to choose for a beautiful finish - the hyper-pressed version is perfect.

7. Building and facing bricks

If we talk about the types of bricks for their intended purpose, then it can be divided into building and facing. The first option is distinguished by the most accurate geometry, but does not always respond well to moisture and frost. Accordingly, when using it, you need to take care of an additional protective finish. For this purpose, it is quite possible to choose facing grades of bricks.

These include:

hyperpressed;
clinker;
ceramic facing.

Often, such bricks are not only highly resistant to external influences, but also have decorative surface, for example, imitating the look of natural stone.

8. Solid and hollow brick

Depending on the presence of holes in the brick, it can be solid and hollow. The full-bodied version does not have holes or their number does not exceed 13% of the volume. It is characterized by high weight, high strength, but loses heat very quickly. This is the best option for load-bearing structures and foundations.

Hollow brick has holes of various shapes. Due to the presence of such air chambers, it gains the ability to retain heat well. In addition, the low weight greatly simplifies laying. This is a good brick for internal partitions and facade cladding for their insulation. It cannot be used for load-bearing structures, as well as for furnaces.

9. Ceramic porous blocks - for fast wall construction

Ceramic porous blocks are no longer quite a brick, although they are identical in composition to the red ceramic version. They are pretty blocks. big size with voids inside and often ribbed side faces.

They are great for walls because they have a number of advantages:

masonry speed due to large size;
saving masonry mixture due to the presence of grooves and ridges (the mixture is not needed in the side seams);
thermal insulation due to air chambers is not required.

10. The main properties of bricks - what to look for?

Now that we have figured out the main types of materials, it is worth listing their properties that you need to pay attention to when choosing a good brick for a particular masonry in order to know which brick is better.

These are the options:

density(the higher it is, the more reliable and resistant the material will be, but it will also keep heat worse);
strength(this parameter shows the resistance of the brick to the load, it is especially important when choosing a material for load-bearing structures), denoted by the letter M and a number after it;
porosity(the more pores and voids, the better the material retains heat);
thermal conductivity(the ability to maintain the temperature inside the room);
frost resistance(ability to withstand freeze and thaw cycles without loss of properties), denoted by the letter F and a number indicating the minimum number of cycles;
refractoriness(the ability to withstand high temperatures is important when choosing a good brick for a stove, fireplace, chimney);
moisture resistance(the higher it is, the less moisture the material absorbs, it is important when choosing a brick to be used outdoors).

Comparative table of properties of bricks

Type of brick	Brand	Average density, kg / m 3	*Thermal conductivity, W / (m C)**	Water absorption, %	Frost resistance cycles
Silicate	M75-M300	1000-2200	0,5-1,3	12	15-50
Ceramic solid	M200-M300	2100	0,72	8	50-75
Ceramic hollow (42-45%)	M125, M150	1100-1150	0,2-0,26	6-8	35
Ceramic porous block	M125, M150	890-940	0,16-0,18	6,5-9	35
hyperpressed	M50-M300	2200	0,9-1	6-7	25-200
Clinker	M400-M1000	1900-2100	1,16	6	50-100
Shimotny	M75-M500	1700-1900	0,6	15-30	15-50

These properties differ for each type of brick. A handy table will help you compare different types with each other. The data are given in the average form. Now you know which brick is best for a particular task.

Enough difficult situation arises when it is necessary to decide which brick to choose for facing the house. The fact is that such a facade material includes several types that differ in composition and characteristics. That is why it is necessary to take into account many factors so that the final result matches the desired one.

facade brick also called facing or front, which explains the main purpose of the material - the external design of the walls in order to give the house a more presentable look.

Although the decorative component is considered the main parameter of the product, we must not forget that it must provide reliable protection buildings from any impact. Such factors include preventing the penetration of moisture (parts must have a small percentage of moisture absorption) and protecting the structure from wind and temperature extremes. The material must be strong and durable, the detrimental effects should not reduce the visual appeal.

When choosing the appropriate option, they take into account that simple building bricks are also on sale, the facade variety differs from such products in external parameters. The front material is often divided into two groups: shaped (with complex geometry) and textured (having a relief side).

The choice of facing blocks is now quite large.

Varieties of facing bricks

All types of facing bricks differ from each other in production technology and the components that make up the composition. This is what affects the final result, determining the properties of the material and its appearance.

The following types of bricks are found on the construction market:

silicate;
ceramic;
clinker;
hyperpressed.

Thermal conductivity for any exterior cladding material is considered one of the main parameters

Each option has its pros and cons.

On a note! Silicate and ceramic products are divided into two categories: for the construction of houses and for cladding.

silicate brick

This variety is often used for exterior decoration, since the price of the material is considered one of the most affordable. The production technology lies in the fact that a mixture of quartz sand, lime and special components is subjected to dry pressing with a gradual increase in temperature.

The standard color for this option is white, but with the addition of color it is possible to obtain a more diverse decorative component.

IN Lately diversity and the lineup silicate blocks have grown significantly

Material advantages:

Frost resistance. The product is able to withstand many cycles of freezing and thawing.
Security. The composition and method of manufacture do not affect the environmental friendliness, so the products do not have a negative impact on health.
Availability. This is the cheapest option available.
acceptable strength. The resulting surface withstands various weather influences, provided that it is properly installed.

We can not exclude from the attention and disadvantages:

Significant weight. Because of this, the load on the foundation increases, therefore, in order to veneer the surface with a silicate variety, the structure must be carefully strengthened.
Low visual component. The coating has no texture, and even tinting does not give the desired effect.
Thermal conductivity. This indicator is high for this option, therefore, under difficult climatic conditions, additional insulation is necessary.

The silicate finish can be spectacular, but the brick itself is cold and heavy.

On a note! Silicate decorative brick suitable for front finishing only if the base is made of a more reliable material, otherwise it will quickly become unusable.

ceramic brick

This option is the main competitor of the previous one, so the question often arises which brick is better: silicate or ceramic. Of course, the production of ceramics is a more complex process, the difficulty lies in choosing the right raw materials. For work, only high-quality clay with minor impurities of other substances is used. Since the shade of the material is often red, the final product has this color, although other varieties are also found. If necessary, the source material can be tinted.

ceramic blocks have the widest range of curly elements

The manufacturing technology lies in the fact that the mass is molded, after which it is sent to a well-heated furnace. The final quality of the product depends on the correct preparation of the composition and its firing.

The material should have a rich red color with a brownish tint, and with a slight impact, a characteristic ringing should be heard. It should be borne in mind that even minimal violations of the process lead to marriage. Such shortcomings can be identified by appearance. If the parts have burned areas, then they have been kept at high temperatures for too long, they will be brittle. At a low temperature and insufficient firing time, the fragments turn out to be faded, have a large moisture absorption, and there is no ringing upon impact.

Classical ceramics has good thermal insulation and is able to retain its original appearance for decades.

This decorative brick has the following advantages:

Appearance. Ceramic material includes varieties that differ in color, size and shape. This provides scope for the implementation of design solutions.
Durability. The service life of a surface made from such products is calculated in tens of years.
Heat and sound insulation. Products well protect the house from heat loss, cold penetration and extraneous noise.

The only significant drawback may be a violation of production technology. Therefore, when purchasing products, it is necessary to pay great attention to this factor.

If the facing brick is sold too cheap, then there is a high probability of buying a fake that will crack and crumble in a couple of seasons.

Hyper pressed brick

Such a decorative brick has a surface that is closest to natural stone. For production, a fraction of natural materials, shell rock, cement and mineral pigments are used. The mixture is pressed and exposed to high temperatures.

Hyper-pressed blocks are close to good granite in their characteristics, but the material is heavy and quite expensive.

The hyper-pressed facade facing brick has a large number of advantages. Among the main ones stand out strength and durability, the coating perfectly withstands many cycles of temperature changes. But due to the large weight and high price, the products are not widely used.

Clinker view

This finishing material is a bit like ceramic variant, but for its production a more refractory grade of clay is used, and firing takes place at very high temperatures. Due to this, the details acquire excellent protective and decorative qualities. But this also affects the final cost: it becomes too high. That's why exterior finish often performed using brick-like tiles, which are much easier and cheaper to veneer the surface.

Clinker finish belongs to the elite types and, according to most experts, is the highest quality and durable.

Which is better?

When choosing a facing brick for a facade, it should be remembered that the main competitors are silicate and ceramic types. Both options are quite popular, but the second stands out most favorably. This is due to its advantages:

Technical specifications. The material has high strength and low moisture absorption. Perfectly withstands more than 130 cycles of defrosting and freezing, the lined house acquires durability.
thermal insulation characteristics. Ceramics not only retains heat and keeps cold out, but also contributes to the creation of a comfortable microclimate inside the building.
High decorative. Many varieties are produced that differ in color, shape and texture.

When choosing between silicate and ceramic lining, it is better to give preference to good ceramics.

Silicate brick has only one advantage over ceramic - more low price. If the budget is limited, it will the best solution. And the desired visual effect can be achieved by painting the surface.

The construction of a private house is accompanied by a desire to combine the comfort and practicality of housing with a presentable appearance. The facade of any building is its face, which is looked at daily by the owners of the house, their guests and bystanders. Therefore, it is important to carefully approach the issue of finishing the building, because the wrong material for a short time may become unusable or lose an attractive appearance.

A popular option for finishing material is facing brick, which is also called front or front. It is often preferred in the construction of objects of any level - from residential buildings to large cultural complexes of regional significance. There are many types of facing bricks on the building materials market, but which one to choose? About this - in our article.

Front brick vs ordinary, silicate vs ceramic

When choosing a brick for construction, the question often arises which of the presented types is better. But such a statement of the question is not entirely correct. There are many varieties of this building material, and each of them is different. individual qualities and appointment.

On a note!
In Russia, the norms and technical rules for the manufacture of ceramic bricks are standardized by GOST 530-2012, in which separate categories of material are distinguished depending on operational properties. Also, the document specifies minimum requirements, imposed on the strength, appearance and quality characteristics of products.

For erection internal walls and partitions, and external walls building used ordinary brick. Such a product, in accordance with interstate and national standards, provides the performance characteristics of brickwork. At the same time, unlike the front brick, the issue of external attractiveness of the material goes by the wayside.

Ordinary brick is not used for cladding the facade of buildings or its elements, since cracks and chips are often found on its surface. For an ordinary brick, appearance is not important. And the requirements in GOST 530 2012 in appearance are much lower. Therefore, when constructing masonry from such a material, the surface needs to be subsequently treated with plaster or decorative mixtures. Similarly, front brick, as a rule, is not used for the construction of structural elements: in any case, it is necessary to build a frame, and after that, external finishing is carried out.

In the production of face bricks, breaks longer than 1.5 cm and cracks are not allowed. In addition, such products may have a color tint or undergo additional texture processing. Therefore, they have a wide range of applications: building cladding, construction of fences, fireplaces, individual buildings. Therefore, the cost of facing bricks depends on the color and other appearance parameters.

Performance characteristics of a brick

Despite the large differences in terms of aesthetic appeal, facing bricks and ordinary bricks have common performance characteristics.

Strength . It lies in the ability of the product to withstand external loads without subsequent destruction. The strength index is expressed in the numerical part of the brick brand: for example, an M100 brand product can withstand a load of 100 kg per 1 cm 2.
moisture absorption . It is expressed in the difference in the mass of dry and wet bricks, which is important for ensuring the strength of the structure. For example, for use in an environment with aggressive weather conditions, face clinker bricks are used, the moisture absorption index of which should not exceed 6%. For other products, moisture absorption of more than 6% is allowed: for facing - 8-10%, for ordinary - 12-14%, for interior work - 16%. The level of water absorption of ceramic bricks can be in the range of 6–14%. The indicator is determined when products are saturated in water with a temperature of 15–25 ° C at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum, as well as in boiling water according to GOST 7025-91. Bricks and stones are ceramic and silicate. Methods for determining water absorption, density and control of frost resistance.
Emptiness. Taking into account this indicator, all products are divided into hollow and full-bodied, depending on the presence of internal voids. Each type differs in performance properties and range of applications. Hollow face brick is lighter, retains heat better, but is less durable. Therefore, it is used for cladding in order to protect the building from cold and wind. For the construction of external walls, a solid ordinary brick is used, which is characterized by high strength, but is less heat-intensive. In the production of solid facing bricks, more raw materials are consumed, so its price is much higher.
Frost resistance. This indicator is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the brick during freezing and thawing. With a low frost resistance index of the facing brick, its price per m 2 will be lower, but after several cycles of temperature changes, it will begin to collapse, peel off or lose color. The frost resistance index is directly related to the ability of the product to absorb water.

On a note!
Frost resistance in the technical documentation is indicated by the letter F and a numerical indicator. It indicates the number of freeze and thaw cycles that the product can withstand. For Russian-made facing bricks, the indicator must be at least F50, but upon agreement with the customer, it can be reduced to F35.

Fire resistance. This indicator affects what temperature the facing brick can withstand. This characteristic especially important when finishing fireplaces and chimneys. Silicate front brick (sand-lime) withstands temperatures of 300–600 ° C, for red ceramic products (made from clay) this figure is higher - 800–1200 ° C, for refractory bricks (fireclay and quartz) - 1300 ° C, for industrial refractory (lime-magnesium and carbon graphite-coke) - 2000°C.

Types of facing bricks

In turn, the facing brick is divided into types depending on the raw materials and production technology. The set of operational characteristics of each option is different, this must be taken into account when deciding which facing brick to choose for specific tasks. Typically, front bricks are made in three sizes (formats):

Euro (0.7 NF) - 250 × 85 × 65 mm;
single facing brick (1NF) - 250 × 120 × 65 mm;
one and a half, or thickened, front brick (1.4 NF) - 250 × 120 × 88 mm;

For finishing work, ceramic and silicate bricks can be used.

Front ceramic brick

It is made from clay purified from salts and impurities by shaping, drying and subsequent firing. The last stage of the production of ceramic facing bricks affects the quality of the product: when burned, it acquires a black tint, and when underburned, on the contrary, light, in both cases, the strength qualities decrease.

Ceramic face brick outperforms the others with its operational characteristics. With a weight of 1.7–3.1 kg, depending on which size of facing brick is chosen, it withstands 100 freezing cycles and provides 8–9% water absorption. The disadvantage is the price of facing bricks, which is higher than that of other varieties.

silicate brick

Such products are made from a mixture of quartz sand and lime by autoclave synthesis, so they do not undergo firing. The main advantage of silicate facing brick is its low price. At the same time, its service life, frost resistance and water absorption are significantly lower than those of ceramic. In addition, there is no way to give the brick a smooth shape or turn on decorative elements. Therefore, it cannot be recognized as the best facing brick for building a house.

Due to the production technology without firing, sand-lime brick does not withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and high temperatures. Therefore, popularity among the population is due only to the cost of silicate facing bricks.

Alternatives in facade decoration: does the miser pay twice?

If we compare which facing brick is better, ceramic products win in terms of operational and aesthetic characteristics. Despite the fact that the cost per square meter of such a facing brick is higher than that of silicate, in terms of price / quality / durability ratio, it is the best option(see Table 1).

Table 1. Characteristics of ceramic bricks

In the construction market, there are alternative materials for facade decoration, which are also popular among the population. To understand what to give preference to and not overpay in the future for unforeseen repairs, let's compare each material with a brick.

Hinged ventilated facade

Represents metal carcass on which the facing element is fixed: panels, siding, artificial stone. To preserve heat, a layer of insulation is laid between the wall of the house and the cladding. Such material has high strength, can be mounted in any weather, and broken elements can be replaced.

Despite the difference in price, the service life of facing bricks for the facade is longer (over 100 years versus 30). In addition, the brick finish is not subject to deformation, does not require additional processing and applying protective equipment.

Wet plaster

Among the advantages of such a material are the possibility of choosing the color you like, ease of application and versatility for buildings of any complexity. In addition, the cost of facing bricks per m 2 is higher than wet plaster and insulation for a similar amount of work. But the service life of such a finishing material is about 30 years, which is very short compared to a brick facade.

If you violate the technology of applying wet plaster or do not process in a timely manner protective equipment from aggressive weather conditions, moisture and fungal infections, the material may be deformed. After that, you will have to apply a new layer to the entire facade, since a partial repair will show a difference in color.

Clinker brick

It is made from special types of clay, which provides high performance. The addition of minerals from the silicate group to the mixture is responsible for the spectacular appearance and strength of the products. The production of such facing bricks practically does not differ from its ceramic counterpart.

Advantages of clinker brick:

resistance to aggressive weather conditions;
long service life;
does not require cleaning and special care;
high rate of water resistance;
resistance to mechanical damage.

Among the shortcomings, there is a difference in the color of bricks even from one batch, as well as high thermal conductivity, which creates the need to additionally use a heater. But the high price of clinker facing bricks in comparison with the ceramic counterpart makes it not the most attractive option for use in facade decoration.

A natural stone

The material has a spectacular appearance, high strength and service life. A wide variety of natural stone for cladding is presented on the building materials market. Often it is used to finish individual surface elements, for example, simultaneously with white facing bricks or plaster.

In terms of performance properties, natural stone is comparable to ceramic bricks, but its price is much higher, and the material itself is heavier. Therefore, the main argument in choosing between these two materials is the low price of facing bricks.

Attempts to save money on finishing the building can end up with even higher costs associated with constant repairs and restoration of the appearance of the facade. In addition, not every material can boast of high performance. For many, an attractive option remains a natural stone, but its high cost and heavy weight often stop buyers.

How to choose a facing brick for the house?

The best facing brick is the one that will last a long time, provide comfortable conditions for living and will be inexpensive. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of the product, taking into account weather conditions and terrain features. With high seismological activity, it is better to choose a durable brick, and for areas with sudden temperature changes - a product with high frost resistance.

To save on facade decoration, it makes sense to purchase facing bricks from the manufacturer through official distributors, the price of which will almost always be lower than that of dubious intermediaries. In addition, this way you will receive an additional guarantee that they will not try to sell you "false culling", "substandard", products that obviously do not comply with GOSTs.

Failure to comply with the production technology at least at one stage causes the product to fail to comply with the requirements of GOST. On the scale of the whole batch, such a mistake will bring big losses. Therefore, reputable manufacturers who care about their reputation exercise strict control over the production process at all stages. National and interstate standards contain fairly stringent requirements, respectively, products manufactured in accordance with GOSTs are preferable to those manufactured according to specifications and sometimes in fact are "draft" material.

Each batch of bricks must have a passport, which contains information about the product's compliance with the requirements of regulatory and technical documents. However, it is known that construction markets, in "garage cooperatives", roadside warehouses, small sellers often present false passports and sanitary and hygienic certificates, issued, as they say, "on the knee", where, among other things, instead of the word "facing" the word "facade" can appear, for example .

Although the brick is not subject to mandatory certification, self-respecting manufacturers pass it on a voluntary basis, so be interested in the availability of certificates of conformity.

Many are interested in the question of what color of facing brick to choose for finishing the house. More recently, yellow facing bricks were popular, the cost of which is higher than products of other colors. But times are changing, and what was once fashionable is becoming a thing of the past. Therefore, in order for the facade to always have a presentable appearance, preference should be given to classic version- red front brick and its shades. This color will never go out of style and will look like new.

So, the exterior decoration of the facade is one of the most important tasks in the construction of a house. It's not even about aesthetic beauty and the ability to stand out from the crowd. Properly selected facing material will provide a comfortable environment in the house, as well as save the walls from the negative effects of weather conditions. Therefore, at the design stage, it is necessary to decide on finishing material. And it is important not to miscalculate so that the attempt to save money does not turn into even more expenses.

Where can I buy facing bricks from the manufacturer?

Where to buy facing brick good quality, we talked with Igor Kabanov, CEO of BRAER:

“We are often asked which facing brick is better to buy. It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally, since many factors must be taken into account: building climatology data, terrain features, characteristics of the facility under construction and the buyer's budget. We recommend, first of all, to take care of the quality of building materials and not to strive for false savings, making a choice in favor of frankly budget options finishes.

BRAER manufactures facing bricks according to individual production technology. This approach allows you to maintain a rich and lasting color for a long time, as well as provide excellent geometry. finished products. We carry out strict product control at each stage of production, so the release of a defective batch is excluded. In addition, we use modern technology applying texture to the front surface of the brick allows our customers to create an individual style of the facade.

Editorial opinion

Building a house is a costly business, and it is not always possible to find the necessary budget for the purchase of expensive materials. Therefore, when finishing the facade, it is recommended to determine its cost not only per square meter, but also per year of operation. This will require dividing the cost per square meter of material, taking into account logistics and construction work, by the number of years of the declared service life. In this case, comparing profitability indicators, or cost of ownership, for various products and materials will be more correct and will allow you to make an informed choice.