Tips: how to choose a facing brick for your home? Choosing a facing brick Which facing brick is better.

The construction of a private house is accompanied by the desire to combine the comfort and practicality of housing with a presentable appearance. The facade of any building is its face, which the owners of the house, their guests and bystanders look at every day. Therefore, it is important to carefully approach the issue of finishing the building, because the wrongly selected material in a short time can become unusable or lose its attractive appearance.

A popular option for finishing material is facing brick, which is also called front or front brick. 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 should you choose? About this - in our article.

Face 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 formulation of the question is not entirely correct. There are many varieties of this building material, and each of them has its own individual qualities and purpose.

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 the operational properties. Also, the document stipulates the minimum requirements for the strength, appearance and quality characteristics of products.

For the construction of internal walls and partitions, as well as external walls of the building, ordinary brick is used. Such a product, in accordance with interstate and national standards, provides the operational characteristics of brickwork. At the same time, unlike facing bricks, the question of the external attractiveness of the material fades into the background.

Ordinary brick is not used for facing the facades of buildings or its elements, since cracks and chips are often found on its surface. For ordinary bricks, appearance is not important. And the requirements in GOST 530 2012 are much lower in appearance. Therefore, when building masonry from such a material, the surface needs subsequent treatment with plaster or decorative mixtures. Similarly, facing brick, as a rule, is not used for the construction of structural elements: in any case, the construction of a frame is necessary, and after that, external finishing is carried out.

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

Brick performance

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

• Strength ... It consists in the ability of a product to withstand external loads without subsequent destruction. The strength indicator is expressed in the numerical part of the brick brand: for example, a product of the M100 brand is capable of withstanding 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 to ensure the strength of the structure. For example, for use in an environment with aggressive weather conditions, facing clinker bricks are used, the moisture absorption rate of which should not exceed 6%. For other products, moisture absorption of more than 6% is allowed: for facing - 8-10%, for privates - 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 in accordance with GOST 7025-91. Ceramic and silicate bricks and stones. Methods for determining water absorption, density and frost resistance control. "
• Emptiness. Taking this indicator into account, all products are divided into hollow and solid, depending on the presence of internal voids. Each type is distinguished by its performance properties and range of applications. Hollow facing 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 highly durable, but is less heat-consuming. In the production of solid facing bricks, more raw materials are consumed, therefore 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 index of frost resistance of facing bricks, its price per m2 will be lower, but after several cycles of temperature changes, it will begin to collapse, peel off or lose color. The frost resistance indicator is directly related to the product's ability to absorb water.

On a note!
Frost resistance in 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 facing bricks of Russian production, the indicator should be at least F50, but by agreement with the customer, it can be reduced to F35.

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

Types of facing bricks

In turn, facing bricks are subdivided into types depending on 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. Usually, facing 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, facing brick (1.4 NF) - 250 × 120 × 88 mm;

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

Facing ceramic brick

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

Ceramic facing bricks are superior to others in their performance characteristics. Weighing 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, indicators of frost resistance and water absorption are significantly lower than that of ceramic. In addition, there is no way to give the brick a smooth shape or include decorative elements. Therefore, it cannot be recognized as the best facing brick for building a house.

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

Facade alternatives: does the stingy 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 facing brick is higher than that of silicate brick, it is the best option in terms of price / quality / durability ratio (see Table 1).

Table 1. Characteristics of ceramic bricks

On 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 to overpay in the future for unforeseen repairs, let's compare each material with a brick.

Hinged ventilated facade

It is a metal frame 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 is highly durable, 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 application of protective equipment.

Wet plaster

Among the advantages of such a material are the ability to choose the color you like, ease of application and versatility for buildings of any complexity. In addition, the cost of facing bricks per m2 is higher than that of wet plaster and insulation for a similar volume of work. But the service life of such a finishing material is about 30 years, which is very small in comparison with a brick facade.

If the technology for applying wet plaster is violated or if it is not treated in a timely manner with protective agents against aggressive weather conditions, moisture and fungal infections, the material may deform. After that, a new layer will have to be applied to the entire facade, since with a partial renovation, a difference in color will be visible.

Clinker brick

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

Advantages of clinker bricks:

• 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 the same batch, as well as high thermal conductivity, which creates the need to additionally use insulation. 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 is distinguished by its spectacular appearance, high strength and durability. There is a wide variety of natural stone for cladding on the building materials market. It is often used for finishing individual surface elements, for example, simultaneously with white facing bricks or plaster.

In terms of operational 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 building finishes can result in even higher costs associated with constant renovation and restoration of the facade. In addition, not every material can boast of high performance characteristics. For many, natural stone is still an attractive option, but its high cost and high weight often stop buyers.

How to choose a facing brick for your home?

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

To save on finishing the facade, 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 “fake rejection”, “substandard”, products that obviously do not correspond to GOSTs.

Failure to comply with the production technology at least at one stage becomes the reason for the non-compliance of the product with the requirements of GOST. On a batch-wide basis, such a miss would be a big loss. Therefore, reputable manufacturers who care about their reputation exercise strict control over the production process at all stages. National and interstate standards contain rather stringent requirements, respectively, products manufactured in accordance with GOSTs are preferable to those manufactured in accordance with TU and sometimes in fact are "rough" material.

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

Although brick is not subject to mandatory certification, self-respecting manufacturers pass it on a voluntary basis, so ask for certificates of conformity.

Many are interested in the question of what color of facing bricks to choose for decorating a 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 the classic version - red facing brick and its shades. This color will never go out of style and will look like new.

So, the external finishing 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. Correctly selected facing material will provide a comfortable environment in the house, as well as keep the walls from the negative effects of weather conditions. Therefore, even at the design stage, you should decide on the finishing material. And it is important not to miscalculate, so that the attempt to save money does not turn into even greater spending.

Where can you buy facing bricks from the manufacturer?

We talked about where to buy good quality facing bricks with Igor Kabanov, CEO of BRAER:

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

The BRAER company produces facing bricks according to an individual production technology. This approach allows you to maintain a rich and long-lasting color for a long time, as well as to ensure excellent geometry of finished products. We carry out strict control of products at every stage of production, so the release of a defective batch is excluded. In addition, the modern technology we use for 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 decorating the facade, it is recommended to determine its cost not only per square meter, but also per year of operation. To do this, you will need to divide 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, a comparison of profitability indicators, or cost of ownership, for different products and materials will be more correct and will allow you to make a balanced choice.

A building material such as facing brick is universal. It is endowed with strength, moisture resistance and durability.

The main characteristics that you should pay attention to are its frost resistance, water absorption and geometry. We give preference to the brick, the characteristics of which have the best performance.

Features of facing bricks

Unlike the usual one, finishing has its own significant advantages. Its smooth surface and artistic features allow it to give a beautiful appearance to brick houses. What is facing brick? This is a building material that has the following characteristics, namely:

• the absence of all kinds of flaws on the surface, including shells, cracks, etc.
• precise geometry of corners and edges;
• textured and color variety within even one type.

For example, the color of ceramic bricks, depending on the color of the clay, is orange, yellow, brown, however, when adding a dye to the initial raw material, you can achieve that the product acquires the desired shade.

Brick for cladding a house should protect the structure from natural factors that affect it negatively, these are:

• temperature drops;
• wind;
• precipitation, etc.

If you cover a building with a good quality product, then it will look simply amazing. The corners of this building material are:

• straight and even;
• beveled;
• rounded.

Products differ in structure. There is a corpulent material and a hollow one, more often called effective slotted.

Varieties of facing bricks

Before choosing a facing brick, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with its varieties. All this diversity has its advantages and a specific purpose. They are classified by:

• production method - manual production and using equipment;
• technologies - hollow and corpulent;
• colors;
• surface features, etc.

The surface of the bricks for finishing can be different: even, matte, or under all kinds of textures - wood or stone. Thanks to special technologies, the whole mixture or a certain side is colored.

The process in which only the front part is stained is called engobing. The front side of the glazed bricks is covered with a special glaze, thanks to which the finished product shines. Such a brick is used for interior decoration, for example, with its help designers create mosaics, panels.

Today, the most popular is the combined product. It combines the features of several types of material. For example, a brick for interior decoration can have a chocolate color with an oak texture. The interest in this finishing material is caused by:

• originality;
• sophistication;
• the possibility of forming an individual decoration.

The main thing is that the brick for interior decoration is used accurately and correctly. Its features are:

• fortress;
• durability;
• resistance to fire, all kinds of aggressive conditions.

Many types of facing bricks are good at keeping them cool in the summer months and warm in the winter. They stand out for their increased aesthetic properties and abrasion resistance.

Brick for interior decoration is used for decoration:

• canteens;
• bathrooms;
• bedrooms;
• kitchen rooms;
• cabinets;
• hallways.

Stoves and fireplaces lined with it look very sophisticated. There are different types of these building materials for decorating houses:

• silicate;
• ceramic;
• hyper-pressed;
• clinker.

Which brick is best for cladding a house can be determined only by getting acquainted with their characteristics. The fact is that they have a different composition of raw materials, manufacturing technology and cost.

Brick dimensions

The dimensions of the bricks are very important in finishing work. This primarily applies to cases when it is necessary to implement a certain architectural idea, which requires the use of various textures and colors. If the size of the facing brick is different, then the completed work does not look very nice. In the presence of uniform values, it is possible to combine various textures and colors in the decoration.

Today there are possible values ​​of the modern material. Linear dimensions subdivide products into three types:

• single;
• one and a half;
• double.

Gradually, this row is replenished with a fourth type - eurobricks, which are slightly less than single in width.

As a rule, the size of the facing brick is standard. The length and width of all products is 250x120 mm. They differ only in thickness, which:

• standard single facing brick is 65;

• one and a half - 88 mm;
• double - 138 mm.

Brick weight depends on:

• the material used;
• destination;
• forms;
• size.

Silicate brick

Silicate facade brick consists of:

• refined quartz sand;
• moisture;
• lime.

The last two components make up about 10% of the total mass. In order for the product to turn out to be of high quality, there is a main condition, namely, the solution must be prepared from components purified from:

• manganese;
• clay;
• organic impurities.

Lime, which must not be burnt, should not contain a large amount of calcium oxide. The production process of a silicate product is carried out under high pressure. Its characteristics are as follows:

• high moisture absorption coefficient;
• weak frost resistance;
• substantial weight.

The thermal conductivity of bricks is average. It is noted that under unfavorable operating conditions, it quickly becomes unusable. Its weight varies depending on the type used. One-and-a-half facing weighs from 3.7 kg to 4.2 kg, double type - from 5 to 5.8 kg.

Ceramic products

To obtain ceramic bricks, the mortar is prepared from high quality clay without sulfates and marl. After forming the product, it is left to dry, and then the mixture is sent for firing. If underburning or overburning is allowed during the production process, this will negatively affect the quality.

In a burnt state, it will acquire a black tint, and if it is not burnt, it will look light. He considers it good if the surface is semi-matte. When choosing a ceramic material, you need to know that its structure is porous at the fracture, and when struck, it emits a sonorous sound. Facing ceramic one and a half can weigh from 1.32 to 1.6 kg, and a double 2.7-3.2 kg.

Hyper pressed brick

The solution for obtaining this type of product includes all kinds of screenings:

• dolomite;
• shell rock;
• marble;
• lime rocks.

The mortar is made with the obligatory addition of high quality Portland cement, which is an astringent component. Then the solution is brought to the state of a mixture, which is pressed and steamed. As a result of the fact that there is little water in the raw material, there are no cavities in the product even after firing. These types can be used to clad the walls of buildings. They have a smooth surface or what is called "torn stone".

Hyper-pressed products in their properties are close to natural stone, and therefore they are quite massive. Before using, you need to find out how much one product weighs for the facade of the house. Facing weight:

• standard single - 4.2 kg;
• half-block - 2 kg;
• shortened "under the stone" - 4 kg.

Clinker models

In the manufacture of clinker facing bricks, special clay is used. Firing is carried out at a high temperature, giving the final product different shades.

Clinker material characteristics:

• increased strength;
• frost resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• heat resistance;
• ease of care.

If you choose a solid clinker facade material, then it must be borne in mind that sufficient strength and density increase its weight. Strength is determined by weight. Specific dimensions must correspond to the specific weight of the brick. This type of building material is available in various configurations and colors.

It should be borne in mind that, regardless of the manufacturing technology, all facing bricks and their types: clinker, ceramic and others are mainly produced hollow. This makes them lighter, less heat conductive and less expensive.

Solid material is produced in the shape of a parallelepiped, and can also have a non-standard configuration, which is called shaped or shaped. For facing bricks, the dimensions and geometry can be completely different. The most popular are:

• semicircular;
• trapezoidal;
• twisted;
• wedge-shaped.

Judging by customer reviews, the highest rating belongs to the clinker building product.

Varieties depending on color

Facade cladding bricks are available in various colors. The most common are:

• Red;
• yellow;
• White.

The red brick owes its color to the iron contained in the clay. This versatile building material, as a result of firing at high temperatures, becomes:

• reliable;
• durable;
• durable.

Basically, clinker and ceramic bricks have this color.

For the manufacture of white building products, lime and sand are taken. Such a brick for interior decoration has excellent aesthetic qualities and indicators:

• high strength;
• frost and water resistance;
• resistance to temperature extremes.

For interior wall decoration, you can use decorative types that copy natural stone. For these cases, silicate species of various colors are chosen. The facade of the house, finished with a special type of such building material, the texture of which resembles chipped stone, takes on a delightful look.

For those who love colored walls, manufacturers are ready to offer a smooth facing hollow brick, painted in different colors. The pigment used in silicate products is very persistent. Therefore, the sun's rays are not terrible for facing bricks.

Corpulent and hollow views

Single full-bodied front bricks are used for cladding walls of buildings, plinths, fences. Thermal performance of buildings will be significantly improved if construction work is performed using a hollow building product.

The front hollow single brick is endowed with thermal insulation qualities and good technical properties. A faceted hollow single material with perfect lines and internal cavities will lighten the weight of the structure.

If the further operation of the material is associated with a high load, it is necessary to use a full-bodied one. It will give the structure more reliability and safety. A corpulent one has no voids and cracks. This material is characterized by strength, the indicators of which can be different.

The walls of buildings lined with a single piece facing will make the building warmer and more beautiful. Decorating buildings with such building products emphasizes the style features of the house and gives it architectural expressiveness.

It is difficult to imagine a more popular and versatile building material than brick. Private and multi-storey buildings are built from it, and, it is used to organize and erect partitions, they are lined and laid out with it. Brick acquired such widespread use due to its exceptional performance and variety. The latter, by the way, can be confusing, because right off the bat it is not so easy to say which brick to choose for building a house, its cladding, arrangement or an interior partition - a little theoretical training is required before buying.

# 1. Types of bricks by material of manufacture

All kinds of raw materials can be used for the production of bricks. The manufacturing technology can also vary significantly, which explains the differences in the properties of different types of bricks. At the moment, there are such

• ceramic;
• silicate;
• hyper-pressed;
• clinker;
• fireclay.

The first two are also divided into ordinary and, depending on the appearance, as well as corpulent and hollow, depending on the structure. Brick also differs in size, color, strength, frost resistance and other parameters.

No. 2. Ceramic brick: pros, cons, production

In the production of ceramic bricks, one of the following is used formation methods:

• plastic... The original clay mass has a moisture content of 15-21%, the brick is produced by the extrusion method. Hollow bricks are made in vacuum installations. Plastic bricks are more resistant to frost and are great for building a house;
• semi-dry and dry... Clay has a lower moisture content (7-12%, depending on the characteristics of production), it is crushed into powder, from which a raw brick is formed in presses without drying or with reduced drying, which is then fed for firing. The main advantage is geometry accuracy.

Ceramic brick applied everywhere: when laying, erecting load-bearing walls and partitions, facing buildings, for execution. To the main advantages include a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, ease of installation, long service life, environmental friendliness, good heat and sound insulation and an affordable price. Minuses caused by improper manufacturing, as a result of which products with low durability and incorrect geometry may be encountered, therefore, only rely on products.

No. 3. Silicate brick: pros and cons

Silicate brick is most widespread in the domestic space, and the main reason for its popularity is its low price... It is made from a mixture of quartz sand (90%), lime (about 10%) and additives. White colour, but other shades can be achieved by adding coloring pigments. A brick is formed by dry pressing, and setting is obtained due to the chemical reaction of lime slaking. The reaction is accelerated in autoclaves at elevated temperature and pressure.

Among the main advantages silicate brick:

Minuses:

• large weight and fragility, so it is difficult to handle the material;
• high level of thermal conductivity - you will need a thorough one;
• low moisture resistance and the ability to collapse under the influence of moisture and chemicals, therefore, the material is not at all suitable for the construction of foundations;
• instability to high temperatures - silicate bricks are not used in the arrangement of stoves and chimneys;
• little variety. Silicate bricks are always rectangular blocks with precise straight lines, without roundness and complex elements.

If you do not know which brick to choose for the construction of partitions and walls, and the budget is limited, then you can stop at silicate. It is still the most popular in private construction, but it is better not to use it for the foundation.

No. 4. Hyper-pressed brick: production technology and features

Hyper-pressed brick, if you look at it, looks more like. It is based on screenings of limestone, shell rock, dolomite, marble, the share of which reaches 90%. To bind limestone, cement is used, to impart color to the material - iron oxides or other natural components. Ordinary water acts as a solvent. The mixture, homogeneous in structure, is sent under the press, and under the influence of high temperatures, individual particles are fused together, which makes it possible to obtain the strongest material with precise geometry. After that, the brick is steamed and sent for rustication.

Advantages:

Minuses:

• high price;
• heavy weight;
• high thermal conductivity.

Hyper pressed brick used exclusively for cladding facades and plinths, can be used for fireplace cladding and for interior decorative finishes.

No. 5. Fireclay refractory brick

Fireclay bricks are made of fireclay clay (about 70%), which is fired until plasticity is lost, then crushed and formed into a product. In fact, this is the same ceramic brick, but due to the unique properties of the clay included in its composition, it receives resistance to temperatures up to 1700 0 С... Fireclay brick has a straw color, it can have brown and reddish blotches, it is produced both in the correct shape and in wedge-shaped, angular and other shapes for the convenience of masonry.

Despite the fact that ordinary ceramic bricks can easily withstand temperatures up to 800 0 С, fireclay bricks are usually used, since it accumulates and slowly releases heat. It is used not only for the internal arrangement of furnaces, but also for.

No. 6. Clinker brick

Clinker bricks are made from special refractory clays, including shale clay. During the production of the material, the temperature rises to 1100 0 С, therefore, individual particles are sintered, and all voids are filled. The choice of raw materials is carefully chosen, so in the end it turns out durable monolithic brick resistant to negative temperatures, environmental friendliness, heat resistance and high durability. The variety of shapes, colors and types of surface is huge, which makes it possible to use clinker bricks for facing facades, for and arranging stoves and chimneys. Among cons material high cost and thermal conductivity.

No. 7. Building and facing bricks

Depending on from the area of ​​application, the brick is divided into:

• construction or private;
• facing or front, front.

Building bricks, as the name suggests, is used for the construction of foundations, walls and partitions. After the construction of the outer walls, they must be protected and insulated. Such a brick may contain small chips, but it must have precise geometry. Construction can be ceramic and silicate bricks.

Facing brick It has the most precise geometry and interesting appearance, it is used for finishing facades, plinths, and can be used in interior decoration. Facing can be ceramic and silicate bricks, as well as hyper-pressed and clinker bricks. The appearance can vary considerably. It is customary to divide the facing brick into textured and shaped... The first has a standard shape, but has a decorative surface, the second has complex profile configurations and is used for arranging arches and other non-standard architectural forms.

Surface type of facing brick:

• smooth matte or glossy;
• rusticated when convex irregularities are created on the surface;
• corrugated with depressed irregularities;
• broken, when the surface has chips or breaks (this is often found in hyper-pressed brick).

As for shades, then each manufacturer offers its own set of colors, and bricks with an interesting color transition are also found. The gamut is represented by almost all colors of the spectrum: from light shades to almost black.

Hollow brick characterized by the presence of chambers or openings of a round, rectangular or square shape, they can be through or closed on one side, horizontal or vertical. The hollowness of silicate bricks can reach 30%, ceramic - up to 45%. Due to the voids, raw materials are saved, so such a brick costs less, and due to its low weight, it is more convenient to work with it. But its main advantage is thermal insulation properties, since air is trapped inside the voids. Usually, such a brick is used for the construction of interior partitions and facing facades, rarely - for laying lightweight external walls and never when arranging stoves and chimneys. It is worth remembering that this is a rather fragile material, and the masonry mortar should be thick so as not to flow into voids.

It is worth mentioning separately porous brick... These are blocks of rather large sizes, the thermal conductivity of which is 0.14-0.26 W / m 0 С, and the larger the block, the lower its thermal conductivity. Such indicators bring the brick closer to, and even, and record values ​​are achieved due to special production technology... Porous brick differs from ordinary ceramic bricks in that wood sawdust is added to the clay, which burn out during firing, forming voids, and they, in turn, contribute to thermal insulation. Depending on the desired thermal conductivity and strength grade, a certain amount of sawdust is added.

Working with porous bricks is not very convenient, but walls are being erected very quickly. Moreover, there are special channels in such products where vertical reinforcement can be poured, and this is an excellent solution for the construction of warm houses in earthquake-prone areas. At first glance, it may seem that porous bricks are too expensive, but if you calculate the price per cubic meter, you may find that it is not much higher than for ordinary ceramic bricks.

No. 9. Brick size

After the color, type and nature of the filling has been determined, the following question arises - what size of brick is needed... According to GOST 530-2007, standard brick measures 250 * 120 * 65 mm, and all standard sizes are determined relative to it:

Historically, brick edges called the bed (the working largest part of the product), the spoon part (the long side edge) and the poke (the smallest edge). Some manufacturers and stores use exactly these concepts, so it will not be superfluous to remember them.

Knowing which structure (or decoration) is to be completed, given its size and dimensions of the most suitable type of brick, you can easily calculate how much material is required, but it is still better to take it with a margin.

No. 10. Brick strength grade

When it comes to the construction of foundations and walls of buildings, such an indicator of a brick as the strength, which is determined by the brand, comes out on top. Strength means the ability of a material to withstand a load, or in other words weight that can withstand 1 cm 2 of bricks without deforming... This parameter is reflected in the mark. For example, a brick that can withstand a load of 100 kg / cm 2 is M100. Today bricks are produced from M75 to M300:

Strength data must be indicated in the technical data sheet of the product. It is difficult to determine the brand by eye, and if possible, then only approximately. So, for example, if a brick, when hit with a hammer, crumbles into particles the size of crushed stone, then this is a low-quality product. If it takes a few hits to break a brick, this is a medium-strength product. When hit with a hammer on a brick of grade M150 and higher, it will sparkle, maximum it will be possible to beat off a few small pieces. To be sure to choose a high-quality, strong and durable brick, it is better to turn to products that indicate honest information about the product and produce bricks in accordance with all requirements. It is also worth noting that the final strength of the wall being erected will also depend on the masonry mortar.

No. 11. Frost resistance of bricks

Since the climate in most regions of the country is harsh, when choosing a brick, it is worth taking into account the frost resistance indicator, it is designated as Mrz and is measured in cycles of sequential freezing and defrosting, which do not in any way affect the basic properties of the material. For central Russia, it is better to take a brick with a frost resistance indicator not less than 30-50 cycles, for the most severe regions with a cold climate and changeable winter weather there is a brick with Mrz 100. If the winters in the region are mild, then you can stop at the minimum indicators.

No. 12. What else to consider when choosing a brick?

When buying a brick, take sufficient time to visually inspect it and study the accompanying documentation:

With such a variety of products and a huge number of possible areas of its use, it is difficult to derive the only correct formula for an ideal material and clearly answer the question of which brick is better to choose. The main thing is that the products are of high quality and meet the declared characteristics, which largely depends on the honesty of the manufacturer (large companies value their name), and the necessary strength, fullness, color, shape and size can be easily determined independently, based on the purposes of use and the advice given.

Few know how to choose a facing brick for a home, therefore, when they come to the store, they are lost in an abundance of options. The exterior of the house is the owner's "visiting card", because the exterior cladding and the quality of the finishing material can tell a lot about the owner. For example, about his financial capabilities and taste preferences. A beautiful and well-kept house is the ultimate dream of every owner, and in order to fulfill the dream, modern construction stores offer a huge selection of facing bricks and other materials for exterior decoration. But how not to get lost in this diversity? Today we will consider together which facing brick is better to choose for outdoor decoration.

A house built from faceless building materials can be decorated with facing bricks.

What is the difference between facing brick?

Facing brick differs significantly from the conventional version, and has several advantages over it. The first of these benefits is the pleasantly smooth texture that covers the ceramic surface. It is the appearance of such a brick that creates an attractive appearance of the house.

In addition to aesthetic appeal, ceramic bricks for cladding a house have a number of positive performance characteristics, such as frost resistance, endurance to temperature extremes, resistance to weathering and ultraviolet light.

Before choosing a brick for cladding your home, you need to familiarize yourself with the varieties of this building material. For all its similarity, the brick that can be used to veneer the house has several varieties.

High-quality cladding bricks can be classified according to the following features:

• production technology;
• preparation method;
• type of finish;
• color and other features of the surface.

According to the production technology, the brick is divided into hollow and solid. The hollow version has thermal insulation properties, and the corpulent version is better to choose for large houses, where a significant load on the foundation is implied. It is the full-bodied material that is capable of providing high technical durability and safety of the structure.

Ceramic bricks can be flat, matte, or have a wood or metal texture. It can be glazed and engobed. Ceramic bricks are also handmade, they cost much more than simple options, but at the same time their appearance is impressive. You can even choose a high-quality handmade brick of a non-standard shape, color or size, but only European companies are engaged in the production of such building materials.

Different colors of bricks are obtained by adding certain ingredients during the manufacturing process. Red is obtained due to the high content of iron in clay, white requires sand and lime, yellow requires a certain amount of cement, oxide and lime.

As for the dimensions, the brick is of standard dimensions, with the exception of hand-made facing options.

Varieties of bricks for cladding

Facing bricks are clinker, ceramic, silicate and hyper-pressed. Each of the types has its own characteristics and scope.

Ceramic bricks have long been used for facade decoration. It is produced by firing a special type of clay with the addition of various kinds of dyes.

This type of material does not change its appearance, has high strength, environmental friendliness, it is little affected by the external environment.

Silicate is cheaper than the previous version. It is produced by pressing quartz sand with the addition of lime.

A feature of this type of building material is its soundproofing properties. Among the disadvantages are low frost resistance and a high percentage of moisture absorption.

Hyper-pressed is obtained, as the name implies, by tremendous pressure on the components of the mixture. A feature of this type of decoration bricks is that in its appearance it is very similar to natural stone, although it is significantly inferior in performance characteristics.

Buying facing bricks

Cladding brick is considered the best choice for exterior home decoration.

In order to choose it, the first thing you need to do is decide how much you are willing to spend on facing material and, starting from your financial capabilities, start "casting".

To find out which brick is of good quality, you need to pay attention to its appearance. If its middle has a brighter color than the body itself and when tapped it emits a characteristic ringing, then the quality is good. If there is a lack of quality, when struck, the brick will make a dull sound, and its color will be mustard. This shade indicates that the material has not been sufficiently fired and may crack during installation. Unburned variants have a certain "fear of moisture" and low frost resistance.

The best facing brick should have the correct shape: if you notice that it seems to be bursting from the middle, this indicates that a burnout is taking place. Burnt products also acquire a black tint and characteristic stains.

Bricks that have not lost their shape, but have a black center, have good strength. If you have a shortage of funds and at the same time you need durable material for a large building, buying this option will be justified.

The fact is that a burnt brick of this type gains greater strength, it seems to become iron and perfectly withstands heavy loads.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOlwoS6aljc

A big disadvantage of cladding bricks is efflorescence. If a person chooses such a material, then after installation, white stains will appear on the surface, which is very problematic to remove. In order not to fall for such a low-quality option, before buying, ask the sellers what kind of water absorption the brick has. It should have the lowest possible water absorption.

When laying bricks, try to use only cement that was made in the summer, and also use only freshly prepared mortar. A good facing material can last for many years, since it does not rot, rust, does not burn, and can withstand any fluctuations in temperature conditions.

Color fastness is another important selection criterion. Over time, most low-quality facing bricks fade under the influence of sunlight and lose their shine and brightness.

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With the right choice of facing material and with reasonable laying on the facade, it will serve you for a long time, without losing its aesthetic appeal and performance. Having bought a brick of good quality, you can confidently declare that your home is your fortress.

The question of how to choose a facing brick is simple only at first glance. This is due to the fact that in addition to the appearance (and this parameter, of course, is key), there are many factors that determine the suitability of the finishing material for use in a given situation. In our article, we will try to analyze these factors in as much detail as possible, so that you can approach the issue of selecting and purchasing decorative stone as informed as possible.

Brick requirements

Before starting an overview of the main parameters, you need to decide - what should be?

Today, a list of several requirements can be formulated:

• First of all, the material simply must have an attractive appearance. Exterior decoration is done to improve the aesthetic characteristics of the house, and therefore the blocks must be beautiful enough.

• The requirement for color fastness is a direct consequence of the previous one, since it is the resistance to weathering and ultraviolet light that determines how the house will look a few years after finishing.
• Low water absorption of the material is also very important. Due to this, dampness does not penetrate into the thickness of the wall, and a normal level of humidity is maintained in a room decorated with such bricks.

We will talk in more detail about the compliance of the facing brick with these and other requirements in the relevant sections.

Assortment range

Main types of material

The choice of facing bricks usually begins with determining its type. In principle, exterior decoration of buildings can be carried out using almost any brand of building material, but, nevertheless, some varieties are better suited for this task than others.

According to the production method, facing blocks are divided into:

• Roasting. This category includes ceramic and clinker bricks. The raw material for their production is clay, which is heat treated to give the building block strength and resistance to the effects of various external factors (moisture, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, etc.).
• Ceramics and clinker Most often they are made without the addition of artificial pigments, because their color range is limited to the different shades of the clay used.

• Non-fired. The category of non-fired bricks includes pressed, hyper-pressed and silicate bricks.
• Pressed and hyper-pressed face blocks contain Portland cement. This component, when exposed to high pressure, provides the combination of limestone raw materials into a single monolith. The resulting block can be used without additional heat treatment.

• Silicate building bricks are more often used for the construction of the structures themselves, and not for their external decoration. Nevertheless, some grades of silicate blocks, which are made from a mixture of lime and carefully sifted quartz sand, can be used as cladding.

When it comes to cost, non-fired models are definitely more affordable. is more expensive, and may not be affordable for everyone. And yet, if possible, then it is worth dwelling on the last two options, since, subject to the rules of installation and proper care, fired clay is able to maintain its appearance for decades.

Strength and frost resistance

If we talk exclusively about functional indicators, then two parameters are critical for cladding - mechanical strength and resistance to low temperatures:

• The strength of the facing brick primarily provides the wall with resistance to mechanical stress, and also reduces the risk of cracks and deformation of the masonry under its own weight. The strength grade is indicated using an index, in which the figure shows the permissible load in kilograms per square centimeter of surface.

• For example, if we mention double silicate brick M 150, then this means that its strength is 150 kg / cm 2.
• is determined by the number of freeze-thaw cycles that the brick withstands without signs of destruction, and is denoted by the index F (from the English Frost - frost). So, brick F50 withstands at least 50 such cycles, and at the same time does not lose its characteristics.

Note! The frost resistance of the finish is important not so much in cold latitudes as in the temperate zone. It is in the middle lane that winter is characterized by a multiple change in temperature, which leads to a rapid failure of the cladding with insufficient frost resistance.

Shape and type of surface

The configuration and features of the front surface of decorative masonry is another parameter that needs to be taken into account. And if only bricklayers can know the functional difference between a silicate block and a hyper-pressed decorative panel, then you can easily decide on the appearance yourself.

As for the shape, everything is quite simple here: the brick can be either rectangular or shaped. Rectangular models are used both for masonry walls and for cladding large planes, and shaped (with beveled or rounded edges) are used for finishing decorative elements. Most often, these details are included in the design of arches, parapets, window sills, etc.

The surface of the material can also be different:

• Smooth Is the most common type. This variety is one of the most affordable, because its low price is determined by the simplicity of the manufacture of products. At the same time, one should not assume that “cheap” means “ugly”: the wall, trimmed with small bricks with a smooth front side, looks quite presentable. The main thing is to choose a masonry pattern and correctly arrange the seams.

Advice! For smooth brick masonry, experts recommend using a contrasting compound for grouting, otherwise the wall relief will be lost.

• Textured the surface gives the masonry the appearance of natural stone, wood, marble, etc. The texture of the brick is laid at the stage of forming, and in the process of hardening (temperature or hydraulic) it is only fixed. Textured masonry can be used both for facing planes and for decorating individual elements - plinths, corners, slopes of windows and doors, etc.
• Glazed. To give the block a glossy shine after firing, a special glaze is applied to it, and then the product is fired again, but at a lower temperature. Only ceramic and clinker types of stone are glazed, since hyper-pressed models do not withstand the temperatures required for baking the glaze.

Note! The glaze layer gives the masonry frost resistance and allows it to withstand up to 100 freeze-thaw cycles without signs of degradation.

• Engobed. This type of surface is typical for the most expensive models that are used in the decoration of design projects. When engobing, a decorative composition is applied to the dried workpiece, which is then fired. When fired, the mixture polymerizes, giving the surface a matte texture.

As you can see, there are quite a few options. And if you take into account that each of them is available in many color variations, it becomes even more difficult to decide. That is why, before choosing a brick for building a house, you should have its finished project on hand. Thanks to this, you will be able to get an idea of ​​how the building will look, which means that you will not make a choice at random, but guided by clear criteria for appearance.

So, we got acquainted with the main characteristics of the material. But how to choose a specific batch so that the brick will serve as long as possible, and laying it with your own hands went without unpleasant surprises?

Below is a kind of instruction that will help you significantly reduce the risks when purchasing a brick:

• Perforation. Most of the cladding grades (both fired and non-fired) are made hollow. To save the solution without compromising the thermal insulation characteristics, it is worth choosing varieties with the maximum volume of internal voids and the minimum size of one hole. That is, many small cavities are better, several large ones.

• Pressed models are produced with a very smooth "bed" - the widest plane. To ensure effective adhesion of the block and mortar, choose a brick from the "young batch". This is due to the fact that immediately after production, unreacted Portland cement remains in the composition of the material, which plays the role of a good binder.
• To ensure a uniform color of the entire tiled surface, the material should be purchased from the same batch. Otherwise, the façade may turn out to be "spotty", since it is almost impossible to avoid minor changes in pigment concentration during production.

Advice! Almost any material fades under the sun during the first year of operation. Consider this, and when deciding which brick to choose, give preference to brands that are half a tone or a tone darker than originally intended.

• To check how the lining will behave over time, you can take one block from a trial batch and boil it in tap water until it evaporates completely. If the stains remain and will not be removed with a damp cloth, the same will happen to the walls of your house in a couple of years.

• Check the geometry of several pieces of material taken from a batch at random. For cladding, it is very important that both the shape and size of the bricks match as much as possible. If there are more deviations than is permissible according to GOST (4.5 mm in length, 3.3 mm in width, 2.3 mm in thickness), the purchase should be discarded.

It is also worth carefully examining the surface of the products and the condition of their edges. There should be no white spots on the planes, which indicate the presence of lime, and the edges should be even, straight and without chips. Some manufacturers make beveled face blocks, which not only protects the ribs from damage, but also gives the masonry a more attractive look.

All-round chamfer - protection against chipping

Conclusion

When deciding which facing brick to choose, the criteria should not be limited only to the type of material, shape or surface texture. An integrated approach, taking into account the maximum number of parameters and a strict selection of the purchased batch are the guarantee that the decoration of the house will be beautiful and durable. In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.