Facing bricks are an essential element of any building, whether it’s for a residential or commercial project. They are a key component in the design and construction of a building, and choosing the right facing bricks is critical for the aesthetic and functional success of the project. However, with so many options available on the market, selecting the best facing bricks can be a daunting task. In this post, we will guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing facing bricks.
Durability and Strength
Durability and strength are key factors to consider when choosing facing bricks. The bricks should be able to withstand the test of time, offer good thermal insulation and remain strong under harsh weather conditions. Factors that affect durability and strength include the quality of the raw materials used, manufacturing process, and the overall thickness of the brick.
Colour and Texture
Color and texture are essential design elements when choosing facing bricks as they’re important for aesthetic appeal. There are a wide range of clay bricks available in a variety of different colours, including varying tones of red, grey, brown and yellow bricks.
The exact choice of color and texture of bricks for your renovation project should complement the overall style of the building and the surrounding environment. For example, a traditional brick design is likely to require a warm red or brown tone so red bricks may be appropriate, while a modern building may require a gray or white brick with a smooth texture.
If you are building an extension or adding new exterior walls to a house, remember that you’ll only need to match the colour of the existing facing bricks to ensure the bricks are in-keeping with the property or neighbourhood. Any additional bricks that are used for the construction (so called engineering bricks) and won’t be seen can be a different hue. Sometimes it’s hard to get an exact colour match to old traditional bricks, but some brick companies may be able to create bespoke bricks manufactured to your exact specifications if it’s important to you to get the right product for your project.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the facing bricks are also crucial factors to consider. The physical properties of the bricks should be of a size and shape that will enable them to fit into the building’s design and construction without the need for unnecessary cutting or modification. A range of standard sizes and shapes are available, and the choice will depend on the building design and construction method.
You may need to purchase a combination of different brick sizes for a large modern construction project, such as house extension. For example, you may need standard stock bricks or face bricks for external walls, but smaller sized bricks for use around window sills or to add architectural details.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as sustainability and energy efficiency should also be considered when choosing facing bricks and building material for your construction project. Whilst standard bricks are usually made from clay or concrete, there are other special bricks and handmade bricks that can be more eco friendly.
Sustainable options include reclaimed bricks or bricks made from recycled materials, while energy-efficient options include bricks with a high thermal mass that can help to regulate temperature.
Cost
The cost of facing bricks is another important factor to consider when you are choosing the types of bricks for your new project. The cost will depend on the type of brick, size, texture, and manufacturing process. It is essential to choose a brick that is within budget without compromising on quality and durability.
Design
Remember to take into consideration the design of your construction and the aesthetic look you want to create. The pattern in which bricks are laid to create a feature wall is called a bond. The types of facing bricks you choose will determine what different designs you can create when laying the bricks and how many you’ll require. One great thing about facing bricks is the variety of structural brickwork effects you can create, using quality products.
Amount required
Finally, when you’re choosing facing bricks, don’t forget to consider the amount of bricks required. If you’re unsure exactly how many concrete facing bricks you’ll need, you could ask a builder for advice or use an online brick calculator to work it out. It’s important to get the right amount of brown bricks required for a project as you don’t want to run out of building materials before your project is complete.
It’s also worth considering if you’re likely to be doing any other complementary building work in the near future, such as building any other external walls, putting in a paved driveway, a new garage or an exterior surface. Whether you want to retain a traditional look, or modern styles, you’ll want the look, style and color of the bricks to match. Depending on the buff bricks you’re using, it may be tricky to match them exactly in the future, so buying extra bricks at the outset of your work may be more appropriate. In some cases, such as listed buildings, the value of your home could be affected by if you have used bricks in a range of colours that don’t match.
Summary
Сhoosing the right facing bricks for your project requires careful consideration of several factors. Durability and strength, color and texture, size and shape, environmental factors, and cost are all essential elements to consider. By taking into account these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best facing bricks for your building project.
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