From time immemorial clay bricks have been used to construct houses and other structures. In today's construction environment where there are many choices of building material, clay bricks still hold their own as a sustainable and viable option. Here are a few reasons why you should consider clay bricks for your construction project.
1. They Are Durable
Clay bricks are durable components for construction primarily due to the vitrification process they undergo when in the kiln. In vitrification, the clay or shale is placed in a kiln and fired up to high temperatures. Once it is heated to these high temperatures, it is then rapidly cooled (supercooled). The shale transitions into a glassy state. The final product is compact, making it resilient and suitable for construction.
2. They Require Little Maintenance
Clay bricks do not require painstaking maintenance once the building is up. The durability and colour retention properties of clay combine to make it a versatile building material. Clay bricks absorb and release moisture rapidly and therefore don't rot. If you use clay as a siding material, it won't sustain damage due to impact by items falling on it, unlike vinyl. Once you bear the expense of procuring bricklaying services to install it, you require little resource expenditure in maintenance.
3. They Are Fire Resistant
A fire that breaks out in the home can move faster or slower due to the material the building is made of. Clay bricks are not combustible, and in case of a fire, they act as retardants. When looking to hire a professional for bricklaying services, pay particular attention to their experience. Ask for a sample of their work to determine if it has a high fire-resistance rating. Excellent bricklaying skills help to construct a clay brick structure that is resistant to fire.
4. They Aren't Affected by Efflorescence
When stone or concrete is used to build a house, it can absorb water. The soluble salts present in the water eventually collect on the surface and form a noticeable layer of efflorescence on it. Clay and shale bricks do not absorb and accumulate moisture but instead release it quickly. The dissolved salts, therefore, they don't collect to form any scum on the surface.
Conclusion
Clay bricks still live up to their billing as a dependable construction material of choice today. Look for experienced bricklaying services to put up a durable brick structure you will be proud of.