The article provides general information about the finishing brick, its types, advantages, disadvantages and methods of laying.
Facing brick- this is a brick intended for exterior decoration of walls, foundations, fireplaces and other structures made of stone materials. It is distinguished from other types of brick by its attractive appearance and clear edges.
Pros and cons of facing bricks
Speaking about the advantages and disadvantages of facing bricks, it should be understood that many of them are relative. So economic feasibility is largely related to how far the production is from you and how high-quality bricks are produced there. In addition, you can be an experienced vinyl siding or clapboard finisher, but have no experience with stone materials. In this case, you will have to hire finishers, and this is an additional cost.
So, dignity facing brick:
High mechanical strength - from 100 to 300 kg per cm2;
- high resistance to negative temperatures;
- resistance to influence of an ultraviolet;
- a variety of textures and colors;
- durability.
Flaws facing brick:
- big weight;
- high thermal conductivity;
- the high cost of the material itself;
- high labor intensity and cost of finishing works;
- propensity to form efflorescence during operation;
- multicolored - almost every batch of facing bricks differs in shade from other batches. This means that you will have to buy enough bricks from one lot. It is better to take with a margin;
- the need to create an effective vapor barrier when finishing the facades of houses with wooden walls.
Types of facing bricks
At the moment, the following types of facing bricks are used for finishing low-rise buildings:
- ceramic;
- clinker;
- hyperpressed;
- silicate.
In addition, the brick may have a different decorative coating. So, they distinguish:
Glazed with a vitreous decorative layer;
- with engobed decorative layer;
- two-layer: the outside is covered with a layer of colored clay 3 ... 5 mm thick.
Ceramic facing brick
Ceramic bricks are made from clay.
Advantages:
- resistance to low and high temperatures;
- low moisture absorption (no more than 6% to 14%, but more often less than 9%);
- high mechanical strength (from 25 MPa);
Disadvantages of ceramic facing brick:
- big weight;
- high price.
Ceramic bricks for decoration are almost always made hollow, and the shape and size of the holes can be different. I recommend, if possible, to use bricks with holes that have a small section - this allows you to reduce the consumption of mortar.
About the water absorption of bricks
Water absorption is determined by the number and branching of the pores inside the brick. The higher this indicator, the more pores in the material that can absorb moisture. The high porosity of the brick is good in terms of air exchange: the porous material "breathes". On the other hand, a brick with high water absorption is destroyed faster at low temperatures: freezing water expands and literally breaks the pore walls from the inside. This problem can be solved by hydrophobizing brick surfaces: however, in this case, the ability of bricks to exchange gases also decreases.
silicate facing brick
Silicate brick is made from quartz sand and lime by autoclave synthesis.
Advantages:
- attractive price;
- relatively high frost resistance;
- good indicators of noise absorption;
- good indicators of water absorption (for hollow brick - 12.1%, which is quite within the optimum);
- decent durability.
Flaws facing silicate brick
-low heat resistance (not critical);
- relatively low moisture resistance.
Clinker facing brick
The main feature of the production of clinker bricks is very high operating temperatures (otherwise the technology is very similar to the technology for the production of conventional clay bricks). Due to exposure to high temperatures, the clay is sintered, forming a monolithic structure without any voids or inclusions. This significantly increases the mechanical strength of the facing clinker.
Advantages:
- high mechanical strength;
-attractive appearance;
-preservation of the original color even with constant exposure to sunlight;
- durability due to relatively low water absorption.
Disadvantages of clinker finishing brick
High density (it is about 1.5 times heavier than ordinary ceramic bricks);
- high cost (price of clinker facing brick is about 30…40% higher than similar ceramics);
- the need to use hard mortars;
- the absence of pores that can remove moisture from the internal structures of the wall.
There is no consensus on which brick is better - facing or clinker. The arguments of the supporters of both types of bricks are quite convincing. It probably makes sense to choose a facing brick, the quality of which you are sure.
Hyper-pressed facing brick
Hyper-pressed brick is made from Portland cement (binder), shell rock or limestone (aggregate), water and dyes. No firing is used in the production of such bricks; instead, they are pressed under high pressure.
Advantages:
- high mechanical strength;
- low water absorption (about 6%);
- high frost resistance.
Disadvantages of hyperpressed facing brick:
- color change during operation - light brick turns gray, and dark brick gradually brightens;
- low vapor permeability - creates difficulties for the removal of moisture from the inner layers of the wall;
- big weight;
- smooth surface of beds - reduces adhesion in masonry;
- the appearance of microcracks. The formation of microcracks is associated with internal stresses, which are “pressed” inside during molding. The microcracks themselves are invisible and harmless, but the ingress of moisture with its subsequent freezing can significantly increase their size;
- high thermal conductivity.
Smooth beds create serious difficulties when laying bricks. To simplify the laying allows the use of bricks with through holes or small recesses on the beds, which will serve as a mortar lock.
A significant role in the strength of masonry from facing hyperpressed bricks can be played by its age. The fact is that on the surface of a fresh (not older than 28 days) brick, cement that has not undergone hydration is preserved, which can react with the mortar cement to form intermolecular bonds. A month after production, almost all free cement on the surface undergoes hydration, and one cannot count on a full-fledged splicing of brick cement and mortar cement.
How to choose a facing brick?
Brick manufacturers are not always conscientious: therefore, when choosing and buying, it is strongly recommended not to trust anyone and check everything that is possible:
Inspect the brick beds: their surfaces should be even and uniform. There should be no lime lumps in the material. When moisture enters, such lumps swell and destroy the brick;
A large number of spalls is a sign of the presence of lime inclusions in the thickness of the brick, which fell off during quality control;
- take into account the mechanical strength and frost resistance of bricks, which should be indicated in the marking. It would be wiser to take both with a margin;
- if, upon impact, a ceramic brick makes a dull sound, the manufacturer violated the manufacturing technology, and the clay inside did not bake to the required state. Such a brick should not be bought;
- a brick with a large number of voids has a lower thermal conductivity and is more efficient in terms of energy saving. The total volume of voids in the material can range from 13 to 50%.
Strength of facing brick
The strength of a brick is indicated in kilograms of load per square centimeter. So, a brick marked M100 is able to withstand a load of up to 100 kgf, and a brick marked M75 - only 75 kgf. When building brick houses, M100 is most often used.
Frost resistance of facing bricks
Frost resistance is determined as follows: a brick saturated with water is first frozen to a temperature of -18 + -2 ° C, and then allowed to heat up to a temperature of 20 ± 2 ° C. The freeze-thaw cycle is repeated until signs of destruction appear. Frost resistance is determined by the number of cycles that a brick can withstand, and is indicated on the marking with the letter F. F15 brick can withstand 15 cycles, and F50 brick - 50.
It is difficult to imagine a more popular and versatile building material than brick. Private and high-rise buildings are built from it, and it is used to organize and erect partitions, they are lined and laid out with stoves. Brick has acquired such a wide application due to its exceptional performance and diversity. The latter, by the way, can be confusing, because it’s not so easy to say right away which brick to choose for building a house, cladding, furnishing or interior partitions - before buying, you need a little theoretical preparation.
No. 1. Types of bricks according to the material of manufacture
Various kinds of raw materials can be used for the production of bricks. Manufacturing technology can also vary greatly, which explains the differences in the properties of different types of bricks. At the moment, there are
- ceramic;
- silicate;
- hyperpressed;
- 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 extrusion. Hollow bricks are made in vacuum plants. Plastic forming brick is more resistant to frost and is great for building a house;
- semi-dry and dry. Clay has a lower moisture content (7-12% depending on the production characteristics), it is crushed into powder, from which raw brick is formed in presses without drying or with reduced drying, which is then fed to firing. The main advantage is the accuracy of the geometry.
ceramic brick applied everywhere: when laying, erecting load-bearing walls and partitions, facing buildings, to perform. To the main benefits include a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, ease of installation, long service life, environmental friendliness, good heat and sound insulation and reasonable price. Minuses are due to improper production, as a result of which products with low durability and irregular geometry may occur, so trust only products. 
Number 3. Silicate brick: pros and cons
Silicate brick has received the greatest distribution in the domestic space, and The main reason for its popularity is its low price.. It is produced from a mixture of quartz sand (90%), lime (about 10%) and additives. White color, but by adding coloring pigments, other shades can be achieved. The brick is formed by dry pressing, and the 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 benefits silicate brick:
Minuses:
- high weight and fragility, so it is difficult to handle the material;
- high level of thermal conductivity - you 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 building foundations;
- instability to high temperatures - silicate brick is not used in the arrangement of furnaces and chimneys;
- little variety. Sand-lime bricks are always rectangular blocks with precise straight lines, without roundness and complex elements.
If you don’t 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, looks more like. It is based on screenings of calcareous rocks, shell rock, dolomite, marble, the share of which reaches 90%. Cement is used to bind limestone, and iron oxides or other natural components are used to give the material color. The solvent is plain water. 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;
- big weight;
- high thermal conductivity.
Hyper pressed brick used exclusively for cladding facades and plinths, can be used for fireplace mantels and for interior decorative finishes. 
No. 5. Chamotte refractory brick
Fireclay bricks are made from 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 bricks are distinguished by their straw color, may have brown and reddish blotches, are produced both in the correct shape and in wedge-shaped, angular and other shapes for ease of laying.
Despite the fact that ordinary ceramic bricks can easily withstand temperatures up to 800 0 C, fireclay bricks are usually used, as they accumulate and slowly release 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 grades of clay, including shale clay. During the production of the material, the temperature rises to 1100 0 C, so the individual particles are sintered, and all voids are filled. The choice of raw materials is approached carefully, so the result is durable monolithic brick, which has resistance to negative temperatures, environmental friendliness, heat resistance and high durability. The variety of shapes, colors and surface types is huge, which allows the use of clinker bricks for facade cladding, and for arranging stoves and chimneys. Among cons material high cost and thermal conductivity. 
No. 7. Building and facing bricks
depending from the field of application, the brick is divided into:
- construction or ordinary;
- facing or front, facade.
building brick, as the name suggests, is used to build 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 an accurate geometry. Construction can be ceramic and silicate brick.
Facing brick differs in the most exact geometry and interesting appearance, it is used for finishing of facades, a socle, it can be applied in internal finishing. Facing can be ceramic and silicate bricks, as well as hyper-pressed and clinker. Appearance may vary considerably. It is customary to divide the facing brick into textured and shaped. The first one has a standard shape, but has a decorative surface, the second one has complex profile configurations and is used for arranging arches and other non-standard architectural forms.
Type of facing brick surface:
- smooth matte or glossy;
- rusticated, when irregularities of a convex shape are created on the surface;
- corrugated with irregularities of the depressed type;
- broken, when the surface has chips or breaks (often this is found in hyper-pressed bricks).
As for shades, then each manufacturer offers its own set of colors, and there are also bricks with an interesting color transition. Gamma is represented by almost all colors of the spectrum: from light shades to almost black.
hollow brick It is distinguished by the presence of chambers or holes of a round, rectangular or square shape, they can be through or closed on one side, horizontal or vertical. The hollowness of silicate brick can reach 30%, ceramic - up to 45%. Due to the voids, savings in raw materials are achieved, therefore, 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 because air is trapped inside the voids. Typically, such a brick is used for the construction of interior partitions and facade cladding, rarely for laying lightweight exterior walls, and never for arranging stoves and chimneys. It is worth remembering that this is a rather fragile material, and the masonry mortar must be thick so as not to flow into voids. 
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 C, and the larger the block, the lower its thermal conductivity. Such indicators bring the brick closer to, and even, and record values \u200b\u200bare achieved due to special production technology. Porous differs from ordinary ceramic bricks in that wood chips are added to the clay, which burn out during the firing process, forming voids, and they, in turn, contribute to thermal insulation. Depending on the desired thermal conductivity and strength grade, one or another amount of sawdust is added. 
Working with porous bricks is not very convenient, but the walls are built very quickly. Moreover, there are special channels in such products where vertical reinforcement can be poured, and this is an excellent solution for building warm houses in seismic areas. At first glance it may seem that porous bricks are too expensive, but if you calculate the price per cubic meter, you will 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 is determined, the following question arises - what size brick is needed. According to GOST 530-2007, standard brick has dimensions of 250 * 120 * 65 mm, and all standard sizes are defined relative to it:
Historically, it has been brick faces 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 operate with precisely these concepts, so it will not be superfluous to remember them.
Knowing what kind of structure (or finish) is to be completed, given its size and the dimensions of the most suitable type of brick, you can easily calculate how much material is needed, but it’s still better to take it with a margin. 
No. 10. Brand of brick by strength
When it comes to the construction of foundations and walls of buildings, such an indicator of brick as strength, which is determined by the brand, comes first. Strength refers to the ability of a material to withstand a load, or in other words weight that can support 1 cm 2 bricks without deforming. This parameter is reflected in the brand. 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's hard to tell the brand by eye., and if possible, then only approximately. So, for example, if a brick, when struck with a hammer, crumbles into particles the size of crushed stone, then this is a low-quality product. If it takes several blows to break a brick, then this product is of medium strength. When hit with a hammer on a brick of grade M150 and higher, it will spark, at most 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 product information and produce bricks in accordance with all requirements. It is also worth noting that the final strength of the wall being built will also depend on the masonry mortar.
No. 11. Frost resistance of brick
Since the climate in most regions of the country is harsh, when choosing a brick, it is worth considering the frost resistance indicator, it is designated as Mrz and measured in successive freezing and thawing cycles, which do not affect the basic properties of the material. For central Russia, it is better to take a brick with a frost resistance index at least 30-50 cycles, for the most severe regions with a cold climate and changeable winter weather, there is a brick with MRP 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 enough 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 the 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 it is easy to determine the necessary strength, fullness, color, shape and size on your own, based on the purpose of use and the advice given.
Brick is building and facing. Why is it necessary to use a special type of brick for cladding? Because it plays an important role in construction - it gives the building a beautiful, finished look, and also additionally protects the house from the weather, keeping it warm.
Facing brick, unlike building brick, has a beautiful appearance, a wide variety of colors and textures, which allows you to give the building a unique design. The building materials market offers a wide variety of cladding materials. We invite you to get acquainted with the best options.
Ceramic brick - the best in terms of price / quality ratio
Made from high quality clay by molding and firing in special kilns. Most often, such a brick has a characteristic red-brown color, but there are other shades, as well as textures. For example, as the name implies, it is formed manually, due to which it acquires a unique shape, it can imitate an aged brick. That is why it is so appreciated by designers.
● environmental safety;
● good heat and sound insulation;
● wide range of strength grades - from M125 to M800;
● more affordable price compared to, say, clinker bricks.
● lower frost resistance compared to clinker - 50 cycles. However, treatment with water repellents will significantly increase the service life of such bricks.
There are practically no disadvantages of such material, the main thing is to give preference to products of trusted manufacturers. This is the best option in terms of price-quality ratio.
Do you want a great façade? Choose clinker brick
Clinker is made from special refractory carefully selected grades of clay. The production technology verified to the smallest detail makes it possible to create very durable, resistant to low temperatures, heat-resistant bricks. If we compare it with sand-lime brick, which collapses under the influence of fire after only two hours, clinker will retain strength two or even three times longer.
● excellent aesthetic characteristics;
● strength on average - M350;
● high frost resistance - 150 cycles;
● low water absorption 2-5%
● ecological cleanliness.
● high cost.
Ideal for cladding both residential and office buildings. Without exaggeration, we can say that clinker brick is the most beautiful facing material. The variety of its color palette and textures is highly appreciated by designers. If you are not limited by your budget and you are ready to pay for the best, choose a clinker brick - it will delight you with its unchanging beauty and durability for many years.
Hyper-pressed brick - an original and reliable facade
It resembles an artificial stone in its texture, and it is made from calcareous rocks, marble, shell rock using iron oxides and other components to give it different shades.
● frost resistance - up to 150 cycles;
● low moisture absorption;
● high strength (150-300 kg per 1 sq. cm);
● durability of a laying (overtakes a ceramic brick on this indicator).
● high cost;
● big weight;
● high thermal conductivity.
According to its characteristics, this material is not much inferior to clinker, but in general it is somewhat cheaper. Therefore, if you want to create a textured facade, but at the same time save a little, choose a hyper-pressed brick.
Brick House brick - beauty and amazing simplicity of masonry
It combines impeccable appearance, strength and at the same time ease of masonry. Its main feature is the possibility of laying dry. This possibility is provided by the presence of special chamfers that imitate seams.
● lightness is a hollow brick that can be filled with insulation;
● strength M150;
● frost resistance - 200 cycles;
● no need for additional thermal insulation.
● cost.
Brick House brick has the appearance of polished marble, giving the building a neat, sophisticated appearance. Due to the simplicity of masonry, even a non-professional can lay out a flat wall with such material. If you want to clad your house with your own hands, Brick House brick is the best choice.
Silicate brick - a simple and affordable material
Sand-lime brick is very often used in the construction of residential buildings and cottages in our latitudes. It has a simple appearance, most often white, and deserved its popularity, first of all, by its affordable price.
● environmental friendliness;
● low cost;
● good frost resistance and strength.
● big weight;
● fragility;
● high thermal conductivity;
● low moisture resistance.
Although silicate brick has more disadvantages than advantages, this material should not be discounted, especially if the budget is very limited. If you are looking for what kind of brick is better to veneer a garage, fence, outbuildings, this material will be the best in price. In addition, even an amateur can perform masonry with him.
What to look for when choosing a facing brick?
To choose the right facing brick, first of all, you need to decide on the construction budget, and then, within your budget, choose the most optimal brick option, given it:
1) aesthetic characteristics. The most beautiful masonry is created by clinker, hyper-pressed brick. For technical buildings, you can choose a simpler and cheaper ceramic brick or silicate;
2) strength grade. It is not always advisable to buy the most durable material - consider the features of your building. So grades M75 - M125 are well suited for the construction of private houses up to 3 floors, M150 - for the foundation of country houses and walls of apartment buildings. Higher grades are used for the construction of foundations for apartment buildings;
3) frost resistance - for Ukrainian winters, an indicator of 50 cycles is more than enough;
4) brick filling - it can be full-bodied and hollow. Solid bricks are more durable, but also heavier and more expensive. Best suited for building a foundation, but also require additional thermal insulation. Hollow ones have holes or chambers inside, thanks to which they provide good thermal insulation. It is ideal for facade cladding.
We hope our tips will help you make an informed choice. Let your house will reliably protect you and delight you with its beautiful appearance!
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 the right type and brand of material.
Any homeowner wants the house to serve for a long time with minimal repair and maintenance costs. 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-based materials or porous blocks made of lightweight concrete (foam concrete, aerated concrete), the 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 (various types of ceramic and clinker) and without firing (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, which indicates these indicators. 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 shade of ceramics is a sign of underburning, too dark or black color (except for color 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 different finishes of the 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).
The clinker manufacturing process uses special shale clays, additives of only mineral composition, hand molding or extrusion 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 composition of 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 is 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.
Nevertheless, silicate bricks are actively used for wall cladding due to their good geometry, a fairly wide range of colors and low cost.
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 to high pressure at an elevated temperature, due to which the components are fused 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
The dimensions of the facing bar of domestic production are determined by GOST 530-2007, which subdivides the dimensions of the 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 bricks from one batch, and if this is not possible, then when facing, 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, and the longer the firing time, the more saturated the 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 also produced in yellow. 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 are folk methods for dealing with 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. By choosing a combination of products of different colors 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. Answering the main question: what is facing, we answer with confidence: necessity and decoration.
The Vorotynsky plant produces both working and facing bricks.
Their working brick is of good quality, but the price is currently too high. For such a price, you can absolutely super brick.
The facing brick of the Vorotynsky plant was sold at a very affordable price. We can say that it was the lowest in the Moscow market in the summer of 2009. But there were many complaints about the quality of the brick. For example fight - 5% and more. There were also problems with the geometry. Although the brick looked pretty decent. With bevel.
Last week in Moscow at the exhibition, I talked with a representative of the Vorotynsky plant. They said the problem was solved. It won't happen again. But so far I have not heard that this is true. Just no information yet.
As for the Tovarkovsky plant, I can say the following: the old plant was divided, now there are two plants. One plant (TOVKER) produces a working brick, which is affordable, but not of high quality.
Another plant is called TEREX and produces expensive facing bricks. The brick is very high quality and beautiful, but there were also certain complaints about the quality. A yellow brick from which some ugly green muck was coming out. Although representatives of the plant claim that it will disappear from the rains or can simply be washed away with water.Vyacheslav, how to reinsure yourself from the fact that the plant itself can draw, they say it is made according to GOST ..
there is an option to bring a few kripich from the party to the laboratory and see if it matches, well, actually take the conclusion as a keepsake.
In our city, a new line has opened, where they supposedly make good bricks, and the color is just what we need, but I would like to check all of them .. hence this topic was created ..The plant will never draw something, because then it will be extreme. If you buy a brick at the factory (with all the documents) and you have reasonable complaints about the quality, then, so to speak, the factory "hit". You can sue, demand replacement and compensation. And you can announce it all over the Internet. Factories are very afraid of this. They have a solid business.
Documents are drawn by petty swindlers who buy culling (substandard) at the factory for half the price. Naturally, according to the documents, this is not a brick. Additionally, they sort out this brick, draw documents for it, and sell it as a facing brick. Naturally, then there will simply be no one to sue.
Therefore, if you take a brick either directly at the factory or from a large brick company - a dealer (and if you also warn that you need a complete package of documents and only GOST bricks), then you are insured against substandard.Dear Vyacheslav, can you comment on the quality of the Vorotynsky and Tovarkovsky (Tovker) facing bricks. Is it worth it to contact them, or look for something else?I will add the following about Vorotynsky brick: If you are looking for a budget facing brick, then this is a good option. But there were problems.
If you are willing to pay more, but get a really beautiful house, then you can certainly find a brick much better.If you are looking for a working brick, then Vorotynsky is too expensive.
TOVKER is an affordable working brick for non-critical work.
On the base - not desirable, but on the interior partitions - please.
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