Brick clinker tiles which is better. Choice between clinker bricks or clinker tiles. What is better for facade decoration: clinker tiles or facing bricks

An attractive and durable option for finishing the facade of a private house is the use of special facade bricks. cost expensive siding, thermal insulation boards or decorative plaster, but such bricks give the house a complete form.

But there is such a variety of bricks on the building materials market now that only a builder with 20 years of experience behind him can deal with buying the “right” one. But everything is simpler, the main thing is to know how the facade brick is classified and what advantages and disadvantages each of its varieties has. And even then it will not be difficult to choose the best facing brick.

The facing brick has an exact geometric shape, as well as a uniform color. For such material, it is the external attractive appearance that is important. And for this reason, it is produced by hyperpressing. This is when the mixture is pressed into a special shape and compressed under ultra-high pressure to the stage of obtaining a smooth surface.

By GOST-ovsky standards allowable deviations from the given dimensions of such a brick is no more than 3 millimeters wide and 4 millimeters in length - manufacturers are required to comply with these standards. As for performance, they are secondary. Such a brick has mediocre heat and sound insulation, but resistant to negative environmental influences.

Which is better: plaster or facing brick

Benefits of using decorative plaster:

relatively inexpensive material;
finishing is carried out quickly;
walls before finishing may have defects (irregularities, small cracks from shrinkage);
there is plaster, which additionally protects the facade from moisture, insects;
variety of designs.

At finishing brick, when compared with decorative facade plaster, there are the following advantages:

durability;
throughout the entire period of operation retains its original appearance;
mounted together with thermal insulation (if a brick with a low moisture absorption coefficient is used);
there is a textured facade brick (with plaster - only simple textures);
brick trim looks more "presentable".

Note! The finishing brick has a significant flaw- his high cost. Such material from foreign manufacturers can cost and 100 rubles for one bar. A home decoration 80 - 120 m 2 it will cost them 400 - 600 thousand rubles which for many is unaffordable.

Classification of facing bricks

There are many varieties of facing bricks, but the most commonly used are the following:

Ceramic. Cheap and popular, is made from clay, like a rough brick for traditional masonry. For the facade, a hollow one is used, with holes penetrating the entire plane along the length. Their diameter may vary, which affects the consumption of the cement composition. There is also a full-bodied one, but they cost several times more, at this cost, you can consider more reliable finishing options (the same clinker brick).

Important! Such cladding is the most common, but in order for the facade not to lose its original appearance, it will have to be regularly treated with soil compounds to protect it from ultraviolet radiation and moisture.

Clinker. The design is both smooth and textured. It is the most durable, as it does not absorb moisture. But it is laid on a hard cement mortar, that is, with a minimum content of moisture and impurities (use a plasticizer). It is also made from clay, but of a special composition (with feldspars and mineral additives).

hyperpressed. In principle, any facade brick is made by hyperpressing - this is the only way to get the perfect geometric shape without any visual errors. But in the construction industry, the meaning of “hyper-pressed” brick has formed - this is one that is made from high-grade cement with the addition of limestone and color additives. It also happens to be textured, but the form is already set by the print.

The main advantage of hyper-pressed brick is great variety in shapes and colors(cement mixes easily with any dye). It is also often used for finishing window frames, doorways and everything where custom-shaped bricks can be used. It has a significant drawback - this is the appearance of microcracks after 2 – 3 years after operation. All this is due to the high moisture absorption and low resistance to temperature changes environment.

Today, the manufacturer offers facing blocks of any color, texture, size. There is a demand - there is a supply

Facade bricks can be attributed to a separate category hand molded. Their composition is varied: with the addition of a limestone base, crushed stone, mineral components and additives, and even with a lacquered front base. It's kind of stuff "premium class", costs fabulous money. According to all criteria, it meets clinker bricks, but with a unique texture (since manual molding is used). More often, such a cladding is used for arranging country cottages.

A conditional classification by purpose is also used. Everything is simple with this: there is a simple facade and heat resistant. The latter, as you might guess, is used when laying fireplaces, stoves, for finishing and giving the structure an attractive look (the stove itself is laid out from a simple heat-resistant brick).

Ceramic brick. Hollow with holes - its most common type, as it is cheap

Prices for facing ceramic bricks

Facing ceramic brick

Pros and cons of facing brick varieties

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of facing bricks.

Type	pros	Minuses
Ceramic	Cheap, attractive design, simple masonry, vapor permeable (the house "breathes" and does not accumulate moisture inside)	Relatively quickly loses its original appearance without maintenance, hollow base and high consumption of cement mortar, absorbs moisture
Clinker	Practically does not require maintenance (only removal of efflorescence), retains its original appearance for the entire period of operation (up to 100 years), sound and heat insulating, resistant to temperature extremes and critically low temperatures	Expensive, does not allow moisture to pass through, so you can’t do without an additional ventilation system in the house (if water supply is connected, the restroom and bath are also in the house)
Hyperpressed (from cement mortar with limestone)	The largest variety of designs and colors, the cheapest	Requires personal care, often - and painting, if not protected from moisture, it begins to crack over time

Clinker. The key difference is a smooth surface (as if covered with a layer of varnish) and the correct shape

Which facing brick is better

Each experienced builder will answer with confidence that the best for facade decoration is clinker brick. But the main factor that stops homeowners from buying is price. Therefore, this option should be considered only if the owner is willing to spend about 500 thousand rubles for a durable finish.

If the clinker is not suitable, then you can consider the option of using ceramic. This is a kind of "classic", such a brick has been used in construction for over a hundred years. It is the best combination in terms of quality/reliability/cost/durability, but there are not so many variations in appearance.

More common is either red or one of its dark/light shades (towards brown or yellow). And also a considerable amount of cement mortar is used for its laying (due to the hollow shape).

Clinker lining. This house is over 30 years old. The blocks are only covered with mold, in some places there are traces of efflorescence. All this is eliminated with an acid solution.

Hyper-pressed based on cement composition- the brick that experienced builders do not recommend use. He cheap, attractive, but after 5 years, even with regular treatment with soil and acid compositions, it begins to fade, crack and literally crumble. It is much better to buy high-quality decorative plaster or siding for the same money - the view will be preserved for decades, and in terms of performance, there will be a minimum of differences.

Hyper pressed brick. Since the material can be processed, such blocks are often made to imitate another material, for example, stone. But according to many, this is an unreliable and short-lived option for finishing the facade.

Prices for facing clinker bricks

Facing clinker brick

Video - Important points when choosing a facing brick

Overview of popular manufacturers

In the Russian Federation, there are a lot of manufacturers of facing bricks of any type. The most popular among those:

Ryazan Brick Factory.
Golitsyn Brick Factory.
Slavic brick.
Staroskolsky KZ.
MKZ (Moscow).
Don Dawns.

They mainly offer ceramic and hyper-pressed bricks - they are the most popular among consumers. Average cost - up to 15 rubles per block (hollow with through holes). In terms of performance, it is not inferior to foreign blocks (the same strength class is used - M150 or M200). But what Russian manufacturers have problems with is design - against the background of products from the same bauer their brick looks quite inconspicuous.

MKZ and Ryazan factories also produce clinker bricks, and with different block sizes. Average cost - from 45 to 55 rubles per block. Nothing remarkable in terms of design, visually looks like ceramic, but with a smooth surface without notches (in full compliance with GOST standards).

As for foreign manufacturers, products from the following manufacturers are in demand in the Russian Federation:

Terca (ceramic).
Lode Janka (also ceramic).
Regal Blend Muhl (clinker, including hand molded).
Rauf.

Of course, imported building materials are many times more expensive. But in terms of quality, they do not differ in anything special - ISO quality standards are observed, which are almost similar to GOST. But in terms of design, imported products are a clear leader. Especially Dutch and German manufacturers ( Daks Baksteen, Lode, Rauf). The price range of their bricks is wide. Minimum price - 45 rubles per block (ceramics), maximum - over 140 rubles per block (clinker, for example, Terca Safari full-bodied with hand molding).

How to choose the right facade brick - step by step instructions

Finishing should be the last thing, but the overall design is drawn up at the construction stage. This is where many people have problems. The easiest way to solve them is to contact a professional designer. The main thing is to make the final choice regarding the shade (light, dark, textured). Next, you will need:

Step 2 Decide on available finance. Naturally, it is better to buy clinker bricks. But ceramics will cost almost ten times cheaper.

Step 3 Check out the offers in the nearest building stores. Consider a design that fits the chosen tone (taking into account the price category). From all choose brands that will be "potential" options for purchase.

Step 4 Of the options chosen by design, decide which brand of brick is more reliable and durable. Help with this

So what to choose anyway?

Depending on the architecture of the building, it is more appropriate to choose a brick than a tile and vice versa. I'll explain why. If we start to calculate the required amount of bricks or tiles for the facade, we will see the following: if your facade assumes the presence of decors on the corners of the facade and window framing, then in this situation the tile will be more profitable due to the fact that it costs less compared to brick, but if the facade does not imply the presence of decors on the corners and around the windows, then it is more profitable to take a brick for the reason that it will be necessary to use a corner element that is several times higher than the cost of one brick.

It is necessary to take into account the following: you need to determine what size your brick will be in order to correctly make a preliminary layout and indent on the foundation.

Choice between clinker bricks or clinker tiles

This is necessary in order to make an air gap between the rough masonry and the front masonry necessary to remove condensate between the masonry and calculate the required length of flexible ties. Flexible connections are necessary in order to connect the front masonry with the draft. For multi-storey construction, the BAUT hinged system has been developed.

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Proper finishing of the facade with clinker bricks

The stability of the clinker lining is ensured by the correct laying of bricks. Clinker bricks can be produced by different technologies: manual molding or machine. The second option is the most popular, since such material has a high water absorption. In addition, there is a hollow or full-bodied building material, of course, perforation reduces the strength parameters of the brick and, accordingly, facilitates the ingress of destructive moisture.

For this reason perforated brick is not recommended for protruding structural elements. For example, for the installation of an external window sill, a chimney, it is better to use a solid, glazed brick, which practically does not absorb moisture.

Clinker tiles and brick for the facade. What's better?

Hand-formed clinker bricks have a high water absorption rate, so they are less durable than machine-made clinker bricks. As a rule, for a material that is manually formed for masonry, a special mortar is required and at the same time it has a natural texture: a rough surface and uneven edges.

It must be taken into account that erroneous cladding can ruin any quality material. Working with clinker bricks requires strict adherence to basic principles. Of course, one of the conditions for high-quality masonry is relatively good weather. In the process of masonry work and at the time of setting the mortar, it is desirable that the weather be dry and at a certain temperature outside. Accordingly, it is better to start work when there is no threat of frost. Elevated temperature also harms the solution, since it dries it significantly and too little sealing water may remain in the structure of the concrete mixture and the process of setting the solution will be completely broken. In hot and sunny weather, most likely the solution will not acquire the required properties, and excessive precipitation can be washed out of the connecting joints, finally breaking the structure of the solution. Thus, the absence of rain, wind and high temperatures will ensure high-quality masonry.

The second no less important condition for quality work is the observance of all proportions, because if the solution is not prepared correctly, then most likely the integrity of the masonry will be violated from the inside. Cement should not have any impurities and additives. The main components of the mortar for clinker masonry are cement, sand and water. The main thing is that the solution does not turn out to be too liquid, it is best to purchase ready-made mixtures intended for clinker. It is more expedient to use universal solutions, which are characterized by improved strength and elasticity, for this reason they will never crack under the pressure that occurs during compression. Accordingly, this solution is more expensive than specialized mixtures, so they are most often used for grouting, and masonry is mainly made from a cheaper solution. If several types of mortar are used for facing with clinker bricks, then the work takes place in two stages. First, laying is carried out until the mortar is completely dry, and only after that the joints are sealed with another mortar.

Masonry means supports from anchor rods. The clinker facade is erected simultaneously with the supporting frame and connected with anchors.

You can first build a supporting frame, carry out thermal insulation and then clad the facade with clinker bricks. If mineral fiber insulation is used, then a ventilation gap must be made between the load-bearing wall and the clinker facade, which will help to ideally cope with an excess of moisture and condensate and provide natural ventilation inside the thermal insulation system. The ventilation gap must be made above the window and door openings, above the base.

Today, clinker is a sought-after material for finishing facades, due to its characteristics. Both clinker bricks and clinker tiles are used for facade finishing.

What to choose: clinker tiles or bricks?

In order to determine what we need a brick or tile, let's figure out why they are needed. Clinker brick or tile is a finishing material, a kind of clothing and protection for your facade. Someone will say that a brick is stronger because it is thicker, yes it is, but when finishing the facade, it does not carry any load on itself, so this indicator is not decisive in favor of the brick.

So what to choose anyway?

To date, those textures, formats and shapes that are produced in brick cannot be produced in tiles and vice versa, for this reason, when choosing a finishing material for the facade, you need to take into account the architecture of the building and the color scheme that you want to get upon completion of the facade work. Depending on the architecture of the building, it is more appropriate to choose a brick than a tile and vice versa. I'll explain why. If we start to calculate the required amount of bricks or tiles for the facade, we will see the following: if your facade assumes the presence of decors on the corners of the facade and window framing, then in this situation the tile will be more profitable due to the fact that it costs less compared to brick, but if the facade does not imply the presence of decors on the corners and around the windows, then it is more profitable to take a brick for the reason that it will be necessary to use a corner element that is several times higher than the cost of one brick.

Consider the situation that you have chosen the color and format of the tile, which is not made in brick and the decor is not supposed to be used on the facade, but you want to save money, you can cut the tiles at the corners at an angle of 45 degrees.

Another not unimportant factor when choosing in favor of brick or tile is the weight, the technology that we want to apply on the facade of the building and the purpose of the building.

But what if you liked the brick, and you decide to use it for finishing the facade?

It is necessary to take into account the following: you need to determine what size your brick will be in order to correctly make a preliminary layout and indent on the foundation. This is necessary in order to make an air gap between the rough masonry and the front masonry necessary to remove condensate between the masonry and calculate the required length of flexible ties.

What is better clinker tiles or artificial stone?

Flexible connections are necessary in order to connect the front masonry with the draft. For multi-storey construction, the BAUT hinged system has been developed.

Also an integral part of the choice of clinker bricks or tiles is the choice of the color of the masonry mortar or grout. This needs special attention. The color perception of the clinker depends on the color of the mixture. The color of the mixture can both lighten your facade and make it dark. The mixtures must be specialized, frost-resistant, resistant to external influences, today the leader in our market are the mixtures of the German plant QUICK MIX. The mixtures of this plant have proven themselves at the highest level, they meet all Russian and European quality standards.

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One of the few finishing materials that can be used both indoors and outdoors is clinker tiles. The combination of beautiful appearance and high resistance to any mechanical and atmospheric influences makes it the best material for finishing. Facade decoration with clinker tiles can be used for any buildings, regardless of the material from which the walls are built.

Benefits of using clinker tiles for facades

The technology for manufacturing clinker bricks, which is distinguished by durability, resistance to ultraviolet radiation and precipitation, has long been known. Some disadvantage of such a brick can be called a significant weight of the material. The next stage in the development of technology was the manufacture of clinker tiles, which allowed not only to reduce weight decoration design, but also allowed it to be used for interior finishing work.

The use of such tiles makes it possible to achieve an accurate imitation of brickwork, which has long been considered one of the most prestigious ways of finishing the facade.

What is better for facade decoration: clinker tiles or facing bricks?

Clinker tiles, having a thickness of only a few millimeters (depending on the manufacturer and model), are lightweight, which can significantly reduce the load on the foundation and wall structures. In addition, this material is an environmentally friendly product, which is important for modern trends in construction and decoration. Facing the facade with clinker tiles will cost much less than brickwork, and only a specialist will be able to distinguish them, with proper installation quality.

Facade insulation

We recommend starting work on finishing the facade with insulation, especially since insulation from the outside of the building is more effective than internal insulation. As a heat-insulating material, it is advisable to use extruded foam boards. It has good thermal performance and mechanical strength is an excellent base for clinker tiles.

Styrofoam is fastened to the wall surface using a wet method using special adhesive mixtures.
Additionally, it is necessary to fix each sheet of material with the help of "umbrella" type fasteners.
A reinforcing fiberglass mesh is applied over the coating, which is coated with a special mixture.

The use of this method of insulation will significantly reduce the heat loss of the building and will simplify such a technological process as finishing the facade of a house with clinker tiles.

Installation of clinker tiles

There are several fundamental requirements, the implementation of which will allow you to get a high-quality facade.

It is worth noting the fact that the finishing of facades with clinker tiles should be carried out with a material that has undergone single firing. The double-fired tile is of course lighter, but it has the ability to intensively absorb atmospheric moisture, which significantly reduces the life of the cladding.

Yes, and such a tile costs much more, and it’s not worth overpaying just for the sake of boasting that you have a more perfect tile. In addition to the described method, the installation of clinker tiles using frame technology is also used, we will consider the features of this process in the following material.

The unique properties of clinker brick are evidenced only by the fact that after dismantling the buildings in the construction of which it was used, it is cleaned and used again. Clinker bricks are distinguished by high strength, moisture resistance, durability and chic appearance. It is used in construction, for paving sidewalks, in finishing works, as well as in the arrangement of furnaces. The brick present on the market may differ in size, shade, surface type, shape and some performance qualities. We figure out how to choose the right clinker brick so that it will delight you with its impeccable appearance for decades.

No. 1. Features of the production of clinker bricks

The production process of clinker bricks in many ways resembles the manufacturing technology familiar to all of us: the clay mass is molded and then fired in a kiln. By and large, clinker brick can be considered a kind of ceramic brick, the differences lie only in the characteristics of the raw material and the temperatures of its processing.

For the manufacture of clinker bricks, special refractory grades of clay. In kilns, the temperature rises to 1200-1300 0 C (for ceramic bricks, temperature indicators are 800-900 0 C), which ensures complete sintering carefully pre-pressed raw materials. All voids are filled, and in the end it turns out monolithic brick with unique properties. Due to its structure, it has high strength and wear resistance, ahead of all others in these parameters. The absence of pores inside the product allows us to talk about minimal hygroscopicity. The index of moisture absorption of clinker bricks is not more than 4-6%, and for the closest competitor, ceramic bricks, this parameter reaches 15-20%. It is not surprising that buildings that were built back in the 19th century using this material retain their former appearance to this day.

To get a really strong and durable material, you need to be very careful about the choice of raw materials and production technology. Deposits of suitable grades of clay are present in Germany, Poland, Austria and Holland. In Russia, there are very few of them, so almost all the clinker bricks on the market are imported, which affects the cost of an already expensive product.

Today, almost all factories for the production of clinker bricks use machine molding, which ensures high performance of the material. Brick hand molded gets much lower strength and higher moisture absorption rates.

No. 2. Advantages and disadvantages of clinker bricks

Features of raw materials and production technology make it possible to obtain a brick with a unique structure, which has mass of virtues:

durability. The material retains its original qualities for 100 years or more;
strength. If we compare different types of bricks in terms of compressive strength, then clinker confidently takes the lead. The parameter, of course, may vary within certain limits, but will never be lower than 250-300 kg / cm 2, which corresponds to the M250-M300 strength grade. By the way, in the construction business, bricks of such brands are used for laying apartment buildings;
low moisture absorption(4-6%) is explained by the almost complete absence of pores in the structure of the material, because the raw material in the process of pressing and sintering turns into a monolith. That is why clinker bricks are used for the construction of critical structures, especially those whose operation will take place in difficult conditions (aggressive environment with a high level of humidity). Efflorescence does not appear on the material. By the way, glazed clinker bricks do not absorb moisture at all;
frost resistance, which is due to the high density of the material and minimal moisture absorption. Even the simplest clinker brick can withstand 75-100 freeze / thaw cycles, and some types can easily endure up to 300 cycles. Excellent frost resistance provided the material with popularity in areas with a harsh climate. The most frost-resistant products are created for;
resistance to temperature changes;
fire resistance. The presence of refractory components in the composition of the material and high firing temperatures provide the clinker brick with a record resistance to fire. Experiments have shown that the material can withstand temperatures up to 1800 0 C, and structures after a fire do not deform or collapse;
environmental friendliness. The product is based on natural raw materials, so there is no need to talk about harm to health and the emission of toxic substances. All major manufacturers of clinker bricks check the raw materials and the finished product for radioactivity, so you can be 100% sure of your own safety;
great look. Clinker brick looks natural and noble. The shade depends on the characteristics of the composition of the raw material, so each brick is unique in its own way. Given the variety of sizes and shapes, you can choose the material for every taste;
versatility and wide scope. Clinker bricks are used in cladding, full-scale construction, patios and sidewalks.

Among the main disadvantages of clinker bricks its useful to note:

high price, because a material with such impressive performance, as you might guess, cannot be cheap. However, if we correlate the cost of the material and its durability, then the purchase can be considered an investment in your unrepairable future. Clinker bricks are twice as expensive as ceramic ones, but in terms of durability and resistance to negative external factors, they bypass it at times. On the other hand, it is worth noting that it is precisely because of the high price that clinker bricks are rarely used as a building material - they prefer to use it for cladding;
high thermal conductivity as a result of the almost complete absence of air pores. For high strength and moisture resistance, you will have to pay for quality;
low soundproof qualities, which comes up again from the absence of pores, so building envelopes made of this material will also need good;
laying clinker bricks should be done by professionals. Moreover, it is necessary to use special solutions- the usual masonry composition will not work, since the material has a low moisture absorption.

It is worth noting separately low vapor permeability. The minimum number of pores gives the clinker brick resistance to moisture, but at the same time prevents air from passing through the material. That is why when using the material as a building or facing material, it is necessary to take care of quality.

No. 3. Types of clinker bricks and areas of use

All clinker bricks on the market, depending on the purpose, can be divided into such kinds:

building, or ordinary brick. This is a full-bodied durable brick, which is used for the construction of critical structural elements, incl. foundations, plinths, columns, and pillars. Sometimes this type of brick is used to build some parts of the oven. From it, the starting rows of heavy furnaces and internal channels are made;
facing, or facade. From the name it is clear that this type of material is used exclusively for decoration. The chic appearance of clinker bricks is able to decorate. In addition, the material will protect the load-bearing walls from negative external influences. To save money, clinker in the finish is combined with other materials. Often clinker bricks are used for lining the basement. The material will retain its original appearance for decades, so you won’t have to remember about facade repairs for a long time. Clinker tiles have also appeared on sale today, which are much thinner than bricks, but after installation there will be no external differences. This solution allows not only to save money, but also to lighten the load on the foundation;
paving brick used for paving paths, alleys and pavements. The material is characterized by increased wear and frost resistance, excellent resistance to mechanical and shock loads. Streets in Europe are often paved precisely, knowing that it will last at least half a century.

For interior decoration clinker bricks are used very rarely - such a lining hits the pocket and loads the foundation. However, today designers have already begun to use clinker tiles to decorate individual areas. The material is well suited for decorating stoves and.

No. 4. Hollow and solid clinker bricks

Like other types of bricks, clinker may differ according to the nature of the filling:

No. 5. Dimensions and shape of clinker bricks

Clinker brick happens:

standard in the form of a parallelepiped, the most common;
figured, or shaped, has an unusual shape.

In the world of brick production, it has long been established single standard to which all manufacturers are guided. A single brick, and this applies to clinker products, has parameters 250*120*65mm and is denoted by 1NF (the so-called normal format). Such products can be solid or hollow, they are used both in construction and in cladding - in general, they have found the widest application.

Standard bricks are also available in other sizes:

one and a half brick, 1.4 NF, 250*120*88mm. It is used in the construction of critical structures, when it is necessary to save time;
double brick, 2.1 NF, 250*120*140mm. Usually produced hollow and used in lightweight masonry;
"Euro", or 0.7 NF, 250 * 85 * 65 mm, found application in lining;
half, 0.5 NF, 250*60*65 mm, also used in finishing works;
modular single block, 1.3 nf, 288*138*65 mm, rarely used.

There are other less common clinker brick formats, for example, 240*90*52 mm or 240*115*174 mm. The weight of one brick, depending on the size and fullness, ranges from 1.6 to 3.3 kg.

There are some requirements for the finished product, or rather its geometry. So, the maximum allowable deviation from the declared value in length is 4 mm, in height - 2 mm, in width - 3 mm. The product must have the shape of a regular parallelepiped, and the maximum divergence of parallel faces is 3 mm.

The cladding often uses irregularly shaped bricks. Figured products can have a wedge-shaped, triangular, rounded and other complex shape. With the help of such elements, window openings, corners of the house and other architectural elements are usually decorated. The shaped brick allows you to create a unique and show your imagination to the maximum.

No. 6. Clinker color

The shade of clinker brick depends primarily on the type of clay. The firing procedure also makes adjustments, after which products made from the same raw material may have slightly different tones. New shades are obtained by mixing different types of clay, no third-party coloring pigments are usually used. Huge effect on hue mineralogical composition of clay. So, for example, clays that are located near iron ores get a terracotta hue, clays that occur near limestone get a white tint, and near coal they get gray. Each deposit has its own unique color - no two are the same.

By mixing different types of clay, it was possible to obtain dozens of different shades clinker bricks, but all of them can be put into three groups:

natural terracotta and brick tones;
light cream shades with a transition to peach color;
dark colors.

The rarest is white clinker brick, which is made from the best grades of clay, which are fired before sintering. The result is beautiful products that retain their original shade throughout their entire service life, are characterized by almost complete water resistance and excellent dirt-repellent properties.

Decent demand is for products that have undergone an artificial aging procedure, or on which an imitation of efflorescence or soot has been created in the factory. Such a brick allows you to create a unique architectural appearance of the house.

Before choose a specific shade, it is necessary to clearly imagine, and it is better to depict on the layout how this color will be combined with the color, and other elements of the site. It is also important how well the chosen color will fit into the environment and.

If you want to get a special result, you can combine several shades in the facade cladding. For example, highlight window and door openings with darker bricks. You can randomly use bricks of two or three different shades. Any experiments are welcome, but the main thing is to think well in advance what result you want to get. It is advisable to buy a brick in the amount that is enough to complete the entire scope of work. Otherwise, you may encounter the fact that products from different batches will differ in shade. The difference, of course, will seem almost imperceptible, but after all the cladding work is completed, you will see a clear color transition.

Pay attention to the color of the decorative grout. It can be in the color of a brick or, conversely, be contrasting. The shade of the grout drastically affects the perception of the bricked surface.

No. 7. Texture of clinker bricks

The classic and simplest option is smooth matte surface. In this case, nothing special needs to be done in the production process. To diversify the appearance of a brick, to give it relief or gloss, the following technologies are used:

standard way involves applying a certain pattern to a molded, but not yet fired, mass. After the process of processing the product in the furnace, the pattern is preserved, and as a result, a brick with the necessary relief is obtained. Such manipulations do not affect the strength;
shotcrete- a popular way of decorative processing of clinker bricks. Before firing, mineral chips are applied to one or more faces. Under the influence of high temperatures, it melts and sinters with the clinker, forming interesting color transitions and a unique pattern;
engobing involves applying a thin layer of ceramic, called engobe, to a molded dried brick. It is a mixture of clay and metal oxides. In the kiln, the engobe is melted, sintered with clinker, and allows you to get a product with an interesting shade, and the color depends on the composition of the engobe. If engobe is applied only to part of the brick surface, then a material with a smooth color transition can be obtained. It is in this way that artificially aged bricks are produced;
glazing allows you to get a brick with a glossy slippery surface. The production technology is similar to that described above, only the ceramic layer in this case is replaced by a layer of glaze. We emphasize once again that glazed clinker brick does not absorb moisture at all, and it is less intensively polluted.

Any type of clinker brick is suitable for facing the facade - it all depends on personal preferences and tastes. For paving paths, it is better to take a product with a noticeable relief - they will be less slippery.

No. 8. Large manufacturers of clinker bricks

Germany is considered the birthplace of clinker bricks. All major production is still concentrated in this country. Here they honor traditions, develop new solutions and are very scrupulous about product quality. There are more than a dozen manufacturers in the country. In the domestic market, you can buy products such major German companies:

Separately note the products Feldhaus Klinker. Among Chinese manufacturers, one can single out the company Houson, which is one of the few that produces really high-quality bricks and sells them at very competitive prices.

Not so long ago, clinker bricks appeared on the market domestic production:

Of course, domestic bricks are cheaper than imported products, but when buying, do not forget that clinker cannot be very cheap - raw materials and production technology are quite expensive. Carefully inspect the brick for defects and geometry accuracy. Quality products will always have the appropriate documents. First of all, it is a certificate of compliance with the requirements of regulatory documents.

In the construction market, there are many finishing materials for cladding a house. The most practical and attractive is clinker. Facing brick or clinker tile, which is better to use - you can figure it out by reading this article.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of materials, as well as their scope. And you can also find out what methods are applicable for facing the facade of a building with clinker tiles.

The history of the emergence of clinker products

Clinker brick is made of clay, but firing is carried out at a temperature of 1300 ... 1400 gr. This temperature changes the molecular composition of the material, making it strong.

Clay of special grades is required for the manufacture of bricks, not every clay is suitable for clinker.

History of clinker bricks

Brick appeared a very long time ago in southern countries. There, clay was mixed with reeds and slabs were formed from which ancient temples were created.

It is not known when the firing of clay bricks appeared. The Tower of Babel had one wall of this material. After that, ceramics appeared - after all, this is also clay treated with high temperature. So gradually the firing of clay bypassed the whole of Europe.

Clay of the "first deposit" was used to create the building material. It was ground into powder, sifted, water was added, blocks were formed. After that, a lot of time was spent on drying and firing. Despite such labor-intensive production of building blocks, their price was low.

That is why Russia became interested in this building material. The first clinker brick in Russia was created in 1884. After that, after a while, the production technique was improved and brought to the ideal.

Modern production of clinker bricks

Today, many companies produce clinker bricks, which have a number of advantages over other facing materials, as well as low cost. It impresses with its appearance, coloring.

Leading brick manufacturers provide not only a wide choice, but also a material warranty period of 100 years. Leading companies in Germany and Poland are trusted by Russian consumers, the quality of bricks is at the highest level, which means that the warranty period is justified.

Tiles and clinker bricks what is it

Clinker tiles for the facade of a building are a better option for replacing clinker bricks.

Since brick-like tiles are used when, due to circumstances, it is impossible to use brick, and the facade of the building must not only have a unique appearance, but also carry functional properties.

Clinker tiles

This tile is made by squeezing the prepared clay mortar out of a special machine.

After that, the extruded solution is cut according to the specified parameters and shapes. A special roller creates a textured pattern on the tile. After that, it is fired at temperatures up to 1400 degrees in a special furnace.

The service life of this tile is practically unlimited. Due to modern processing, the tiles are not afraid of moisture and the sun. The color palette is very varied. The most popular tiles are similar to natural and old bricks.

What is clinker brick, its differences

The brick is manufactured in accordance with GOST 530-2012 and is characterized as a durable product with low moisture absorption. Has excellent operational properties. The product is used for finishing works on the street.

Clinker brick has the correct dimensions and shape of a standard product. Outside, it has a rough surface, the color ranges from light yellow to dark brown.

Shades are obtained by introducing special additives into the composition of the brick.

The main characteristics of clinker bricks

Clinker brick is very different from natural brick and has the following features:

Manufacturing difference. For the clinker product, special clay and mineral additives are used. This product is fired at a higher temperature of 1400 degrees, for comparison, ordinary brick is fired at a temperature of 800-1000 degrees.
The difference is in the strength of the material. Clinker material has the highest percentage of strength compared to conventional bricks. It is practically not erased, it is placed one step higher than concrete in all of the above parameters.
Moisture absorption. An ordinary brick in water absorbs up to 25% of water, clinker - up to 8%. Processed clinker products do not absorb moisture. In appearance, they are glossy - this affects frost resistance. When installing clinker bricks, cement mortar is used. He catches on quickly. The joints between the bricks are also filled with a cement mixture with the addition of a dye.

Types of clinker bricks

Facing clinker material is classified by type:

Construction - used for a supporting building structure, which takes on a large load. It can be columns, steps, pillars, stairs, building basement.
Facing - facade products differ in appearance, which allows you to make an individual facade decor. Thanks to a large selection of colors, as well as glazing, the appearance of the house becomes neat, bright, retaining an attractive appearance for many years.
Sidewalk - used to create paths, pavements and alleys are laid out. It is based on the idea of landscape design. Due to its properties, the brick does not lose its color, does not absorb moisture, and is not affected by direct sunlight.

For each purpose, a separate type of brick is used.

Technical characteristics of clinker bricks

The main characteristics of clinker bricks are shown in this table:

Basically, clinker bricks are made hollow, this allows you to remove the load on the walls of the building. Through voids or recesses are created at the stage of pressing into molds. The hollowness of a brick is measured by a separate parameter - the percentage. The indicator fluctuates in the range of 35-40%.

Dimensions and geometry accuracy

Clinker bricks are produced in accordance with the standards. It is designated like this:

Single - 250 * 120 * 65 mm - 1 NF;
One and a half - 250 * 120 * 88 mm - 1.4 NF;
Double - 250 * 120 * 140 mm - 2.1 NF; There is also such a size 250 * 85 * 65 mm - Euro - 0.7 NF;
Modular block - 288 * 138 * 65 mm - 1.3 NF.

Such models are produced - three quarters, half, quarter.

Permissible deviations from the standard: length 4 mm, width - 3 mm, thickness - 2 mm.

The main types of clinker tiles

Important. When lining stoves, barbecues, fireplaces, you should use special mixtures that can withstand high temperatures and at the same time not crack or fall off the base.

Facing brick or clinker tile which is better

The main component of the clinker product is clay of a special grade.

The main difference in production is firing at a relatively high temperature.

Clinker tiles have a number of such advantages over other finishing materials:

The strength of the material - it practically does not wear out, when exposed mechanically, the tile remains in its original form.
Resistant to direct sunlight. As you know the sun is ultraviolet rays, the tiles do not lose their properties with constant sun. This is especially true in the southern regions.
Frost resistance. This allows the outdoor tiles to be used in regions with low temperatures.
Ease of installation. The tile has a relatively small weight, so its installation is carried out without unnecessary manifestations of nervousness and the manifestation of obscene language - “installation without a mat”.
Large selection of textured patterns, as well as a variety of colors.

The disadvantage is the cost of the product, since there are advantages that affect the pricing policy. On average, clinker tiles cost from 700 to 4500 rubles. per sq. m.

Clinker brick has a number of such advantages:

The main feature of the product is a long service life. This is revealed in the features of production.
A large selection of products - the color range, as well as the appearance of the bricks are varied.
Extensive scope of bricks.

The disadvantage is the high cost of the product, unlike ordinary bricks - clinker costs 2 times more.

Facade decoration with clinker tiles

Clinker tiles are used if a textured pattern is indicated, and also where the use of bricks is not allowed.

Preparatory process

Before installing the clinker tiles, it is required to prepare the facade base. All interfering objects should be removed: drain from the roof, antenna and other objects. After that, the old finish and the swollen old plaster should be removed. The next step is to coat with a primer in 2 layers.

The primer mixture should be moisture resistant, with antiseptic additives.

After all the steps taken, notches are applied to the walls for future tile laying. In some cases, they are not needed, but only the master can determine this.

Surface reinforcement

If the walls are uneven (differences are easy to identify using a rule or a flat rail of 2 meters), then the layer of tile adhesive can be 1.5 cm. In this case, a reinforced mesh is used.

Fine mesh metal or fiberglass mesh is used. It is attached to the base with self-tapping screws with dowels. The mesh should be fixed in such a way that it is stretched and has an indent from the wall of 3-5 mm. After that, the mesh is filled with tile mix and you can start laying tiles.

For installation of tiles, 2 methods are used.

"Wet" method of laying tiles on the wall surface

The wet method is called because it is used for laying tile adhesive. For facade clinker tiles, an appropriate mixture should be selected.

Laying tiles begins with window and door openings. Before laying the tiles, you should make the appropriate markup. It is done using a level, since all marks must be strictly horizontal and vertical.

Attention. The laying of clinker tiles depends on the quality of the markup.

If the plinth is facing, then the adhesive composition is applied both to the surface of the plinth and to the back of the tile. At the same time, the tile should not be thin and small in size. Reinforcement of the basement is mandatory. The first tile is laid slightly below ground level.

To form precise seams that will create the illusion of laying natural brick, cut glass strips of 1 cm are used. They are inserted into the masonry perpendicular to the wall. After a day, they are removed with pliers.

"Dry" method of laying tiles on the facade of the house

For this method, clinker thermal panels are used. They also come with fasteners. The panels are fastened with special locks.

They are located at the end of the facing material. Fixing to the base is made with self-tapping screws through special holes.

To form facade corners, special corner panels are produced. This method is easier than "wet". It saves more time.

But, the cost of a clinker panel is many times more than tiles.

Seam formation technique

With the wet method, grouting is done 2-3 days after the main work. If the dry method was applied, then the formation of the seam is carried out immediately after the installation of the panels.

For grouting, you should choose a shade that creates a contrast between the tile and the seam. The seam should be filled completely, leaving no voids.

This is to ensure that no water gets inside. On the walls, a mixture based on cement is used. When forming a seam on the base - the composition of reactive resins.

Attention. When filling the seam, the mixture should not fall on the tile. If this happens, you should immediately wipe the tile with a rag, otherwise it will be difficult to remove the grout later.

Conclusion

With the right material for cladding the facade of the building, the appearance will be in its original form will delight for more than a dozen years.

And its functionality will not deteriorate over the years.

For the exterior decoration of building facades, materials such as clinker tiles or facing bricks are increasingly being used. Such a facade is very practical and has an external appeal. It is up to you to decide how it will be for many years to come: stylish, festive, smart, business or casual. Dream up and create a facade that no one else has.

What is better for facade decoration: clinker tiles or facing bricks?

When in the process of building a house the question arises: what material to choose, one should not rush. It is necessary to consider this issue from all sides, weigh all the pros and cons.

The first thing to evaluate: which of the materials is more durable - clinker tiles or facing bricks? Of course, brick is a more durable material. But at the same time, it is heavier. The tile, despite its fragility in appearance, in the cladding is no less durable. And, besides, under it there is no need to carry out foundation work, expand the basement. Brick will require additional reinforcement and expansion of the foundation by 12-13 centimeters.

Thanks to these qualities, the process of laying clinker tiles will take much less time than laying facing bricks. And if you purchase facing panels with clinker tiles, the laying process will be further reduced. All this will greatly reduce the cost of the work performed.

And in general, if we consider the financial side of the issue. Which is cheaper: clinker tiles or facing bricks? The answer to this question is unequivocal: tiles are much cheaper, since the consumption of raw materials for it is much less. And when buying clinker brick tiles, you will get a brick facade at a low price of a tile.

If you look at the service life of these materials. The warranty period for tiles is 50 years. Of course, the service life of a brick is longer. But all this is subject to the quality of the surface of the building material. The destruction of clinker tiles or facing bricks begins with water getting inside, and subsequent freezing.

The advantages of facing bricks are indicated by such quality as air conduction. After finishing with facing bricks, the walls continue to "breathe". The surface of the clinker tiles is covered with a special composition that prevents the penetration of not only moisture, but also air.

The range of clinker tiles is very wide. It is available in various colors and textures. This allows you to create unique facades. The variety of facing bricks is also growing steadily. Materials of different colors and shades begin to be produced, and the heterogeneity of texture contributes to the creation of unusual facades that differ in color depth.

Clinker tiles are used in construction much more widely than facing bricks. The fact is that it can be used both for finishing the facades of buildings and for interior decoration of premises: fireplaces, stoves, flights of stairs, terraces.