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Quick Tips for Assessing Quality in Bricks and Brick Selection

The demand for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing materials is on the rise. This blog explores the versatile world of clay bricks, known not just for their eco-friendly benefits but also their visual appeal. We are dedicated to providing you with in-depth insights into how these innovative materials are reshaping residential and commercial landscapes.

From energy efficiency to unique design possibilities, discover how bricks from MCP can transform your next building project into an exemplar of forward-thinking design and durability.

mcp bespoke facing bricks

CLAY BRICKS

Bricks are some of the oldest and most widely-used building materials. It would be incredibly challenging to find anybody who didn’t understand how frequently clay bricks are used, even in this day and age. Their widespread use in commercial builds, as well as their physical properties, speak volumes.

Even with modern civil engineering and commercial building projects using a variety of building materials these days, using traditional bricks is still a common practice. Anything from glazed bricks to standard engineering bricks (either Class A or Class B) have a place in modern commercial builds.

It goes without saying, however, that any type of brick needs to be of the highest quality. These materials play a pivotal role in this modern age of high-quality brick manufacturing and brick supplying, and low-quality products can have drastic implications.

It’s easy for us here at Modular Clay Products to say, as well as our trusted partners, but understanding good quality bricks at the most basic level is essential. The brick quality may vary depending on the raw materials used as well as the brick manufacturing process used to create them. Nonetheless, whether using bricks for interior and exterior walls or load-bearing structures, if they lack in quality, then it can impact the overall build.

We have taken the time to outline what makes good bricks, in terms of both their physical and chemical characteristics.

MCP Bespoke Facing Bricks

It’s easy for us here at Modular Clay Products to say, as well as our trusted partners, but understanding good quality bricks at the most basic level is essential. The brick quality may vary depending on the raw materials used as well as the brick manufacturing process used to create them. Nonetheless, whether using bricks for interior and exterior walls or load-bearing structures, if they lack in quality, then it can impact the overall build.

We have taken the time to outline what makes good bricks, in terms of both their physical and chemical characteristics.

Good-quality Bricks

Uniform size and shape – a high-quality brick should have a standard shape and size, with plain and rectangular surfaces. The brick size (as standard) should be 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm. However, the sizes of bricks vary across different countries, with UK bricks holding different uniform sizes to bricks in India and the USA.

  • Compressive strength – brick compressive strength should be between 2000 and 5000 psi (15 to 35 MPa).
  • Hardness – bricks should be sufficiently hard, with no impressions being left on them when lightly grazed.
  • Water absorption – bricks should not absorb more than 20% of their weight in water, when immersed for 24 hours or longer.
  • Texture – of course, brick texture varies considerably; the texture of glazed bricks will differ to that of long format bricks, for example. However, their surfaces should not be smooth to the point where mortars slip right off. They should also be free from cracks and stone nodules, with sharp and square edges.
  • Low thermal conductivity – this should be low as commercial buildings built from brick should ideally be cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter.
  • Soundness – the brick should give a clear metallic sound, which rings when struck with another brick.
  • Colour – there are numerous brick colours available, which are influenced by the chemical constitution of the clay as well as its burning temperature, kiln conditions etc. Good quality bricks should be well-burnt and have a uniform colour. If bricks are under-burnt or over-burnt, they lose this uniformity.
  • Brick earth – brick earth should be free from physical materials such as stones and pebbles, as well as chemicals like potassium nitrate.
  • Durable – salt attack impacts brick durability. When excessive soluble salts are present, this causes efflorescence, and should not exceed 2.5% in burnt bricks.
  • Strong – brick strength should be a minimum of 5.50 N/mm².
  • Bricks should also be soundproof, incombustible and free from lime-pitting.
  • Everybody should be aware of the above characteristics before using bricks in any commercial project. To achieve the best results possible, bricks that exhibit these qualities should be used. They will enhance the overall quality of the building.
  • It is therefore worth using reliable brick suppliers such as Modular Clay Products to ensure you are getting the highest quality brick products from top, leading manufacturers.

Determining Brick Durability Ratings

Understanding how brick durability ratings are determined is crucial when selecting materials for construction. These ratings offer insights into a brick's longevity and resistance to environmental factors.

Brick durability is assessed through specific tests that measure resistance to frost, water absorption, and abrasion. Manufacturers like Modular Clay Products test these factors, ensuring that the materials meet stringent industry standards, providing reliable products for various construction projects.

Understanding Brick Quality

Grasping the essence of brick quality is vital for their effective application in construction projects. Good quality bricks significantly contribute to the durability and integrity of structures. Evaluating brick quality involves various tests, with the compressive strength test standing out as a critical measure.

This test ensures that bricks can withstand substantial loads, maintaining safety and structural soundness. Understanding these factors not only enhances construction outcomes but also supports the use of modular clay products, promoting consistent performance and reliability across different building types.

Compressive Strength Test

The compressive strength test is crucial in assessing brick quality. This test measures the ability of bricks to withstand axial loads without failure, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for construction safety. Good quality bricks must exhibit high compressive strength to prevent structural collapse.

This involves placing a brick under a specific load until it breaks, providing a direct indicator of its quality and suitability for use. Through rigorous testing, manufacturers ensure that bricks can endure significant pressures, making them a reliable choice for diverse construction projects.

Quality Bricks in Construction

The choice of quality bricks is pivotal in construction, influencing both longevity and aesthetic appeal. Understanding the various types of bricks is essential as each offers unique benefits tailored to specific building needs.

The insights gained from examining brick durability ratings and performing strength tests underscore the reliability of quality brick products. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions, ensuring that construction projects stand the test of time through the use of robust, high-performing bricks.

Influence of Brick Types

The type of brick used in construction has a significant impact on the building's overall strength and durability. Different brick types, such as modular clay products, are suited for varying environments and architectural requirements. For instance, when balancing aesthetics with functionality, choosing the right brick type can ensure optimal performance. 

The distinct characteristics of quality bricks, from thermal insulation properties to load-bearing capacity, are critical considerations in construction planning. Utilising the right type not only meets functional needs but also aligns with design intentions for a cohesive outcome.

Structural Integrity

Ensuring the structural integrity of any building begins with the foundation and extends to every aspect of construction, including brickwork and accessories. Quality materials, particularly in brickwork, play a crucial role in the overall stability and durability of structures. 

By understanding various construction elements and integrating quality accessories, builders can achieve enhanced structural performance. Exploring the intricacies of these components ensures that construction projects withstand the test of time, maintaining safety and efficiency.

Brickwork and Accessories

Brickwork is fundamental to the structural integrity of any building. Choosing the right type of brick, such as modular clay products, ensures robust construction. These bricks, complemented by appropriate accessories, enhance the stability and longevity of structures. 

Accessories, including ties and lintels, are equally essential, ensuring cohesive and secure bonding between materials. Integrating these components seamlessly into the design enhances the overall strength, providing structural security against various environmental challenges. This consideration in brickwork and accessories translates into a reliable and enduring construction framework.

Advanced Testing Methods for Brick Assessment

In addition to the fundamental tests outlined above, several advanced assessment methods provide deeper insights into brick quality and performance characteristics. These comprehensive evaluations ensure that bricks meet the exacting standards required for modern construction projects.

Efflorescence Testing

Efflorescence is one of the most common issues affecting brick structures, manifesting as white, chalky deposits on brick surfaces. This phenomenon occurs when soluble salts within the brick migrate to the surface through moisture movement. Quality assessment involves subjecting bricks to accelerated efflorescence testing, where samples are partially immersed in distilled water under controlled conditions.

High-quality bricks should demonstrate minimal salt migration, with efflorescence ratings remaining within acceptable industry parameters. This testing is particularly crucial for exterior applications where bricks face constant exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Thermal Performance Evaluation

Modern construction increasingly demands superior thermal performance from building materials. Thermal conductivity testing measures how effectively bricks conduct heat, with lower values indicating better insulation properties. Quality bricks should have low thermal conductivity so that houses keep cool in summer and warm in winter.

This characteristic directly impacts energy efficiency in buildings, making thermal performance a critical consideration for sustainable construction practices. Additionally, thermal expansion coefficients must be evaluated to ensure bricks can accommodate temperature variations without structural compromise.

Dimensional Stability Assessment

Consistent dimensional stability is paramount for maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Quality assessment involves measuring dimensional variations across multiple samples. Dimensional stability testing includes evaluating how bricks respond to moisture absorption and temperature cycling, as these factors can cause dimensional changes over time.

Freeze-Thaw Resistance Testing

Given the UK's variable climate conditions, freeze-thaw resistance is crucial for long-term durability. This testing involves subjecting saturated bricks to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Quality bricks should demonstrate minimal weight loss and surface deterioration following this rigorous testing. This assessment is particularly important for exposed applications where bricks experience regular moisture exposure and temperature fluctuations.

Impact Resistance and Abrasion Testing

Modern construction often requires bricks to withstand mechanical stress and surface wear. Impact resistance testing evaluates how bricks respond to sudden force application, whilst abrasion testing measures surface wear resistance.

These tests are particularly relevant for commercial applications where bricks may face mechanical stress from traffic, cleaning, or environmental factors. Quality bricks should demonstrate consistent performance across these parameters, ensuring long-term structural and aesthetic integrity.

BRICK FINDER

Modular Clay Products has supplied numerous brick products to many architects, designers and reliable partners for their projects. You can read about them on our case studies page.

While our experienced and helpful sales team will be more than happy to talk to you about your requirements, we have a handy tool on our homepage. If you need assistance finding bricks that meet certain qualities and colours, you can use our built-in Brick Finder tool.

With this brick selector, you select which type you are after, which could be stock, wire-cut, water struck or even handmade bricks. You can choose variations, as to whether the bricks are multi or plain, and even select any particular colour shades. We have various colours available to choose from as well.

Not only that, but you can select a particular product and compare it directly with another one. By highlighting the product image, select “compare brick”, then do the same thing for another brick. This allows you to see the respective brick qualities next to one another for a direct comparison. The brick finder application can help you isolate exactly what you’re after in terms of aesthetics, dimensions and extras such as mortar colours.

If you need a precast brick solution, speak to us directly. We have extensive knowledge and expertise supplying bespoke precast bricks that accommodate specific shapes, sizes, colours and dimensions. Speak to us directly if you would like to find out more about our high-quality brick solutions.