Why Select Brick Clay Pavers Over Concrete Pavers?
WHAT ARE CLAY PAVERS?
Brick clay pavers are thin, flat stones designed specifically for paving applications. These could be used in pathways, driveways, patios or open commercial public spaces. Clay brick pavers offer all the same tangible, practical benefits of brick, which can be utilised as structural paving slabs as much as they can in feature walls of commercial buildings.
Facing bricks are tremendous load-bearing building materials, but sometimes one which is overlooked in favour of concrete. As far as pavers go, concrete itself is by no means a bad decision, but there are numerous reasons why Modular Clay Products, as brick suppliers, would obviously recommend using brick.
IS BRICK BETTER THAN CONCRETE?
The choice of paving material primarily depends on personal preference. Budget will, of course, come into play as well. But architects who want to create a unique, colourful, vibrant appearance in a commercial application, should definitely consider choosing clay brick paving.
There are numerous reasons why you should consider paving bricks for your next application. We’ve outlined why brick paving is the superior option to concrete.
ADVANTAGES OF BRICK PAVING
Long-lasting
While it’s no secret that bricks may succumb to an occasional crack or chip, 99% of the time this does not affect their structural integrity. If you want a material that thoroughly stands the test of time, clay facing bricks, even as pavers, will be much more reliable than concrete. As a material, clay brick is incredibly durable and weather-resistant, while surfaces on concrete pavers can erode and fade significantly over time.
Eco-friendly
Bricks are made from all-natural materials and are frequently reused and reclaimed for future uses. This makes them very sustainable and environmentally-friendly. If you are conscious of your ecological footprint, then bricks will ultimately be the preferred option, no matter the type, be it reclaimed, machine-made or handmade bricks.
Stain-resistant
Clay bricks are resistant to a large number of hazardous materials, including oil and petrol and will not succumb to staining. Concrete is unfortunately quite susceptible to staining and this may, in turn, affect their aesthetic value. Maintaining and cleaning bricks is significantly easier than cleaning concrete pavers, which will ultimately help them retain their aesthetic appeal.
Colour retention
Brick colours come from various mixtures of clay, which can all contain different mineral and chemical properties. Ultimately, the firing temperatures and kiln that’s used can help bricks to retain the same colour throughout their lifespan. Given that you can obtain a brick in almost any colour variation these days (the same cannot be said for concrete), this is another reason why you should consider brick paving.
Timeless style
A traditional brick building generally does look vibrant and colourful, helped by the brick mortar colour, bonding style and blends. Having said that, there is something quite special about a worn, aged brick pathway; they retain a certain charm. Whereas worn concrete pavers look far more unappealing.
Various finishes available
Bricks can be red, yellow, cream, black, green, pink and almost any colour you can think of. The lighter the colour is due to the contents of lime in the mixture. But brick finishes can not only enhance their colour but help strike a great first impression. The surface texture is often vital to its overall appearance.
Some examples of brick textures include smoothing, wire-cutting, matting, or by applying machine-made impressions or external coatings.
GLAZED BRICK COATINGS
Glazed bricks really stand out compared to standard bricks, and the same can be said for pavers. Almost any RAL colour is achievable with a glazed brick coating, and these coatings can be applied to pavers, brick slips or any other type of brick product.
The unique characteristics of glazed brick textures have solidified them as a preferred choice by architects and designers across the world. Here at Modular Clay Products, we offer an enormous range of bespoke glazed brick colours, which can be applied onto a variety of clay pavers as well.
It’s clear to see that concrete paving slabs, while not a bad choice necessarily, don’t offer the same advantages of brick. They may be generally seen as cheaper, but their much shorter lifespan coupled with the additional maintenance costs, may not be preferable if you want long-term stability and visual appeal. With bricks, you’re getting guaranteed quality, and seeing an investment pay off, plus much more substantial aesthetic and practical advantages.