Facing, Engineering or Handmade Bricks: Which to Choose?
The types of brick you choose for a commercial building project can be pivotal in your building’s overall aesthetic, first impression and overall cost. Therefore, when selecting the right type of building brick, you should consider your options carefully, take your time, and ensure you seek advice from a specialist brick supplier like Modular Clay Products.
Types of UK Bricks
There are numerous different brick types to choose from, and you should ensure that you choose a style that is suitable for your building both aesthetically and structurally. Brick texture, brick colour, bonding pattern, mortar colour, density and tone are crucial factors. It’s essential to think about all of these before deciding on the type of construction brick, as it’s not something that is easily adjustable or removable.
As brick suppliers that work extensively with some of the world’s leading brick manufacturers to produce high-quality bricks for commercial projects, it’s fair to say we know what works best for our clients. We are transparent in how we work; we’ll be the first to recommend a product that’ll offer more structural integrity or one that’ll be more cost-effective and still practically viable for architects that work with us.
Below we’ve outlined some common bricks you can choose from and what each one would be ideal for.
Handmade Bricks
Structures that are built with handmade bricks offer an authentic, unique look. During the manufacturing process, the clay is rolled in sand and subsequently thrown by hand into a mould. These can be made up of irregular or standard brick sizes. These handmade bricks have more open, rougher textures and can come in a variety of colours. They differ drastically from machine-made bricks, and make ideal choices for buildings requiring a unique look, perhaps in a conservation area.
Clay Facing Bricks
The most common type of building brick is clay brick, otherwise known as facing brick. These bricks are sustainable and virtually maintenance-free, constructed by pressing clay into moulds which are then fired in a kiln. These bricks are often used in construction projects that don’t require any specialist, intricate qualities.
Reclaimed Bricks
If you want to replicate the aesthetic of an original building, reclaimed bricks would be ideal. You can use bricks reclaimed from knocked down structures, as the bricks will invariably still be safe for use. Reclamation yards are also excellent places to acquire reclaimed bricks, although it can be challenging to get enough for a commercial building. At Modular Clay Products, we don’t supply reclaimed bricks, but we can find a matching brick for you to mirror ones that you may have reclaimed.
Wirecut Bricks
As these are commonly known, extruded bricks are great for buildings that require a product that is angular and smooth. The clay is extruded into columns before being cut individually with wire, giving them extra smooth edges.
Engineering Bricks
These bricks have exceptionally high compressive strength, making them excellent choices for projects that have considerable exposure to water. These bricks are resistant to chemicals and damp, making them ideal for sewage systems, damp-proof courses, retaining walls or civil engineering projects. Blue and red engineering bricks are available, either as Class A or Class B. Read more information here.
Glazed Bricks
Glazed bricks (or tiles) offer a glossy finish that allows architects to achieve innovative appearances for their commercial buildings. These bricks are far more decorative than traditional bricks, offering a more artistic and aesthetically versatile look.
Benefits of Using Bricks from MCP
Generally speaking, brick is one of the most reliable and ideal building materials to use. Here are just some of the reasons why:
- It’s environmentally friendly.
- It’s sustainable.
- It’s robust and secure.
- It can come in numerous sizes, colours and textures.
- It’s entirely weatherproof.
- It’s fire-resistant.
All Modular Clay Products’ bricks are sourced responsibly from manufacturers that use top quality materials and practices to ensure each brick is fit for purpose.