What is a Clay Paver?
Brick clay pavers, commonly known as block paving or brick paving, are essentially bricks which can be used as paving stones. Brick paving slabs have been used for an incredibly long time, dating back as far back as Tudor times. Clay facing bricks which can be used as paving slabs can be a valuable addition to a commercial structure, particularly one which has already been built using a variety of high-quality bricks or perhaps using brick slip cladding.
Brick pavers possess a tremendous amount of benefits compared to their concrete counterparts, particularly as it pertains to their composition, colours, texture, strength and durability. However, there are some other considerations to bear in mind before jumping straight into choosing brick products for a commercial project. Clay bricks have been a staple of buildings for many years, and it’s rare to find a material that is as durable, natural and elegant all in one.
Despite some very minor inconveniences in terms of installation time, clay paving offers a great deal of aesthetic and physical benefits over the majority of other materials which can be used for paving. The list below will list the pros (and cons) of facing bricks which can be used as paving, to help provide clarity for anyone currently considering their paving options.
ADVANTAGES OF BRICK CLAY PAVERS
Attractive
Much like facing bricks being used in a feature wall, pavers provide a traditional look which is hard to replicate. They can be laid in different bonding patterns to create unique styles and looks for a commercial application. An intricately-designed paving pattern will add sophistication and elegance to a building, mainly if the building itself contains modern brick colours and textures.
Durable
It’s no surprise that bricks can stand the test of time, with some structures from thousands of years ago still standing strong. The strength of bricks doesn’t wane over time, and as long as they are maintained regularly where appropriate, the same will be said for brick paving materials.
Easily Replaceable
Should a clay paver suffer unexpected damage, luckily the repair procedure isn’t as long-winded as you’d expect. Single slabs can be removed and replaced with fresh ones, which doesn’t take up a huge chunk of time.
Eco-friendly
As explained in a previous blog, clay bricks are about as environmentally-friendly as you can get. They are a natural material and can be recycled numerous times over, which can end up being a great cost-saving measure.
Versatile in Design
Bricks come in a variety of different colours and textures, and these are possible with brick paving designs too. For example, glazed bricks offer a slick finish, and you can purchase clay pavers which have a similar ceramic coating added. Whether using handmade bricks or machine-made bricks, designs are almost limitless.
DISADVANTAGES OF BRICK CLAY PAVERS
Periodic Maintenance Required
Brick paving pathways should be washed semi-regularly to remove dirt and weeds. The mortar joints, if cracked, should be repaired with fresh mortar and left to dry. It’s also worth sealing bricks after each wash, which will help prolong its resistance to moss or weeds appearing in the joints.
Installation Time
Time is of the essence, and laying bricks should not be rushed. However, the time required for a high-quality brick installation is longer due to the intricate work required.
WHY USE BRICK OVER OTHER SURFACE MATERIALS?
It’s clear to see how the pros of brick paving outweigh the cons, but that’s not all there is to it. Brick pavers, again, due to how versatile and resistant they are, are preferable to other materials such as resin, tarmac, gravel or concrete.
With resin, for example, heavy vehicles cannot be parked on the surface for too long, whereas bricks can withstand these hefty loads. There are far fewer design possibilities with tarmac or concrete, and gravel requires far more maintenance.
Therefore, it makes sense to choose brick paving.