Why do Some UK Bricks have Holes?
Most standard clay facing bricks are solid all around. Generally speaking, their rectangular shape and dimensions are stable and smooth.
Having said that, you may have come across some clay bricks which have holes in them. These holes – generally totalling no more than three – usually sit on the top surface, going lengthways.
What’s the significance of these facing bricks that have holes? Why are they there, and what purpose do they serve? Are these bricks better than standard smooth bricks with the same dimensions? Modular Clay Products are here to clear up any misconceptions and confusion.
Why do Bricks Have Holes in Them?
It’s essential to understand why some bricks have holes, as these unique products may affect any commercial structure they’re expected to uphold.
Some bricks have holes for several reasons, listed below:
- So that they weigh less than their consistently smooth counterparts.
- As a cost-effective alternative to solid clay bricks.
- To save on raw materials for the brick manufacturers.
- To allow consistent and faster heat distribution when bricks are being fired in kilns, resulting in even and thorough cures.
- To ensure brick mortar to seep through and connect to the other bricks more easily.
This last point is particularly significant. The holes allow the masonry brickwork to be built with that added level of security. Bricks are turned when used in construction, so the holes remain concealed in exterior walls. When filled with mortar, the holes provide a system of locking bricks closer to one another.
Why are Bricks with Holes Useful?
There are numerous benefits of bricks, not least their incredible durability, strength and load-bearing capabilities. Bricks with holes only enhance and give credence to their immense physical properties, not to mention their aesthetic value and versatility.
By having the holes in bricks, there is additional space to connect each brick to one another with mortar and rebar. This ensures extra structural stability with the exterior walls of commercial buildings.
Given that these hole-filled bricks are lighter than standard facing bricks, brick suppliers such as Modular Clay Products can transport larger quantities. This helps us deliver more bricks to our clients on each order and save on time and deliveries.
Placing holes in the bricks’ centres helps the manufacturer and much as it does the supplier. When the brick manufacturing process starts, the clay extraction and formation requires a lot of effort. By leaving holes, residual clay is then saved for future bricks, thus aiding in material conservation.
The firing process is significantly improved in terms of time efficiency and effectiveness, as the holes allow for quick penetration of the material. When fired, the heat engulfs the bricks more quickly, saving on fuel as well.
Brick Clay Pavers
Brick clay pavers are directly applied to the flat surface, after being refined, smoothed and treated with sand, which collectively forms a durable surface area that can withstand large amounts of weight and pressure.
Without holes, bricks are still suitable for projects involving:
- Walls
- Roads
- Patios
- Pavements
- Steps
When using any clay brick product, the priority should always be its safety and reliability. If bricks have damaged holes, it would be unwise to use them as they may compromise the building’s stability.
When building with high-quality bricks, a systematic approach should be followed. The right bonding pattern needs to be considered, as do the materials’ sustainability and how the bricks can withstand weather conditions.
Brick Selector
Modular Clay Products’ brick selector tool is an easy-to-use tool where you can browse our massive range of bricks, with or without holes. Although there is no option to view bricks with or without holes exclusively, you can still choose bricks by colour, variation and texture, or a mixture of all three.
By being as specific as possible, you can save so much time browsing our full range and have a smaller range of particular products to choose from. For example, you can select options to view all of our blue glazed bricks or grey wirecut bricks, and find ones with holes in these ranges much more easily and quickly.