The benefits of clay brick
The Eternal Choice
Clay brick originates from the age-old process of uniting earth, air, fire and water to create a building material that is matchless in strength, durability, versatility and beauty. First produced in the Bronze Age, their appeal has never waned.
Unmatched Durability
For centuries, clay bricks have endured the forces of weathering and time. Today, durability is enhanced through brickmaking techniques. Since the arrival of van Riebeeck in the Cape in 1652, clay bricks have been used in an overwhelming majority of buildings, firmly establishing the clay brick tradition in Southern Africa.
Long-Term Cost Benefit
The immense durability and maintenance-free nature of clay bricks, ensures a highly cost effective buidling material. Clay brick homes are always in demand because of their enduring aesthetic appeal.
Maintenance Free
With facebrick, there is no need for painting. Structural integrity is maintained even when plastered. Clay bricks and pavers thrive on the natural forces of the environment. They do not discolor or deteriorate but only enhance with age.
Fire Resistance
Clay brick walls are able to withstand fully developed fires longer than any other standard building material. Home-owners benefit from peace of mind and substantial savings on insurance over time.
Insulation
Clay Bricks offer maximum insulation against temperature and noise. They resist the transmission of heat, keeping a buidling cool in sumer and warm in winter. Thermal properties generate the storage of heat energy, retaining heat during the day and releasing it at night, thereby regulating temperature fluctuations. The density of clay bricks provide excellent acoustic insulation.
Ageless Beauty
The clay brick is a timeless classic available in a wide range of shapes, colours and textures, providing endless creative opportunities for architectural designs. Its strength and durability ensures an ageless beauty.
Clay Brick Porosity
The capillary pore system found in clay bricks allows for moisture to be absorbed and then released back into the atmosphere. A clay brick wall that has become damp will therefore dry out as quickly as it becomes moist.
Useful Information
The real cost of clay bricks when building a house
Cost-cutting is a pointless exercise when compared with the advantages of using top-end materials. Independent studies by the University of Port Elizabeth prove that the cost of using clay bricks constitutes a mere 7-9% of the overall cost of building a house. Notwithstanding the long-term benefits and the pride of owning a home that can be passed on for generations to come.
Typical Sizes
Face and plaster bricks
222mm long x 106mm wide x 73mm high
222mm long x 106mm wide x 73mm high
How Many Bricks In A Wall
- Single Skin
- Double Skin
Standard Bricks – 55 bricks / m2
222mm long x 106mm wide x 73mm high
222mm long x 106mm wide x 73mm high
Standard Bricks – 110 bricks / m2
222mm long x 106mm wide x 73mm high
222mm long x 106mm wide x 73mm high
Weight And Transport Loads
One clay brick weighs – approx 3kg
1000 clay bricks weigh = 3 tons
Load for 1 Ton Bakkie – less than 250 bricks
1000 clay bricks weigh = 3 tons
Load for 1 Ton Bakkie – less than 250 bricks
Paving With Clay Bricks
For stylished paved areas, clay bricks offer an appealing low-maintenance surface that matures with age. Strong water- and weather -resistant properties ensure advanced outdoor performance in areas such as driveways, patios walkways and pool surrounds. Natural earthy colours are harmonious with all surroundings and different colours, textures and styles can be combined for outstanding visual effects.
Building In Clay Face Brick
Clay face bricks are manufactured from natural earthen materials and as such may have some variation in size and colour. To avoid colour banding and other appearance problems it is advisable to use bricks from several brick appealing packs at a time – this will help to achieve an appealing overall finish.
Remember mortar joints represent 15-18% of the wall surface. It is also therefore important to maintain colour consistancy of the mortar for that uniform overall look.
The long term performance and appearance of clay bricks is goerned directly by correct installation. For details please refer to literature published by Clay Brick Association
Remember mortar joints represent 15-18% of the wall surface. It is also therefore important to maintain colour consistancy of the mortar for that uniform overall look.
The long term performance and appearance of clay bricks is goerned directly by correct installation. For details please refer to literature published by Clay Brick Association
Brickwork
Mortar
Suitable for laying bricks in normal applications (SABS Class II)
Cement: 3 bags
Sand: 0.60 cubic metres
Mix ratio: 1 cement: 5 sand
Suitable for laying bricks in normal applications (SABS Class II)
Cement: 3 bags
Sand: 0.60 cubic metres
Mix ratio: 1 cement: 5 sand
Plaster
Suitable for exterior and interior work
To plaster 100m2 (15mm thick)
Cement: 10 bags
Sand: 2 cubic metres
Mix ratio: 1 cement: 5 sand
To plaster 100m2 (15mm thick)
Cement: 10 bags
Sand: 2 cubic metres
Mix ratio: 1 cement: 5 sand
Foundations
Concrete: Low-strength suitable for house foundations
Cement: 5.5 bags
Sand: 0.75 cubic metris
Stone: 0.75 cubic metres
Cement: 5.5 bags
Sand: 0.75 cubic metris
Stone: 0.75 cubic metres
The Right Clay Brick For The Right Job
It’s just so Easy!
FBS Face Brick Standard
Clay bricks that are selected or produced for their durability and uniformity of size and shape.
FBX Face Brick Extra
Clay bricks that are selected or produced for their durability and high of uniformity of size, shape and colour.
FBA Face Brick Aesthetic
Clay bricks that are selected or produced for their durability and aesthetic effect deriving from non-uniformity of size, shape and colour.
PA Pavers (1:1, 2:1 or 3:1)
Clay pavers that are selected or produced for their durability and for a high degree of uniformity in size and shape, and that have dimensions such that the ratio of work size length to work size is approximately 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1.
NFP Non-Facing Plastered
Clay bricks suitable for general building work that is to be plastered.
NFX Non-Facing Extra
Clay Bricks suitable for use, plastered or unplastered, and general building work where durability rather than aesthetics are the key selection criteria:
- Below damp-proof course
- Under damp conditions
- Below ground level
E Engineering Units
Masonry units produced for structural or load-bearing purposes in face or non-fae work, where the manufacturer supplies clay bricks to an agreed compressive strength. An engineering unit is designated by the addition of the letter E followed by a number equal to the nominal compressive strentgh in megapascals, e.g. FBSE21.
PB Clay Pavers
Clay pavers that are selected or produced for their durability and for their uniformity in size and shape.
The Facts About Clay Brick
Timeless Durability
Clay bricks are good for centuries of service! In Europe there are brick buildings still standing that date to the 12th century – over 800 years old. Modern brick-matching techniques produce clay bricks that are even more durable.
Value For Money
Clay bricks are inexpensive – taking into account their immense durability and very low maintenance. First cost of an unplastered wall is final cost.
In Demand
Clay bricks homes are always in demand because clay bricks do not deteriorate, never go out of fashion and always look their best.
Fire Resistant
The fire resistance of a building material refers to the length of time a walling element is able to resist a fully developed fire. In every case, clay brick walls obtain maximum fire ratings.
Insulation
Clay bricks have insulating properties. Not only do they muffle sound from traffic and city noise, clay bricks insulate against cold in winter and heat in summer.
Maintenace Free
A clay face house is maintenance free – for life. It retains its arsthetic appeal year after year.