All About Bricks}

All About Bricks

by

Angela Bryant

A brick is a block molded from moist clay and hardened by heat, the raw ingredients of brick are sand, clay and water. Most common material used for brick is clay. We can formed modern clay bricks in any of these processes dry press, soft mud, or extruded. It may be made from clay, shale, soft slate, calcium silicate, concrete, or shaped from quarried stone. Normally, brick contains the following ingredients:

-Silica (sand) – 50% to 60% by weight

-Alumina (clay) – 20% to 30% by weight

-Lime – 2 to 5% by weight

-Iron oxide – 5 to 6% (not greater than 7%) by weight

-Magnesia – less than 1% by weight

There are also types of brick bonds such as, Old English Bond, Flemish Bond and Stretcher Bond. Old English Bond, is the oldest pattern popular during the Tudor period. Flemish Bond is one of the most attractive bonds and was particularly popular in Georgian buildings. Stretcher Bond is the least interesting bond to look at but is the commonest bond being used today.

How does bricks are used? Bricks are used in masonry construction, usually laid using various kinds of mortar. It has been used in construction for thousands of years and still symbolizes a known building material for houses. Although brick is usually more costly than other materials, like aluminum, vinyl or wood, it also has several advantages over less costly options. The following are advantages of brick homes:

Low Maintenance

A brick house will never need to be repainted. It won’t be at risk of rotting and will not be damaged by termites and other pests. The durability of this brick makes it the worry-free choice because of its convenience and homeowners can saves money over time. These only prove that brick is with very low-maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

Brick is also more energy efficient than other building materials. It will help keep your home in cool temperature during summer and warm if it is winter. It also helps cut your energy bills.

Appearance

Brick gives an elegant, timeless look with its various colors, textures and finishes that improves as it ages.

Insurance Discounts

Home insurance costs are often lower for brick houses than houses constructed of vinyl or other materials, since brick is durable, fire resistant and pest resistant. You can recover your initial cost of the brick over time through this insurance discounts.

Noise Barrier

Brick walls block out noises from the outside more effectively than other building materials, which makes a peaceful and calm ambiance inside your home.

Higher Resale Value

The efficiency and elegance of brick make it a top selling point in real estate. Making brick as a choice will ultimately increase the value of your home.

The above mentioned advantages will make us think that making or buying a brick home will be good choice. A brick home has a lasting value and nothing else can match the classic beauty and elegance of a brick home. Do remember that the worlds most beautiful and most practical homes are built with brick.

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bricks

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All About Bricks}