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If you think a brick is just a brick, and what’s the big deal about it, you’re wrong. There are many different types of construction bricks, and each one of them comes with its own properties.
Opting for the wrong types of bricks in construction can cause some serious problems later, like weak walls, water leaks or wall cracks.
So, if you are building a new home, it’s important to pay attention to the type of brick being used. Some are strong, some are affordable, some are made for looks, while some are designed to survive heat and moisture.
Let’s explore the types of construction bricks, and by the end of the blog, you will have an idea to pick the right one for your home.
12+ Types Of Bricks Used For Construction
Coming to the different types of construction bricks, let’s categorise them into two major divisions.
- Burnt bricks
- Non-burnt bricks
Also read: Different types of tiles for your home.
Burnt Bricks
Burnt bricks are made by shaping clay and firing it at high temperatures in kilns. This act makes them hard, dense and weather-resistant.
- Advantages: Burnt bricks are stronger, fire-resistant, highly durable and ideal for load-bearing walls.
- Disadvantages: They are heavier to transport, some are not eco-friendly, and they need skilled labour for construction.
Here are some of the types of burnt bricks.
Burnt Clay Bricks
When you hear the word ‘brick’, an image of classic red bricks crosses your mind, right? They are burnt clay bricks. They come in uniform size, can absorb water moderately, are strong and are affordable. They are perfect for load-bearing walls, boundary walls, columns, foundations and structures of all kinds.
Jhama Bricks
Jhama bricks are over-burnt burnt clay bricks. Yes, the difference is the extra firing. They are extremely strong, almost impossible to break, dense, and dark coloured. But they do not come in uniform shapes and are irregular. They are mostly used in foundations, road bases and under-structure filling.
Engineering Bricks
Engineering bricks are usually dark red in colour and are fired to a very high temperature to become resistant to water and chemicals. They are super strong and are used in bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, basements and drainage systems.
Fire Bricks (Refractory Bricks)
Fire bricks are heat-resistant bricks made out of special clay that can withstand high temperatures up to 1600°C without cracking. They are used in chimneys, fireplaces, kilns, and furnaces.
Facing Bricks
Facing bricks are the types of construction bricks made mainly for decoration and aesthetic appeal. They come in different colours, textures and finishes. They are mostly used in the outer wall, facades, and in places where looks matter.
Bullnose Bricks
Unlike normal bricks with sharp edges, bullnose bricks have rounded edges. They are mostly used where a smooth, curved finish is needed, like edges of steps, corners of walls, windowsills, etc. They are mainly used for decorative purposes.
Porotherm Smart Bricks
Porotherm smart bricks are made of natural clay and natural additives like sawdust or rice husk ash. They are hollow inside, making them lightweight and better for insulation. They are used in eco-friendly homes and energy-efficient buildings.
Perforated Bricks
Perforated bricks have holes or perforations running through them. Hence, they are lighter and help in better bonding with mortar. They are mostly used in partition walls, ventilation walls, and load-reducing areas.
Also read: Stages of house construction
Non-Burnt Bricks
Non-burnt bricks are made without firing, using different ways to dry or chemically bond the material.
- Advantages: Non-burnt bricks are lightweight, eco-friendly, of uniform size, and easy to work with
- Disadvantages: They are less durable in moisture, and some types cannot be used for load-bearing walls.
Here are some of the types of non-burnt bricks.
Sun-Dried Bricks
Sun-dried brick is one of the oldest and simplest types of construction bricks. It is made by shaping clay and drying it under the sun. They are not strong enough to be used for permanent buildings. Rain or moisture can easily damage them. They are used in temporary huts, village houses, and storage sheds.
Fly Ash Bricks
Fly ash bricks are made using fly ash from thermal power plants. They are lightweight, have a smooth surface, stronger and more eco-friendly than traditional bricks. They are used in high-rise buildings, modern residential projects.
Concrete Bricks
Concrete bricks are made by mixing cement, sand and coarse aggregates. They are usually heavier but extremely strong. They are mostly used in internal and external walls, fences, garden walls, etc.
Sand Lime Bricks (Calcium Silicate Bricks)
Sand lime bricks are made by mixing sand, lime and water under pressure. These bricks are very smooth, have accurate dimensions and sound insulation. They are usually known for their neat appearance. They are used in load-bearing walls, multi-storey buildings.
Hollow Concrete Bricks
Hollow concrete bricks are made by mixing cement, sand and aggregates, just like concrete bricks. They are hollow inside and so are lighter, easier to handle and better for insulation. They are mostly used in partition walls and non-load-bearing structures.
ACC Blocks
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (ACC) blocks are made by mixing cement, lime, sand, fly ash and a special foaming agent. They are super lightweight, have great insulation and are easy to work with. They are used in modern apartments, eco-friendly buildings, and places where reducing building weight matters.
Also read: Complete guide to ACC blocks in construction
Which Brick Should You Choose Depending On Your Need?
Best For | Brick Type |
General home construction- walls, columns, foundations | Burnt Clay Bricks |
Eco-friendly modern buildings, high-rise structures | Fly Ash Bricks |
Strong walls, fences, and garden structures | Concrete Bricks |
Neat-looking load-bearing walls in multi-storey buildings | Sand Lime Bricks |
Lightweight construction- apartments, eco-friendly homes | AAC Blocks |
Decorative walls and facades | Facing Bricks |
High-temperature areas like chimneys and fireplaces | Fire Bricks |
Final Takeaway
Bricks are the building blocks of all homes. Based on your needs, your budget and weather conditions, make sure you choose the right types of construction bricks, as they affect how strong, safe and long-lasting your house will be.
If you are looking for home fittings, explore uPVC windows and doors from GreenFortune. Our products are eco-friendly, very strong, long-lasting, weather-resistant, and noise-reducing.
FAQs
1) Which brick is cheaper?
Out of all the types of construction bricks, sun-dried bricks are the cheapest because they do not need fire to make. They are made by drying clay in the sun. And so, they are not durable and water-resistant, making them unsuitable for permanent structures.
2) What is the strongest brick?
Among the types of bricks in India, fly ash, concrete and engineering bricks are the strongest, highly durable and water-resistant. They do not crack easily and can handle heavy loads.
3) Which brick keeps homes cooler?
Out of the types of bricks used in construction, fly ash and AAC bricks keep your home cooler by maintaining a comfortable temperature, blocking heat, especially during summer. They do not absorb much heat.
