Why pick brick?
Clay bricks, a popular building material for thousands of years, are just as popular today for their beauty, strength and low maintenance, according to Bob Rushton, executive director of the Clay Brick and Paver Association .
“Brick buildings constructed centuries ago are still standing, testimony to their credibility as a structural system,” he says. “Clay bricks do not require frequent maintenance as some other systems require. They will not lose their colour in the harsh Australian climate extremes and are generally unaffected by ground movement.”
Rushton points out that although clay bricks have been around for thousands of years, research and testing undertaken in recent times means the production process has been fine tuned. “There are now bricks produced for various purposes,” he says. “A classic example is the bricks manufactured for buildings close to the sea where they will be subject to salt attack. These bricks, combined with stainless steel brick ties, provide the durability required in these circumstances. The same manufacturing process has been employed to produce clay pavers for use around salt pools.
“New technology has combined with production innovation to create a spectacular variety of new extruded and dry press bricks. These new bricks range from sandstocks to rumbled bricks with rough edges in a whole new colour spectrum.. For those who want to recreate the past, the dry press brick offers some wonderful options.”
Rushton says the Australian clay brick industry is a world leader in production, drawing on the rich earthy clays and shales unique to this country. “It is a highly efficient, hi-tech industry that has brought long-lasting colour to building construction. Clay bricks are more than a building product. They have become a fashion product thanks to the enormous choice of colours and shades available. This can be multiplied by the effect of different mortar colours.
Source: Building Products News.
28-Aug-2003