The first brick buildings began to appear in biblical times. True, at first unfired material was used, but very quickly people realized that after processing by fire, the mechanical qualities of clay sharply increased. Gradually, the shape of the bricks changed, they became more and more perfect, attractive. The patterned masonry was invented, and the buildings made of this material became real works of art. Since the days of ancient Mesopotamia and Rome much has changed, but even now houses built by good masters of yellow or colored facing brick are as pleasing to the eye as buildings covered with plaster or facade panels .
How to choose a facing brick?
In this issue, you should consider the following parameters:
- the size of the facing brick;
- color of the material;
- check the brick for defects;
- strength;
- frost resistance;
- thermal conductivity.
Both conventional and colored facing bricks - all of them are made according to the established standard. There are three main sizes for this construction material:
- 250х120х65 mm;
- 250x60x65 mm;
- 250x22x65 mm.
The first kind can be called universal, it goes, both on a usual laying, and for facing. The second (narrow) can be allowed only for facing works. But the third in size already resembles a tile rather than a brick. It can be used only for finishing an ideal flat plane. You will immediately notice that there are bricks hollow, and there are solid ones. Hollowers are almost inferior in strength to their counterparts, but the walls of them are noticeably warmer.
The appearance of the material can also tell a lot. If you notice cracks or glassy inclusions during the purchase, it is likely that it was burned. But the pink shade indicates the opposite, such a brick undergone insufficient thermal treatment.
Light spots on the facing brick can talk about possible impregnations of lime, and white stains on its surface indicate that the composition of the material is an admixture of some salt. It is clear that chemical analysis can not be done for a simple consumer. Therefore, try to buy a beautiful looking brick facing with a homogeneous structure of a bright saturated shade.
Marking of facing bricks
The inscriptions on the material are made for a reason, they talk about the strength of the product. Frost resistance is marked with the letter "F" and several figures from 35 to 100, the higher the number, the better for the buyer. Strength is denoted by the letter "M". For example, brick M25 brand can not be called particularly resistant. M50 is already a quality middle class. If the funds permit, then buy a brick with the inscription M150, it can be called a durable and most reliable material. If possible, then check one sample or several pieces with a conventional hammer. A weak brick from the impact will instantly split into small pieces, while the stronger one will either split into several large parts, or even remain whole.
Color of brick for facade
In the old days, the color of the products depended mainly on the type of clay, which is why, in Europe, the houses were noticeably lighter than in Russia. In our time, all decide special additives, able to paint bricks in any color of the rainbow. Therefore, it is easy to produce, as facing brick, having the color of straw, and brown facing brick. All this makes it possible to solve the most daring design ideas. For example, lovers of classics and conservatives will approach the red or blue color of the facade, which always looks solemn and solid. If your mansion is on a hill, and you want to increase its visibility, then buy a brick of some brighter and cheerful shade - orange, peach or other. You can combine different shades, experiment, using all the opportunities presented today in the arrangement of facades.
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
