Cement bricks are far newer to masonry than clay or lime which have been in use for perhaps thousands of years. Cement Bricks made their way into popularity due to their simple production process, their cost-effectiveness,    and their efficiency. There are myths about cement bricks being less effective and efficient than clay bricks due to their low cost, but this is a myth which we debunked in a previous blog. To cut it down to facts, clay bricks and cement bricks are equal in their effectiveness and efficiency, and all you need to do to ensure this is to talk to your local brick contractor when ordering your bricks.

Advantages of Cement Bricks

Availability

Cement is always readily available, making it easy and almost effortless to find a good source for cement bricks. Cement bricks are made on-site and don’t require a heating process like clay bricks, making their production cost more economical.

They can be molded into any desired shape and size, and are free from flaws in their structure.

Strength

Depending on how the cement bricks are made – their production and ingredient quality -their strength is extremely impressive under heavy loads. What gives cement its strength is its main ingredient, crushed stone. Cement bricks have impressive durability during the manufacturing process and, generally, they cure even more post-production.

Economical

Usually being far cheaper than other bricks, such as clay or lime, cement bricks are by far the best economical choice for low-cost housing.

Diverse Use

Because cement bricks are generally quite cheap to produce, their use can vary from homes to garden walls, to pavements, to small structure projects.

Due to the production process allowing for size requirements, larger cement bricks can be used in interior structures to allow better temperature cycles.

Are There Disadvantages When Using Cement Bricks?

Carbon Foot Print

One of the biggest disadvantages of using cement bricks is their carbon footprint. Cement has a high carbon footprint during production. However, there is talk in the masonry industry about a possible solution; using a chemical process to absorb excess CO2.

Brittle

Due to its rigidity, concrete may become brittle if there are disturbances to its structure, due to an earthquake or large vibrations. Drilling into concrete can also cause cracking if done too regularly, or unprofessionally.

Conclusion:

Concrete bricks may be the best way to build a brick foundation for your home if you’re on a budget. They are extremely impressive in strength but may become brittle if you are building in an earthquake-prone area, or plan to do frequent drilling. They also have a higher carbon footprint, so if you’re not on a budget, consider choosing a different type of brick.

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