While we all know what bricks are, not everyone is aware that there are different types of bricks. And that knowledge is crucial once you decide to work with bricks for your home. Some bricks are built for strength. Others are designed primarily for their appeal to the eye. So, finding the right one for your needs can be quite tricky. And for that, you need the help of expert Brick contractors in Tulsa, OK.

Read more about the types of bricks and their uses below.

1. Sun-Dried or Unburnt Clay Bricks

These bricks are less durable and used mainly for temporary structures. They are simply made by molding clay and setting them out to dry in the sun. Because of this method of preparation, the brick does not acquire the strength that others have and they also have water and fire resistance. These were the earliest types of bricks and were used in ancient Assyria, Babylonia, and Egypt as early as 4,000 B.C.

2. Burnt Clay Bricks

This is a classic form of brick that is made by pressing wet clay into molds. These are dried and fired in kilns. Although it is a very old building material, they are extremely durable and can be found in many ancient structures around the world. Burnt clay bricks are solid, hardened blocks of clay and they are usually reddish. They are also typically sold in four classes, the first-class being the most durable and having the highest quality as well as cost. If you want to know more about the other classes, ask your local brick contractors in Tulsa, OK more about them.

3. Concrete Bricks

Although not the best quality, concrete bricks are good at blocking heat and reducing sound. They are more suitable as fences or facades; however, they are not the most popular brick choice because of their bold aesthetic. But if you’re set on using concrete blocks without the gray color, you can look for ones with a different pigment.

4. Sand Lime Bricks

These are also known as calcium silicate bricks and are made by mixing lime, sand, and fly ash. To add color, pigments may be added. Once mixed thoroughly, it is molded under pressure to form bricks. As the wet bricks are dried under heat and pressure, a chemical reaction occurs that bind the materials together. Sand lime bricks, however, are not fired in kilns like burnt clay bricks.

5. Engineering Bricks

These bricks can stand incredibly high heat since they were made using extremely high temperatures. This also gives them a high density. This type of brick works best for civil engineering projects and is more commonly used for retaining walls, sewers, and manholes.

6. Fire Bricks

Fire bricks are also known as refractory bricks and are manufactured from the earth that has been specially formulated and also has high aluminum oxide content. These bricks can withstand extremely high temperatures after being fired in a kiln without their strength, shape, and size being compromised. These bricks are commonly used for chimney linings, furnace linings, pizza ovens, and outdoor brick barbecues.

Bricks are excellent building materials that can be used in a variety of ways. If a brick is your chosen material for your next construction project, choose Brick 1 Masonry as your brick contractors and we’ll get the job done. We also do masonry repair and more in Tulsa, OK.

The post An Introduction to the Types of Bricks and Their Uses first appeared on Brick1 Masonry Services.