INTRODUCTION TO CLAY BRICKS
It is a traditional old building material that is made up of natural clay. They are made strong by the baking or firing in chimneys. It has been one of the most common bricks used in India for over a century now for construction, like in houses, schools, or even architectural buildings.
They are made up of clay (mitti); they are given shape and then baked in the kiln.
RAW MATERIAL USED IN CLAY BRICKS
There are 3 materials that are necessarily used in the making of clay bricks
1. Natural clay, which is mitti, the most important or the main ingredient.
2. Water is used to make the clay soft and moldable to make it into a brick shape.
3. A kiln is used to make dry and baked after the shaping of the brick
We can even use sand to make it stronger and for controlling shrinkage and also fly ash to make the brick eco-friendly.
PROCESS OF MAKING THE CLAY BRICKS
1. First prepare the clay, which means make the soil or clay filtered, which means remove the unwanted leaves, rocks, or any hard substance
2. Moulding, which means giving the clay a shape by the brick mould. it can be the manual process or can be done by machine automatically.
3. Drying in this process, after molding the bricks, we dry the bricks by keeping them in sunlight for 2-3 days, which helps in prevention if moisture from the bricks and make them hard
4. Firing: bricks are then being baked or fired in the kiln at 1000 degrees Celsius. this step ensures the strength and durability of a brick.
TYPES OF CLAY BRICKS
1. BURNT CLAY BRICK
It is one of the common and traditional types of brick. It has high strength and a long life. It is of red colour.
2. FLY ASH CLAY BRICKS
It is made up of clay and ash. It is lightweight, thermal resistant, and eco-friendly. It is greyish in colour.
3. HOLLOW CLAY BRICKS
It is a lightweight brick with the holes inside. It is best for heat insulation. It is mostly used for walls or for partitions.
FEATURES OF CLAY BRICKS
- Strong and durable, which means high strength.
- Weather resistance is best for the rainy season.
- Eco-friendly, made from natural clay.
- It provides sound insulation.
- It gives a luxurious and aesthetic look to the house and walls.
ADVANTAGES OF CLAY BRICKS
1. NATURAL AND SUSTAINABLE
Clay is a natural resource; it is easily available and recyclable.
2. THERMAL INSULATION
It maintains coolness in summer and warmness in the winter environment.
3. STRENGTH AND DURABILITY
These bricks are properly fired, are more durable, and have more load-bearing capacity.
4. PEST RESISTANT
It does not attract termites or any type of insect like the wood.
5. LOW MAINTENANCE
These bricks do not require any paint or coating, and hence, it makes them less costly.
DISADVANTAGES
- HEAVYWEIGHT
They are heavier than the normal bricks, which makes the transportation and handling of the bricks difficult.
- WATER ABSORPTION
if bricks are not baked or fired properly, then these bricks can absorb water, which can create dampness on the bricks.
- TIME-CONSUMING PROCESS
It usually takes a lot of time by the traditional method
USES OF CLAY BRICKS
- House construction , (walls or floors)
- Temple, heritage structures
- Schools, colleges, offices
- Boundary walls
- Compound walls
- Brick ovens and furnaces
- Garden edging
- Outdoor furniture
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLAY BRICKS AND CONCRETE BRICKS
| Feature | Clay Bricks | Concrete Bricks |
| Raw Material | Natural clay | Cement + aggregates |
| Color | Reddish | Grey or white |
| Weight | Medium | Heavier |
| Cost | Slightly higher | Slightly cheaper |
| Aesthetic look | Natural, rustic finish | Plain look |
| Strength | Good | Very High |
FAQs – MOST ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Are clay bricks eco-friendly?
Yes, it is eco-friendly because it is made up of natural resources, and it is also recyclable
2. Are clay bricks waterproof?
Yes, they are waterproof, but if they are not baked or fired properly, they can absorb water, leading to dampness
3. Is clay brick load-bearing?
Yes, clay bricks are most durable, and they are very strong bricks
CONCLUSION
If you are looking for a traditional, strong, and natural material for building your house or office or any building project. Then clay bricks are a perfect option. their thermal efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal make them timeless. Even in modern construction, these bricks have their own charm and unique place. If you see any building’s wall next time, just don’t forget that it is not just a brick but a pure result of a process.
Read my blogs to know more about bricks!
[…] Difference between AAC Blocks and Clay Bricks […]