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The common brick is one of the greatest inventions. Brick making transforms low-strength mud into strong materials that can endure harsh conditions for centuries when properly cared for. Many people prefer to invest and live in a brick house basically because of the impression that they are more durable than others.

Bricks can be made of clay, soft slate, calcium silicate, concrete or from quarried stone. Brick material is free from pollutants and allergens. There are many several types of bricks. Deciding which brick to use is an important consideration. The four most common types of bricks are:

• i. Engineering Block – They’re not particularly attractive looking bricks but they are tenacious and solid and so very useful.      
• ii. Facing Bricks – this is a very common type of brick which is generally used in small or medium sized projects.     
• iii. Reclaimed Bricks – these are normally cheap bricks which you can get from other areas of the house or other demolished houses.     
• iv. Decorative Bricks – these help add a classy look to existing brickwork that might look boring to you.

Choosing the perfect bricks for your project is not a difficult job. A wise decision will really help make your home improvement projects more visually exciting. Let us now consider the advantages of bricks.

Advantages of using Bricks

There are several reasons why people prefer bricks over other building material. It has various benefits such as value recognition, fire protection, comfort, and is also environment-friendly. Aside from the classical appeal bricks can bring to your house, they also have the following value and energy efficiency:

• Adds value to the house – a house made of bricks has an impression of being solid and durable. According to a study, bricks houses are highly demanded. Therefore, it can add up to 6% on resale value than non – brick homes. We can use decorative bricks to add beauty to the house as well.
• Climate control – brick houses are more beneficial to cold areas. Brick has the ability to slow heat movement, giving you a warmer and more comfortable environment inside the house.  This special property of bricks also reduces the usage of heaters during severely cold weather. Bricks like Engineering blocks can be suitable in this case as they are very strong.
• Requires less maintenance – Bricks do not require frequent repainting, repair or reinstallation, provided that they are properly installed. Although it is true that brick houses are usually costly but the maintenance of the house will not add costs to it. If it is properly installed and taken care of, it is guaranteed that bricks need about two life times before requiring renovation.
• Fire Proof nature – Bricks are naturally fire proof. It gives a higher sense of security in emergency fire conditions to you and your family. Some bricks are made up of clay so they don’t produce combustion gases, which is the second most harmful reason for casualties after the fire itself. This also results in decrease of the fire insurance of around 32%.
• Bricks and beauty – Bricks not only add value but add beauty to your house as well. You can mix and match your bricks with over 10,000 colors and styles from traditional to modern home designs depending on the structure and your personality. Decorative bricks often feature carvings or other artistic qualities designed to look attractive and are available in a range of sizes and shapes to suit all sorts of projects.  

When it comes to the technical considerations, we will need the help of a masonry contractor. Here are some of those things we must consider:

1. Best quality of material
2. Proper installation
3. Proper construction techniques
4. Trimming and framing details

Brick houses demand a higher market value because of their quality and efficiency. Although using bricks for your home can be a bit costly, but the advantages you can get from owning a house made from bricks would certainly outweigh this advantage.

When building a new home or having renovations conducted on an existing home, many people will be faced with the decision of choosing between Brick Veneer and Full Brick. For some this choice will be easy, for others they may need the assistance of a qualified builder in making a choice that will result in their dream home. While you may have heard of the terms Brick Veneer and Full Brick, do you really know the difference? This is where a professional builder can help - by explaining the benefits that each can provide you with in your building process. Many Australians do not even realise that they have a choice between Brick Veneer and Full Brick.

Generally, a Full Brick home will consist of an outer brick layer as well as an inner brick layer, this is why it is sometimes referred to as ‘double brick’. In some home designs however, the outer brick is complimented with a other forms of finish rather than using two layers of bricks, so the term double brick is not always correct.

Brick Veneer on the other hand only consists of the outer “skin” of brick. The brick used is not part of the structure to hold the house up as this is taken care of with the timber framing internally. Brick Veneer is used for appearance and aesthetic appeal. Brick Veneer allows you to have the appearance of a brick home but also allows you the benefits that are provided with a home made from timber framing. Brick Veneer is one of the most popular finishes used in modern homes as it is both economical and provides homeowners with the similar comfort and security as a Full Brick home.

To ensure the effectiveness of both Brick Veneer and Full Brick it is important to select a builder who has the experience and ability to construct a quality home with these materials. Ask your builder for details of their experience in using both Brick Veneer and Full Brick – Do they have a successful record of accomplishment in using these materials in your location? A builder with experience in your area will be able to provide you with detailed advice and guidance on whether Brick Veneer or Full Brick will better suit your own individual needs. While both of these materials are capable of providing you with exactly what you want you want the assurance that your builder is skilled in their use.

When selecting a builder, make sure you ask the questions that will allow you to find out which material will allow your housing dreams to become a reality. A reputable builder will liaise with you to find out exactly how to achieve your dreams and will advise you on the most effective use of building materials so you can make informed decisions. Make sure you select your builder wisely, as you will be reliant on your builder for many years of happiness.

Defining Brick Veneer and Full Brick (22 KB)