To date, only 2 types of bricks are produced — silicate and ceramic. Their difference lies in the method of production, standards of sizes and shapes, color and texture..
Since the varieties of this building material have different properties, before choosing them, you must first determine the purpose of the application. In addition, brick prices also vary. Classic (ceramic) red brick is recognized as universal. It is ideal for both laying the stove and for walls and even foundations. Sand-lime brick is more fragile and breaks down quickly when exposed to high temperatures, humidity or open fire. This brick is categorically not suitable for the construction of stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, bearing supports and pools. The company «Azbuka Construction» offers the construction of cottages in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region at competitive prices. Azbuka-stroy company website.
When choosing a brick, first of all, you should pay attention to its technical characteristics:
1. Resistance to deformation. As a rule, all bricks are marked. The mark with the letter «M» and numbers indicates the maximum load that this material can withstand. For example, if there is a mark M150, then this means that 1 sq. Cm. bricks can withstand a load of up to 150 kg.
2. Frost resistance. This is a very important characteristic that you should definitely consider if you plan to use the brick for outdoor purposes. The degree of frost resistance is designated by the letters «F» (or «Mrz») and is calculated in the so-called cycles. By the way, this indicator can directly affect the cost of the material. As a rule, the cheapest brick usually has a low frost resistance index — 15-25 cycles. For the northern and central regions, an indicator of at least 35 is desirable.
3. Another important point. There should be no traces of quicklime in the red brick break. Their presence indicates that this material is of very low quality and will not last long. Unburned brick has a similar disadvantage. It has a dull sound and mustard tint. As a rule, the weak point of such a brick is low moisture and heat resistance..
On the other hand, a burnt brick is quite applicable, but care must be taken that its shape is not broken, and the core is not too black..