Tips: how to choose facing bricks for your home? Which brick is better for cladding a house - ceramic or silicate? Choosing a brick for cladding a house.

The outer walls of the house are protection from bad weather, the walls themselves also need protection. Most often, this role is played by brick cladding, and the main thing here is to choose the right type and brand of material.

Any homeowner wants their home to last a long time with minimal repair and maintenance costs. Of course, if the cottage is built according to the latest building codes, insulated in accordance with climate standards, lined with clinker tiles or plastered, then additional protection he doesn't need it.

When it comes to old timber buildings, wood materials or porous blocks of lightweight concrete (foam concrete, aerated concrete), protection of the outer surface is a necessity. Made of brick, the outer cladding performs several functions:

• protection from adverse climatic factors(precipitation, high and low temperatures, wind);
• improvement of thermal characteristics;
• improvement of appearance.

The industry produces several types of bricks with different characteristics, calculated for various conditions operation. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you should study their basic properties.

Types of material, which one is better to choose

Facing bricks are produced by firing ( different kinds ceramic and clinker) and without firing (hyperpressed and silicate), which gives the material completely different qualities. To select material for external cladding The following characteristics of walls are important:

• weight - affects the power and thickness of the foundation;
• strength grade;
• frost resistance grade - the number of freeze-thaw cycles that the material can withstand for 1 season, for external cladding according to building regulations cannot be less than MRZ 35 for walls and MRZ 50 for plinth, cornice and parapet;
• water absorption - shows how much moisture the material absorbs within 24 hours when completely immersed in water, materials with high level water absorption is not suitable for cornices and parapets, since when the moisture-saturated material freezes, the front surface of the masonry is destroyed;
• thermal conductivity - needed to calculate the required masonry thickness or insulation thickness.

When choosing cladding and purchasing material, you should familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s passport for the batch of goods, which indicates these indicators. A high-quality block has a uniform color throughout its entire thickness, without damaging the integrity of the edges and the front layer. A pink tint of ceramics is a sign of underburning; too dark or black color (except for colored and clinker) indicates overburning.

Ceramic

Ceramics is the oldest invention of mankind in the field of artificial building materials. Ordinary ordinary bricks are produced by semi-dry or plastic pressing from clays with various additives, followed by firing at t = 900-1000 ° C. Unlike ordinary, facing material must have:

• increased frost resistance - minimum value Мрз 35;
• minimal moisture absorption - 2-6%;
• increased strength - from M 75;
• vapor permeability - ceramics have the ability to “breathe”, that is, release excess moisture into the atmosphere.

Ceramic facing bricks are made with various finishes front surfaces, it can be textured, glazed or engobed. By applying the front decorative layer, the brick is given a wide range of colors - from white to black.

Ceramic bricks are produced solid and hollow with different numbers of voids. Voids reduce the weight of the masonry and thermal conductivity, but make it more vulnerable: in a harsh climate with a large number of freeze-thaw cycles, bricks with a low frost resistance grade quickly collapse, and peeling of the front surface occurs in the area of ​​the outer row of voids.

The weight of a solid bar is 1650 kg/m3, a hollow bar is from 1350 to 1480 kg/m3.

Clinker

Clinker bricks have been made for more than 200 years from special fireclay clays with various mineral additives at elevated temperatures (up to 1300°C) and continuous firing. Available in solid and hollow, single, Euro-format, narrow, thin or figured. Clinker differs from conventional ceramics by improved characteristics:

• it is stronger (from M 150);
• heavier (1800-2000 kg/m3);
• has minimal water absorption (2–3%);
• increased frost resistance (from Mrz 75).

In the clinker manufacturing process, special shale clays, only mineral additives, manual molding or extrusion, and a large amount of energy are used. The production method makes the cost of the material significantly higher than conventional ceramics.

The appearance of clinker depends on the production method and additives: handmade and fired in authentic kilns, it has uneven edges and an interesting texture, with spectacular color transitions.

The clinker produced on modern lines has an ideal geometric shape. The color range depends on the mineral pigments included in the pressing mass - from almost white to dark red, brown and black.

Clinker brick is a real aristocrat in the world of facing materials.

Silicate

Sand-lime brick is made from a mixture of quartz sand, lime and additives using the autoclave method, which makes the cost of the material significantly lower than that of ceramics. In terms of its characteristics, sand-lime brick is significantly inferior to clinker and ceramic:

• frost resistance - Mrz 25 – 35;
• water absorption - 13-15%;
• greater weight - 1800 kg/m3.

ATTENTION: Due to low frost resistance and high water absorption, sand-lime bricks are prohibited from being used for laying and cladding the most heavily loaded and weather-exposed structures - plinths, cornices, parapets, and various protruding elements.

However, silicate bricks are actively used for wall cladding due to their good geometry, wide enough color scheme and cheapness.

Hyper-pressed

The material obtained by hyper-compression surpasses even clinker in its characteristics: strength is higher than natural stone, zero water absorption, fire resistance.

Hyper-pressing technology involves exposing the molded mixture to high pressure at elevated temperatures, resulting in the fusion of the components at the molecular level. Production uses a large amount of electricity, which results in a high cost of the product.

Hyperpressed bricks are produced in a wide variety of shapes, textures and colors. It is used both in the exterior and interior of buildings. It can be used for lining stoves, fireplaces and chimneys.

Main Dimensions

The dimensions of domestically produced facing bars are determined by GOST 530-2007, which divides the dimensions of products as follows:

• single brick - 250x120x65 mm;
• one and a half - 250x120x88;
• double - 250x120x138;
• narrow - 250x60x65;
• thin - 250x22x65.

The document gives the manufacturer the right to produce products of other standard sizes as agreed with the buyer. In addition to rectangular bars, cladding material is produced in various curly rounded shapes for laying out arches, frames, and fillets.

ATTENTION: EU countries produce products according to their own standards; the brick has a thickness reduced by 0.7.

Popular colors

The color of the front surface depends on the degree of firing, the composition of the initial mixture, the dyes used, and the finishing method. Different batches of material, even from the same manufacturer, differ in color, so you need to purchase bricks from the same batch, and if this is not possible, then facing works the master must mix bricks from different batches.

TIP: Body-painted brick is preferable, since even if the facing layer is damaged, the color will remain unchanged.

In addition to colored, facing bricks can have a smooth or chipped surface.

Red

Red facing brick - ordinary clay ceramic or clinker brick, and the longer the firing time, the more saturated the red color. A silicate or hyper-pressed block may turn red when dye is added. The red color is obtained by applying glaze or engobing.

Yellow

Red ceramic bricks with a glazed or engobed front surface are produced and yellow color. Silicate, clinker or hyper-pressed material is made yellow by appropriate mineral dyes introduced into the mixture. Yellow bricks are produced in different shades- from light to rich ocher.

White

Sand-lime brick without adding dye is distinguished by its white color with a slight grayish tint - this is the most economical option for obtaining a white facade. Pure white can be hyper-pressed material, clinker with special additives, red ceramics with a painted front layer.

How to get rid of efflorescence

Efflorescence is a whitish coating on the front surface of the masonry and is in no way related to the quality of the brick. The appearance of efflorescence is determined by the additives introduced into the masonry mortar, most often during winter laying.

Masonry using hard mortars with low moisture content eliminates efflorescence. The use of rigid mixtures is mandatory when finishing with materials with low moisture absorption - clinker or hyper-pressed.

The possible appearance of plaque is prevented by the use of water repellents - organosilicon compounds that give the masonry water-repellent properties. Penetrating into the pores of the material, the water repellent creates a film that prevents the movement of moisture, but at the same time depriving the brick of its ability to breathe.

Special construction removers have been created to remove salt deposits. Eat traditional methods combating efflorescence: washing stains with a 5% solution of vinegar, hydrochloric acid or ammonia.

How much does it cost

The cost of cladding material depends on the type, characteristics and location of the manufacturer.

The cheapest option is lining with white silicate bars: raw materials for production are available everywhere, the steaming installation does not take up much space, and energy costs are low. The price of white sand-lime brick starts from 9 rubles/piece.

Ceramic facing bricks have a wide range in cost: products from the Revda plant (Ural) from 8 rubles/piece. up to 78 RUR/pcs. imported production.

The cost of clinker starts from 70 rubles/piece. produced in the Russian Federation up to $254 per m2 of Quebec clinker, size 230x105x71, white.

Prices for hyper-pressed material start from 12.5 rubles/piece. for a narrow format (actually 22 mm thick tiles, up to 71 rubles/piece for a one-and-a-half-size product.

Conclusion

The house, lined with brick, gives the impression of a solid, well-kept home. Choosing a combination of products different color and textures, you can turn a simple box into a building with spectacular architecture. The main thing is to take into account all the characteristics when choosing a material. Replying to main question: what is cladding, we answer with confidence: necessity and decoration.

The question of how to choose a facing brick is simple only at first glance. This is due to the fact that in addition to appearance (and this parameter, naturally, is the key one), there are many factors that determine the suitability of a finishing material for use in a given situation. In our article we will try to analyze these factors in as much detail as possible so that you can approach the issue of selecting and purchasing decorative stone as informed as possible.

Brick requirements

Before you start reviewing the main parameters, you need to decide - what should it be?

Today we can formulate a list of several requirements:

• First of all, the material simply must have an attractive appearance. Exterior finishing is done to improve the aesthetic characteristics of the house, and therefore the blocks should be quite beautiful.

• The requirement for color fastness is a direct consequence of the previous one, since it is resistance to weathering and ultraviolet radiation that determines how the house will look a few years after finishing.
• Low water absorption of the material is also very important. Thanks to this, dampness does not penetrate into the thickness of the wall, and in a room decorated with such bricks, normal level humidity.

We will talk in more detail about the compliance of facing bricks with these and other requirements in the relevant sections.

Product range

Main types of material

The choice of facing brick usually begins with determining its type. In principle, the exterior decoration of buildings can be carried out using almost any brand of building material, but, nevertheless, some varieties are better suited for this task than others.

According to the production method, facing blocks are divided into:

• Roasting. This category includes ceramic and clinker bricks. The raw material for their production is clay, which is subjected to heat treatment to give building block strength and resistance to various influences external factors(hydration, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, etc.).
• Ceramics and clinker Most often they are produced without the addition of artificial pigments, therefore their color range is limited to the various shades of the clay used.

• Unfired. The unfired category includes pressed, hyperpressed and silicate bricks.
• Pressed and hyper-pressed facial blocks contain Portland cement. This component when exposed to high pressure ensures the connection of limestone raw materials into a single monolith. The resulting block can be used without additional heat treatment.

• Silicate building brick more often used for the construction of the structures themselves, rather than for them exterior finishing. And yet, some brands of silicate blocks, which are made from a mixture of lime with carefully sifted quartz sand, can be used as cladding.

As for cost, non-fired models are definitely more affordable. It costs more, and may not be affordable for everyone. And yet, if possible, then it is worth focusing on the last two options, since if the installation rules are followed and proper care is taken, baked clay can preserve appearance for decades.

Strength and frost resistance

If we talk exclusively about functional indicators, then two parameters are critical for cladding - mechanical strength and resistance to low temperatures:

• The strength of the facing brick primarily provides the wall with resistance to mechanical stress, and also reduces the risk of cracks and deformation of the masonry under its own weight. The strength grade is indicated using an index in which the number shows permissible load in kilograms per square centimeter of surface.

• For example, if we mention double sand-lime brick M 150, this means that its strength is 150 kg/cm 2.
• is determined by the number of freezing-thaw cycles that a brick can withstand without signs of destruction, and is designated by the index F (Frost). Thus, F50 brick can withstand at least 50 such cycles without losing its characteristics.

Note! Frost resistance of finishing is important not so much in cold latitudes as in the zone temperate climate. Exactly at middle lane Winter is characterized by multiple changes in temperature, which leads to rapid failure of cladding with insufficient frost resistance.

Shape and surface type

The configuration and features of the front surface of the decorative masonry is another parameter that needs to be taken into account. And if the functional difference between the silicate block and hyperpressed decorative panel Only expert masons can know, but you can easily decide on the appearance yourself.

As for the shape, everything is quite simple: the brick can be either rectangular or shaped. Rectangular models are used both for laying walls and for cladding large surfaces, while shaped ones (with beveled or rounded edges) are used for finishing decorative elements. Most often, these parts are included in the design of arches, parapets, window sills, etc.

The surface of the material can also be different:

• Smooth- the most common type. This variety is one of the most accessible, because it low price determined by the ease of production of products. At the same time, you should not assume that “cheap” means “ugly”: a wall finished small bricks with a smooth front side, it looks quite presentable. The main thing is to choose the masonry pattern and arrange the seams correctly.

Advice! For smooth brick masonry, experts recommend using a contrasting compound for grouting joints, otherwise the wall relief will be lost.

• Textured the surface gives the masonry the appearance of natural stone, wood, marble, etc. The texture of the brick is laid down at the molding stage, and during the hardening process (temperature or hydraulic) it is only fixed. Textured masonry can be used both for cladding planes and for decorating individual elements - plinths, corners, slopes of windows and doors, etc.
• Glazed. To give the block a glossy shine after firing, a special glaze is applied to it, and then the product is fired again, but at a lower temperature. Only ceramic and clinker varieties of stone are subject to glazing, since hyper-pressed models cannot withstand the temperatures required for baking the glaze.

Note! The glaze layer gives the masonry frost resistance and allows it to withstand up to 100 freeze-thaw cycles without signs of degradation.

• Engobed. This type of surface is typical for the most expensive models that are used in finishing design projects. When engobing, apply to the dried workpiece decorative composition, which is then fired. When fired, the mixture polymerizes, giving the surface a matte texture.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of options. And if you take into account that each of them is available in many color variations, then it becomes even more difficult to decide. That's why, before choosing a brick to build a house, you should have it in your hands finished project. Thanks to this, you will be able to get an idea of ​​​​what the building will look like, which means you will make a choice not at random, but guided by clear appearance criteria.

So, we have become familiar with the main characteristics of the material. But how can you choose a specific batch so that the brick lasts as long as possible, and laying it with your own hands goes without any unpleasant surprises?

Below is a kind of instruction that will help you significantly reduce the risks when purchasing bricks:

• Perforation. Most facing grades (both fired and unfired) are made hollow. To save solution without damage thermal insulation characteristics It is worth choosing varieties with maximum volume internal voids And minimum size one hole. That is, many small cavities are better, several large ones.

• Pressed models are produced with a very smooth “bed” - the widest plane. To ensure effective adhesion of the block and mortar, choose a brick from a “young batch”. This is due to the fact that immediately after production, unreacted Portland cement remains in the material, which plays the role of a good binder.
• To ensure uniform coloring of the entire coated surface, material should be purchased from the same batch. Otherwise, the facade may end up “spotty”, since during production it is almost impossible to avoid minor changes in the pigment concentration.

Advice! Almost any material fades under the sun during the first year of use. Take this into account and when deciding which brick to choose, give preference to brands that are half a tone or a tone darker than originally intended.

• To check how the cladding behaves over time, you can take one block from a test batch and boil it in tap water until it evaporates completely. If the stains remain and are not removed with a damp cloth, the same will happen to the walls of your house in a couple of years.

• Check the geometry of several pieces of material taken from the batch at random. For cladding, it is very important that both the shape and dimensions of the bricks match as much as possible. If there are deviations greater than those allowed by GOST (4.5 mm in length, 3.3 mm in width, 2.3 mm in thickness), the purchase should be abandoned.

It is also worth carefully examining the surface of the products and the condition of their edges. There should be no white spots on the planes that indicate the presence of lime, and the edges should be smooth, straight and without chips. Some manufacturers make face blocks with a chamfer, which not only protects the ribs from damage, but also gives the masonry a more attractive appearance.

Perimeter chamfer – protection against chipping

Conclusion

When deciding which facing brick to choose, you should not limit your criteria only to the type of material, shape or surface texture. An integrated approach, taking into account the maximum number of parameters and strict selection of the purchased batch are the key to ensuring that the decoration of the house will be beautiful and durable. In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

The construction of a private house is accompanied by the desire to combine the comfort and practicality of housing with a presentable appearance. The facade of any building is its face, which is looked at every day by the owners of the house, their guests and random passers-by. Therefore, it is important to carefully approach the issue of finishing the building, because the wrong material a short time may become unusable or lose its attractive appearance.

A popular option for finishing material is facing brick, which is also called facing or facade. It is often preferred in the construction of facilities of any level - from residential buildings to large cultural complexes of regional importance. There are many types of facing bricks on the building materials market, but which one should you choose? This is discussed in our article.

Facing brick vs ordinary brick, silicate brick vs ceramic

When choosing bricks for construction, the question often arises which of the presented types is better. But this formulation of the question is not entirely correct. There are many varieties of this building material, and each of them has individual qualities and purposes.

On a note!
In Russia the norms and technical rules The manufacture of ceramic bricks is standardized by GOST 530-2012, which identifies separate categories of material depending on its performance properties. The document also stipulates minimum requirements requirements for strength, appearance and quality characteristics of products.

For construction interior walls and partitions, as well as external walls The building uses ordinary brick. Such a product, in accordance with interstate and national standards, ensures the performance characteristics of brickwork. At the same time, unlike facing brick, the issue of external attractiveness of the material fades into the background.

Ordinary brick is not used for cladding the facade of buildings or its elements, since cracks and chips are often found on its surface. For ordinary bricks, appearance is not important. And the requirements in GOST 530 2012 for appearance are much lower. Therefore, when constructing masonry from such a material, the surface needs to be subsequently treated with plaster or decorative mixtures. Similarly, facing brick, as a rule, is not used for the construction of structural elements: in any case, the construction of a frame is necessary, and only after that the external finishing is carried out.

When producing facing bricks, chips longer than 1.5 cm and cracks are not allowed. In addition, such products may have color shade or undergo additional invoice processing. Therefore, they have a wide range of applications: cladding buildings, construction of fences, fireplaces, individual buildings. Therefore, the cost of facing bricks depends on the color and other appearance parameters.

Performance characteristics of bricks

Despite the large differences in terms of aesthetic appeal, facing bricks and ordinary bricks have common performance characteristics.

• Strength . It lies in the ability of the product to withstand external loads without subsequent destruction. The strength indicator is expressed in the numerical part of the brick brand: for example, a product of the M100 brand can withstand a load of 100 kg per 1 cm 2.
• Moisture absorption . It is expressed in the difference in the mass of dry and wet bricks, which is important to ensure the strength of the structure. For example, for use in environments with aggressive weather conditions, face clinker bricks are used, the moisture absorption rate of which should not exceed 6%. For other products, moisture absorption above 6% is allowed: for facing - 8–10%, for ordinary - 12–14%, for interior work- 16%. The water absorption level of ceramic bricks can range from 6–14%. The indicator is determined when the products are saturated in water at a temperature of 15–25 ° C at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum, as well as in boiling water according to GOST 7025-91. Ceramic and silicate bricks and stones. Methods for determining water absorption, density and frost resistance control.”
• Emptiness. Taking into account this indicator, all products are divided into hollow and solid, depending on the presence of internal voids. Each type has different operational properties and range of applications. Hollow facing brick is lighter, retains heat better, but is less durable. Therefore, it is used for cladding to protect the building from cold and wind. For the construction of external walls, solid ordinary brick is used, which is highly durable but less heat-intensive. When producing solid facing bricks, more raw materials are consumed, so its price is much higher.
• Frost resistance. This indicator is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the brick during freezing and thawing. If the frost resistance of facing bricks is low, its price per m2 will be lower, but after several cycles of temperature changes it will begin to collapse, peel off or lose color. The frost resistance indicator is directly related to the product’s ability to absorb water.

On a note!
Frost resistance in technical documentation is indicated by the letter F and a numerical indicator. It indicates the number of freezing and thawing cycles that the product can withstand. For facing bricks Russian production the indicator must be at least F50, but by agreement with the customer it can be reduced to F35.

• Fire resistance. This indicator affects the temperature the facing brick can withstand. This characteristic is especially important when finishing fireplaces and chimneys. Silicate facing brick (sand-lime) can withstand temperatures of 300–600°C, for red ceramic products (made from clay) this figure is higher - 800–1200°C, for fire bricks(fireclay and quartz) - 1300°C, for industrial refractory (lime-magnesium and carbon graphite-coke) - 2000°C.

Types of facing bricks

In turn, facing bricks are divided into types depending on the raw materials and production technology. The set of operational characteristics of each option is different; this must be taken into account when deciding which facing brick to choose for specific tasks. Typically, facing bricks are made in three sizes (formats):

• Euro (0.7 NF) - 250×85×65 mm;
• single facing brick (1NF) - 250×120×65 mm;
• one-and-a-half, or thickened, facing brick (1.4 NF) - 250 × 120 × 88 mm;

For finishing works Ceramic and silicate bricks can be used.

Facing ceramic brick

It is made from clay purified from salts and impurities by shaping, drying and subsequent firing. The last stage of the production of ceramic facing bricks affects the quality of the product: when overburned, it acquires a black tint, and when underburned, on the contrary, it becomes light; in both cases, the strength properties are reduced.

Ceramic facing brick is superior to others with its performance characteristics. Weighing 1.7–3.1 kg, depending on which size of facing brick is chosen, it can withstand 100 freezing cycles and provide 8–9% water absorption. The disadvantage is the price of facing bricks, which is higher than other varieties.

Sand-lime brick

Such products are made from a mixture of quartz sand and lime by autoclave synthesis, so they are not processed by firing. The main advantage of silicate facing bricks is their low price. At the same time, its service life, frost resistance and water absorption are significantly lower than that of ceramic. In addition, there is no way to give the brick a smooth shape or include decorative elements. Therefore, it cannot be considered the best facing brick for building a house.

Due to the production technology without firing, sand-lime brick cannot withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and high temperatures. Therefore, popularity among the population is due only to the cost of silicate facing bricks.

Alternatives in façade finishing: does the stingy pay twice?

If we compare which facing brick is better, ceramic products win in terms of performance and aesthetic characteristics. Despite the fact that the cost per square meter of such facing bricks is higher than silicate bricks, in terms of the “price/quality/durability” ratio it is the best option(see Table 1).

Table 1. Characteristics of ceramic bricks

In the construction market there are also alternative materials for finishing the facade, which are also popular among the population. To understand what to give preference to and not overpay in the future for unforeseen repairs, let’s compare each material to brick.

Hinged ventilated facade

Represents metal carcass, on which the facing element is fixed: panels, siding, fake diamond. To retain heat, a layer of insulation is laid between the wall of the house and the cladding. This material is highly durable, can be installed in any weather, and broken elements can be replaced.

Despite the difference in price, the service life of facing bricks for facades is longer (over 100 years versus 30). Besides, brick finishing not subject to deformation, does not require additional processing and application of protective agents.

Wet plaster

Among the advantages of this material are the ability to choose the color you like, ease of application and versatility for buildings of any complexity. In addition, the cost of facing bricks per m 2 is higher than wet plaster and insulation for a similar amount of work. But the service life of such finishing material is about 30 years, which is very short in comparison with a brick facade.

If the technology for applying wet plaster is violated or not treated in a timely manner with protective agents against aggressive weather conditions, moisture and fungal infections, the material may become deformed. After this, you will have to apply a new layer to the entire facade, since partial renovation color difference will be visible.

Clinker brick

It is made from special types of clay, which ensures high performance characteristics. The addition of minerals from the silicate group to the mixture is responsible for the spectacular appearance and strength of the products. The production of such facing bricks is practically no different from its ceramic counterpart.

Advantages of clinker bricks:

• resistance to aggressive weather conditions;
• long service life;
• does not require cleaning or special care;
• high water resistance;
• resistance to mechanical damage.

Disadvantages include differences in the color of bricks even from the same batch, as well as high thermal conductivity, which creates the need to additionally use insulation. But the high price of clinker facing bricks in comparison with its ceramic counterpart makes it not the most attractive option for use in facade finishing.

A natural stone

The material has an impressive appearance, high strength and service life. The building materials market offers a wide variety of natural stones for cladding. It is often used to finish individual surface elements, for example, simultaneously with white facing brick or plaster.

In terms of performance properties, natural stone is comparable to ceramic brick, but its price is much higher, and the material itself is heavier. Therefore, the main argument in choosing between these two materials is the low price of facing bricks.

Attempts to save on building decoration can result in even greater costs associated with constant repairs and restoration of the appearance of the facade. In addition, not every material can boast of high performance characteristics. For many, natural stone still remains an attractive option, but its high cost and heavy weight often stop buyers.

How to choose facing bricks for your home?

The best facing brick is the one that will last a long time and provide comfortable conditions for living and will be inexpensive. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of the product, taking into account weather conditions and terrain features. In case of high seismological activity, it is better to choose a durable brick, and for areas with sudden temperature changes, it is better to choose a product with high frost resistance.

To save on facade finishing, it makes sense to purchase facing bricks from the manufacturer through official distributors, the price of which will almost always be lower than that of dubious intermediaries. In addition, this way you will receive an additional guarantee that they will not try to sell you “fake rejection”, “substandard”, or products that obviously do not comply with GOSTs.

Failure to comply with production technology at least at one stage becomes the reason for the product’s non-compliance with GOST requirements. On the scale of an entire batch, such a mistake will cause great losses. Therefore, reputable manufacturers who care about their reputation exercise strict control over production process at all stages. National and interstate standards contain quite stringent requirements; accordingly, products manufactured in accordance with GOST standards are preferable to those manufactured in accordance with specifications and sometimes in fact are “rough” material.

Each batch of bricks must have a passport, which contains information about the product’s compliance with the requirements of regulatory and technical documents. However, it is known that in construction markets, in “garage cooperatives”, roadside warehouses, small sellers often present false passports and sanitary and hygienic certificates, written out, as they say, “on the knee”, where, among other things, the word “facing” may appear instead of , for example, the word “facade”.

Although brick is not subject to mandatory certification, self-respecting manufacturers undergo it on a voluntary basis, so inquire about the availability of certificates of conformity.

Many people are interested in the question of what color of facing brick to choose for finishing a house. More recently, yellow facing bricks were popular, the cost of which is higher than products of other colors. But times change, and what was once fashionable is becoming a thing of the past. Therefore, in order for the facade to always have a presentable appearance, preference should be given to classic version- red facing brick and its shades. This color will never go out of style and will look like new.

So, the external decoration of the facade is one of the most important tasks when building a house. It's not even about aesthetic beauty and the ability to stand out from the crowd. Properly selected cladding material will ensure a comfortable environment in the house, and will also protect the walls from the negative effects of weather conditions. Therefore, even at the design stage, you should decide on the finishing material. And it is important not to make a mistake, so that an attempt to save does not turn into even greater expenses.

Where can I buy facing bricks from the manufacturer?

About where to buy facing bricks good quality, we talked with Igor Kabanov, CEO of BRAER:

“We are often asked which facing brick is best to buy. It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally, since many factors must be taken into account: construction climatology data, terrain features, characteristics of the facility under construction and the buyer’s budget. We recommend, first of all, to take care of the quality of building materials and not strive for false economy, making a choice in favor of frankly budget finishing options.

The BRAER company produces facing bricks using individual production technology. This approach allows you to preserve the rich and durable color for a long time, as well as ensure excellent geometry of the finished products. We carry out strict product control at every stage of production, so the release of a defective batch is excluded. In addition, we use modern technology Applying texture to the front surface of the brick allows our clients to create an individual façade style.

Editorial opinion

Building a house is an expensive business, and it is not always possible to find the necessary budget for the purchase of expensive materials. Therefore, when finishing a facade, it is recommended to determine its cost not only per square meter, but also per year of operation. To do this, you will need to divide the cost per square meter of material, taking into account logistics and construction work, by the number of years of the declared service life. In this case, comparison of profitability indicators, or cost of ownership, for various products and materials will be more correct and will allow you to make an informed choice.

The Vorotyn plant produces both working and facing bricks.

Their working bricks are of good quality, but the price is too high at the moment. For this price you can get a really super brick.

Facing bricks from the Vorotyn plant were sold at very high prices. affordable price. We can say that it was the lowest on the Moscow market in the summer of 2009. But there were many complaints about the quality of the brick. For example, combat - 5% or more. There were also problems with geometry. Although the brick looked pretty decent. With chamfer.

Last week in Moscow at an exhibition I spoke with a representative of the Vorotyn plant. They said that the problems had been solved. This won't happen again. But so far I have not heard that this is really the case. There's just no information yet.

Regarding the Tovarkovsky plant, I can say the following: the old plant was divided, now there are two plants there. One plant (TOVKER) produces working bricks, which are affordable, but not of high quality.
Another plant is called TEREX and produces expensive facing bricks. The brick is of very high quality and beautiful, but there were also certain complaints about the quality. A yellow brick with some ugly green stuff coming out of it. Although representatives of the plant claim that it will disappear due to rain or may simply be washed away with water.

Vyacheslav, how can you protect yourself from the fact that the plant itself can claim that it was made according to GOST...
There is an option to bring several creeps from the batch to the laboratory and see if they correspond, and, in fact, take the conclusion as a souvenir.
In our city, a new line has opened, where they supposedly make good brick, and the color is just what we need, but I would like to check it all out... hence this topic was created..

The plant will never draw something, because then it will be extreme. If you buy a brick from a factory (with all the documents) and you have reasonable complaints about the quality, then, so to speak, the factory has been “hit”. You can sue, demand replacement and compensation. And you can also announce it to the entire Internet. Factories are very afraid of this. They have a solid business.

The documents are drawn by petty swindlers who buy rejects (substandard) from the factory for half the price. Naturally, according to the documents, this is not a brick. Additionally, they sort out this brick, draw documents for it, and sell it as a facing brick. Naturally, then there will simply be no one to sue.
Therefore, if you take a brick either directly from the factory or from a large brick dealer (and if you also warn that you need a full package of documents and only GOST bricks), then you are insured against substandard bricks.

Dear Vyacheslav, can you comment on the quality of Vorotynsky and Tovarkovsky (tovker) facing bricks. Is it worth contacting them, or looking at something else?

About Vorotynsky brick I will add the following: If you are looking for a budget facing brick, then this a good option. But there were problems.
If you are willing to pay more, but get really great beautiful house, then you can of course find a much better brick.

If you are looking for a working brick, then Vorotynsky is too expensive.
TOVKER is an affordable working brick for non-critical work.
On the plinth - not advisable, but on interior partitions- Please.

A rather difficult situation arises when it is necessary to decide which brick to choose for cladding a house. The point is that such facade material includes several types that differ in composition and characteristics. That is why many factors need to be taken into account to ensure that the final result matches the desired one.

Facade brick also called facing or front, which explains the main purpose of the material - external design walls in order to give the house a more presentable appearance.

Although the decorative component is considered to be the main parameter of the product, we must not forget that it must provide reliable protection buildings from any influence. Such factors include preventing the penetration of moisture (parts must have a small percentage of moisture absorption) and protecting the structure from wind and temperature changes. The material must be strong and durable, and harmful influences must not reduce the visual appeal.

When choosing the appropriate option, take into account that simple building bricks are also available on sale; the façade variety differs from such products in external parameters. Facing material is often divided into two groups: shaped (with complex geometry) and textured (having a relief side).

The choice of facing blocks is now quite large

Types of facing bricks

All types of facing bricks differ from each other in production technology and components included in the composition. This is what influences the final result, determining the properties of the material and its appearance.

The following types of bricks are found on the construction market:

• silicate;
• ceramic;
• clinker;
• hyper-pressed.

Thermal conductivity for any outdoor facing material is considered one of the main parameters

Each option has its pros and cons.

On a note! Silicate and ceramic products are divided into two categories: for the construction of houses and for cladding.

Silicate brick

This variety is often used for exterior decoration, since the price of the material is considered one of the most affordable. The production technology is that a mixture of quartz sand, lime and special components is subjected to dry pressing with a gradual increase in temperature.

The standard color for this option is white, but by adding color it is possible to obtain a more diverse decorative component.

Recently, diversity and the lineup silicate blocks have grown significantly

Advantages of the material:

1. Frost resistance. The product can withstand many cycles of freezing and defrosting.
2. Safety. The composition and manufacturing method do not affect environmental friendliness, so the products do not have any impact negative impact to your health.
3. Availability. This is the cheapest option available.
4. Acceptable strength. The resulting surface can withstand various weather influences if installed correctly.

The following disadvantages cannot be ignored:

• Considerable weight. Because of this, the load on the foundation increases, therefore, in order to cover the surface with a silicate variety, the structure must be carefully strengthened.
• Low visual content. The coating lacks texture, and even tinting does not give the desired effect.
• Thermal conductivity. This indicator for this option is high, so in difficult climatic conditions additional insulation is necessary.

Silicate finishing can be spectacular, but the brick itself is cold and heavy

On a note! Decorative silicate brick is suitable for front finishing only if the base is made of a more reliable material, otherwise it will quickly become unusable.

Ceramic brick

This option is the main competitor of the previous one, so the question very often arises which brick is better: silicate or ceramic. Of course, the production of ceramics is a more complex process; the difficulty lies in choosing the right raw materials. Only high-quality clay with minor admixtures of other substances is used for work. Since the shade of the material is often red, the final product has exactly this color, although other varieties are also found. If necessary, the source material can be tinted.

Ceramic blocks have the widest range of figured elements

The manufacturing technology is that the mass is molded and then sent to a well-heated oven. The final quality of the product depends on the correct preparation of the composition and its firing.

The material should have a rich red color with a brownish tint, and with a slight impact a characteristic ringing sound should be heard. It is worth considering that even minimal process violations lead to defects. Such deficiencies can be identified by appearance. If the parts have burnt areas, then they were kept at too long high temperatures, they will be fragile. At low temperatures and insufficient firing time, the fragments turn out faded, have high moisture absorption, and there is no ringing sound when struck.

Classic ceramics have good thermal insulation and can maintain their original appearance for decades

This decorative brick has advantages:

1. Appearance. Ceramic material includes varieties that differ in color, size and shape. This provides scope for implementing design solutions.
2. Durability. The service life of a surface made from such products is tens of years.
3. Heat and sound insulation. The products protect the house well from heat loss, cold penetration and extraneous noise.

The only one significant drawback There may be a violation of production technology. Therefore, when purchasing products, it is necessary to pay great attention to this factor.

If facing bricks are sold too cheaply, then there is a high probability of buying a fake, which will crack and crumble after a couple of seasons.

Hyperpressed brick

This decorative brick has a surface closest to natural stone. The fraction used for production is natural materials, shell rock, cement and mineral pigments. The mixture is pressed and exposed to high temperatures.

Hyperpressed blocks are close in their characteristics to good granite, but the material is heavy and quite expensive

Hyper-pressed facade facing bricks have a large number of advantages. Strength and durability stand out among the main ones; the coating can withstand many cycles of temperature changes. But due to the heavy weight and high price products are not widely available.

Clinker type

This finishing material a bit similar to the ceramic version, but for its production a more refractory type of clay is used, and firing occurs at very high temperatures. Due to this, the parts acquire excellent protective and decorative qualities. But this also affects the final cost: it becomes too high. That's why exterior decoration often done using brick-like tiles, which are much easier and cheaper to cover the surface with.

Clinker finishing is an elite type and, according to most experts, is the highest quality and most durable

Which is better?

When choosing facing bricks for the facade, you should remember that the main competitors are silicate and ceramic types. Both options are quite popular, but the second one stands out the most. This is explained by its advantages:

• Technical specifications. The material has high strength and low moisture absorption. It can withstand more than 130 cycles of defrosting and freezing; a lined house becomes durable.
• Thermal insulation characteristics. Ceramics not only retains heat and keeps out cold, but also helps create a comfortable microclimate inside the building.
If you choose the appropriate option, it will minimize the impact on the structure.
• Highly decorative. There are many varieties available that differ in color, shape and texture.

Choosing between silicate and ceramic cladding it is better to give preference to good ceramics

Sand-lime brick has only one advantage over ceramic brick - lower price. If the budget is limited, this will The best decision. And the right one visual effect can be achieved by painting the surface.