Facing the house with gray bricks. Brick facade: possible problems and solutions. Clinker brick price

The first impression about the house and its owners is formed even with a passing glance at housing. The facade of the house can be used to judge not only the taste of the owners, but also their lifestyle and preferences. Perhaps that is why brick does not lose popularity in suburban housing construction, allowing you to create original and reliable buildings.

In modern construction, brick cladding of the facade with various types of material is a popular way to solve three problems at once - to strengthen, insulate and give an attractive look to suburban housing. Beautiful brick houses serve as an object of admiration for friends, a slight annoyance of neighbors and a wonderful backdrop for selfies.

Light clinker brick in the decoration of a country cottage Source koloritinform.ru

Types of facing bricks

The material that is used for finishing the facade walls has various names: front, front, facing. It takes on the influence of the environment, therefore it must have special technical characteristics. In construction, several types of products are used, differing in composition, production method and operational characteristics: ceramic, silicate, clinker and hyper-pressed. If the shape of the product differs from the traditional rectangular one, then such a brick is called shaped.

Clinker

Clinker is one of the best materials for facade decoration. For its manufacture, a unique technology and a special type of clay are used, which is fired in a kiln at temperatures above 1000 ° C. The advantages of clinker products are:

Strength... The abrasion resistance of the material exceeds that of high quality concrete.

Durability... The cladding will retain its quality for at least one hundred years.

Far from a complete collection of clinker varieties

Moisture absorption... Due to the firing conditions, it is only 8% (ordinary brick absorbs up to 15-25% of water).

Frost resistance... The material has a frost resistance coefficient of F300 and is designed for 250-300 freeze-thaw cycles. The most frost-resistant products with a glazed surface (completely moisture-resistant).

Decorative qualities... The additives added to the clay during the manufacturing process provide about a hundred shades, from beige yellow to dark brown. The clinker face can have a matte, glossy, glazed or grooved surface.

Thermal conductivity... Significant, like any stone; is 0.7 W / (m✖ ° C).

Masonry features... Working with clinker requires skill - the material absorbs moisture gradually, and adhesion to the mortar is slow.

A layer of insulation is hidden under the clinker finish Source pinterest.com.mx

Color difference... Even in the same batch, products with different shades come across, which delays the masonry process - builders have to spend time in order to beautifully (evenly) distribute dark and light stones along the wall.

Solution... For laying clinker, a special (and more expensive) mortar is needed; the usual composition does not provide high-quality masonry, and the cladding may "float".

Ceramic

The advantages of ceramic facing bricks are:

Frost resistance... Quality, invaluable in a northern climate. Together with strength, frost resistance is the main indicator of the durability of the material. The combination of characteristics and price / quality ratio makes ceramic bricks an ideal material for Russian weather conditions.

Strength... Due to the small volume of porosity, the masonry is durable and resistant to natural whims.

Diversity... The industry produces products of all shapes, colors and textures. This variety allows the construction of beautiful brick houses that imitate old buildings and the successful restoration of old mansions.

High-quality ceramic cladding is not afraid of Russian frosts Source d-haus.ru

The disadvantages include:

High price... Bricks undergo multi-stage processing, which affects the final cost (when compared with silicate products).

Demanding solution... The masonry mortar must be of high quality, otherwise it is worth waiting for the appearance of efflorescence - a plaque from the evaporated mineral salts.

Color differences... Brick from different batches can be very different in tone, which can spoil the appearance of the facade.

Hyperpressed

This material belongs to artificial stones; it is made from cement, limestone and waste from other industries (marble, limestone, dolomite, shell rock), which reduces the cost of products. Hyper-pressed bricks are highly durable; it is used in the decoration of the facades of houses, gazebos, fences and garden paths.

Hyper-pressed bricks for the most exquisite taste Source klademkirpich.ru

On our website you can get acquainted with the most popular projects of brick houses from construction companies presented at the exhibition of houses "Low-rise Country".

The facades of brick houses of such a plan have the following advantages:

Material strength and geometry correctness... Strength parameters exceed those of silicate and ceramic products. The size deviation is no more than 0.5 mm, which saves mortar and shortens the laying time.

Ease of use... The cladding can be performed not only simultaneously with the construction of the wall, but also along the finished facade.

Suitability for cladding... The material has a variety of colors and a wide selection of fittings. It is frost-resistant, easy to cut and has a low water absorption (5-6%). The chipping of the front faces perfectly imitates the texture of natural stone, which benefits a brick facade of any style.

Masonry strength... One and a half times higher than that of ceramic, due to the improved quality of adhesion with masonry mortar.

Durability... The masonry will outlive most of the walls - its properties will last for 150-200 years.

Fragment of the facade made of hyper-pressed "torn" bricks Source ideal-prodakshn.od.ua

The main disadvantages of hyper-pressed bricks are its weight and high heat capacity. These features require strengthening of the foundation and wall insulation, which inevitably leads to an increase in the cost of construction work.

Silicate

Sand-lime brick decoration is widespread in private housing; its popularity is due to several factors:

Environmental friendliness... The production materials are sand and lime, safe (from the point of view of health effects) natural raw materials.

Strength and frost resistance... Essential qualities for façade finishing, which are guaranteed for 50 years.

Range... For cladding, colored and textured silicate bricks are produced. The color is obtained by the addition of artificial dyes, in contrast to ceramics, which receive a shade by mixing several types of clay in different proportions. There are no fittings.

Silicate bricks have a serious drawback - a low threshold for water and heat resistance, which imposes a ban on their use for cladding foundations and chimneys.

White brick facade with contrasting finish Source houzz.se

On our site you can find contacts of construction companies that offer the service of building brick houses. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the Low-Rise Country exhibition of houses.

Brick facade: advantages and disadvantages

Brick has a thousand-year history of use, the builders of Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire knew it; today both building and decorative materials are successfully used in suburban housing construction. Decorative brick is used in interior (for cladding fireplaces and walls) cladding and is a popular material for adjusting the facade.

The advantages of brick cladding are:

Reliability... It is achieved due to the high strength of the material and its resistance to atmospheric conditions (humidity, temperature extremes, precipitation, direct sunlight).

Durability... Brick is not susceptible to biological agents, is not susceptible to oxidation or corrosion, and has a decent service life (50-150 years).

Video description

About the production of clinker products in the following video:

Practicality... The material has excellent soundproofing qualities, and the insulated facade serves as an excellent heat insulator. Many façade products are made hollow, which also helps to retain heat.

Environmental friendliness... Facing brick is a natural material, in the manufacture of which clay and other natural substances are used.

Range... There are various types of facing products on the market in a wide color palette, of various shapes and textures. Thanks to this variety and the work of the designer, the facades of brick houses acquire an individual appearance.

The material is not devoid of certain disadvantages:

Weight... The mass of the brick cladding must be taken into account when calculating the foundation, as it is a significant additional load.

Solution quality... May affect the strength and appearance of the veneer (efflorescence).

The yellow brick cottage creates an atmosphere of comfort Source himcomp.ru

Facade cladding options

Cladding brick is a great way to personalize your country cottage. Architects and designers know many options for decorative masonry, based on one technique - highlighting with color. All combinations of color and texture are conventionally divided into two ways:

Colored jointing... A facing brick of one (or more) color is used, a colored masonry mixture is selected for it, suitable in tone or contrasting.

Used by brick of several colors and textures; this allows you to highlight the elements of the facade and emphasize the main lines of the structure.

Colored jointing of clinker cladding Source tr.decorexpro.com

To get a beautiful facade of the house, options are chosen based on certain rules:

The benchmark is architectural style country house.

In order not to lose half of the attractiveness, it should be remembered that the entrance group of the house, the path and the fence with the gate should be unified architectural ensemble.

Most often, an effective and sufficient reception will be color highlighting of the main elements of the facade- corners and windows. The use of material with a different texture or the use of different types of brick dressing will help to emphasize the window openings.

Painted brick facade Source ausmart.top

Cladding of wooden houses

The owners of frame and wooden houses made of timber or logs often resort to brick cladding as a way not only to decorate their homes, but also to increase the time of its operation. The house becomes more solid, acquires a solid appearance and a higher value on the market. The cladding of wooden cottages consists of three stages:

Home preparation... Make sure the structure can support the additional weight. An inspection of the structure is carried out, the quality of the floors is checked. Beams with cracks, mold marks and other damage are replaced with new parts. The facade is treated with an antiseptic impregnation and a fire retardant (flame retardant).

Warming... It is carried out at will, for which mineral wool is used as a heat-insulating material. The material does not impede air circulation, allowing the wood façade to breathe and extending its lifespan.

Facing works... The facing layer is made with clay or silicate bricks at a distance of about 5 cm from the wall. The masonry is fixed with galvanized pins.

Cladding a wooden facade Source himcomp.ru

Cladding of stone and brick buildings

The cladding device for these types of buildings has its own characteristics:

Warming... Buildings made of stone and brick can be insulated with materials that do not allow air to pass through well, for example, foam. If the insulation is done with glass wool, the membrane film is additionally stretched. The thermal insulation material is attached to the wall with disc dowels.

Cladding... The brickwork is connected to the insulation by fixing self-tapping screws on the disc dowels.

Video description

About the choice of facing bricks in the following video:

Brick facade finishing methods

If it is not possible to finish the facade with bricks due to limited resources and time (installing brick cladding is a long and painstaking task), materials that can imitate brickwork will come to the rescue:

Facade panels or tiles with imitation brick.

Brick tile for brick.

Finishing with brick siding.

All these materials are practical and easy to use and maintain. They are used for cladding facade walls and basements, decorate openings and facade details. There is a large selection of shades, shapes and sizes on the market, which allows you to create an almost indistinguishable from a real brick look of a country house.

Modern country house in English style Source neanderthals.ru

Styles of facades of brick houses

Centuries of using bricks as a building and facing material have led to the emergence of many ways and styles of building decoration, resulting in beautiful brick facades of private houses, we suggest looking at photos of different styles below. There are several popular trends in the decoration of modern brick houses:

English style... The most popular are cottages whose facades are made of red brick, although a brown brick house will not violate the canons. The trend is characterized by clear geometric shapes, restraint in the palette and decor, verified proportions and a small neat porch. Modern English houses still do without a basement, but the attic is an indispensable component of the image.

Gothic style... A country cottage in the Gothic style is a personal fortress with all (unlike its medieval predecessors) amenities and external attributes: strict facade lines, forged elements and a brick-faced facade. The rougher the material, the more brutal the building looks. Brick can be of any color; to enhance the effect, the color of the roof and the trim is matched to the contrast.

Brick cottage in Provence style Source pinterest.com

Country or Provence... Both styles bear the features of a free country life and look cozy and sophisticated; in the design, brick is often combined with plaster and wood. Traditionally, it is customary to distinguish between brick facades by shades. For Provence-style houses, cold (gray, bluish, white) tones are often chosen, for a country-style facade - warm ones, from delicate beige and ivory to rich curry.

European style... It combines the traditions of several European countries, including Germany, Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands. Most often, the facades of European-style cottages combine elements of half-timbered (medieval technology) with stone, plaster and brick. The facades of houses with gray and light bricks look practical and respectable.

European style - fabulously cozy and practical Source natelki.net

Historical direction... Brick facades of houses, made in Romanesque or classical style, Rococo, Baroque or Art Nouveau, look luxurious and majestic, but require the involvement of an experienced architect who is able to maintain the correct proportions and overall design.

Contemporary styles... These include constructivism, minimalism, hi-tech and eclecticism, which is fashionable today. The facades of such houses have their own characteristics and can be decorated in a thousand different ways, and the brick will look appropriate everywhere. In the exterior design, painting of brick facades is often carried out. This can be done brick by brick, immediately after the masonry has dried, or by pre-plastering the surface.

Modern project - brick cladding and panoramic glazing

Conclusion

Despite the variety of modern methods of suburban construction, brick facades still attract with their timeless elegance and reliability in use. Using bricks in exterior decor is a practical way to give your home a beautiful look and positive emotions for yourself.

Facing brick facades invariably attract admiring glances. Every developer knows: building solid walls is not enough. They need to be finished with such a material that it helps to get a triple benefit at once: it insulates, strengthens and decorates the building. Facing brick fully meets these requirements. It is able to reliably protect external walls and increase their bearing capacity.

Brick intended for facade decoration is called differently:

• facing;
• front;
• facial.

All this is one and the same material that has the properties necessary for a high-quality building finish. From these stones, the outer layer of the wall is built, which is in direct contact with the environment and experiences all its adverse effects. Therefore, special requirements are imposed on the technical characteristics of these products.

Depending on the type of materials used in the manufacture and the production method, several types of facing bricks are distinguished:

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

These products have different performance characteristics, but there is one common point: they can all have a traditional parallelepiped shape or figured. Bricks of the second type are called shaped. Each of the options has its own production standards, which all manufacturers adhere to.

Traditional bricks are:

• single;
• one and a half;
• thickened;
• double.

Each of the listed products can be solid or hollow (hollow). Stones of the second type can have different hole shapes and different numbers.

Shaped bricks impress with their striking appearance. With the help of these building stones, the most original ideas of architects and designers can be realized.

Manufacturers offer shaped bricks of the following types:

• trapezoidal with beveled ribs;
• twisted;
• wedge-shaped;
• with a textured front surface (under chipped or natural stone).

The spectacular appearance of curly stones largely depends on the method of decorative processing of their surfaces.

Three technologies are used:

• glaze;
• torquetting;
• engobing.

For facing the facade of a residential building, engobed bricks are more suitable. They have a matte surface and, due to the production method, have a lower thermal conductivity coefficient. The engobing technology provides for the application of an additional layer of clay to the raw stone. It is he who makes the product "warmer".

Engobed bricks

Glazed bricks have a glossy finish. The color range of such stones is very wide. Glazing can be applied in two ways: on a raw or finished product. Regardless of the methodology, the quality and appearance of the product will be the same.

Torketing is the process of applying mineral chips to the front surface of a brick. After firing, the product acquires a beautiful relief texture. Such stones are often used to emphasize the architectural elements of a building: arches, entrance lobby, window openings, cornices.

Ceramic brick, shotcrete with mineral chips.

Pros and cons of clinker bricks

Clinker brick is one of the best representatives of facing bricks. Such interdependent characteristics as water absorption and frost resistance are at its best. These stones can withstand up to 300 freeze-thaw cycles (frost resistance coefficient F300). But the thermal conductivity is quite high: 0.7 W / (m * ° C). Durability - at least 100 years.

Among the features of this material is the duration of its laying. This is due to the low coefficient of water absorption. The stone slowly absorbs moisture from the solution, so working with it requires a certain skill.

The disadvantages of this material include the fact that even in one batch of clinker bricks, products of different shades are often found. This greatly complicates the masonry process and increases the construction time. Workers have to choose stones of identical color and distribute the darkest shades on the wall in the most beautiful way.

Clinker brick requires masonry with special mortars. The cost of these compounds is high, as is the price of the material itself. There is a possibility of laying on a cement-sand mortar, but you need to know the recipe for preparing the mixture and be able to work with it. The clinker brick "floats" on an ordinary mortar.

Clinker brick price

Clinker brick

Pros and cons of ceramic facing bricks

Ceramic bricks are distinguished by a variety of shapes and colors. The undoubted advantage of these products is environmental friendliness. At first glance, these stones look fragile due to the large number of voids. But this is a misleading impression. Ceramic bricks are highly durable.

The main disadvantage of these stones is errors in the geometry of the shape. This complicates the masonry process, as it is necessary to check the correct size of the stones. Another drawback is limestone inclusions, which subsequently absorb moisture and begin to stand out on the surface of the wall with their more saturated color.

Ceramic brick price

Ceramic brick

Pros and cons of hyper-pressed bricks

The composition of hyper-pressed bricks includes shell rock, cement, and special additives.

The advantages of this type of stones:

• perfectly flat geometric shape;
• the same dimensions for all products of the same type;
• variety of colors;
• pliability in processing (easy to saw);
• high strength 150-300 kg / cm2;
• water absorption 5-6%;
• frost resistance F150;
• a wide range of shaped models.

Hyper-pressed bricks have practically no drawbacks. The disadvantages include a large weight (4.2-4.4 kg), which affects the cost of transportation and the labor intensity of the masonry.

Price for hyper-pressed brick

Pros and cons of silicate facing bricks

Silicate bricks are characterized by regularity of shapes and high strength. Among the advantages of this facing material is the ability to withstand high temperatures, ease of processing, high sound insulation characteristics, and an affordable price.

Flaws:

• high thermal conductivity, which increases with moisture;
• large weight (single 3.3-3.6 kg, one and a half - 4-4.3 kg);
• monotony of colors;
• high moisture absorption coefficient;
• lack of shaped models.

Silicate brick price

Should I buy hollow facade bricks?

The peculiarity of most affordable stones of this type is that they have the maximum possible number of voids. This is due to the peculiarities of the manufacturing technology and the desire of manufacturers to save money. For the same purpose, they (manufacturers) often make only two edges of the product face: one spoon and one butt. But such a decision is justified, since the stone is turned outward only with one side of it. The size and shape of the voids can be different, respectively, the weight of the bricks is also different.

The veneer is usually thin. Since there is a stone of a porous structure with many voids behind it, the face layer does not receive enough heat from it and is often overcooled. This leads to the appearance of microcracks. Water penetrates into them, which periodically freezes and thaws. The wind and the rays of the sun make their contribution to the destruction process. All this leads to dire consequences for the building. Therefore, you can often see facades, the front brick of which is partially destroyed.

The Europeans were the first to understand the disadvantage of such building stones. They decided to halve the width of the product and reinforce its facing layer. Such material is called "eurobrick" today.

What is it good for? Small width (2 times less than that of a standard stone) allows it to freeze less often. The adjacent wall transfers heat and thereby helps to stabilize the temperature of the cladding layer.

We conclude: when choosing a hollow facing brick, you must first of all pay attention to the thickness of its wall with the facing layer. The thicker it is, the more durable the stone.

How to check the degree of water absorption of a brick when buying it

The information provided by the manager of a building materials store is not always true. The point is not in the seller's desire to deceive the buyer, but in the fact that he operates with data transmitted to him by the manufacturer.

A competent owner approaches the choice of building material extremely responsibly. He will definitely inquire about all the characteristics of the product declared by the manufacturer. For such a buyer, information on how to choose a facing brick according to the degree of water absorption will be useful.

It is necessary to put next to all those products that have been selected for comparison. A small amount of water is applied to each of them. You can use a spoon or any other suitable object for this purpose. Next, watch how quickly the building stones absorb water. Draw conclusions and make decisions. You can focus on the table.

Table. Moisture absorption of different types of facing bricks.

If possible, you need to find out if the front layer of the brick was treated with a water repellent at the factory. If yes, then it is necessary to clarify which one. Most modern water repellents are made on a paraffin basis. The surface treated by them has a water-repellent property. But at the same time with this plus, the product acquires two minuses at once.

1. The vapor permeability of the face layer of the brick is reduced. Moisture that leaves the interior of a building through its outer walls meets a barrier - a layer of water repellent. For this reason, condensation builds up in the stone.
2. The pores closed with paraffin prevent water from leaving the brick. Therefore, after laying stones on a cement-sand mortar, their moisture level increases significantly and remains so for a long time.

In addition to paraffin wax, there are imported water repellents based on chemicals. But due to their high cost, they are rarely used by brick manufacturers. Hydrophobization of facades is an important and necessary process. But it cannot be carried out in the first year after the completion of construction. It is necessary to wait until the stones are completely dry after laying.

Video - Facing brick for the facade. Which to choose?

Facade design options with facing bricks

Any project of a public or industrial building must include a detailed description of the facade design. Cladding bricks are often used by architects and designers to add personality to a building.

A private trader who has a built house can independently choose a finishing option and thereby realize his dream, and not other people's fantasies. In this difficult matter, information about the types of facing bricks and the most successful combinations of color and texture will provide serious help.

The main technique used to decorate facades is color highlighting.

There are two options:

• the use of a colored masonry mixture that contrasts or harmoniously matches the color of the facing brick;

• the use of building stones of different colors; in this way, you can emphasize the main lines of the building (arches, cornices, moldings) or highlight whole sectors.

There are many types of decorative masonry. Each of them is original in its own way and is able to decorate the building.

Highlighting in facade design

Types of facing bricks

When choosing a masonry pattern, you need to focus on the architectural style of the building. It should be noted that the fence, gate, entrance group of the house must form a single ensemble.

A frequently used technique for decorating facades is highlighting corners and window openings with color or texture.

Underline corners and window openings with color or texture

In this case, different types of brick dressing can be used, which creates an additional decorative effect.

Harmonious combinations of different types of masonry allow you to create a series of ornaments that make the appearance of the house unique.

If you use a facing brick with a rough texture, the house will acquire a deliberately brutal look.

Brick with a rough texture

The use of shaped bricks of different types and sizes allows you to build spectacular decorative lines. Facade design can be very different. A variety of colors, textures and types of facing bricks allows you to make your home beautiful and cozy.

Facing brick laying

Facade cladding technology is practically no different from the laying of ordinary ordinary bricks. Almost the same requirements are imposed on the process and quality of work. The difference is in the type of masonry and the type of binder used.

But finishing the facade with facing bricks is not an easy task. It requires masonry skills and knowledge of the nuances of working with each type of this facing material. In addition, the performer of the work must be extremely careful and perfectly master all the tools necessary for masonry.

Most often, in the process of facing facades, they use:

• trowel (the most convenient blade length is 18-19 cm);
• hammer pickaxe;
• mortar blade (for applying and distributing the binder over relatively large areas);
• jointing (necessary to give the masonry seams a beautiful shape);
• control devices (ordering, mooring lines, rule).

Types of facing masonry

For facades, the most spectacular types of brickwork are chosen.

1. Track... In this type of masonry, each row consists of bricks laid with a "spoon" and is offset relative to the previous one by ½ or ¼ bricks.
2. Blocky... It is carried out by alternating rows, in one of which the brick is laid with a "spoon", and in the next - with a "poke".
3. Cross... It is a type of block masonry, but it is performed with an offset in every 2nd row by ½ brick. The result is a cruciform pattern, in which each "spoon" is surrounded by a single "poke" above and below.
4. Gothic... One of the most difficult types of cladding masonry, which requires accurate brick displacement. Consists of alternating rows of spoons and pokes. In each next row, the "spoon" is shifted by ¼ of the length, and the "poke" by ½.

Facing technology

Step 1. Preparation for laying on mortar. Before placing the bricks on the mortar, always perform "dry" laying.

It is necessary in order to:

• determine the required number of building stones;
• pick them up in size and color;
• determine the required number of brick halves;
• determine the location of stones when making corners and openings.

During the placement of stones on the plinth, marks are made that will serve as a guide when laying on a mortar. At this stage of work, bricks are cut using a grinder equipped with a stone disc.

Step 2. Preparation of the solution. The mortar for facing brickwork differs from the standard one in that it is necessary to add only sifted, preferably river sand, to its composition. The proportions for the cement-sand mortar are standard: 1 part of Portland cement grade not lower than M400, 3 parts of sand, water, plasticizer, coloring pigment (if necessary). The consistency of the binder should be creamy. From a properly prepared solution, you can roll a soft ball.

Step 3. For laying the first row, perform the following actions:

• determine the highest point of the base;
• a reinforcing mesh is laid on the waterproofing coating;
• set, focusing on the marks made during the "dry" masonry, two corner bricks;
• pull a thread between them so that it indicates the height of the row;
• carry out the laying of intermediate bricks, making sure that the seam between them is of the same width (optimally 8-10 mm);
• in order for the brick to fall into place, it is knocked out with a pick;
• jointing is used to align and design the seams.

Step 4. Laying according to the pattern. To bandage the facing masonry with the bearing wall, use metal anchors, which are buried into the wall by at least 10 mm. Additional reinforcement of corners and openings with reinforcement rods is performed. The anchors are installed in brick increments of 2-2.5. The brick is laid in accordance with the masonry pattern.

When performing facing work, it is necessary to ensure that the cement-sand mortar does not stain the front surface of the building stones. If cement gets on it, it must be removed immediately with a dry cloth. Every 4-5 rows of facing masonry, the wall is wiped with a damp cloth.

Video - Facing the facade with bricks

Almost always there comes a moment when the owner of a private private house thinks about the need for facing the house with bricks. In general, in the modern market there are many options for external cladding, including decorative plaster, plastic frames (siding), special facing plates or ceramic tiles. However, despite the many options, more people choose reliable and proven material over the years. Modern brick for cladding combines reliability and excellent appearance. Color schemes and textures are varied and varied. Even if you have an old ramshackle home, brick cladding will give it a fresh look.

For facing work, the same types of bricks are used as for other ordinary ordinary work. The only difference is the quality of the material; the front part of the brick is used for cladding. So which brick is better? Varieties of cladding bricks:

Red ceramic

The cost of red brick remains acceptable all the time. It is one of the most popular cladding options. Its main disadvantage is a high rate of absorbed moisture (from 5 to 20 percent, depending on the manufacturer and batch). This affects its frost resistance, which in red brick is within 25-75 cycles. This means that it can withstand freezing and thawing for so many times, without losing its strength and changing its other properties. The higher the frost resistance index, the more expensive the brick is, but it is better to choose a more frost-resistant one. The indicator is designated by the Latin letter "F". The ingress of moisture into the pores significantly degrades the properties of the brick. Freezing, water expands, thereby leading to the appearance of cracks. Cladding materials are coated with a special hydrophobic layer on the front, this is done by manufacturers, but this is often not enough. It is better to revet the house, all the walls in the house, with special primers, after its laying. This will extend the life of the wall. Brick house, ceramic brick houses look the best.

White silicate

The cheapest material among all, however, it is the least suitable for cladding. Its frost resistance reaches 50 cycles, it has good heat conductivity, but it is much more hydrophobic. They produce many color variations of this material, it has excellent decorative properties, but does not tolerate a humid climate. It is better to clad with white brick in warm areas, since when treated with special solutions, it will be able to serve for a long time. But silicate has increased strength, it is obtained by autoclaving, therefore, with a brick lining of silicate, the house will last longer. The result is a highly durable silicate material.

Hyper-pressed materials

The name speaks for itself. This material is obtained by pressing without the use of heat treatment. Its main component is lime, to which special plasticizers and fillers are added. As with silicates, the color schemes of hyper-compressed bricks are varied. Many color pigments are used to color it. According to manufacturers, the frost resistance of such bricks can reach 150 cycles. For decorative properties, it is often produced in the form of a wild stone. Non-linearity of dimensions can lead to a deterioration in the hygroscopicity of the material, but its surface is treated with water-repellent compounds, like the rest of the bricks.

Clinker

A relatively new good material for cladding. It has the best strength and density characteristics, due to which it is resistant to humid environments. This is a good property for outdoor masonry. Combined with its strength, clinker brick cladding is reliable and durable. But such brickwork is more difficult in the manufacturing process, the bricklayer has to use a thick, non-plastic mortar. The frost resistance of such material can be up to 150 cycles. Its strength characteristics allow manufacturers to create it in a variety of forms. It can be used to build complex facade elements. But all these advantages are greatly leveled by its cost. Clinker brick cladding will cost you much more. Its production is more difficult, its cost can be up to 100 percent higher than that of ceramic.

Dimensions (edit)

The choice of brick is not limited to its composition. Its linear dimensions also matter. There are 3 main types:

• Single (250 x 120 x 65 mm.);
• One and a half (250 x 120 x 88 mm.);
• Double (130 x 176 x 206 mm.).

Other sizes are also produced, but these are the most common. The chosen single or one-and-a-half size is best suited for cladding, as the brickwork looks more beautiful.

Attention should also be paid to emptiness. Facing material, like ordinary, is produced with voids or full-bodied. It is better to choose hollow bricks so as not to increase the weight load on the wall.

Wall cladding with hyper-pressed bricks is reliable, but you need to pay attention to the period of its production. The material should "lie down" for about a month, only then it gains sufficient strength.

Brick wall cladding of a wooden house (timber, brick cladding of a frame house)

Technologically, brick lining of a wooden house is the most difficult. This is due to the large difference in the characteristics of the two materials. It is quite difficult to correctly combine their individual properties. The main problem is to finish it in such a way as to create ventilation between the insulation and the brick. In addition, the insulation itself must be installed on the wooden facade. On top of the surface of the insulation, vapor barrier materials are applied. This ensures the required level of humidity in the building. Thus, the dew point is carried out of the dwelling and the brick-clad house "breathes". Of course, if the thickness of the wooden walls is large, then it is not necessary to insulate them (the wood itself is warm). However, wind protection and ventilation space should be left.

The ventilation space should be about 50 mm. It is equipped over the entire area of ​​the wall from the foundation to the roof. In order for the air to circulate, special holes are left in the lower and upper parts. Air enters from below and exits through the top. For every 15 meters of the wall, holes of 700 mm must be made. Technically, they are equipped in the following ways:

• A hollow brick is placed on its side;
• The side seams in the masonry are not filled with mortar;
• Holes are laid out and metal gratings are installed on top of them.

As a heater, you can use mineral basalt wool, polystyrene and expanded polystyrene of increased strength. But it is not advisable to choose the latter, since they do not allow air to pass through, because of which the wooden walls can begin to rot. In addition, foam is a highly flammable material, unlike cotton wool.

It is important to know that it is impossible to insulate a new wooden house, it must shrink. (about 2 years)

How to choose cladding for a wooden house

The wood itself looks beautiful if it is not an old house. But the combination of brick and wood is very difficult in its combination. The advantages of cladding include:

• Increasing the fire safety of the building;
• Warming, as a result, reducing heating costs;
• Improving the physical and mechanical properties of the wall and wear resistance.

The negative consequences include:

• Cladding technology is complex due to the arrangement of a ventilated facade. In case of non-compliance with the technology, the lined house will begin to rot due to a violation of the microclimate. Decay of walls or insulation will begin.
• The resizing of bricks and wood in warm and cold seasons is not the same, which is why the wall must be fastened in a movable manner. Sudden temperature changes can lead to delamination of the cladding.
• Foundation safety margin. A feature of a brick is its weight. It is significantly heavier than wooden structures, so the foundation must be calculated in advance for the increase in weight.

It turns out that it is not reasonable to build a house of wood, planned with cladding in advance. This makes sense if you want to overlay the facade of an old wooden house.

Technological process

The process itself is not complicated. To begin with, the entire surface of the wall is treated with protective primers. A lattice of boards is stuffed on top (after soaking them with the same primers). They are needed to install insulation. Boards serve as a frame for insulation. Its thickness should be from 50 to 150 mm, depending on the thickness of the walls and the climatic conditions of the region. The insulation is installed so that there are gaps. It should fit snugly against the wall and frame. If the technology is not followed, "cold bridges" will form in the gaps. The wall will freeze in only one place.

On top of the insulation, a vapor barrier is filled with a construction stippler. Sometimes a vapor barrier is used, which removes steam only in one direction. In this case, it needs to be directed outside the house.

The walls are clad in brick floor, usually they need anchoring. There are several ways to do this. For wooden walls, you can use a regular nail. It is hammered into the wall and bent over. A wire is wound on it and tied between the seams in the masonry.

The second option is to use a reinforcing mesh. Reinforce the wall in such a way that the reinforcement rods tied every fifth row of masonry.

How to properly reinforce a wall

Reinforcement allows you to more reliably connect the facing material and the wall of the house. It is better not to neglect this procedure, and in some cases you cannot do without it at all. Of course, such a process increases the cost of the work, as well as the duration of its implementation. For reinforcement, reinforcement with a diameter of 6 mm and a mesh with a mesh size of about 40-60 mm are used.

Brick cladding of aerated concrete house

The vapor permeability in such a material is higher than in brick, therefore, facing of foam blocks with bricks leads to the same problems as with wood. In order not to disturb the microclimate in the building, they must make a gap for ventilation. If you cover it without observing the technology and do not make a gap, then the process of destruction of the wall from the gas block will begin, condensation will begin to form between the cladding and the house, destroying both materials.

For foam concrete, the difference in brick cladding is in the insulation. He, as a rule, is simply not needed. And if there is a desire to insulate, then the technological process is the same as with wood.

The main reason for insulating such houses is the destruction of the masonry material. Porous materials strongly absorb moisture, and besides, they are not more durable. Their service life is much shorter than that of bricks, therefore, houses built of foam concrete (aerated concrete) are planned to be clad immediately, sometimes using a three-layer insulation.

The clad house has a beautiful aesthetic appearance. Brick is the classic cladding option and never goes out of style. Knowing the sequence of work, you can do them yourself, saving on the wages of professionals.

Video

Brick is used not only as a building material. It perfectly fulfills the function of facade decoration. It would seem who will be surprised by a brick facade, but modern manufacturers of this material have learned to create not only durable specimens, but also interesting shapes, textures, and colors.

From the name it follows that the material is used for cladding the house. Also called front or front, but this does not mean at all that the strength characteristics are set aside by the manufacturers.

The brick, with which the walls are trimmed from the outside, must also have good strength indicators. This is due to the fact that the facade is constantly exposed to serious loads, such as:

• Mechanical damage (shock, wind gusts).
• Jumps in ambient temperature.
• Atmospheric precipitation, which means regular high humidity.
• Ultraviolet radiation.
• Biological effects (mold, fungus, insects, rodents).

Thanks to special manufacturing technologies, the brick facade is able to withstand all the above loads. At the same time, the material retains its attractive appearance for a long time without unnecessary maintenance costs.

The advantages and disadvantages of such a finish

When choosing materials for decorating the facade, you should definitely study all the pros and cons of one or another option. Consult with professionals, contact home owners who have chosen the same finish and know how the material works. Online forums are also fine. It is advisable to visit third-party sites, and not the online store of some manufacturer.

As for the brick cladding, the following advantages are distinguished:

1. High moisture repellency.
2. Durability and reliability.
3. Frost resistance of the structure.
4. Steam permeability.
5. Fire and environmental safety.
6. Long service life from 50 years.
7. Self-cleaning - dust and dirt are washed off with rainwater.
8. Easy maintenance.
9. Versatility - suitable for both outdoor and indoor decoration.
10. Large selection of shades and factor.

Of course, there are several disadvantages, like any other finishing material.
Let's get acquainted with them:

• High price.
• Low-quality products are covered with white bloom (efflorescence).
• It is important to buy the right amount of bricks from the same batch, otherwise the elements will differ in color. Although some specially buy 2-3 shades and mix the elements during the installation process. Thus, they create a unique pattern on the facade.

After evaluating the information received, everyone decides for themselves whether this option is suitable or not.

When can and when can not brick wall cladding be done?

But there are several points that do not allow the use of a brick
masonry:

1. Low foundation strength. Brick is still a heavy material and requires a solid foundation. Therefore, if at first it was planned to erect a frame house with light cladding, but during operation it was decided to make a cladding of bricks, then it would be necessary to equip an additional foundation exclusively for the finishing wall.
2. Affects the choice of cladding and the strength of the load-bearing wall. The vertical brick is connected to the supporting structure so that it does not fall to one side or the other. This means that the main wall must withstand the additional load. A gas silicate base is suitable.
3. The need for roof redevelopment also carries a lot of weight when choosing a brick facade. The finished roof will not be able to protect the new structure.

All these nuances significantly increase the price of an already expensive cladding. If the house is old and cannot withstand such loads, then it is better to use lighter options for repair, for example, basement siding with imitation of bricks or ceramic tiles for the facade. A curtain wall is used.

It is better if the brick facade is included in the project of the new house. Then, when erecting the facing wall according to the drawing, there will be no unforeseen costs or situations. Plus, when everything is planned and executed correctly, the structure will be much stronger.

Types of bricks for wall cladding

The modern building materials market offers types of facing bricks, which differ in the composition of the initial components and the method of production. But this does not mean that the technical characteristics are also different. All values ​​are located approximately at the same level. Only the appearance and colors are different. Therefore, we will consider several popular options.

Ceramic

The main raw material for the manufacture of such bricks is different types of clay. Several additional substances are added to the main component, which slightly improve its quality. The material is created full-bodied or with cavities. Strength does not depend on the presence of cavities; rather, the thermal insulation function improves.

Basically, they offer a range of shades from brown to orange and yellow, which is associated with the raw materials. No dye is added to such a brick. The surface of the elements is glossy or matt. The production features are as follows:

1. Thorough mixing of all components, especially if several types of clay have been used.
2. Forming of blanks.
3. Firing at a temperature of 800-1000 degrees.

But even in the case of using one type of clay, the shade of individual elements is different, and this is due to the following factors:

• Insufficient quality mix.
• Raw materials from the same quarry often differ in composition and color.
• Temperature fluctuations. The higher the workpieces are heated, the darker the brick will turn out.
• The duration of heat treatment is the same dependence as in the previous version. The longer it is fired, the darker.

The disadvantage of ceramic bricks is the frequent manifestation of efflorescence. The presence of such white spots is associated with poor quality raw materials or a short firing time. The composition of the adhesive is also an influential factor. Select only high-quality components for the solution.

Clinker

This is another version of ceramic bricks, but differs from its predecessor in the following points in manufacturing:

1. Only refractory clays are chosen.
2. Pigments are added to the batch, which makes it possible to make bricks of different colors.
3. After shaping, firing is performed at higher temperatures of about 1300 degrees. The material becomes strong and can withstand significant loads.

The clinker is distinguished by its decorative properties, but at the same time it is expensive. Everything is connected with a complex production process. In addition, goods from foreign manufacturers are mainly represented on the domestic market. Russian manufacturers still fall short of quality standards.

Hyperpressed

Such a brick consists mainly of waste from various industries:

• limestone;
• shell rock;
• waste from processing natural stones;
• slags.

In order to bind all the components, a little cement is added. To obtain colored pigments, mineral and natural pigments are used. The hyper-pressed brick differs in the process of creating products:

1. Thorough mixing of dry components.
2. Moisten the mixture with a little water.
3. Packing by forms.
4. Exposure to high pressure.

The workpieces are dried until the moisture completely disappears. As you can see, the firing process is completely absent, but this does not make the brick brittle. On the contrary, thanks to the binder, the material acquires the same strength as natural stone. Hyper-pressed cladding costs a little less than clinker or ceramics, since the technological process is simpler.

The dimensions of the parts turn out to be almost the same, which is difficult to achieve when creating the previous options. This means that it is easier to overlay the facade with such material. The front side of the brick resembles a torn stone, since it has chips and breaks. This texture only attracts buyers, because it is an imitation of natural
stone.

Silicate

For the manufacture of this option, clay is not used at all. Manufacturers choose the main components:

• Quartz sand.
• Lime.
• Pigments.
• Mineral supplements.

Before sending the blanks for firing at a temperature of 120-200 0 С, they are subjected to pressing. Such actions allow you to give the parts the correct shape with small errors in dimensions (up to 0.5 mm). It should be said that silicate bricks are also fired at an increased pressure of up to 12 atmospheres.

This material is much cheaper than the above types. But they are rarely used as facade cladding. This is due to:

1. High moisture absorption.
2. Low UV resistance.
3. Poor reaction to negative ambient temperature readings.

If this option is chosen for decoration, they take care of protection from destructive factors. The facade is treated with moisture-repellent compounds and the overhang of the roof is increased.

What is Bavarian masonry?

As mentioned above, bricks from different batches differ significantly in color. In the 17th century, the Bavarians faced the same problem. They tried to select raw materials more carefully, constantly improved the manufacturing process, but nothing came of it.

Then it occurred to me to sort the finished products by color. Unfortunately, the desired result was also not there. There was nothing left to do but mix all the elements of 2–4 shades and distribute them evenly over the facade so that light or dark areas do not form on the surface.

The builders noticed that houses with this pattern looked no worse than plain buildings. In addition, the masonry gave the building brightness and attractiveness, making it stand out from the crowd. Now this style of brickwork is considered a sign of good taste, and tourists go to Bavaria to admire the ancient buildings.

Photos of beautiful designs of brick houses

Examples using bricks

Someone likes brickwork, and the owner strives to recreate such a facade in any way - using facing bricks or materials that can imitate this facing. Others try to get away from the standards and disguise the brick walls in any known way.

There is no dispute about tastes, since everyone has their own vision of beauty. Therefore, we will consider several options for facades decorated with bricks, but in different interpretations and styles.

Universal brick facade

Brick is such a versatile material that it is even used to decorate houses with columns, arches, stucco and other facade decor. At the same time, the building will not lose its attractiveness, but, on the contrary, will sparkle with new colors, and at the same time it will not look vulgar or tasteless.

A correctly selected shade of cladding elements, as well as texture, will only emphasize the taste and status of the owner of the house. Therefore, turning to brickwork as a facade update, you should not worry about whether the structure will be just as beautiful. No, it won't, but it will be completely new!

Painted bricks, external walls in different colors

With the help of paints and varnishes, they transform a brick facade, which has already become boring. But be careful when choosing this method of decorating a private building. The paint penetrates deeply and unevenly into the structure of the brick, and it will be extremely difficult to get rid of it.

As you know, paint is not a material with a long service life, therefore, having painted a brick facade once, it must be maintained in an attractive form every 3-5 years, depending on the type of paint chosen. In addition, some types cover the facade with a durable film that does not allow moisture to pass from the interior. This will negatively affect the base material.

If this option is suitable and does not frighten the owner, then there is no limit to imagination. On the construction market, a large number of facade paints are already tinted or white, which lend themselves to pigmentation. The pigment is chosen from the same manufacturer as the paint.

On the facade, no more than three shades are combined. Window and door openings, a porch, etc. are distinguished with a contrasting color. To choose a color scheme, they will use advice from fashionable construction publications, their Internet counterparts or professional designers.

In all versions, there are photo galleries where they select a ready-made version or create a completely new one at the request of the client. It is quite possible to paint it with your own hands, but if the building is large, two-story, then it is better to resort to the services of a professional team with the appropriate tools and equipment.

Whitewashed brick

One of the options for coloring the facade is the application of whitewash on the brick. This way of decorating external houses will allow you to achieve the aging effect. Whitewashing of bricks was often used in English villages, so those who are interested in this style cannot do without whitewash.

For whitewashing, use a mixture of lime and table salt. If you add a small amount of white cement, the layer will be stronger and last longer.

Energy efficient brick

The energy efficiency of this material lies in the ability to heat up for a long time, and then give off heat to the environment for a long time. Thus, we have the following:

• In the summer, the facade warms up in the sun, but the heat does not penetrate into the premises, therefore the coolness remains there.
• In winter, the heated inner walls do not let heat outside, but at the same time they keep the heat inside the rooms for a long time.

Buildings with a long service life require wall insulation. Therefore, when laying decorative bricks, a small gap is left between the main and outer (decorative wall). Insulating material is placed in this gap, taking into account the ventilated gap.

If this is not done, then moisture will accumulate in the thermal insulation material, which will lead to destruction. In addition, the walls inside the rooms will be wet. And if you leave the gap, then you do not need to ventilate the room additionally.

Natural beauty

For the manufacture of facing bricks, synthetic materials are rarely used. Therefore, such a cladding remains naturally and absolutely safe for human health, as well as for the surrounding nature. If dyes are added to create the finish in bright colors, then they are rather natural of mineral origin.

Naturalness is always in vogue, and now, when the world around us is stuffed with synthetic substances, you want to close yourself in a country cottage or city one-story house made of natural ingredients.

Playing with texture

Brick works well with different materials that have an original texture. There is no difference wooden tiles or decorative elements on a metal facade, a stone path or a plinth and corners are finished with stone. The brick facade will emphasize the originality of the finish.

You can finish several elements with plaster and leave a clean facade, which looks good. In addition, bricks of different types and shades are well combined on the same house. You just need to skillfully select a separate area.

Mix shingles and bricks

If there is a large number of green spaces around the house with an attic, then raw brick is suitable as a decoration for the facade. At the same time, the roof is covered with unpainted tiles. This way of decorating the facade will create coziness throughout the entire area, and convey the spirit of the forest thicket.

Handmade brick

Now all bricks are made in factories and in large batches. Previously, everything was done by hand without the use of complex techniques. If you want to highlight your home from the total mass of buildings, you can do everything the old fashioned way.

Knead the solution, pour into wooden molds and burn over the fire. Washing out irregularities on the bricks with sand, create an original velvety texture. Such blocks will aesthetically embellish the facade and convey the spirit of the ancient mansion.

Modern brick

The versatility of the brick facade allows it to be used for modern buildings in the minimalist style. Various colors and textures are suitable for creating an accent both on the facade and indoors. In addition, there is nothing wrong with completely revealing the facade.

Should you do the cladding yourself?

The brick laying process is quite complicated. Without experience in this area, it is almost impossible to make a flat wall horizontally and vertically. Moreover, there are also features of the formation of an external decorative wall. It is necessary to make flexible connections, leave ventilation gaps between the elements. It is very difficult to control everything. Moreover, the work will not proceed quickly.

Therefore, you should not tempt fate and transfer expensive bricks and mortar, but immediately hire a professional team of bricklayers. Finding good employees will also be difficult. Ask your friends or neighbors for advice, maybe there are such people in their environment. And be prepared for the fact that the cost of performing the work is also not cheap.

Any construction of facing bricks is required only for finishing the outer walls of the building, the construction of which is carried out using ordinary solid bricks. Facing differs from it in that it has a regular geometric shape with smooth edges and a pleasant color evenly distributed over the entire surface of the stone.

Facing brick laying allows you to make the facade of the house presentable.

Types of facing bricks and their purpose

For cladding houses, a special type of brick is used: front. It has its own subspecies:

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

Building stones of each of these types have special performance characteristics, since they have different production technologies and composition. They determine the purpose of each type of stone. Any of these finishing bricks may not have the usual parallelepiped shape, but curly. Such products are called shaped. They are used to bring the most interesting design ideas to life.

Shaped bricks can have the following shapes:

• trapezoidal (with two beveled edges);
• chipped (with finishing one of the faces imitating an artificial or natural stone);
• twisted;
• wedge-shaped;
• curly.

Each of these types of building stones can have a different surface texture. Manufacturers achieve a spectacular appearance of their products through the use of two technologies:

• glaze;
• engobing.

In addition, finishing bricks can have a flat or embossed surface. Glazed stones have an effective glossy layer, which is applied either to a raw blank or to an already finished product. The glazed coating can be of a wide variety of colors and shades. Such a brick is often used where it is necessary to apply the effect of artificial aging of an object.

Engobed bricks have an even matte surface. They are ideal for finishing the facades of residential and public buildings of any number of storeys. Engobing involves the application of one more finishing layer of clay to the raw material. Due to this, the thermal conductivity of such stones is lower than that of other types of bricks. This property is actively used to provide buildings with additional insulation.

Whitish-gray sand-lime brick has not so high aesthetic characteristics, but is often used as a finishing material for facades of various buildings. Silicate stones are produced by pressing. The stones include lime, clay, quartz sand and water. Lime gives the color to the product.

Ceramic facing brick is a leader in terms of performance and aesthetic characteristics. This building material is made from high quality clay by firing. Various pigments are added to the composition, which determine the color of the finished product.

Types of facing brick masonry

Finishing facade work can be carried out simultaneously with the construction of walls or after the completion of their construction. Any of these methods involves ligating the cladding with the load-bearing wall of the building. It is performed using metal tabs in the seams. Steel knitting wire is often used to fix the finishing brick to the walls of the building. To complete the work required:

• bubble building level at least 80 cm long;
• trowel or trowel;
• hammer or mallet;
• metal rod of square section 1x1 cm, which is required to form an even masonry seam of the same thickness;
• a round metal bar with a cross section of 1x1 cm, which will be needed for joining.

You can create real masterpieces from facing bricks. There are many types of masonry made from this material, which provide a stylish and presentable look to the building. Types of facade masonry:

• gothic;
• Dutch
• Silesian;
• bonded (several varieties);
• spoon (several varieties);
• chain;
• cross;
• Flemish;
• chaotic.

The cladding of the building is carried out by the most experienced builders, who are familiar with all the nuances of finishing work, the beginning of which is to check the evenness and horizontality of a special protrusion on the foundation of the building, which was provided during its construction specifically for the device of the facade.

If necessary, this ledge is leveled with a cement-sand mortar.

Masonry technology using facing bricks

1. Mixing mortar for masonry. For facade work, Portland cement of a grade not lower than M500 is used. The sand should be mined from a quarry and sieved with high quality through a sieve with cells not larger than 2x2 mm. To ensure plasticity and frost resistance, special additives are added to the masonry mortar. The ratio of sand and cement is 4: 1. Add enough water to make a creamy mass.
2. A container with water is placed in the immediate vicinity of the work site. Bricks will be soaked in it. This is necessary so that the stones do not absorb moisture from the masonry mortar, thereby provoking its premature drying and subsequent cracking.
3. Lay out the bottom 4-6 rows in the corners of the building.
4. To ensure the same thickness of the seams, a metal bar is used: put it on top of the lower brick and apply the mortar. Level the layer with a trowel or trowel. Place another brick on top and knock it down with a mallet until the bottom edge of the stone comes into contact with the bar.
5. A string is pulled between the corners so as to determine the level of each row of bricks when laying the walls. Finishing work continues according to a similar algorithm.

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The binding of the cladding to the bearing wall is carried out every 4 rows in the following way: holes are drilled in the wall into which dowels are driven. A knitting wire is tied to these fasteners, the release of which is laid on the bricks of the finishing row. If this technology is followed, the facade will be durable and flawless in appearance.