All about clinker bricks for facades

In the field of building facades, clinker bricks are a perennial favorite due to their remarkable longevity and classic appeal. High-temperature fired bricks provide a special blend of durability, resistance to weather, and aesthetic adaptability, making them an excellent option for both homeowners and builders.

Clinker bricks’ resilience to inclement weather is one of their most notable qualities. Clinker bricks are less likely to absorb water than regular bricks, which reduces the likelihood of them eroding or cracking over time. Because of this, they are perfect for locations that experience harsh weather, guaranteeing that your facade will endure.

Beyond their usefulness, clinker bricks provide an extensive array of design options. They can go well with both contemporary and traditional architectural designs because they come in a variety of hues, textures, and finishes. There is a clinker brick option that will fit your vision, whether you like a sleek, contemporary finish or a rustic, handcrafted appearance.

Clinker bricks are not only practical and aesthetically pleasing, but they also have a low environmental impact. They are an environmentally friendly option that improves building energy efficiency because they are made of natural clay. They require less heating and cooling because of their thermal mass, which helps to control interior temperatures.

Selecting clinker bricks for your facade is a long-term, high-quality investment. Their resilient qualities and adaptable design provide the ideal ratio of form to function. In this piece, we’ll examine the many uses for clinker bricks, go deeper into their advantages, and offer advice on choosing the best kind for your job.

Clinker brick for facade

One of the strongest and most resilient kinds of ceramic material is clinker brick.

The material is manufactured from unique raw materials called kaolin clay, which includes unique ingredients like iron oxide and aluminum oxide.d), giving the material a specific color, ranging from cherry to dark purpleO, and strengthening the brick’s characteristics during firing. Carbon monoxide appears when the amount of oxygen in the air decreases during firing, giving the material its gray and black shades.

The process of making clinker bricks involves two different technological approaches. The first and most typical method is extrusion. Plastic material is continuously stretched through molding fissures and then periodically trimmed.

The second technique is individual molding, which is created for more costly material varieties created for specific registered orders. The first method provides the standard size of the material that makes the work easier, which is preferred in terms of shape and size stability.

Because of the material’s qualities, you can use it in somewhat unusual ways, like paver sidewalks or pool decorations. These duties are handled by the content quite skillfully.

An image of a clinker-brick home

Advantages and disadvantages

Considering clinker brick’s benefits are as follows:

  • High strength, hardness of the material.
  • Durability corresponds to the service life of the building.
  • Almost complete absence of moisture absorption, high frost resistance.
  • Resistance to sudden temperature changes.
  • High decorative properties of facing bricks.
  • Many options for color and material texture.
  • Resistant to mold, mildew, moss, etc.d.
  • No fading from exposure to UV rays.
  • Does not require any maintenance.

However, there are drawbacks as well:

  • To form a high-quality coating, you will need to contact professional masons.
  • The cost of material and labor is much higher than that of other finishing materials.
  • If you need to maintain the same color as possible, you will have to immediately buy the required amount of material from one batch, since the features of the technology cannot always ensure color stability.

Because the finished coating doesn’t require any additional actions or expenses, the one-time nature of the investment somewhat offsets the high prices associated with purchasing and laying clinker bricks.

Types of clinker facing bricks

Clinker brick facing surfaces come in a variety of forms.

  • Glossy.
  • Glazed.
  • Matte.
  • Corrugated (textured).

Furthermore, there are various sizes:

  • Single (1NF).
  • One and a half (1.4 NF).
  • Double (2.1NF).
  • Eurostandart (0.7 NF).
  • Modular, single (1.3 NF).

Depending on the block density:

  • Hall (facing).
  • Full -bodied (multifunctional).

The clinker facing brick is available in a number of modifications in addition to its standard parallelepiped form, all of which are intended to precisely design the building’s architectural elements.

Non-standard bricks, also known as preliminary bricks, come in a variety of designs. They are all intended to create transitions at various angles, with ribs or plane bends being among their features. About 20 options could be available for a non-standard shape.

Items that these kind of blocks can be used to decorate:

  • Bloomers.
  • Columns.
  • Corners with rounded or depressed edges.
  • Arches.
  • Window sills.
  • Basement edges.
  • Cornices, etc.d.

Additionally, Russia and Europe use a variety of brick formats, including:

  • DF – 240x115x52 mm.
  • RF – 240x115x65 mm.
  • NF – 240x115x71 mm.
  • WDF – 210x100x65 mm.
  • 2DF – 240x115x113 mm.
  • 3DF – 240x115x175 mm.

The most widely used format in Russia is NF, even though practically every kind of content is sold commercially. To ensure that there is no size mismatch, you should indicate the format when making your purchase, particularly if you intend to mix different types of bricks.

Clinker bricks are a great option for facades because they are low maintenance, visually appealing, and long-lasting. Since they are available in an array of hues and textures, creating a distinctive aesthetic for any house is a breeze. Because of their high firing temperatures, these bricks are resistant to fading and weathering. Because they are composed of natural materials, clinker bricks are not only strong and long-lasting but also environmentally friendly. The advantages of using clinker bricks for facades will be discussed in this article, along with how they support sustainable building practices and offer design flexibility.

Properties and technical specifications

Key characteristics of bricks with clinker facing:

  • Density – 2000 kg/m3.
  • Thermal conductivity – 1.17 W/m°C.
  • Moisture absorption – 3-5%.
  • Frost resistance – 200 cycles.
  • Vapor permeability – 0.07 mg/(m h Pa).
  • Acid resistance – 95%.
  • Fire resistance – no less than 1800°.
  • Service life – 130-150 years (some manufacturers claim a service life of up to 200 years).

It is possible to construct a structure that is almost completely impermeable thanks to advancements in clinker brick technology. Such material has a very low absorption of moisture, ensuring high resistance to frost. The absence of open planes, or beds, of hollow bricks where water could seep in and cause the material to tear when it freezes, is the only requirement that matters.

Since facing bricks are fired to a temperature of 1600°, exposure to high temperatures and open fires does not alter their properties. Because of their high density, clinker bricks have relatively poor sound insulation qualities because sound waves can travel far through the material.

The ability to carefully disassemble the cladding and re-lay the brick is a useful feature of clinker bricks, particularly if one needs to replace failed insulation or insulate a wall. Reusing the cladding is feasible because clinker materials are relatively simple to remove from hardened mortar.

Preparing the wall for cladding

Clinker brick siding is long-lasting, lasting several decades. It is imperative to address any wall imperfections completely before installing the facing bricks, as doing so will make repairs impossible afterward.

As a result, all current wall flaws need to be fixed. Furthermore, the installation of insulation needs to be done on a level surface free of any gaps or cavities that could allow water to collect and prevent moisture from being removed from wall materials.

Wet insulation or building materials will quickly become inoperable and begin to degrade, which is unacceptable and needs to be avoided during the preparatory phase.

Phases of production readiness:

  • Cleaning the surface of all foreign objects or materials. Removing old paint, accumulated layers, and shedding.
  • All defects in the walls, existing or formed during cleaning, must be repaired with putty. The cracks should be thoroughly expanded to determine their structure – inside they can expand and form significant cavities.
  • If the problem areas are large and there are too many of them, the best option is to completely plaster the wall.
  • The leveled surface is impregnated with two layers of deep penetration primer – primer. This operation will help strengthen the contact of the special adhesive for insulation with the wall, will secure the top layers of wall material and protect them from destruction.
  • Installation of insulation is carried out using conventional technology – in dense rows without cracks or gaps, using special glue with additional fastening with fungi – dowels with wide caps. Slab mineral wool, polystyrene foam or penoplex, etc. are used as insulation.P.

Whether a ventilation gap exists between the insulation and the cladding depends on the type of insulation. Non-vapor-permeable materials (foam plastic, penoplex, etc.) do not require a gap, whereas vapor-permeable materials (such as mineral wool) do. n) do not require a space.

It is necessary to place a sealed waterproofing membrane layer over the (vapor-permeable) insulation.

Cladding technology

  • The cladding can be laid with or without a ventilation gap. The need for ventilation of the lining space arises when using vapor-permeable insulation. When installing impermeable types of material, no gap is needed, and steam is removed from the inside using enhanced ventilation. In this case, the cladding is laid close to the insulation, which requires special attention to its position relative to the plane and vertical.
  • Laying begins from below on the foundation ledge. If its width is small, it should be increased using a metal corner attached to the foundation with anchors.
  • The first row of bricks is laid in compliance with ventilation gaps between every 3-4 bricks. They are gaps the size of the usual distance between adjacent bricks, but not filled with mortar. The topmost row of bricks is designed in a similar way. The gaps will allow ventilation of the ventilation gap and removal of water vapor from it.
  • Laying is carried out with an offset of 1/2 brick. For stability, the cladding is connected to the wall every 3-4 rows using anchors. They are installed slightly below the inter-row gaps and slightly bent upwards so that the flowing water gets on the waterproofing, and not on the cladding. Anchors are tucked into the inter-row seams at least 2/3 of the length.
  • The laying technology is no different from the generally accepted. Expansion joints, necessary to compensate for thermal expansion, are made every 12 meters (on the north side of the house – every 15, dark brick on the illuminated side of the house requires 9 m). Expansion joints are made along the line of brick joints and subsequently filled with sealant or other elastic material that does not allow water to pass through.

Useful video

You will discover the advantages and disadvantages of clinker bricks in this video:

Topic Details
What are Clinker Bricks? Clinker bricks are durable, water-resistant bricks made by firing clay at high temperatures.
Benefits They offer excellent durability, low water absorption, and a wide range of colors and textures.
Uses Commonly used for facades, pathways, and decorative elements.
Installation Requires careful planning and professional handling due to their hardness and precision.
Maintenance Low maintenance; occasional cleaning and inspection are usually sufficient.
Cost Generally more expensive than regular bricks, but their longevity makes them cost-effective over time.

A great option for boosting the aesthetic appeal and long-lasting quality of your home’s exterior are clinker bricks. They provide countless design options due to their wide range of hues and textures, making sure your home stands out with a distinctive and classic appearance.

Clinker bricks are well known for their exceptional strength and weather resistance in addition to their aesthetic appeal. This implies that they won’t lose their integrity or beauty even in the most extreme weather conditions, such as torrential downpours or intense heat. Over time, this durability results in lower maintenance and repair costs.

The environmental friendliness of clinker bricks is another significant benefit. Because they are made from natural materials and are frequently produced with sustainable practices, they help maintain a healthier environment. Additionally, by improving your home’s energy efficiency, their insulating qualities can lower your heating and cooling expenses.

Using clinker bricks in your facade project is a wise choice that will increase the appeal and value of your house. Regardless of your desired style—classic, rustic, or modern—these bricks provide an adaptable option that satisfies both practical and aesthetic needs.

For anyone wishing to improve the exterior of their home, clinker bricks are a great choice due to their unique blend of sustainability, durability, and beauty. They are a smart and fashionable choice because they not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your house but also offer long-lasting protection.

Video on the topic

Russian hand-molded brick – looks decent

Real clinker bricks do not absorb moisture and breathe

Installation of guides. Clinker. Super tool. Ventilated facade.

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Timur Kiselev

Professional builder with 15 years of experience. I know everything about the construction of houses, cottages, bathhouses and other buildings. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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