Specifying brick - Revision history

Editor at 20:05, 6 January 2022

2022-01-06T20:05:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:05, 6 January 2022
Line 50:		Line 50:
	* Blockwork.		* Blockwork.
	* Brick.		* Brick.
		+	* Brick bats and closures.
	* Brick bonding.		* Brick bonding.
	* Brick sizes.		* Brick sizes.

Designing Buildings at 08:06, 14 November 2021

2021-11-14T08:06:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:06, 14 November 2021
Line 45:		Line 45:
	More detailed information on brick specification can be obtained from individual manufacturers and [https://brick.org.uk/ The Brick Development Association.]		More detailed information on brick specification can be obtained from individual manufacturers and [https://brick.org.uk/ The Brick Development Association.]

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Airbrick.		* Airbrick.
Line 63:		Line 63:
	* Swift brick.		* Swift brick.
	* Testing bricks.		* Testing bricks.
		+	* The influence of geology on English brickmaking.
	* Types of brick bonding.		* Types of brick bonding.
	* Types of concrete.		* Types of concrete.

Editor at 19:54, 16 March 2021

2021-03-16T19:54:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 16 March 2021
Line 56:		Line 56:
	* Defects in brickwork.		* Defects in brickwork.
	* Frog.		* Frog.
		+	* Greenbloc.
	* How to lay bricks.		* How to lay bricks.
	* Mortar.		* Mortar.

Editor at 18:30, 13 January 2021

2021-01-13T18:30:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:30, 13 January 2021
Line 55:		Line 55:
	* Coal ash.		* Coal ash.
	* Defects in brickwork.		* Defects in brickwork.
		+	* Frog.
	* How to lay bricks.		* How to lay bricks.
	* Mortar.		* Mortar.
Line 65:		Line 66:
	* Which way up should you lay a brick?		* Which way up should you lay a brick?

−	[[Category:~~Products_/_components~~]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 15:33, 17 October 2019

2019-10-17T15:33:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:33, 17 October 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{\|		{\|
−	\| [[File:~~Brick wall 2~~.jpg]]	+	\| [[File:Brick_wall_2.jpg\|link=File:Brick_wall_2.jpg]]
	\|}		\|}

Line 7:		Line 7:
	When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors such as the intended application, the exposure and the aesthetic effect required.		When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors such as the intended application, the exposure and the aesthetic effect required.

−	== Machine- or hand-made ==	+	= Machine- or hand-made =

	The production process by which bricks are made does not usually affect their in-use performance, whether from the point of view of durability or frost resistance. Whether a stock brick, hand-made or extruded brick is required will, more often than not, depend on the aesthetic effect that is required.		The production process by which bricks are made does not usually affect their in-use performance, whether from the point of view of durability or frost resistance. Whether a stock brick, hand-made or extruded brick is required will, more often than not, depend on the aesthetic effect that is required.

−	Extruded bricks – so-called because a column of clay is pushed through a die and then cut to size – can give very precise arrises leading to a more mechanical look. They come in a wide range of colours and textures. At one end of this process is the engineering brick which is both smooth, hard and precise, suited to contemporary projects, while at the other end of the spectrum, hand-made bricks are more suited to heritage and rural applications.	+	Extruded bricks – so-called because a column of clay is pushed through a die and then cut to size – can give very precise arrises leading to a more mechanical look. They come in a wide range of colours and textures. At one end of this process is the engineering brick which is both smooth, hard and precise, suited to contemporary projects, while at the other end of the spectrum, hand-made bricks are typically more suited to heritage and rural applications.

−	There are two types of handmade brick – those which really are handmade (ie a clump of clay is thrown manually into a mould, the excess smoothed off and the mould emptied of its contents), and those where the manual process is automated, replicating the hand-thrown process~~. Handmade bricks tend to be more suited to heritage projects and period renovations~~.	+	There are two types of handmade brick – those which really are handmade (ie a clump of clay is thrown manually into a mould, the excess smoothed off and the mould emptied of its contents), and those where the manual process is automated, replicating the hand-thrown process.

−	== Solid or perforated ==	+	= Solid or perforated =

	Bricks with holes are termed 'perforated' and come in a variety of shapes, size and number: three circular holes is a typical configuration, but perforations can be square or slotted. They are designed to make the brick lighter, use less clay and can result in more even firing. Where necessary, perforations can also be used to house reinforcing rods.		Bricks with holes are termed 'perforated' and come in a variety of shapes, size and number: three circular holes is a typical configuration, but perforations can be square or slotted. They are designed to make the brick lighter, use less clay and can result in more even firing. Where necessary, perforations can also be used to house reinforcing rods.

−	Care has to be taken when specifying ~~- perforated~~ bricks can be the norm on a project but it is often more prudent to specify solid bricks for applications such as:	+	Care has to be taken when specifying. Perforated bricks can be the norm on a project but it is often more prudent to specify solid bricks for applications such as:

	* Capping bricks on freestanding walls and steps, otherwise an unsightly holed effect will be visible.		* Capping bricks on freestanding walls and steps, otherwise an unsightly holed effect will be visible.
Line 25:		Line 25:
	* Where an acoustic internal partition is required. Frogged bricks may also be specified for this application but should be laid with the frog uppermost so it can be filled with mortar.		* Where an acoustic internal partition is required. Frogged bricks may also be specified for this application but should be laid with the frog uppermost so it can be filled with mortar.

−	== Application ==	+	= Application =

	Specifiers should consider where the bricks will be situated on the finished construction. Bricks located 150mm above and 150mm below finished ground level are considered as being most at risk from saturation and freezing. This typically requires the use of frost resistant bricks and of an appropriate saturation class.		Specifiers should consider where the bricks will be situated on the finished construction. Bricks located 150mm above and 150mm below finished ground level are considered as being most at risk from saturation and freezing. This typically requires the use of frost resistant bricks and of an appropriate saturation class.
Line 31:		Line 31:
	It should be remembered that bricks in parapets and freestanding walls tend to be more subject to saturation. Internal applications should also be considered, for example, internal fair-faced brickwork in a launderette or swimming pool may not be subject to saturation but could be exposed to high levels of water vapour. Such factors should be taken into account at the design stage.		It should be remembered that bricks in parapets and freestanding walls tend to be more subject to saturation. Internal applications should also be considered, for example, internal fair-faced brickwork in a launderette or swimming pool may not be subject to saturation but could be exposed to high levels of water vapour. Such factors should be taken into account at the design stage.

−	== Frost resistance ==	+	= Frost resistance =

	Clay is a dense and typically strong material but not all bricks are frost resistant. According to the Brick Development Association, “resistance to frost attack cannot be reliably assessed from any of the other physical properties of the brick” – whether compressive strength or water absorption. Spalling of the brick face will occur if a brick is specified for an environment where it will be subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.		Clay is a dense and typically strong material but not all bricks are frost resistant. According to the Brick Development Association, “resistance to frost attack cannot be reliably assessed from any of the other physical properties of the brick” – whether compressive strength or water absorption. Spalling of the brick face will occur if a brick is specified for an environment where it will be subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Line 37:		Line 37:
	BS EN 771-1 classifies bricks into three frost resistance categories - F0, F1, F2. These correspond to the O, M and F categories in BS 39213.		BS EN 771-1 classifies bricks into three frost resistance categories - F0, F1, F2. These correspond to the O, M and F categories in BS 39213.

−	== Special bricks ==	+	= Special bricks =

−	It is often tempting to design special bricks to add an extra aesthetic dimension to brickwork. Although most brick factories in the UK have an impressive ability to produce the most intricate shapes, special bricks can be ~~very~~ expensive and, if cost is a major factor on a project, they ~~should be~~ kept to a minimum.	+	It is often tempting to design special bricks to add an extra aesthetic dimension to brickwork. Although most brick factories in the UK have an impressive ability to produce the most intricate shapes, special bricks can be expensive and, if cost is a major factor on a project, they are generally kept to a minimum.

	Bespoke specials (ie to the design of the specifier) are more expensive than standard specials – a range of shapes such as canted headers and stretchers or bull-nose bricks – which the manufacturer is likely to be able to produce relatively easily or may even have in stock.		Bespoke specials (ie to the design of the specifier) are more expensive than standard specials – a range of shapes such as canted headers and stretchers or bull-nose bricks – which the manufacturer is likely to be able to produce relatively easily or may even have in stock.
Line 50:		Line 50:
	* Blockwork.		* Blockwork.
	* Brick.		* Brick.
		+	* Brick bonding.
		+	* Brick sizes.
	* Cavity wall.		* Cavity wall.
	* Coal ash.		* Coal ash.
	* Defects in brickwork.		* Defects in brickwork.
	* How to lay bricks.		* How to lay bricks.
		+	* Mortar.
	* Pistol brick.		* Pistol brick.
	* Quoin.		* Quoin.
Line 60:		Line 63:
	* Types of brick bonding.		* Types of brick bonding.
	* Types of concrete.		* Types of concrete.
−	* Types of steel.
−	* Types of stone.
	* Which way up should you lay a brick?		* Which way up should you lay a brick?

−	[[Category:Products_/_components]]	+	[[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]

Editor at 10:17, 17 September 2019

2019-09-17T10:17:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:17, 17 September 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	{\|
		+	\| [[File:Brick wall 2.jpg]]
		+	\|}
		+
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

Editor at 10:09, 17 September 2019

2019-09-17T10:09:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 17 September 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors ~~including~~ the application, the exposure and the effect required.	+	When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors such as the intended application, the exposure and the aesthetic effect required.

	== Machine- or hand-made ==		== Machine- or hand-made ==

−	The production process by which bricks are made does not usually affect their in-use performance, whether from the point of view of durability or frost resistance. Whether a stock brick, hand-made or extruded brick is ~~needed~~ will more often than not depend on the aesthetic effect that is required.	+	The production process by which bricks are made does not usually affect their in-use performance, whether from the point of view of durability or frost resistance. Whether a stock brick, hand-made or extruded brick is required will, more often than not, depend on the aesthetic effect that is required.

−	Extruded bricks – so-called because a column of clay is pushed through a die and then cut to size – can give very precise arrises leading to a more mechanical look. They come in a wide range of colours and textures. ~~The extreme result~~ of this process is the engineering brick which is both smooth, hard and precise, suited to contemporary projects, while at the other end of the spectrum, hand-made bricks are more suited to heritage and rural applications.	+	Extruded bricks – so-called because a column of clay is pushed through a die and then cut to size – can give very precise arrises leading to a more mechanical look. They come in a wide range of colours and textures. At one end of this process is the engineering brick which is both smooth, hard and precise, suited to contemporary projects, while at the other end of the spectrum, hand-made bricks are more suited to heritage and rural applications.

−	There are two types of handmade brick – those which really are handmade (ie ~~the~~ clump of clay is thrown manually into a mould, the excess smoothed off and the mould emptied of its contents), and those where the manual process is automated, replicating the hand-thrown process. Handmade bricks tend to be more suited to heritage projects and period renovations.	+	There are two types of handmade brick – those which really are handmade (ie a clump of clay is thrown manually into a mould, the excess smoothed off and the mould emptied of its contents), and those where the manual process is automated, replicating the hand-thrown process. Handmade bricks tend to be more suited to heritage projects and period renovations.

	== Solid or perforated ==		== Solid or perforated ==

−	~~Perforations are the~~ holes ~~that~~ are ~~seen in bricks,~~ and ~~can be of~~ a variety of ~~shape~~, size and number; three circular holes is a typical configuration. They make the brick lighter, ~~require~~ less clay and can result in more even firing.	+	Bricks with holes are termed 'perforated' and come in a variety of shapes, size and number: three circular holes is a typical configuration, but perforations can be square or slotted. They are designed to make the brick lighter, use less clay and can result in more even firing. Where necessary, perforations can also be used to house reinforcing rods.

−	Care has to be taken when specifying: perforated bricks can be the norm on a project but it is often more prudent to specify solid bricks for:	+	Care has to be taken when specifying - perforated bricks can be the norm on a project but it is often more prudent to specify solid bricks for applications such as:

−	~~The ends of a~~ freestanding ~~wall, especially the capping brick~~ and steps, otherwise an unsightly holed effect will be visible.	+	* Capping bricks on freestanding walls and steps, otherwise an unsightly holed effect will be visible.
		+	* Where it is necessary to attach fixings into the brickwork, especially for heavy-duty loads.
		+	* Where an acoustic internal partition is required. Frogged bricks may also be specified for this application but should be laid with the frog uppermost so it can be filled with mortar.

−	~~Where it is necessary to attach fixings into the brickwork, especially for heavy-duty loads.~~	+	== Application ==

−	~~Where an acoustic internal partition is required. Frogged~~ bricks ~~may also~~ be ~~specified for this application but must be laid with~~ the ~~frog uppermost so it can be filled with mortar~~.	+	Specifiers should consider where the bricks will be situated on the finished construction. Bricks located 150mm above and 150mm below finished ground level are considered as being most at risk from saturation and freezing. This typically requires the use of frost resistant bricks and of an appropriate saturation class.
−		+
−	~~== Application ==~~	+

−	Specifying bricks must consider where the bricks will be situated on the finished construction. Bricks located 150mm above and 150mm below finished ground level are considered as being most at risk from saturation and freezing. This typically requires the use of frost resistant bricks and of an appropriate saturation class. It should be remembered that bricks in parapets and freestanding walls tend to be more subject to saturation. Internal applications should also be considered, for example, internal fair-faced brickwork in a launderette or swimming pool may not be subject to saturation but be exposed to high levels of water vapour. ~~These~~ should be taken into account at the design stage.	+	It should be remembered that bricks in parapets and freestanding walls tend to be more subject to saturation. Internal applications should also be considered, for example, internal fair-faced brickwork in a launderette or swimming pool may not be subject to saturation but could be exposed to high levels of water vapour. Such factors should be taken into account at the design stage.

	== Frost resistance ==		== Frost resistance ==
Line 31:		Line 31:
	Clay is a dense and typically strong material but not all bricks are frost resistant. According to the Brick Development Association, “resistance to frost attack cannot be reliably assessed from any of the other physical properties of the brick” – whether compressive strength or water absorption. Spalling of the brick face will occur if a brick is specified for an environment where it will be subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.		Clay is a dense and typically strong material but not all bricks are frost resistant. According to the Brick Development Association, “resistance to frost attack cannot be reliably assessed from any of the other physical properties of the brick” – whether compressive strength or water absorption. Spalling of the brick face will occur if a brick is specified for an environment where it will be subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

−	BS EN 771-1 classifies ~~the units~~ into three frost resistance categories F0, F1, F2. These correspond to the O, M and F categories in BS 39213.	+	BS EN 771-1 classifies bricks into three frost resistance categories - F0, F1, F2. These correspond to the O, M and F categories in BS 39213.

	== Special bricks ==		== Special bricks ==

−	It is often tempting to design special bricks to add an extra aesthetic dimension to brickwork. Although most brick factories in the UK have an impressive ability to produce the most intricate shapes, special bricks ~~are~~ expensive and, if cost is a major ~~criterion~~ on a project, they should be kept to a minimum.	+	It is often tempting to design special bricks to add an extra aesthetic dimension to brickwork. Although most brick factories in the UK have an impressive ability to produce the most intricate shapes, special bricks can be very expensive and, if cost is a major factor on a project, they should be kept to a minimum.

−	Bespoke specials (ie to the design of the specifier) are ~~much~~ more expensive than standard specials – a range of shapes such as canted headers and stretchers or bull-nose bricks – which the manufacturer is likely to be able to produce relatively easily, or may even have in ~~the yard~~.	+	Bespoke specials (ie to the design of the specifier) are more expensive than standard specials – a range of shapes such as canted headers and stretchers or bull-nose bricks – which the manufacturer is likely to be able to produce relatively easily or may even have in stock.

	More detailed information on brick specification can be obtained from individual manufacturers and [https://brick.org.uk/ The Brick Development Association.]		More detailed information on brick specification can be obtained from individual manufacturers and [https://brick.org.uk/ The Brick Development Association.]

Editor at 17:17, 16 September 2019

2019-09-16T17:17:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:17, 16 September 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	= Introduction =
		+
	When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors including the application, the exposure and the effect required.		When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors including the application, the exposure and the effect required.

−	Machine- or hand-made	+	== Machine- or hand-made ==

	The production process by which bricks are made does not usually affect their in-use performance, whether from the point of view of durability or frost resistance. Whether a stock brick, hand-made or extruded brick is needed will more often than not depend on the aesthetic effect that is required.		The production process by which bricks are made does not usually affect their in-use performance, whether from the point of view of durability or frost resistance. Whether a stock brick, hand-made or extruded brick is needed will more often than not depend on the aesthetic effect that is required.
Line 9:		Line 11:
	There are two types of handmade brick – those which really are handmade (ie the clump of clay is thrown manually into a mould, the excess smoothed off and the mould emptied of its contents), and those where the manual process is automated, replicating the hand-thrown process. Handmade bricks tend to be more suited to heritage projects and period renovations.		There are two types of handmade brick – those which really are handmade (ie the clump of clay is thrown manually into a mould, the excess smoothed off and the mould emptied of its contents), and those where the manual process is automated, replicating the hand-thrown process. Handmade bricks tend to be more suited to heritage projects and period renovations.

−	Solid or perforated	+	== Solid or perforated ==

	Perforations are the holes that are seen in bricks, and can be of a variety of shape, size and number; three circular holes is a typical configuration. They make the brick lighter, require less clay and can result in more even firing.		Perforations are the holes that are seen in bricks, and can be of a variety of shape, size and number; three circular holes is a typical configuration. They make the brick lighter, require less clay and can result in more even firing.
Line 21:		Line 23:
	Where an acoustic internal partition is required. Frogged bricks may also be specified for this application but must be laid with the frog uppermost so it can be filled with mortar.		Where an acoustic internal partition is required. Frogged bricks may also be specified for this application but must be laid with the frog uppermost so it can be filled with mortar.

−	=== Application ===	+	== Application ==

	Specifying bricks must consider where the bricks will be situated on the finished construction. Bricks located 150mm above and 150mm below finished ground level are considered as being most at risk from saturation and freezing. This typically requires the use of frost resistant bricks and of an appropriate saturation class. It should be remembered that bricks in parapets and freestanding walls tend to be more subject to saturation. Internal applications should also be considered, for example, internal fair-faced brickwork in a launderette or swimming pool may not be subject to saturation but be exposed to high levels of water vapour. These should be taken into account at the design stage.		Specifying bricks must consider where the bricks will be situated on the finished construction. Bricks located 150mm above and 150mm below finished ground level are considered as being most at risk from saturation and freezing. This typically requires the use of frost resistant bricks and of an appropriate saturation class. It should be remembered that bricks in parapets and freestanding walls tend to be more subject to saturation. Internal applications should also be considered, for example, internal fair-faced brickwork in a launderette or swimming pool may not be subject to saturation but be exposed to high levels of water vapour. These should be taken into account at the design stage.

−	=== Frost resistance ===	+	== Frost resistance ==

	Clay is a dense and typically strong material but not all bricks are frost resistant. According to the Brick Development Association, “resistance to frost attack cannot be reliably assessed from any of the other physical properties of the brick” – whether compressive strength or water absorption. Spalling of the brick face will occur if a brick is specified for an environment where it will be subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.		Clay is a dense and typically strong material but not all bricks are frost resistant. According to the Brick Development Association, “resistance to frost attack cannot be reliably assessed from any of the other physical properties of the brick” – whether compressive strength or water absorption. Spalling of the brick face will occur if a brick is specified for an environment where it will be subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Line 31:		Line 33:
	BS EN 771-1 classifies the units into three frost resistance categories F0, F1, F2. These correspond to the O, M and F categories in BS 39213.		BS EN 771-1 classifies the units into three frost resistance categories F0, F1, F2. These correspond to the O, M and F categories in BS 39213.

−	=== Special bricks ===	+	== Special bricks ==

	It is often tempting to design special bricks to add an extra aesthetic dimension to brickwork. Although most brick factories in the UK have an impressive ability to produce the most intricate shapes, special bricks are expensive and, if cost is a major criterion on a project, they should be kept to a minimum.		It is often tempting to design special bricks to add an extra aesthetic dimension to brickwork. Although most brick factories in the UK have an impressive ability to produce the most intricate shapes, special bricks are expensive and, if cost is a major criterion on a project, they should be kept to a minimum.
Line 37:		Line 39:
	Bespoke specials (ie to the design of the specifier) are much more expensive than standard specials – a range of shapes such as canted headers and stretchers or bull-nose bricks – which the manufacturer is likely to be able to produce relatively easily, or may even have in the yard.		Bespoke specials (ie to the design of the specifier) are much more expensive than standard specials – a range of shapes such as canted headers and stretchers or bull-nose bricks – which the manufacturer is likely to be able to produce relatively easily, or may even have in the yard.

−	More detailed information on brick specification can be obtained from individual manufacturers and The Brick Development Association.	+	More detailed information on brick specification can be obtained from individual manufacturers and [https://brick.org.uk/ The Brick Development Association.]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor: Created page with "When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors including the application, the exposure and the effect required. Machine- or hand-made The..."

2019-09-16T17:16:10Z

Created page with "When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors including the application, the exposure and the effect required. Machine- or hand-made The..."

New page

When specifying brickwork, various criteria should be considered depending on factors including the application, the exposure and the effect required.

Machine- or hand-made

The production process by which bricks are made does not usually affect their in-use performance, whether from the point of view of durability or frost resistance. Whether a stock brick, hand-made or extruded brick is needed will more often than not depend on the aesthetic effect that is required.

Extruded bricks – so-called because a column of clay is pushed through a die and then cut to size – can give very precise arrises leading to a more mechanical look. They come in a wide range of colours and textures. The extreme result of this process is the engineering brick which is both smooth, hard and precise, suited to contemporary projects, while at the other end of the spectrum, hand-made bricks are more suited to heritage and rural applications.

There are two types of handmade brick – those which really are handmade (ie the clump of clay is thrown manually into a mould, the excess smoothed off and the mould emptied of its contents), and those where the manual process is automated, replicating the hand-thrown process. Handmade bricks tend to be more suited to heritage projects and period renovations.

Solid or perforated

Perforations are the holes that are seen in bricks, and can be of a variety of shape, size and number; three circular holes is a typical configuration. They make the brick lighter, require less clay and can result in more even firing.

Care has to be taken when specifying: perforated bricks can be the norm on a project but it is often more prudent to specify solid bricks for:

The ends of a freestanding wall, especially the capping brick and steps, otherwise an unsightly holed effect will be visible.

Where it is necessary to attach fixings into the brickwork, especially for heavy-duty loads.

Where an acoustic internal partition is required. Frogged bricks may also be specified for this application but must be laid with the frog uppermost so it can be filled with mortar.

=== Application ===

Specifying bricks must consider where the bricks will be situated on the finished construction. Bricks located 150mm above and 150mm below finished ground level are considered as being most at risk from saturation and freezing. This typically requires the use of frost resistant bricks and of an appropriate saturation class. It should be remembered that bricks in parapets and freestanding walls tend to be more subject to saturation. Internal applications should also be considered, for example, internal fair-faced brickwork in a launderette or swimming pool may not be subject to saturation but be exposed to high levels of water vapour. These should be taken into account at the design stage.

=== Frost resistance ===

Clay is a dense and typically strong material but not all bricks are frost resistant. According to the Brick Development Association, “resistance to frost attack cannot be reliably assessed from any of the other physical properties of the brick” – whether compressive strength or water absorption. Spalling of the brick face will occur if a brick is specified for an environment where it will be subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

BS EN 771-1 classifies the units into three frost resistance categories F0, F1, F2. These correspond to the O, M and F categories in BS 39213.

=== Special bricks ===

It is often tempting to design special bricks to add an extra aesthetic dimension to brickwork. Although most brick factories in the UK have an impressive ability to produce the most intricate shapes, special bricks are expensive and, if cost is a major criterion on a project, they should be kept to a minimum.

Bespoke specials (ie to the design of the specifier) are much more expensive than standard specials – a range of shapes such as canted headers and stretchers or bull-nose bricks – which the manufacturer is likely to be able to produce relatively easily, or may even have in the yard.

More detailed information on brick specification can be obtained from individual manufacturers and The Brick Development Association.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Airbrick.
* Blockwork.
* Brick.
* Cavity wall.
* Coal ash.
* Defects in brickwork.
* How to lay bricks.
* Pistol brick.
* Quoin.
* Swift brick.
* Testing bricks.
* Types of brick bonding.
* Types of concrete.
* Types of steel.
* Types of stone.
* Which way up should you lay a brick?

[[Category:Products_/_components]]