What Are the Differences Between Clay Brick and Cement Brick? 

One of the most frequently asked questions is the difference between clay brick and cement brick. The differences between clay brick and cement brick will be discussed in this article, and the answer to the question of which brick is better will be included to address your questions.

Clay Brick 

Clay brick is also known as red brick. Clay bricks are created by combining clay, water, and aggregate. They have been around for over ten thousand years and are still quite common today. They are still used in residential, commercial, and perhaps even industrial buildings today. You’ve most likely seen them in your residential neighborhood.

Cement Brick 

A cement brick is a type of building brick of standard size and dimensions that is made of cement rather than clay. However, there is a widespread misconception about cement bricks that they are entirely composed of cement. However, cement bricks are made up of other building materials besides cement, such as quarry dust, stone aggregates, fly ash, and others, making them much stronger.

That is why, in the industry, cement bricks are sometimes referred to as concrete bricks. Cement bricks can now be found almost anywhere, particularly in modern structures. Their designs are simple and straightforward. They are also less expensive than clay bricks.

Now let’s examine the differences between clay brick and cement brick.

The Differences Between Clay Brick and Cement Brick

In terms of composition and application, clay bricks and cement blocks differ significantly. One of these two materials should be chosen based on the type of project and intended use of the building. If the correct variables are not considered when making a decision, negative outcomes in terms of structure efficiency and cost may occur. The most important point in the early stages of a project is material selection.

In this regard, the differences between clay brick and cement brick, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, should be understood and considered.

First and foremost, both clay brick and concrete block are strong materials. They are fire resistant and can be used for an extended period of time. However, because they are made from different raw materials, their structural properties are different. Clay brick is made by combining sand, lime, and concrete.

Clay can be mixed with barium, manganese, and other additives to produce a variety of types and colors. Cement block, on the other hand, is made from crushed sand or stone aggregate. There is no need to add different materials to obtain a product with high strength.

The following are the differences between clay bricks and cement bricks:

• The ability of a building material to withstand pressure is referred to as its compressive strength. Cement bricks have a higher compressive strength than red bricks. This is primarily due to the method by which concrete bricks are manufactured and the materials used. As a result, cement bricks are commonly used in high-rise buildings, which require greater concrete strength.
• Cement bricks are extremely waterproof. This is especially useful when the construction is taking place in a wet and muddy environment. As a result, most contractors prefer to use concrete bricks. Clay bricks, on the other hand, have a low level of waterproofing. Clay bricks are easily damaged when exposed to a damp or moist environment, resulting in the formation of mold.
• Cement has a shorter life expectancy than clay brick. Cement bricks provide effective results for up to 100 years. Clay bricks have a lifespan of up to 1000 years.
• Clay bricks as the name suggests are made from clay, which is abundant in nature. As a result, this production depletes the top fertile soil. During the manufacturing process, clay bricks emit more carbon dioxide. Cement bricks are considered more environmentally friendly because most cement bricks are now made with fly ash rather than stone aggregates. Plus, the amount of CO2 emitted during the manufacturing of cement bricks is lower.
• Clay brick has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance from an architectural standpoint. Although, concrete blocks are always stronger, and there are applications that will enhance its exterior appearance. Furthermore, cement bricks are simple to paint. Metallic salts are secreted by clay bricks, causing paint to peel off.
• Clay bricks are inexpensive on their own.
• However, the overall cost, including mortar and construction, is high because clay bricks require more mortar. Individual pieces of cement bricks are expensive. However, it uses less mortar. Cement bricks has the advantage of requiring fewer cement brick to construct the same wall area as clay bricks.

We have listed the differences between clay bricks and cement bricks. Now let’s sum up their properties. Purchasing and logistics of cement bricks can be less expensive. They can be made by reusable various wastes, such as fly ash making them environmentally friendly. Clay bricks are more expensive when the mortar cost is included and less environmentally friendly as they omit more carbon dioxide. However, clay bricks have a higher life expectancy and but less waterproofing compared to cement bricks.

Area of Use: Clay Bricks 

Red bricks can be used in the construction of structures such as buildings, foundations, arches, pavement, and bridges. These can also be used for aesthetic purposes such as landscaping, face work, and a variety of other architectural purposes.

Area of Use: Cement Bricks 

Cement bricks are used in construction as load bearing and non-load bearing walls, panel walls, and partition walls. This can also be used to support piers, retaining walls, other facing materials, chimneys, fire places, and garden walls, among other things.

Which type of brick should you buy? Cement or Clay? 

We listed the differences between clay bricks and cement bricks above. When deciding between clay bricks and cement bricks, developers or contractors usually consider the construction type and project requirements.

Cement bricks are commonly used because of their numerous advantages and low cost. Cement bricks are preferred when constructing a high-rise building. This is due to the fact that the structure of high-rise buildings will necessitate high concrete strength and a solid foundation.

Now, you know the differences between clay bricks and cement bricks as well as their properties, benefits, and drawbacks. The answer to which one should you choose depends entirely on the project.

If you are still unsure and want to know “clay or cement brick which is better,” you can contact Emin İnşaat for more information.

You can reach our previous article from https://emininsaat.com.tr/differences-between-opc-and-ppc-cement/