Clay Bricks vs. Concrete Bricks

Clay and concrete bricks share many similar qualities: fireproof, durable, and insect-proof. While they may seem interchangeable for your next construction project, this isn’t true. Knowing the difference between clay and concrete bricks can significantly change the strength, aesthetics, and quality of a building.

Lontto offers over 30 years of experience as a brick and block-making machine supplier for your engineering and construction needs. We’ve created a guide to understanding the differences between clay vs. concrete bricks, what to consider when choosing one for your next project, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Clay bricks are more expensive than concrete bricks, and can be more difficult to source, depending on your region.
• Clay bricks are stronger, more resilient to weather conditions, and last longer than concrete bricks.
• Concrete bricks can be used for walls in budget-constrained projects, while high-density concrete or clay are the better choices for load-bearing walls.

Clay Bricks vs. Concrete Bricks

What Should You Consider When Choosing Between Clay and Concrete?

When choosing between clay and concrete, you should consider important factors like what compressive strength your bricks need, their rate of absorption, moisture movement, and durability. Here’s how each type of brick measures up in these key categories:

Compressive Strength

Clay Bricks can vary in strength based on the clay used as well as the kiln firing process. On average, you’ll find that clay bricks will have a compressive strength ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

Concrete bricks, on the other hand, have a compressive strength that ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 psi. Notably, the manufacturing process is more cost-effective, and concrete bricks tend to gain strength over time.

Thermal and Moisture Movement

Thermal and moisture movement describes a brick’s expansion when exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture, with a low movement as the most ideal. Thankfully, clay bricks have minimal thermal movement and generally range from 4 to 8 coefficients of linear thermal movement. This means you can expect your 10-meter clay brick wall to move around 2 to 4 mm with a 50° C change.

For concrete bricks, the coefficient of linear thermal movement is higher, ranging from 7 to 14. Concrete bricks are also more porous than clay bricks in general.

Rate of Absorption

Clay bricks are exceptionally good at limiting the water that is absorbed, with a rate of absorption at around 4.5% for face bricks, which is around 15 to 35 grams of moisture per square inch.

Concrete bricks absorb more water at around 40 to 80 grams of moisture per square inch, but these bricks can benefit from absorbing water to an extent. While concrete bricks have a higher rate of absorption, they are still better than most masonry units.

Durability and Longevity

Generally, clay bricks can last over 100 years with proper care, although some estimates place this at over 600 years. They have incredible durability and are resilient against most weather conditions.

You can expect concrete bricks to last between 50 and 60 years, as they are more susceptible to environmental conditions.

Should You Choose Clay or Concrete Bricks for Your Construction Project?

While factors like budget, objective, and time can impact which bricks you should choose for your project, both clay and concrete bricks will offer sturdy results. Concrete blocks are cheaper and generally quicker to source, making it a cost-effective option for housing. On the other hand, clay bricks offer greater aesthetic flexibility and work well as load-bearing walls.

Discover how you can solve your brick-making needs with Lontto’s machines. Our experienced team can assist with any queries you might have about clay and concrete bricks. Contact us to receive your block machine pricing quote today.

Clay Bricks vs. Concrete Bricks FAQs

Do Clay Bricks Last Longer Than Concrete Bricks?

Yes, clay bricks have been proven to last longer than concrete bricks. A study by the Leeds Metropolitan University found that clay bricks could potentially last up to 650 years under the right conditions.

Can I Replace Clay Bricks with Concrete Bricks?

No. While clay bricks and concrete bricks have similar functionality, it’s not advised to switch your concrete bricks with clay bricks. Your choice will depend on your project’s specific objectives, such as budget, structural requirements, and aesthetics.

If you liked this article, you might enjoy reading Clay Brick Making Machines and Different Types of Concrete Blocks for Construction

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