How Long does Brick Last?

Bricks and structures made from bricks last a remarkably long time, with an average lifespan that ranges from 100 to 500+ years, according to research from Leeds Metropolitan University. They may remain serviceable for up to 650 years in optimal conditions. For brickwork to stay structurally sound for hundreds of years, it's standard for repointing maintenance to occur after 70 years for cavity walls and 115 years for solid brick walls.

Our team at Lontto has over 30 years of experience providing brick and block-making machines for brick buildings and homes. We've gathered our collective knowledge of how long brick lasts here for you to read, exploring the lifespan of different types of bricks and how to increase your brick home's longevity.

How Long does Brick Last? | Clay, Concrete, Fly Ash, AAC

Bricks last for several hundred years, but this can depend on the type of brick and the weather conditions they are exposed to. For example, while clay bricks can last up to 650 years, they are susceptible to acid rain and other pollutants that can reduce that lifespan. Below, we've outlined how long each brick building material will last when properly maintained.

How long do clay bricks last?

Clay bricks will often last a few hundred years, with some full brick homes able to withstand the elements for up to 650 years if regular maintenance is completed. The key to the longevity of clay bricks is its ingredients: clay bricks are typically made from silica and alumina. These ingredients make clay bricks thermally efficient, fire-resistant, and an environmentally sustainable choice if recycled.

Since clay bricks last so long, they are commonly used in masonry projects for residential homes, as load-bearing structures, and underground sewer tunnels.

How long do concrete bricks last?

Concrete bricks can last up to 100+ years in the right conditions, but between 50 and 100 years is more common. The rate of deterioration for concrete bricks heavily depends on the quality of materials used to make them, including Portland cement, sand, water, and aggregates. When high-quality materials are used, concrete bricks have excellent compressive strength and are quick to install.

Concrete bricks last for around 50 years on average, so they are typically used for utility structures like manholes and residential buildings.

How long do sand lime bricks last?

Sand lime bricks are built to last 100 years and are comparable to clay bricks when considering the primary material of a home's structure. The main ingredients of sand lime bricks are sand, lime, and water, as the name suggests, with optional pigments that change the color of the bricks. In addition to structural integrity, sand lime bricks also save costs on mortar requirements and have high sound insulation.

You'll see houses made of brick can also use sand lime bricks for their load-bearing walls, ornamental work, and other masonry construction projects.

How long do engineering bricks last?

Engineering bricks are designed for longevity and can last over 150 years with proper conditions. Like clay bricks, the secret to their lifespan is high-quality clay, which undergoes a specialized firing process at high temperatures. This composition gives engineering bricks impressive compressive strength (75 to 125 N/mm²) and low water absorption rates (less than 7%).

Engineering bricks' longevity and characteristics make them superb building foundations, columns, and load-bearing walls for low to medium-rise construction projects.

How long do fly ash bricks last?

Fly ash bricks have an impressive lifespan of over 100 years and a higher compressive strength than traditional clay bricks (7 to 10 MPa compared to 3 to 4 MPa for clay bricks). Fly ash bricks are largely composed of fly ash, sand or stone dust, lime, and gypsum. These materials give the enhanced durability of brick and make them energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.

How long do autoclaved aerated concrete bricks last?

Autoclaved aerated concrete bricks have the shortest lifespan, typically only lasting between 30 and 40 years before needing replacement. They are made from sand or fly ash, cement, lime, gypsum, aluminum powder, and water. Once mixed, this material is autoclaved, creating a cellular structure that is 70 to 80 percent air - making the final brick 20% lighter than concrete but far more porous.

How to Improve the Longevity of Bricks?

To improve the longevity of your brick home, it's important to follow these guidelines:

• Regularly tuckpoint the mortar joints of any exposed brick surface. Tuckpointing can save costs and maintenance in the long run.
• Prevent moss, mildew, and mold by conducting a regular inspection of your bricks. Mixing a solution of bleach and water will ensure your brickwork's strength and durability aren't compromised.
• Never paint your exterior brick. Painting and masonry staining your bricks will reduce their longevity.

Improve your construction project's production rate by investing in an automatic brick-making machine from Lontto. We'll help you install the machine and train your staff, handing over 30 years of experience. Get your free block machine quote now and change your game today.

FAQs on How Long does Brick Last?

How long will a brick house last?

Research by Leeds Metropolitan University studying 860 homes found that brick structures can last 500 years or more, with clay bricks having the potential to remain serviceable for up to 650 years under optimal conditions. Traditional brick homes require minimal maintenance, with repointing typically needed only after 68 years for cavity walls and 113 years for solid walls.

Do bricks last longer than concrete?

Clay bricks significantly outlast concrete, with research showing brick structures can last 500–650 years compared to concrete's typical lifespan of 50–100 years. However, concrete blocks are preferred in modern construction primarily due to cost efficiency, being up to 20% cheaper than bricks, and their superior compressive strength of 3,500 PSI compared to brick's 3,000 PSI.

How do you know when a brick needs to be replaced?

Bricks typically need replacement when they show severe crumbling at significant depths or when the structure exhibits instability through leaning or bowing. Immediate replacement is necessary if stair-step cracks form diagonal patterns across multiple bricks, as these indicate major structural damage, or if extensive discoloration and efflorescence signal severe water infiltration issues.

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