With
such a wide variety available, bricks are one of
the most versatile building materials and suit any
style of home. Bricks are available from most building
suppliers. Getting a professional to lay your bricks
will ensure a stylish, long-lasting result. Here
is some information about bricks and the trade of
bricklaying.
Brick Facts
Bricks are durable, long-lasting and require virtually
no maintenance. They are able to withstand fire
and water well, with little chance of structural
integrity being compromised by floods or fire. Bricks
also help to insulate against external sound, and
this gives them an acoustic advantage over other
types of building materials. Bricks are termite
resistant and can easily handle varied weather conditions.
Face brickwork is cheaper than most other building
materials, cheaper even than fibro or other lightweight
sheeting. The “face” of a brick is
simply the long side of a brick that is intended
for display within a wall or path. Usually there
is only one face and it is the bricklayer’s
responsibility to display it correctly.
Types of Bricks
With a massive range of sizes, colours and textures,
bricks suit any home. Colours range from white to
the darkest blues and greys – even purple!
Modern bricks can be used with matching mortar to
create a seamless, streamlined look.
Some types of bricks are pressed, wirecut, shaped,
clay, concrete, clay pavers, and concrete pavers.
Many manufacturers such as Boral, Austral and
PGH also have specialised brick systems.
A block is larger than a standard brick and can
be made from concrete, clay, gypsum or other materials.
They are generally perforated, have hollow cores
or aerated to reduce weight without sacrificing
strength.
Bricklaying Defined
In technical terms, ‘bricklaying’
means the construction of a building or structure
using individual bricks or blocks held together
by mortar. Such structures include internal and
external walls, fences, fireplaces, staircases,
piering, pointing, retaining walls and segmental
paving.
Selecting a Professional
It may be tempting to do brickwork yourself, especially
when the project is small, but it is always wise
to get a licensed professional to complete the
work. A professional will be able to advise you
on structural and design elements and create a
sturdy, safe end product. As with any industry
professional, make sure that the person you hire
to undertake any bricklaying is licensed and qualified. |
