Household bricks – 6 Interesting facts

5 Jun, 2023

Household bricks – 6 Interesting facts

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In many countries around the world we have a deep reliance on the every day construction of properties and homes with standardise household bricks. Homeowners in the UK and across the world see bricks as the main construction materials for houses and apartment buildings. Read on to learn some fascinating facts about the every day common or garden brick and why we have become so reliant on these materials.

6 Interesting facts you didn’t know about household bricks

household bricks
Household bricks are a very common construction material as in this red brick wall

 

Household bricks have been a mainstay for construction and building throughout history, so much in fact that it’s easy to forget just how interesting they are. From the materials used in production to their vast variety of colors and textures, there is more to bricks than meets the eye. 

In this blog post, we’ll be exploring 6 interesting facts about bricks you may not know! Whether you’re an experienced builder seeking knowledge on different kinds of clay or a curious mind fascinated by the historical context of masonry structures, this blog post will certainly pique your interest. So let’s dive straight into discovering these fascinating facts about our ever-sturdy brick companions!

Bricks are one of the oldest building materials

Bricks are one of the most fascinating building materials known to mankind. Their history dates back thousands of years ago, and they have been used across the world in different forms and styles. The Egyptians used sun-dried bricks to build their pyramids, while the Romans made theirs using kiln-fired bricks. 

The versatility and durability of bricks have enabled their use in building homes, churches, forts, castles, and even in the construction of the Great Wall of China. Despite the modern construction technology, bricks still hold a significant place in the building industry today.

To know more about the unique history and usage of bricks, click for additional info here. Most bricks that we use today are made of clay, a type of sedimentary rock composed of tiny particles. Clay is highly malleable and can easily be molded into different shapes and sizes.

The color of bricks is determined by the type of clay used to make them

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New builds in the UK are commonly made from red household bricks because they are affordable and of a high standard quality

Have you ever stopped to wonder why bricks come in so many different shades of red? The answer lies in the type of clay used to make them. Red household bricks, for example, are made from clay that is high in iron and fired at a high temperature. The intense heat causes a chemical reaction that gives the bricks their distinct hue. 

But not all bricks are created equal – the color can vary depending on the region where the clay is sourced and the specific manufacturing process used. So the next time you see a brick building, take a closer look at the shades and try to guess what type of clay might have been used to create them.

Bricks were first invented in the Middle East over 5,000 years ago

Imagine a world without household bricks. It would be difficult to picture, considering how ubiquitous they are in our daily lives. But did you know that the very first bricks were developed over 5,000 years ago in the Middle East?

These early bricks were made from mud and straw and left to bake in the sun until they hardened. They proved to be a game-changer for construction, providing a sturdy and reliable building material for homes, temples, and fortresses. From the ancient world to modern times, the humble brick remains a cornerstone of construction, a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors.

Bricks can be made from different materials

Bricks have been used for construction for thousands of years, and today different types can be made from a variety of materials. One of the most common materials used to make bricks is clay, which is a natural resource that can be easily found and formed. Concrete is another popular choice, and it allows for greater versatility in design due to its ability to be molded into different shapes. 

Sand bricks are commonly used in coastal areas and environments with high humidity because they are resistant to erosion and can withstand moisture.

Lastly, fly ash bricks are made from waste material produced by coal-fired power plants, and they offer an environmentally friendly option since they are made from recycled materials. With so many options available, builders have various choices when it comes to selecting the perfect brick for their projects.

The world’s tallest brick structure is the Karmeliter church in Vienna, Austria at 333 feet tall

While Vienna is known for its stunning architecture, the Karmeliter church stands out as a true marvel. At a towering height of 333 feet, it holds the title of the world’s tallest brick structure. The church was built in the 17th century and has survived numerous wars and renovations over the years. Its impressive height and intricate design are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the architects and builders who created it. 

Whether you’re exploring Vienna’s historic district or simply admiring the city skyline, the Karmeliter church is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in feats of architectural excellence.

In some countries like India and Nepal, bricks are hand-made with no machinery involved

In countries like India and Nepal, the production of bricks involves a much more manual process than what we might be used to in places with more advanced machinery. There, household bricks are hand-made, with no state-of-the-art technology involved. This method of production might seem somewhat archaic, but it is still effective and widely used. 

It is not uncommon to see entire communities working together to produce these essential building blocks. From shaping the material and letting it dry in the sun to firing it in a kiln, this is a labor-intensive process that requires a great deal of skill and patience. Nevertheless, the result is bricks that are sturdy and long-lasting, that can stand the test of time in any building project.

household bricks
Household bricks make up the main construction material of many a structure

A final word on household bricks

Household bricks have been used for a variety of purposes for over 5,000 years! Bricks have all sorts of incredible stories and facts attached to them. Though it’s amazing that some countries still make household bricks by hand with no machinery involved, modern technology has allowed us to create any type of brick we can imagine from an array of different materials like clay, concrete, sand, and fly ash.

It’s undeniable that these fascinating ancient building blocks are here to stay.

FURTHER READING FOR HOMEOWNERS & PETOWNERS

At Housesitmatch.com we like to offer useful and practical articles on topics for our readers. In this selection we offer you a number of suitable pieces from our own blog on renovating and decorating a home.

Building a house? Remember this 

Dream home – How to build your own

Travel inspired home décor ideas

New home features you didn’t know you would want

Housesitters keep pets safe at home and save money

What a housesitter does – Top 10 responsibilities

 


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LamiaW

LamiaW

Founder and Director of HouseSitMatch - I'm a hands-on Admin on the site. Please ask any questions and as soon as I can I'll happily answer and assist where I can.

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