Bricks have been used as a construction material for centuries. Their strength, durability, and (in most cases) uniform shape have led to their use in some of the most iconic structures ever built.
Today, there are many different types of bricks available on the market. Of all the options available, which type of brick is the best choice for your custom brick commercial building? This blog post will look at the different types of bricks and their benefits to help you choose the best kind of brick for constructing your commercial property.
Constructing a Brick Commercial Building? Let’s Hit the Bricks!
With the wide variety of bricks available to the modern builder engaged in the construction of a brick commercial building, each with its unique benefits, selecting the ideal option can seem quite challenging. While some builders prefer classic red-clay bricks for their traditional look and feel, others lean toward sandstone bricks for their increased durability.
Concrete bricks can offer extreme strength, uniformity, and wear resistance — often at the expense of aesthetics. In contrast, harder natural stone bricks, such as granite, can lend a commercial building a rustic and luxurious atmosphere as long as the design and the builder can accept a higher cost and greater degree of variation from brick to brick.
So, what is the best option for your brick commercial building? The answer depends on several factors, including your budget, climate, and personal preference.
For example, clay bricks may be more affordable than sandstone bricks but are also less durable and more susceptible to weather damage. So if your property is in an area with severe weather conditions (think: torrential rain, snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures), a clay brick, even with its aesthetic charm, may not be the best option for your building.
Knowing a brick’s insulating value (if any) is also helpful. The insulating factor of brick is a measurement of its ability to reduce heat transfer — useful in keeping your brick commercial building warm throughout winter and cool during warmer months.
An Option for Every Brick Commercial Building — and Then Some
Many types of bricks are available on the market, each with its own benefits. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular types of bricks used in commercial construction:
Clay brick: Clay brick is one of the oldest and most popular types of bricks used in construction. It is made from natural clay fired in a kiln, making it strong and durable. Clay brick also has excellent heat-resistant properties, making it a good choice for brick commercial buildings in warm climates.
Concrete brick: These are usually made by casting cement and brick dust in a mold. Concrete bricks have a less porous surface that is much better for preserving the color of paint.
Hard brick: This brick has a high percentage of silica. It’s suitable for load-bearing structures like parking garages and foundations exposed to weather elements. It’s also best for walls exposed to possible sources of water infiltration.
Soft brick: This type of brick is less dense than hard brick and has a lower silica content. It’s most often used for structures where greater stability isn’t required.
Natural stone brick: Available in various colors and patterns, including limestone, sandstone, marble, slate, and granite — each type of natural stone brick offers unique aesthetics and material properties.
The above sample represents only a tiny fraction of the types of bricks available. Therefore, before making your decision, it’s a good idea to take a close look at other brick structures in the area you plan to build with an eye on how age and weathering may impact their appearance, what level of maintenance will be required for their upkeep, and what materials present the look you want.
The following should go without saying, but a reputable and experienced full-service custom construction firm such as VPC Builders will be able to offer considerable advice on selecting the ideal type of brick for your custom brick commercial building. Discuss the available brick choices with them before becoming too attached to one option or another.
And the Winning Brick Is…
What have we learned? We’ve learned that for every brick commercial building, there is an ideal brick choice; however, finding it may not be as simple as you may have hoped. But don’t despair, as, between your vision and design sensibilities, the input of your trusted builders, and the myriad options available — selecting the best brick for your building doesn’t need to be as difficult as it initially appeared.
Let’s talk options! At VPC Builders, we pride ourselves on our ability to put our knowledge and hard-won experience to work for you. With deep ties to the communities we serve and genuine respect for our clients and craft, we’re eager to lend our expertise to help you create a brick commercial you can proudly call yours. Contact us today for a quote and more information on how we can transform your vision of brick commercial building perfection into something more.