How do I know that this is best brick?

Clients get confused when choosing the bricks to use. However, we have different types and each has unique features. The quality of bricks, which can be made at a particular site is largely determined by the type of soil or materials available.

Do different sizes work during construction?

You should not buy different sizes of bricks without consulting professionals.

What is the difference between block and brick?

Blocks are made from cement and sand (usually lake sand) and are bigger than bricks. They make a stronger wall than bricks. A house built using blocks lasts more years than that built using bricks.

With blocks, laying them takes a shorter time. However, it is much more expensive to build using them than bricks. On average, one block costs between sh2,800 and sh3,000, while the brunt mud and clay brick costs between sh150 and sh300.

What are the measurements?

The dimension of a standard block is 400x200x150mm and that of the brick is 200x100x50mm.

How do I Identify good bricks?

 A good brick made of black soil turns red when burnt, while a brick made from clay turns to copper colour. A good brick should not absorb water more than 20% of its own dry weight after a day.

What are the types of bricks and blocks?

Compressed earth blocks

These are dense solid blocks compacted using a machine. They are made from a mixture of soil, sand, cement or lime, water and a stabilising agent. They are compressed by motor-driven machines or manually. These blocks are used for wall construction. They do not require baking.

Hollow interlocking blocks

The use of reinforced hollow concrete blocks is common in developed countries

Steam-cured blocks

These kinds of blocks, a mixture of lime, and industrial waste like fly ash and sand, can be compacted into a high-density block. The lime will react with fly ash forming water-insoluble bonds and strengthening the block.

Fine concrete blocks

The process and concept of fine concrete blocks is similar to that of stabilised mud blocks, except that instead of soil, some fines are added to the mix.

Bricks

We have burnt factory and sundried bricks.  Burnt bricks are the most used material for single-storey buildings because they are cheaper than blocks. These bricks are made from good soil which is free from saline deposits.

What are the most bricks made in Uganda?

Sun-dried bricks are used in most parts of Uganda; they are not commonly used in the urban areas because they are considered to be temporary. In rural areas, people use sundried bricks because they are mainly for low-cost housing.

Factory bricks do not require plastering. They have different sizes and some are used for internal walls others for external walls.

Response by Mike Segendo, a local brick maker in Wakiso