Bricks Vs blocks: Which is better?
Apr 08, 2011
BRICKS and blocks are some of the materials required for building. However, the strength of the blocks or bricks used determine the durability of the house.
By Godwin Ayesiga
BRICKS and blocks are some of the materials required for building. However, the strength of the blocks or bricks used determine the durability of the house.
James Kasaija, a foreman with Quality and Economy Construction Company, says one should choose materials that will lower the cost of construction without compromising structural strength and safety.
He says that while some developers insist on certain types and sizes of blocks or bricks, it is important to use the size of the brick recommended by the architect.
He gives tips on how to select the appropriate type of wall construction materials.
Blocks:
These are made from cement and sand (mostly lake sand). They are bigger than the common bricks.
The advantage of using is that you require fewer blocks to complete your house compared to using burnt bricks.
Walls built with blocks are easier to plaster and do not require a lot of sand and cement. However, blocks are more expensive than bricks.
Blocks are sometimes made on order and their prices depend on the size.
Burnt bricks:
These are the commonest building materials and they are also cheaper than blocks.
Bricks are made from good earth which is free from saline deposits. The quality of the burnt brick, Kasaija says, is determined by its ability to resist crushing.
The cost of a burnt brick varies between sh150 and sh250 depending on the size and quality. Some people argue that the best bricks are from Sisa in Busiro South wand Mukono district.
Factory bricks
These are fine bricks that do not require plastering.
According to Victor Atuha, the manager Butema brick factory in Hoima, there are three different sizes you can buy; bricks for external walls and those for internal ones.
There are also smaller bricks that can work for both interior and exterior walls.
While building, factory bricks require an expert but the complete wall does not require plastering as well as maintenance like varnishing.
Hydraform blocks
These blocks are manufactured using murram and cement.
The compressed earth block technology is used to produce interlocking dry-stacked murram-cement blocks.
While building, the hydraform blocks are laid or stacked on top of each other, minimising the need for mortar mix (cement, sand and water).
Kasaija says using hydraform blocks cuts 25% of building costs compared to other building systems.
How to identify good bricks
According to Kasaija, high quality bricks are those that have been burnt and have turned red or have copper colour.
He adds that the bricks should be regular and uniform in shape and size, have sharp and square edges without cracks, flaws, stones, lime and must have parallel faces.
A good brick should not absorb water more than about 20% of its own dry weight after 24 hours, immersion in cold water.
You can also check for the quality of the brick by a mere bang. A good brick must emit a clear ringing sound on a bang.
Kasaija also says that two high quality bricks struck together should not break. He notes that during off-loading, strong bricks will not break even when they are dropped from a height of one metre from the ground.
BRICKS and blocks are some of the materials required for building. However, the strength of the blocks or bricks used determine the durability of the house.
James Kasaija, a foreman with Quality and Economy Construction Company, says one should choose materials that will lower the cost of construction without compromising structural strength and safety.
He says that while some developers insist on certain types and sizes of blocks or bricks, it is important to use the size of the brick recommended by the architect.
He gives tips on how to select the appropriate type of wall construction materials.
Blocks:
These are made from cement and sand (mostly lake sand). They are bigger than the common bricks.
The advantage of using is that you require fewer blocks to complete your house compared to using burnt bricks.
Walls built with blocks are easier to plaster and do not require a lot of sand and cement. However, blocks are more expensive than bricks.
Blocks are sometimes made on order and their prices depend on the size.
Burnt bricks:
These are the commonest building materials and they are also cheaper than blocks.
Bricks are made from good earth which is free from saline deposits. The quality of the burnt brick, Kasaija says, is determined by its ability to resist crushing.
The cost of a burnt brick varies between sh150 and sh250 depending on the size and quality. Some people argue that the best bricks are from Sisa in Busiro South wand Mukono district.
Factory bricks
These are fine bricks that do not require plastering.
According to Victor Atuha, the manager Butema brick factory in Hoima, there are three different sizes you can buy; bricks for external walls and those for internal ones.
There are also smaller bricks that can work for both interior and exterior walls.
While building, factory bricks require an expert but the complete wall does not require plastering as well as maintenance like varnishing.
Hydraform blocks
These blocks are manufactured using murram and cement.
The compressed earth block technology is used to produce interlocking dry-stacked murram-cement blocks.
While building, the hydraform blocks are laid or stacked on top of each other, minimising the need for mortar mix (cement, sand and water).
Kasaija says using hydraform blocks cuts 25% of building costs compared to other building systems.
How to identify good bricks
According to Kasaija, high quality bricks are those that have been burnt and have turned red or have copper colour.
He adds that the bricks should be regular and uniform in shape and size, have sharp and square edges without cracks, flaws, stones, lime and must have parallel faces.
A good brick should not absorb water more than about 20% of its own dry weight after 24 hours, immersion in cold water.
You can also check for the quality of the brick by a mere bang. A good brick must emit a clear ringing sound on a bang.
Kasaija also says that two high quality bricks struck together should not break. He notes that during off-loading, strong bricks will not break even when they are dropped from a height of one metre from the ground.