The modern market of construction materials offers nearly 50 types of brick. Despite such variety, this material has the classified properties some of which can be checked regardless of product type.
When choosing brick the buyers are guided by its functional performance: durability, resistance to low temperatures, ability to absorb moisture, etc. Generally two types of brick – ceramic and silicate are presented at the market today. Products differ on method of production, terms of use, but in the operational parameters specified to the consumer coincide. Correctly to choose suitable brick, it is necessary to know its main qualities.
Technical characteristics of brick
Durability first of all belongs to the main characteristics of any brick. In marking it is designated by the digit (75-300) standing after "M". The number characterizes resistance of product to resistance to deformations, internal stresses. For example, M100 designates: the brick freely maintains hundred-kilogram load of 1 quarter see. The second, not less important operational parameter – frost resistance. It is designated as "F" and shows how many cycles of freezing defrosting the product is capable to sustain. The modern large plants release F35 brand bricks, not below. If the product marked as F25 or even meets below, then similar material suits for operation only in warm climate. One more parameter – the sizes. The one-and-a-half option is most widespread: 205х120х88 mm: it is convenient to take such brick one hand. The unary type is less widespread: 250х120х62 mm and double: 250х120х100 mm.
How to choose brick
First of all it is possible to ask the corresponding certificate the seller. However happens that documents to you will not be shown and if provide, then not the fact that they are the presents. It is necessary to try to define independently at least approximately quality of the offered products. For a start examine several bricks; if on them there are cracks, then it is better to refrain from purchase: the brick was made with violations of technology (incorrect compounding of mix, bad thermal treatment, etc.). Also suspicions have to cause numerous foreign impregnations; if they gray color also have friable structure, then it is sign of unslaked lime. At its contact with water the destruction of brick is possible. For check of durability take brick worse (by sight) and break. Too large number of splinters demonstrates violations at batch, black core – violations at thermal treatment, and the core of mustard color says that the product was underexposed in the furnace. Upon purchase of lime sand brick pay attention to its geometry – corners have to be accurate, direct. On product there should not be cracks, chips, hollows, emptiness, foreign impregnations. It is worth noticing that the lime sand brick is cheaper ceramic, but does not maintain continuous contact with moisture and badly resists to high temperature. All this needs to be considered at selection of material for construction.