Concrete Brick vs Regular Brick

Concrete brick is a popular choice for various home construction projects. Solid concrete is used to produce these bricks. The bricks can be used for various exterior surfaces in the home. Regular bricks are made from natural clay material. The bricks are pressed then fired in a kiln to produce composite material. They are widely used for surface applications in the home. Both types have pros and cons as shown below.

Concrete Brick Pros

These can last several years before wear and tear become apparent. When properly installed, they can last up to 10 years. The bricks are available in a greater variety of styles, colors, and texture than regular bricks. This gives you greater flexibility in design options. They also have a high aesthetic appeal and become even more attractive as they age. This makes them popular amongst homeowners. The bricks improve acoustic insulation for your home. The solid concrete effectively mutes outside noises and creates a more serene atmosphere indoors.

Cons

Installation can be costly. This is partly because the bricks cost more than the ordinary variety. The production process contributes towards the higher cost. The expertise and equipment involved also add to overall costs. It is best to have a professional undertake the job for the best results. However, this pushes your home improvement budget higher. Installation of the bricks may involve challenges. The concrete may shrink after installation. This creates gaps between the bricks, which allow water to flow into the home. Bricks made of concrete aren’t as durable as the regular variety. They also require more care. With time, the bricks begin to chip and break. They also fade with time due to the artificial color involved. They require repainting when they fade, or repair when chipped. If neglected, they lose their initial attractiveness.

Regular Brick Pros

They cost less than the concrete variety. The installation process for regular bricks is also easier and quicker than concrete. This contributes to lower costs. The bricks provide higher flexibility in application than the concrete variety. This is because they have high compressive strength. They can accommodate high levels of loading, which makes them suitable for various landscaping applications. Regular bricks are regarded as zero maintenance building material. Once installed, they maintain their interlocked pattern better than concrete. These bricks also do not fade with time. The brick color is permanent and isn’t affected by the elements. This contributes to lower maintenance needs. Thermal insulation is better for regular bricks than the concrete type. The perforations in the bricks allow for slow absorption and release of heat. This helps to cool the house when the weather is hot and warms the house during cold weather. It can give you significant savings on energy costs with time. Regular bricks have maximum fire ratings. In the event of a fire, less damage will occur to your home. The bricks can last for several generations even with heavy use. Concrete bricks have a much shorter life span.

Cons

Due to the limited color and texture range of natural clay bricks, you may be limited in design options. The acoustic insulation for regular bricks isn’t as good as that of concrete bricks. This is because the tiny perforations in clay material allow for sound infiltration.