With the UK’s built environment needing to meet the highest standards for safety, sustainability and performance, building product manufacturers must be at the very top of their game, none more so than the brickmakers sector. This is why it is critically important to choose high quality clay bricks which undergo a series of rigorous tests to ensure there is no question mark when it comes to quality.
Even before the first brick is formed, the journey towards quality begins with a thorough assessment of the raw material - clay. Manufacturers meticulously analyse the chemical composition, checking for key elements like alumina, silica, and iron oxide. These components play a crucial role in determining the final properties of the clay brick.
The clay's plasticity - its ability to be moulded and retain shape - is also put to the test. Additionally, technical experts evaluate how the clay behaves during drying and firing processes, ensuring that the final product won't crack or warp.
Quality control
Testing and quality control continues throughout the manufacturing process. Moisture content is continuously monitored to ensure optimal shaping and firing. The density of each brick is regularly checked to meet specific performance requirements while trained professionals conduct visual inspections, looking for any defects in shape, colour, or texture.
Post-production testing
Once the bricks have been fired, there is a final round of tests. These tests are designed to confirm that the clay bricks meet the stringent quality, safety, and performance standards set by British Standards.
Water absorption tests will then determine the brick's ability to withstand weather conditions, while compressive strength tests ensure they can handle structural loads. The bricks' dimensions are carefully measured to comply with British Standards specifications (BS EN 771-1).
The testing doesn’t stop there. The bricks are subjected to freeze-thaw cycles, mimicking harsh weather conditions to assess their durability. They're checked for efflorescence, the powdery white mineral deposits that can mar a brick's appearance. Even colour consistency is scrutinised to ensure aesthetic appeal.
Better with brick
This comprehensive testing regime, spanning from sourcing to manufacturing floor, ensures that UK clay brick products deliver uncompromising safety, durability, and performance for any construction project.
From start to finish, UK clay brick production emphasises consistent quality and an attention to detail that sets the industry apart. The UK industry strives to ensure every clay brick meets the required specifications and performs flawlessly regardless of the type or style of building project.
