Clay bricks V/s Cement blocks

[bkvenu]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of clay bricks and cement blocks?
On an initial note many say that cement blocks are cheaper and it makes construction faster.
If it is so, why people prefer cement blocks only for commercial buildings and apartments not for houses?

Regards
Venu

[rewatcher]

One of the common arguments favoring regular bricks is the thermal property - A house built using regular bricks is perceived to provide better insulation meaning it will be cooler inside compared to a house built with concrete blocks. My architect suggested me to go for concrete blocks as it provides a better finish, but I am still going with red bricks since I didn't want to take any risks.
Again, I don't know if the thermal property is different by what degree, percentage etc.. I have seen many houses being built using concrete blocks.
May be some experts in this forum give their thoughts on this one..

[Akalale]

Temperature difference is really significant. Basic rule is, more cement and steel you use, higher the temperature inside the house.

Clay bricks are the best. You can get any type of finishing with clay brick, just like cement brick.

All contractors typically suggest cement blocks because it saves them labour. Also, when a contractor/architect recommends something, you need to think whether he/she is recommending because it is good for you or it is good for them.

[ardesarchitects]

Hi ,Venu
Knowing the advantage thermal property of the clay brick, there is an other important thing added to it.
Cement is basically a chemical mixture and has the tendency to loose its moisture resistance much faster than clay .So you can see moisture patches much faster in apartments than a individual homes .so you should take care of external paints more often in case of cement blocks.
Since most of the structures are column based there is not load factor considered.Say if you paint exterior of a brick wall every 5 years ,cement block wall should be painted every 3-4 years to give that extra protection.

Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com

[girishkumarj]

Hi,

Due any one have a idea of POROTHERM Hollow bricks ? This kind of brick are producted by Wienerberger.

One of my relative started using this for his house construction and he said there is at lease 30% saving in our Construction cost. Do any one have a idea on this ?

Regards
Girish.

[Vimal]

I evaluated porotherm hollowbricks for my project. Unfortunately, the construction using those bricks require special care and attention and the labors need to be trained on how to use the brick for laying. I droppped the idea finally because I was not sure if labors can adapt.

Vimal.

[girishkumarj]

Hi vimal,

Yes i do agree that skill full labors only can execute this. I heard that vendors do recommend the people. Right now i'm looking at the angle of Cost factor and long run problem.

Regards
Girish.

[jai_nethala]

Hello all,
I understood that clay bricks are better. I also noticed that the cost will be higher in case of clay brick.
Can any of you provide a comparision (eg. 1000 sft house as basis) ?
Thanks,
regards,
Jai