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April 2015
face brick
characteristics include affordability,
longevity and structural strength,
flexibility in design and application,
natural sound proofing qualities,
incombustibility, natural resistance
to fire, solidity and security. The
enduring natural earthy colours and
textures of clay face brick walls sig-
nificantly reducemaintenance costs,”
said van Heerden.
He added that five overseas and
three South African studies indicated
that clay bricks promoted healthy
living which was particularly impor-
tant in an environment populated
by young families. “The inorganic
qualities of fired clay deliver mineral
content that guarantees a nearly pol-
lution free indoor air quality, which
is particularly relevant in a home
environment.
A natural propensity to absorb
and release humidity from the at-
mosphere provides a good moisture
balance inside apartments and pro-
tects against mould growth, which is
Bricks & Paving
widely recognised as a contributing
factor to sick building syndrome.”
Van Heerden added that one
of the most important attributes
of clay brick was its good thermal
performance. Scientific research has
demonstrated that clay brick struc-
tures are warm in winter and cool in
summer and, as a result, cut energy
usage substantially. He concluded:
“Clay brick is the one man-made
walling material that has proven to
be more than up to the task.”
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