Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question about brick, chances are we already have the answer. Check through our list of frequently asked questions to help build your working knowledge of all things brick.

What are bricks made of?
How do bricks contribute to greater energy efficiency?
Why do some bricks have holes?
Can bricks be reused?
What is the brick industry doing to reduce carbon emissions?
Can bricks be painted?
Can damaged brickwork repaired?
How big is the brick industry?
What is passive solar design?
What is Life cycle analysis?

What are bricks made of?

Bricks are composed of clay and shale. The colour of bricks depends on the clay mix used, firing temperatures, kiln car setting and additives. Additives might include sawdust, coal, coke and manganese.

How do bricks contribute to greater energy efficiency?

Brick is a natural insulator. It’s ability to absorb and release thermal energy (heat or ‘coolth’) over an extended period makes it an ideal choice for reducing the amount of energy used for mechanical heating and cooling and therefore reducing carbon emissions.

Why do some bricks have holes?

These are extruded bricks, also known as wire cut bricks. The holes are called core holes or perforations and allow the brick to be fired more evenly. The Australian Standard states that core holes of up to 30 percent of the material thickness have no effect on the insulation or fire resistance value of the brick.

Can bricks be reused?

Bricks themselves can be re-used and so can brick buildings. Bricks are among the most commonly salvaged building materials. Salvaged bricks can be used in road construction or crushed, to be used as landscaping mulch. Even if bricks are returned to landfill, because they are made of clay they require no special handling.

There are many examples of old brick buildings and structures being reused to become apartments, theatres or entertainment venues.

What is the brick industry doing to reduce carbon emissions?

Our members are committed to the continuous improvement of their manufacturing process to reduce energy expenditure in the manufacture of their products. Members recycle water, use natural gas in the firing process, and strictly monitor emissions from their plants on a regular basis.

It is important to note however that when building a home less than 10% of all carbon emissions relating to the construction of home. Over 90% of all carbon emissions are expended in the operation of the home after it is built i.e. lighting, hot water, artificial heating and cooling. Houses can be built using good design principles (solar passive design) to reduce the amount of operational energy homeowners use in their home, therefore reducing the impact of carbon emissions on our environment.

The brick industry is undertaking ground-breaking research with The University of Newcastle to provide the construction industry design strategies and guidelines to help reduce the amount of carbon emissions in the operational function of our homes for the future. Clay bricks play a critical role in reducing operational energy.

Can bricks be painted?

Brickwork can be painted, however, like any painted surface, regular upkeep will be required such as cleaning and re-painting which is not needed with face brickwork. Once brickwork has been painted it is possible to later have it restored to its original condition.

(See our list of members for contact details)

Can damaged brickwork repaired?

Face brick is less susceptible to cracks, stains, chipping and dents than rendered and painted finishes and when cracks do occur they are less visible. Cracks also occur more frequently in the mortar joints of a brick wall rather than in the bricks themselves and these cracks can be repaired relatively easily. It is also possible to colour-match brickwork if different bricks to the original have been used to repair, extend or renovate.

How big is the brick industry?

Today, the brick industry is worth around $2.8bn to the Australian economy and directly employs about 2500 people nationally and the same number indirectly as contractors, resellers and in supply industries.

What is passive solar design?

Passive solar design is when the orientation of the building, site selection, materials, and design features allow the home to collect, store and distribute the sun's heat in winter, block the sun during the summer and provide for air circulation and natural day lighting – all without the need for mechanical cooling.

What is Life Cycle Analysis?

A Life Cycle Analysis examines the total energy used in construction, utlisation, heating and cooling and finally, decommissioning of a building. Overwhelmingly, utilisation energy (including cooking, heating and cooling, lighting) is the primary energy demand over a building’s lifetime.

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