The benefits of clay brick

Clay brick is not only one of the oldest and most traditional exterior cladding materials, it is technically the best and most trusted by consumers.

Brick generally scores very highly on surveys of exterior materials and for good reason. The chart below outlines the features of clay brick compared to other building materials.

Genuine Clay Brick: A Home Owner’s Guide

This CBAC brochure outlines the benefits of clay brick construction for home owners

Characteristics	Genuine Burned Clay Brick	Concrete/Calcite Brick	Vinyl/Aluminum or Wood Siding	Stucco and EIFS	Adhered Artificial Stone	What Clay means to You
Colour	Enormous range of natural colours.	Limited range of pigment-added colours.	Limited colour range	Pastel monochromatic colours	Wide range of surface pigments	Improved resale value, lasting beauty.
Colour Retention	Never fades – colour fired in at 1040°C (1900°F). Look improves with age.	Colour fades over ten years time.	Depending on material, colours fade. Wood needs repainting.	Colour fades over time.	Colour fades over time.	Clay brick is virtually maintenance free and gives higher resale value.
Texture	Very wide range of bark, wire cut. Smooth antique textures in all colours.	Limited range.	Limited range.	Limited surface treatments.	Wide range of profiles that repeat.	Clay brick allows greater variety of design and beauty, resulting in higher resale value.
Strength	Typically 42-70 Mpa (6000-10000 psi)	Typically 20-28 Mpa(3000-4000psi)	Not load bearing.	Not load bearing.	Not load bearing.	Clay brick lasts for decades.
“M” Factor	Up to 8 hours for clay brick to transfer 17ºC (30ºF) difference from outside to inside wall.	Comparable to clay brick.	About 1 hour to transfer 17ºC (30ºF) difference.	Thin layer means minimal thermal mass.	Lightweight concrete and thin layer means minimal thermal mass.	Clay brick homes stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Initial Rate of Absorption (IRA)	Approx. 20 gms/minute (.71 oz/minute) per 20,000 sq. mm. (30 sq. ins.)	40-80 gms/minute (1.4-2.8 oz.minute) per 20,000 sq. mm. (30 sq. ins.)	N / A	Similar to concrete.	Similar to concrete	With Clay brick your home does not go through drastic colour change in rain.
Repair and Maintenance	Little or no maintenance required with proper design detailing and good clay brick practice.	Concrete eventually may require colour correction due to colour fading.	Replacement may be needed due to scratches, dents and warpage. Wood requires painting.	Caulking is critical and requires regular attention	Occasional units fall off, no mechanical anchors.	Clay brick looks better as it ages and requires virtually no maintenance
Impact Resistance	Resists everything from hail to golf balls to bullets with little or no damage.	Resists everything from hail to golf balls to bullets with little or no damage.	Dimples or punctures upon impact, bullets pass through unimpeded.	Minor disaggregation from hail, bullets pass through.	Minor disaggregation from hail, bullets pass through.	Clay brick protects you from hail, errant golfers and terrorists.