Hello,

Are bricks frost proof and water proof only on the outside? If the
face of one gets chipped, does that mean it becomes susceptible to
water ingress or frost damage? I was told this but don't know if it is
true.

I have a brick with a damaged face and I wonder whether I should
replace it? I also see chipped ones on the shelf at Wickes and wonder
whether they can be used or whether they have been left behind by
other customers on purpose!

On another brick topic: is an engineering brick different to any other
brick or is the only difference that the engineering brick is plain in
appearance?

Thanks,
Stephen.

On 15/04/2011 12:33, Stephen wrote:
Hello,

Are bricks frost proof and water proof only on the outside? If the
face of one gets chipped, does that mean it becomes susceptible to
water ingress or frost damage? I was told this but don't know if it is
true.

Bricks are not waterproof. That is why cavity walls were introduced - to
stop water soaking right through the wall. The rate at which they absorb
water can affect the bond strength of the mortar.

Not all bricks are frost resistant either. There are three categories:
Frost resistant - resistant to repeated freezing and thawing when
saturated; Moderately Frost Resistant - durable except when saturated
and subject to repeated freezing and thawing; Not Frost Resistant - only
for use indoors or under an impermeable cladding. If they are frost
resistant, minor damage will not affect that.

I have a brick with a damaged face and I wonder whether I should
replace it?

More trouble than it is worth, unless you are offended by the appearance.

I also see chipped ones on the shelf at Wickes and wonder
whether they can be used or whether they have been left behind by
other customers on purpose!

I wouldn't use them anywhere they can be seen.

On another brick topic: is an engineering brick different to any other
brick or is the only difference that the engineering brick is plain in
appearance?

Engineering bricks are denser and stronger. They also absorb less water.
Blue engineering bricks are Class A - 70 N/mm2 and 4.5% water
absorption. Red engineering bricks are Class B - 50 N/mm2 and 7%. This
makes them more suitable for use in foundations.

For facing bricks, the minimum strength is 5 N/mm2 (although they can be
made in different strengths, in which case they mus be at least as
strong as the manufacturer says) and there is no set limit for water
absorption.

These figures are from BS 3921. Standard BS EN 771-1 gives different
compressive strength figures, because it uses a different test method.

Colin Bignell

In article ,
lid says...
On another brick topic: is an engineering brick different to any other
brick or is the only difference that the engineering brick is plain in
appearance?

They're fired at a higher temperature, which makes them less absorbant
and harder. You can tell by the almost ringing tone when you strike
them.

--
Skipweasel - never knowingly understood.

Stephen wrote:
Hello,

Are bricks frost proof and water proof only on the outside? If the
face of one gets chipped, does that mean it becomes susceptible to
water ingress or frost damage? I was told this but don't know if it is
true.


Not necessarily.

How vulnerable a brick, or indeed a bit of concrete or render is, to
frost damage is partly its porosity that allows water in (or not) and
partly its mechanical strength that resists spallation (or not).

Composition is probably more important than the minor variations that
happen due the the outside being a bit better 'cooked' than the inside.


I have a brick with a damaged face and I wonder whether I should
replace it? I also see chipped ones on the shelf at Wickes and wonder
whether they can be used or whether they have been left behind by
other customers on purpose!

On another brick topic: is an engineering brick different to any other
brick or is the only difference that the engineering brick is plain in
appearance?


No, It's got a different composition, and probably is fired at a higher
temperature.

Its different all the way through,as you would know if you had ever
taken a cold chisel or an angle grinder to one.


Thanks,
Stephen.

On Apr 15, 12:33*pm, Stephen wrote:
Hello,

Are bricks frost proof and water proof only on the outside? If the
face of one gets chipped, does that mean it becomes susceptible to
water ingress or frost damage? I was told this but don't know if it is
true.

with some bricks yes, some no. Old soft bricks are very susceptible
once the face is gone.


I have a brick with a damaged face and I wonder whether I should
replace it?

You could wait until it disintegrates in 10 years, or replace now.


I also see chipped ones on the shelf at Wickes and wonder
whether they can be used or whether they have been left behind by
other customers on purpose!

On another brick topic: is an engineering brick different to any other
brick or is the only difference that the engineering brick is plain in
appearance?

Harder, less absorbent, good for underground use.


NT

On 15/04/2011 13:18, Skipweasel wrote:
In ,
lid says...
On another brick topic: is an engineering brick different to any other
brick or is the only difference that the engineering brick is plain in
appearance?

They're fired at a higher temperature, which makes them less absorbant
and harder. You can tell by the almost ringing tone when you strike
them.


Or when you try to drill them :-)


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk