Clay Bricks vs. Concrete Bricks

When it comes to building a home, the choice of building materials significantly impacts the structure's durability, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Two popular options are fired clay bricks and concrete bricks. While both materials have their own set of advantages, fired clay bricks, like those produced by Krause Bricks since 1945, offer a compelling combination of benefits that make them a superior choice for many construction projects.

Durability and Longevity

Fired clay bricks are renowned for their exceptional durability and longevity. They are resistant to weathering, pests and moisture, ensuring that your home will stand the test of time. Unlike concrete bricks, which can crack and deteriorate over time (especially in Australia’s harsh weather conditions) clay bricks retain their structural integrity for generations.

Fire Resistance

When measuring fire resistance, clay bricks are the clear winner. They can withstand extreme heat without compromising their structural integrity, making clay brick homes inherently safer and more secure. In contrast, concrete bricks can crack and crumble under intense heat, potentially leading to structural damage and fire hazards. Considering Australia’s relentless climate, this is especially important to consider.

Thermal Performance

Fired clay bricks offer excellent thermal mass, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. They absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter. This natural insulation reduces reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems, saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint. Concrete bricks, on the other hand, have poorer thermal performance, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. In the context of climate change and running efficient buildings, the potential higher cost for fired clay bricks becomes much more economical in the long run when not having to drastically heat and cool as often.

Soundproofing

Both materials offer some soundproofing, however with varying results. Fired clay bricks are excellent sound insulators, helping to reduce noise pollution from outside sources. This can create a more peaceful and calm living environment, especially in more built up suburban areas. Concrete bricks, while offering some sound insulation, are not as effective as clay bricks in this regard.

Sustainability

Our clay bricks are a sustainable and eco-friendly building material, which are proudly carbon neutral. The clay we use is mined from local clayfields, which means we have a very short distance to transport raw materials to our site, which is traditionally a big factor in carbon emissions. Additionally, clay bricks are fully recyclable, making them a responsible choice for modern construction. Concrete production, on the other hand, is an energy-intensive process that releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. 

Aesthetics

Fired clay bricks can offer a wide range of colors, textures, and sizes, allowing for a variety of architectural styles. Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic, clay bricks can accommodate your vision. Concrete bricks, while functional, often lack the aesthetic appeal and full spectrum of colour of fired clay bricks.

Cost

While the initial cost of fired clay bricks may be slightly higher than concrete bricks, their long-term benefits outweigh any difference in the upfront investment. The durability, low maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency of clay bricks can lead to significant savings over time. Additionally, the timeless aesthetic appeal of fired clay bricks can increase the resale value of your home.

When comparing fired clay and concrete bricks, it's clear to us that clay bricks offer a superior combination of durability, fire resistance, thermal performance, soundproofing, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. While both materials have their own advantages, fired clay bricks such as those produced in Stawell, Victoria by Krause Bricks, provide a more sustainable, resilient, and visually appealing solution for building your dream home.