6 Things to Consider when Specifying Facing Bricks

Facing bricks not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a building but also play a fundamental role in its durability and functionality. Whether it be developing homes on a regional or national scale, specifying the right facing bricks stands as a pivotal choice for any project.  

Let’s look at the key factors you should consider before specifying facing bricks for your project. 

1. Price

Budget is crucial for any project. While quality and aesthetics are undoubtedly important, overspending on facing bricks can strain your financial resources and potentially lead to budget overruns. During project planning it is imperative to compare costing of all potential facing brick options to ensure overall cost-effectiveness. Selecting cost-effective facing bricks will allow you to allocate your budget more efficiently.

Tobermore concrete facing bricks are made with high quality aggregates and pigments, providing quality product at competitive prices, to align with your budget requirements.  

2. Sustainability  

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important when selecting facing bricks for your project. Both manufacturing and the product itself can have a massive impact on the environment. Consideration for sustainability in this process can ensure the reduction of your carbon footprint within your project.

Sustainable facing bricks are typically made from eco-friendly materials, such as recycled aggregates or locally sourced natural resources, which help minimise energy consumption and mitigate waste generation. Integrating sustainability into your facing brick selection process not only aligns with ethical and environmental values but also ensures the eco-friendliness of your project.

Tobermore is dedicated to responsible manufacturing practices aimed at minimising the environmental impact of all its operations. All aggregates for Tobermore facing bricks come from our own quarry, which ensures consistent and reliable supply of materials as well as reducing the requirement for importing of products, or raw materials. 

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are provided for Tobermore’s entire range of products. These documents detail the environmental performance of construction products over their lifespan.  

Did you know that the carbon emissions from a Tobermore facing brick are lower than those from a single dairy latte? 

1 Tobermore facing brick – 320g CO2    |   1 dairy latte – 350g CO2* 

3. Availability

Project timelines and progress of construction are all directly impacted by availability of product. It is essential to source facing bricks from suppliers with a reliable track record of consistent availability to avoid potential setbacks and interruptions to the construction process. By prioritising availability, you can streamline planning, minimise lead times, and maintain project momentum, ultimately contributing to the successful and prompt completion of your project.  

Tobermore has a dedicated team committed to providing the best customer service possible. With readily available stock and on time deliveries, Tobermore can guarantee that your project progresses as smoothly as possible.

4. Colour Retention

Colour retention is a key factor when selecting facing bricks for your project, as it directly influences the long-term appearance and aesthetic appeal of the structure. Opting for facing bricks with excellent colour retention ensures that the vibrant hues and tones remain vivid and intact over time, even in the face of exposure to harsh weather conditions and UV radiation. High-quality facing bricks with superior colour retention not only enhance the overall aesthetic of the building but also contribute to its durability and longevity, making them a wise choice for any construction project.

Tobermore uses only high-quality Iron Oxide pigments manufactured in accordance with BS EN 12878 standards. Over the past three decades, there have been significant advancements in the quality of synthetic iron oxide pigments. These pigments are now extremely durable allowing the bricks to retain their original colour. Furthermore, all Tobermore bricks undergo a 12-hour curing process in a warm vapour environment. This not only enhances the colour but also significantly reduces the likelihood of efflorescence occurring. 

5. Laying Speed 

Laying speed is a critical aspect to consider when choosing facing bricks for your project, as it directly impacts the efficiency and timeline of construction. Opting for facing bricks that facilitate quick and easy installation can significantly accelerate the building process, reducing labour costs and minimising project duration. By prioritising laying speed, you can accelerate the construction timeline without compromising on quality or structural integrity.  

Tobermore facing bricks not only offer comparable laying rates to clay alternatives but also excel in efficiency and ease of installation, ensuring swift and seamless construction processes. Lifts of 1.5 metres or 20 courses can be achieved per day which is the maximum height in accordance with BS 8000-3. 

6. Uniformity

Consistency in size, colour, texture, and quality of facing brick ensures a consistent look to a building’s aesthetic. A uniform facing brick product minimises variations in appearance and helps to achieve straight perpends (also known as perps or cross joints) across the structure, creating a polished and professional finish that enhances the building’s facade. By prioritising uniformity in facing bricks, builders and designers can achieve a cohesive and visually striking result. 

Tobermore manufactures its facing brick with the best manufacturing machines and moulds available to the market. This ensures tolerances are accurate and consistent, so that uniformity in projects can be easily achieved, unlike clay alternatives. 

Specifying the right facing brick offers a multitude of benefits that are crucial to both the aesthetic appeal as well as structural aspects of a construction project. Prioritising the key factors discussed ensures the selection of high-quality facing bricks. Through careful consideration of product, builders and designers will be able to easily achieve a visually appealing finish but also a durable and long-lasting structure that will meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.