Facing the facts: Debunking the myths about Concrete Facing Bricks

Tobermore can offer factual information to debunk the various claims surrounding concrete facing bricks.  

For a long time, concrete facing bricks have had a bad reputation in the built industry. However, concrete facing bricks have developed massively in the last 20 years and we at Tobermore want you to know the truth about this amazing product.  

Let’s look at the concrete evidence! 

Myth 1: Concrete facing bricks by definition aren’t a brick at all.  

The Truth

According to Cambridge Dictionary a brick is ‘a rectangular block of hard material used for building walls and houses.’

Tobermore concrete facing bricks adhere to industry standards and are available in the size 215x100x65mm. Theses facing bricks are crafted from cement, premium naturally occurring aggregates, and iron-oxide pigments.

Myth 2: Concrete facing bricks emit more CO2 than clay bricks. 

The Truth 

Tobermore offers exact and reliable environmental performance data for all its products, including facing bricks. Every Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) undergoes independent verification to guarantee the precision of each product’s environmental performance. 

Tobermore Kingston Bricks – 290kg CO2 per 1000 bricks (figure independently verified March 2024) 

vs 

Clay brick – 453.19kg CO2 average per 1000 bricks* 

*Data taken from Clay Brick Average EPD

Myth 3: Concrete facing bricks have a lower productivity rate than clay bricks. 

The Truth 

Tobermore have conducted in-house testing which has confirmed that Tobermore facing brick can achieve lifts of 1.5 metres or 20 lifts per day which is the maximum height in accordance with BS 8000-3. 

Myth 4: Concrete facing bricks are manufactured using all imported products. 

The Truth 

Tobermore boasts one of the largest factories in the UK and Ireland, covering over 64-acres. We source all aggregates for our products from our own quarry, which ensures consistent and reliable supply of raw materials. In addition to this, owning our own quarry enables us to directly oversee the quality of the materials we extract. This means we can confidently guarantee that the aggregates obtained adhere to exacting standards for strength, size, and shape, consequently enhancing the overall quality of our products. 

Myth 5: All concrete facing bricks experience colour leaching. 

The Truth 

Tobermore facing bricks are made with 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.