Brick hyperpressed cladding: types, composition, characteristics and reviews

In modern construction, the boundary between the spheres of application of different groups of materials is shrinking at high rates. In many ways, this is facilitated by the introduction of new technologies in production processes. Traditional brick is usually associated with the laying of walls and partitions. The function of the facing components is given to the tiles, siding and wood. At the same time, the hyper-pressed facing brick is able to perform both the tasks of decorative finishing, and ensure the strength of the walls being formed. Methods of its production have a number of significant differences from the production of ordinary bricks, which determined the unique qualities of this material.

Manufacturing technology and equipment

Production is carried out using hyper-pressing technology. In special molds under pressure of more than 20 mPa, the cement-mineral mixture for the brick is compacted. In production, special equipment is used for hyper-pressed bricks, due to which a conveyor line is formed. The standard list of such units includes the following:

• Main installation for the process of hyperpressing (press);
• Concrete mixer;
• Conveyor line;
• Installation for cutting bricks;
• Forming equipment for bricks with chamfer.

A feature of this method of production is a high load on the raw material, from which a high-strength hyperpressed brick is subsequently obtained. The technology practically excludes the preservation of voids, which affects the hardness and longevity of the material. In part, the efficiency of the technological process is enhanced by the separation of the processes of crushing and mixing.

Composition of hyperpressed bricks

Most of the raw materials for making bricks by hyperpressing are slags and wastes. In particular, products are used for the processing of metallurgical plants, asbestos cement plants, power plants and ore mining and processing enterprises. About 10% of the composition is formed by finely ground limestone rocks with the inclusion of water and cement. The rest of the share, of which the brick is hyperpressed, includes marbles, dolomites, shells, travertines and other elements. By composition, it is possible to trace the differences of this technology. So, in comparison with the production of ceramic bricks, molded products do not pass firing and do not dry. If we compare with the production of silicate bricks, then we can note the absence of sand in the composition.

Material specifications

Of course, consumers in the mass do not go into the subtleties of technological processes and immediately pay attention to what the characteristics of hyperpressed brick for facing. So, among the technical indicators it is worth noting the following:

• Strength indices vary from 100 to 400 kg / cm ² ;
• The average weight is 2000 kg / m ³ ;
• Ability to water absorption - 3-7%;
• Frost resistance - 300 cycles;
• Fire resistance corresponds to a group of non-combustible materials;
• Low thermal conductivity, the performance of which corresponds to special heat insulators.

Varieties

Despite certain difficulties in the manufacturing process, production allows the production of various brick models. In terms of performance properties, the material itself remains the same, but the structural and texture qualities are quite different. In the construction market, one can find hyper-pressed facing brick in the following assortment:

1. Crushed. Has a specific texture that mimics the chips.
2. Figured. It can take the form of various geometric figures, which increases the aesthetic merits of the cladding.
3. Full body. It has high strength and is suitable for traditional masonry.
4. Hollow. It is usually used for decorative exterior finishing with a heat insulator function.

It is also worth noting that the hyperpressed brick is available in different colors, which significantly expands the aesthetic design of buildings. The standard for this brick is yellow, red and green shades.

Reviews

Owners of houses built using such a brick, in general, praise the purchase. With respect to strength, durability and reliability, the material does not cause criticism. Moreover, many complain that the products do not lend themselves to manual processing. On the one hand, this indicates the quality of the material, but on the other hand it requires the use of special equipment that will allow cutting hyper-pressed brick. Reviews also note the heaviness of the material. Still, the high density of products and, as a consequence, the increase in mass. By the way, the weight of one brick reaches 4 kg. As a result, transportation and handling of materials on the construction site is difficult, especially when it comes to large lots.

There are also complaints about the color burn-out, although this factor depends on the good faith of the manufacturer, which produces hyper-pressed brick. Reviews point out that the sunny sides of the elements especially burn out. Therefore, if the textural qualities are of principle, then it is recommended to purchase a "torn" brick - this texture is the least susceptible to burnout.

How much does hyperpressed brick cost?

High cost can be attributed to another shortcoming of such bricks, but their operational advantages pay off. On average, prices range from 17 to 22 rubles. a piece. This is the cost of full-bodied material. But it is important to understand that hyperpressed brick, whose price does not exceed 20 rubles, in most cases has a minimum level of density in relation to technological standards. If it is necessary to obtain high-quality and durable walls, it is desirable to purchase a material that is more expensive and with a maximum density level.

Conclusion

Considering the option of purchasing hyper-pressed products, many are faced with the question of what this material differs from ordinary bricks. By and large, he wins in two qualities. It is durability and aesthetic properties. It is obvious that the brick is hyperpressured at its density and will provide the building with high reliability. This is said not only by the manufacturers, but also by the builders who used this material.

Decorability, a variety of textures and textures is also an important advantage. After all, such a brick is used not only by private homeowners, but also by developers of large shopping centers. Respectable appearance can be obtained with the help of other materials, but not all of them are able to provide similar strength and reliability indicators.