Quality of bricks matters when it comes to constructing solid and lasting architectural products, as bricks form the basis for walls, columns, and buildings.
Even slight compromises in brick quality can affect safety, longevity, and cost-effectiveness, so it is essential for any builder, engineer, or even homeowner to know how to check the bricks for quality prior to putting them into building practice.
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At Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt. Ltd., we have been developing world class construction chemicals for over 20 years and have been able to witness firsthand how the proper testing methods and additives – like Clay Bricks Hardener – can massively enhance how the bricks perform.
This blog will detail practical tips and tests that can enable the reader to explicate which bricks would be good quality bricks to use, and improve the decision-making for the construction project itself.
The Significance of Checking Brick Quality
Using bricks that are poor quality may result in several long-term issues:
- Cracks in the walls and plaster.
- Too much water absorption causes dampness and mold.
- Reduced structural integrity.
- Higher costs of maintenance later down the line.
On the other hand, high-quality bricks that are high quality possess durability, energy efficiency, and superior finishing for your construction project.
Simple Methods to Check Brick Quality
There are two main simple ways to check brick quality, and they are:
Visual Inspection – Examining the condition of the brick.
Quality Tests – Conducting a few small tests for strength and durability.
We will take a look at each.
1. Visual Inspection
Visual inspection is the first step in analyzing brick quality. A visual inspection can take place without tools, as defects are easily detected visually.
Here is what to look for:
Uniform Size and Shape
Good bricks are uniform in size. The Indian standard size for a brick, without mortar, is 190 mm × 90 mm × 90 mm. Another size used in construction is 200 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm. Non-uniform size means more mortar to be used and less stability.
Sharp Edges and Smooth Surfaces
In quality bricks, the edges will be sharp and neat, and the surfaces will be smooth and plain. Stained bricks should not have cracks, lumps, or faces that are not fully even.
No Cracks or Chips Are Present
Small chips may be acceptable, but cracks that are visible or powdery surfaces, or large chips may be evidence of poor curing or inferior material.
Colour and density should be Consistent
Quality bricks have consistent reddish colors (in the case of red bricks) or cement-grey finishes (in the case of fly ash). Blotchy or otherwise discolored bricks or bricks that do not feel heavy (hollow) are likely poor quality.
2. Simple Quality Tests of Brick
Besides looking at the materials’ quality, a few quick tests will tell you whether the brick will be used satisfactorily for construction.
Tap a brick with a hammer or bang two bricks together. A good brick will make a ringing noise, while a dull thud means it is weak or that it’s porous.
b) Drop Test
Hold a brick over your shoulder (approximately 1 meter) and let it fall onto a hard surface. A quality brick will not fall apart. If it shatters, do not use this brick.
c) Water Absorption Test
After weighing a dry brick, soak it in water for 24 hours, then re-weigh it. An acceptable brick will absorb no more than 20% of its dry weight in water. Too much water absorption will result in damp walls and efflorescence.
d) Scratch / Hardness Test
Scratch the surface of the brick using a nail or a knife. If the surface does not leave a deep mark, it is a hard brick.
e) Crack Test
Run your fingers around the brick to feel for hairline cracks. These can reduce compressive strength over time.
f) Efflorescence Test
Soak a brick in water, and lay it outside in the sunshine to allow it to dry. If white patches appear on its surface, soluble salts are present. High efflorescence means the brick does not have good durability.
Reference Guidelines for Brick Strength
IS 3495 (1992) guidelines:
- The minimum compressive strength of a brick should be 3.5 N/mm².
- For high-quality construction, bricks with 7–14 N/mm² are preferred.
According to internationally accepted standards such as ASTM C67, the strength of bricks should fall in the range of 15–30 MPa depending on the application.
The Role of Construction Additives in Brick Quality Improvement
While it is important to assess quality, it is equally important to improve quality. This is where additives such as Clay Bricks Hardener play a pivotal role.
- Clay Bricks Hardener strengthens the bonds in the bricks to enhance durability.
- The product improves the resistance of bricks to water absorption.
- The product also improves the compressive strength.
- The product ensures the longer life of masonry structures.
At Sakshi Chem Sciences, we design and manufacture technologically advanced brick hardeners that conform to international safety and durability standards. Clay Brick Hardeners go above and beyond to improve clay brick performance and minimize construction waste and costs.
How to Check Brick Quality?
If time is short, you can do an initial visual assessment along with the tap test or drop test, since these are the quickest assessment methods. For critical applications such as high-rise buildings or masonry walls that require load-bearing function, you should also conduct a compressive strength and water absorption test to better assess the quality.
Final Considerations
Being knowledgeable about checking brick quality is crucial for builders, contractors, and homeowners alike. From visually checking to strength tests and water absorption tests, these methods help ensure that you select the right bricks to ensure safety and durability.
At Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt. Ltd, we bring over 20 years in the industry, along with innovative research and development in our world-class chemicals for construction.
Each product, including Clay Bricks Hardener, helps to improve the performance and life of bricks for stronger, eco-friendlier, and cost-effective buildings.
Choose Sakshi Chem Sciences– where quality meets innovation for construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the easiest way to check brick quality on the job site?
The tap test or drop test provides the quickest method for assessing brick quality on-site.
Q2: How much water absorption is acceptable in a brick?
Good-quality bricks will absorb less than 20% of their dry weight in water.
Q3: Why do bricks crack easily?
Poor curing, low-quality raw materials, or moisture can all contribute to cracks.
Q4: How does Clay Bricks Hardener help in construction?
Clay Bricks Hardener helps clay bricks bind together better, have more strength, and repel water, resulting in stronger, long-lasting structures.
Q5: Can efflorescence impact wall strength?
Yes. Efflorescence (white salt patches) can weaken bricks over a period of time and a best prevention option.
Sagar Telrandhe is a Construction Engineer with a B.Tech in Construction Engineering & Management. Passionate about infrastructure development, project planning, and sustainable construction, he specializes in modern construction techniques, project execution, and quality management, contributing to efficient and innovative building.