Clay block construction is an extremely versatile and efficient way to build. Its excellent energy saving characteristics combined with the build quality and speed will outperform most other traditional aggregate blocks. The benefits are such that building with clay blocks has become the foremost method of construction in many European countries. Utilised on many commercial and domestic projects, clay blocks are suitable for single and multi storey applications.
Modern clay blocks are precision engineered walling units designed to be thermally and acoustically efficient. During manufacture clay is prepared with sand, straw or recycled materials, extruded, dried and fired. The addition of these other materials helps enhance their unique properties as they are burned off during firing leaving behind innumerable small holes and connecting pores. The air trapped within these pores helps retain heat and reduce sound transmission. After firing the blocks are precision ground within +/- 0.5mm allowing for the construction of highly accurate and precise walls.
A clay block does not rust or warp and is resistant to fire and attack from insects. They require very little immediate or on-going maintenance and lend themselves to an array of final surface finishes. Although facing bricks or a modern wall cladding system are options, traditionally clay blocks are best finished with lime render to allow the building to 'breathe'.
Although on first appearance the price of each unit can be a little higher than other construction methods, when costs for materials and laying are taken into account clay blocks become an attractive, cost effective and realistic alternative to traditional brick and block cavity walls. In some cases using a clay block construction system can also help increase the overall value of the project in question.
Clay block construction projects are highly eco-friendly. The blocks themselves have less environmental impact during their manufacture than most other building materials, and the finished building offers very high insulation values.
