Technical

All our facing bricks are manufactured to the clay masonry product standard BS EN771-1. This standard defines the dimension and tolerance and durability classes used in our specifications..

Dimensional Tolerance Classes; T2, T1 and Tm (T2 being the defined tightest).

Durability is defined as; F2 – frost resistant F1 – Moderately Frost Resistant

A more detailed explanation can be found in technical guidance note; EN771 Explained Durability and Size.pdf

Please download the following guidance document for Brickwork Bonds & Net Quantities per m².pdf

Clay bricks are subject to expansion and contraction when exposed to heat and moisture, which can cause damage in brickwork if the design does not cater for it. An expansion allowance of 1 mm/m is recommended for all Michelmersh facing brick ranges.

For further details please download our Brickwork Movement Guidance. pdf and the Brick Development Association guidance Designing for Movement in Brickwork.pdf.

Please download the following guidance document for Brickwork Operation & Maintenance Information.pdf

Care should always be taken when cleaning brickwork. It is important to know what type of stain you are trying to remove and the correct materials and techniques to use. Full guidance can be found in the following document; Cleaning of clay brickwork.pdf but there are some basic rules to consider;

– Incorrect use of pressure washers can severely and irrevocably damage brickwork, and should be avoided on sand faced product.
– Conventional acid based cleaning agents should not be used if vanadium staining is present.
– Prevention is Better than Cure; A great deal of time and effort can be saved if appropriate care is taken to avoid contamination of brickwork during construction.

Unless specifically instructed otherwise all bricks should be laid from a mix of at least four packs, and unload each pack diagonally. Whilst every effort is made to ensure consistency some products can show slight variation between batches and loads should be checked for colour consistency and where possible mixed further to obtain a consistent blend or their use managed to avoid ‘banding’ in areas of brickwork already.

Bricks should be cut using a wet saw supplied with a constant flow of clean water. Dry cutting or the use of dirty recirculated water can result in a build-up of dust / slurry on the face of the bricks which is often impossible to remove without having a detrimental effect on the appearance of the product.

Cutting and drilling of bricks should be carried out in accordance with all relevant safety and environmental requirements.

By definition bricks that sit below the DPC will be exposed to potential saturation from water migrating from the ground up through the brickwork. In such a situations it is important to choose bricks that are both Frost Resistant (F2) and have low Active Soluble Salts content (S2) as defined in EN771-1 Standard for Clay Masonry Units.

All our facing brick products meet the F2/S2 classifications and as such are suitable for use in locations subject to severe exposure. This includes areas above and below ground level (approximately 2 courses above and below).

Bricks used deeper below ground level, whilst equally saturated, are less likely to be subjected to freezing conditions.

Please download the following Guide on use of facing bricks below DPC.pdf

Please download the following guidance document: Minor Surface Blemishes on Bricks.pdf

Please download the following guidance document: Site recommendations for brickwork.pdf