It certainly seems somewhat of a trend to hear how long-standing products may not be as faultless as we once believed them to be. While the experience may be exhausting and at times even frustrating, facing these hard truths now may save our built environment and as an extension, us, a great deal of trouble indeed. In this blog post, we’ll explore the shortcomings of cement and concrete; the highest consumed product across the globe after water and compare this material to an often unsung hero of our built environment, the reliable brick. Natural, fired clay bricks, while essentially unchanged over thousands of years, have endured for a series of very good reasons. What are they? And what advantages do bricks offer over concrete and cement? To answer these questions and more, be sure to read on.
What is the difference between concrete and cement?
While cement and concrete are related materials, they are distinct and serve different purposes. Essentially, cement is a binding agent, while concrete is the final product that uses cement as a critical component. Cement can be thought of as the glue that holds concrete, which is made in part from aggregates such as gravel, sand, and crushed rock, together. Cement is most commonly spotted in the built environment as concrete, and fulfils a wide range of roles, both functional and decorative.
Why is cement harmful to our environment?
Cement is responsible for about 8% of annual emissions worldwide. This is more than any other product and translates to approximately 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Why is cement so carbon-intensive in its production? The primary culprit is an essential binding component of cement known as ‘clinker’. About 40% of the emissions produced during the manufacturing process of cement result from bringing the kiln to a dreadfully high temperature. The other 60% of emissions are produced during the creation of the ‘clinker’, which begins its journey in the preheating tower. It is here that additives such as limestone release carbon once met with a blistering 850-degree temperature. Of course, cement itself is only half the story, as it is often not the end product we are so familiar with. Concrete, which forms our roads, building facades, bridges and sidewalks and walkways, relies on cement to bind together the rocks, sand, and water. Concrete may only consist of about 10% cement- but it accounts for the overwhelming majority of its emissions.
Why is cement so popular?
One of the primary reasons behind the popularity of cement is its compressive strength. When mixed with water, cement undergoes a chemical reaction known as ‘hydration’. This makes cement harden into a tough material that is used extensively by builders and architects to ensure that a building is structurally robust and safe. It is unlikely that the ability of concrete to hold up massive loads will be challenged by another product, and its use in structural elements, such as columns and foundations, is likely to continue. However, there are many places in our built environment where concrete is not necessary, yet sees continuous popularity that is not only unwarranted but actively damaging to our planet as a whole. Sidewalks and walkways, fortunately, do not require the compressive strength of foundations, while decorative uses of concrete, such as in architectural facades, balustrades and railings, can be easily replaced with a wide array of alternatives, the most promising of which is the clay brick.
The advantage of natural clay bricks over cement
Clay bricks are a versatile and strong material suitable for a wide range of construction projects. The advantages of clay over cement and concrete are numerous and wide-ranging and will be explored in the points below.
Durability
Clay bricks are renowned for their robust nature and incredible durability. Not only are these rectangular wonders resistant to UV damage and do not fade even in Australia’s harsh summers, but they are also resistant to rapid changes in temperature. Whether it be in blistering or freezing temperatures or exposure to moisture, bricks will not lose structural integrity and will continue to perform as well as new.
Thermal Insulation
Clay bricks make regulating indoor temperatures easy. With their excellent insulative properties, clay bricks are often utilised in passive homes and projects where a minimal environmental impact is an important element of the brief.
Aesthetics and Design
Nothing quite beats the timeless elegance and aesthetic versatility of clay bricks. From contemporary architectural masterpieces to timeless classics and traditional mainstays, clay bricks are as flexible in their application as they are durable in their structure.
Maintenance and Repair
Clay bricks require minimal maintenance and seldom suffer damage that could warrant the need for replacement. Bricks are resistant to damage from temperature, sun exposure, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Environmental Sustainability
As their name implies clay bricks are made from naturally occurring and abundant materials. The embodied carbon of a product is usually directly tied to how processed it is. The processing involved in the creation of clay bricks is minimal and the carbon emissions are comparatively lower than those involved in the production of cement, and subsequently concrete. Clay bricks can also be easily recycled and reused in the brick-making process, resulting in a cyclical, cradle-to-cradle lifespan that is friendlier to our planet.
Trust clay bricks from Littlehampton Bricks and Pavers for your next project
So, there you have it! While cement and concrete may often appear as a simple solution to architectural conundrums, it’s always best to consider an alternative where possible, and natural clay bricks pose a tempting solution. After all, it’s inarguable that the advantages of clay bricks are impressive, from the hard-wearing nature to fantastic thermal insulation, flexible aesthetics and design, minimal maintenance and repair and perhaps most importantly, improved environmental sustainability. If you’re considering investing in the numerous benefits of natural clay for your next project, check our initiatives to support our environment, such as the use of recycled oil to fuel our kilns and many others, or get in touch with our friendly team on 1800 829 143, or contact us online.