Cavity Walls are something that you may not know much about until you need to, but if a problem arises that is Cavity Wall related, you will find there is a lot to know! This blog post is going to dive into the ‘technicalities’ of Cavity Walls, discussing exactly what a cavity wall is and the different types of bricks that may be used… Let’s get into it.
Just a note, if you would like to know more specifically about what goes in a cavity wall, whether that be Cavity Wall Insulation or Wall Ties, then check out our other blogs, here.
What is Cavity Wall?
A cavity wall is made up of two parallel levels of masonry, which are separated by a continuous air space, referred to as the Cavity.
There are 3 main parts within a cavity wall:
1. The outer leaf – the exterior of the wall.
2. The inner leaf – the interior of the wall.
3. The cavity – the continuous open-air space in between the inner and outer leaf.
The Construction
The outer leaf of the wall is generally a non-load bearing wall, and the thickness of it is typically half-brick. Contrastingly, the inner wall is always load-bearing, meaning the thickness should not be less than one brick.
Wall Ties are used to ‘tie’ the outer and inner leaf together, crucial to the safety and stability of the structure. You can read more about wall ties, here.
Back in the day, before wall ties, they used bricks turned on their side as a method to tie the brickwork leaves together… we will be discussing this in our next blog so stay tuned!
Types of Bricks
Bricks are produced using various manufacturing techniques, and for a variety of reasons. This means different bricks are suited to different jobs depending on the variation and style.
Facing Bricks
This is the most popular type of brick, becoming a popular material of choice in the UK housing market for thousands of years. Being used primarily on the external wall of a building due to both their weather resistant qualities and aesthetics. There are two main types of facing brick:
Soft Mud (Stock Bricks)
Soft mud bricks offer a somewhat traditional appearance, with a softer and warmer brick aesthetic, while still maintaining technical performance. Formed use a mould, these bricks are made using clay, which is then moulded and coated in sand.
Extruded Bricks
This type of brick is the most popular method of brick production, as they can be manufactured at a large volume (20,000 bricks per hour!). These are formed through clay being formed into a continuous column, and then cut into the appropriate ‘brick’ size using row wires.
These bricks are distinctive in their aesthetic, as they often have core holes running across the bed of the bricks, requiring less energy for drying, while also making them lighter and easier to be handled.
Engineering Bricks
These types of bricks are used primarily for their physical and technical strengths, rather than their aesthetic. Known for their high compressive strength and their low water absorption, they are the perfect option where strength and resistance to frost or water is a key factor to consider. Examples of this would include manholes, sewers, retaining walls and damp-proof courses.
Common Bricks
Common bricks are surprisingly the least common brick type in the UK… but why?
These bricks have lower compressive strengths than their counterparts and are a lower quality option. This means they are more typically used for internal brickwork, where weather and compression are not a factor.
Damp-proof course bricks
These bricks are designed specifically to have a low absorption rate, making them perfect for damp-proof construction. There are 2 classifications of Damp-Proof Course Bricks:
• DPC1 – Suited to external work use: maximum water absorption rate of 4.5%
• DPC2 – suitable for external only: maximum water absorption rate of 7%
There are a multitude of factors to consider in the construction of a building, or more specifically, a cavity wall. All these factors can contribute to the types of bricks used within a structure, and if done so incorrectly, may lead to issues relating to the cavity wall, cavity wall insulation, cavity wall ties, or damp!
How can we help?
Here at CavClear, we specialise in providing the Northwest a prompt cost-effective and friendly solution to removing Cavity Wall Insulation. Our team are fully approved and accredited to provide you with an easy, effective and high standard of service.
If you are concerned that your Cavity Wall Insulation has become ineffective, or is causing damp to your home, then get in touch now for a expert, no-obligation Cavity Wall Insulation Removal quote!
Don’t let the issue get out of hand… Get in touch with our friendly team by calling 0333 220 2463 or contact us.
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