6 reasons why double brick residential construction may be the choice for you
Australia’s brick industry is worth $2.8 billion and employs over 30,000 Australians.
– Think Brick
Are you building a new dwelling? One of the most important decisions to make when constructing a new project is deciding on the way the property is built.
There are many reasons why people choose a double brick facade during the process of construction for their new residencies. It is one of the most popular methods of construction in both residential and commercial buildings as it offers a wealth of benefits and durable, long-term solutions.
What is double brick construction?
Typically, a double brick house is built with double brick walls. These double brick walls are two panels of brickwork with a slim gap in between. This narrow gap allows for the dwelling to possess thermal properties – where the bricks retain heat energy, which is gradually released into your home, keeping the air moderated inside.
The benefits of double brick construction
- Bricks are an excellent shield against the extreme weather conditions and are a fantastic fire-resistant option, offering high wind protection and moisture control.
- Bricks are great for absorbing noise and provide an acoustic advantage over other materials, insulating sound between different rooms within the house.
- Double brick construction is also beneficial in the colder months due to the insulating qualities, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Bricks are a durable material in comparison to timber as they do not rot, dent or need to be painted. In addition to this, bricks start to look better with age allowing for a long-lasting classic aesthetic.
- Double brick is a more stable option for structure in the event of a natural disaster or extreme storm. This further emphasises the durability of double brick structures.
In addition to all the above benefits, building with brick is also environmentally friendly. They are made from natural resources including clay and rock, meaning they are recyclable.
Drawbacks of selecting double brick construction
- Double brick house construction usually takes an extended amount of time before completion. A double brick home can take over 6 months to finish, which can cause inconvenience for homeowners as they may have rent to pay and interest on their loans. In comparison, timber frame construction takes approximately half the time to be completed. Nevertheless, the longer wait time does deliver a more durable, sustainable structure.
- Double brick house construction also brings forward high building costs. They require large foundations to take all of the weight, demanding concrete and reinforcing steel. Double brick house construction also requires extra site supervision and scaffold and site amenities for a more extended time.
- Double brick house construction also means you may have a smaller home and less usable living spaces. This is because a full double brick wall is, in many instances, 60% wider than a timber-framed wall.
What are some double brick construction alternatives?
If you choose to go down an alternative route other than double brick construction, timber frame can be another option.
Timber is a common building material for Australian house frames. They are commonly built using radiata pine. However, other materials are also frequently used. Timber frames are one of the most common options to select as many builders are familiar with the building method, making their jobs more manageable and less complicated. Timber is also an excellent building material as it is cheap, light and robust, requiring minimal labour to install.
In saying that, timber constructions also have several disadvantages. These include:
- Timber/wood is exposed to termites and rot
- Frames can shrink, causing cracks in the plasterboard and cladding
- Timber tends to look old if left natural and unpainted
- Timber maintenance can seem to be higher than other building materials
At Aspec Masonry, our residential and commercial bricklayers ensure your double brick house construction is delivered efficiently and effectively. Our highly skilled and experienced team provide tailored services, ensuring each project meets your needs.
Are you in need of a cost-effective solution? No matter the scale of your project, our team can tackle any project, ensuring the end result is of the highest quality.
Contact us today on (02) 9790 5765
