Brick v blockwork All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[Peter88]

I saw a thread with a similar title and thought my questions would be answered....but no....

So, I am about to build a pair of semis. What are the pro's and cons to building with brick and block. or all block (then rendered).
Cost? Ease of build? Saleability (is that a word?)?

All comments appreciated.....
Thanks

[xavi99]

Render always cracks unless you use a good quality backing block and then you will always be called back to repair for your two year warranty period.

Would block and render be chaeper because you do not need so much care and attention to mortar courses, blocks are larger and can be laid faster?

If you go for a spray on render like monocouche (?) then make sure workmanship is good. Sometimes it can be very thin but should be 20 mm ish. Also it is mixed on site so if you need to do any remedial repairs (I saw a forklift gouge a chunk out of a house once) it's very difficult to match the colours.

Can't think that one is more saleable than the other, perhaps get the opinion of a few estate agents?

good luck,

99

[Brickworkz]

A good question but one that in the end that can only be answered by yourself based on the outcome you are looking for in way of personal preference, appearance and quality.

The cost and maintenance involved in using either external brick or rendered block work has it's pro's and con's.

Brick has a more solid lifespan but of course is more costly than using a good density block.

Block on the other hand is quicker to lay and with the type of renders that are available on the market today can provide you with a 15 - 30 year guarantee and an appearance you can be proud of for many years including a brick rendered finish, however there are drawbacks. These type of renders are only guaranteed by the manufacturer if they are applied by one of their approved applicators and the cost for this on average is around 35 - 50 pounds per square meter including materials depending on which finish you require.

Working it out financially: Labour + bricks per square meter compared to labour + (blocks with a good quality render) per square meter should give you an idea of cost. It is then down to the appearance you desire.

[Brickworkz]

Brick has a more solid lifespan but of course is more costly than using a good density block.

Block on the other hand is quicker to lay and with the type of renders that are available on the market today can provide you with a 15 - 30 year guarantee and an appearance you can be proud of for many years including a brick rendered finish, however there are drawbacks. These type of renders are only guaranteed by the manufacturer if they are applied by one of their approved applicators and the cost for this on average is around 35 - 50 pounds per square meter including materials depending on which finish you require.

Working it out financially: Labour + bricks per square meter compared to labour + (blocks with a good quality render) per square meter should give you an idea of cost. It is then down to the appearance you desire.

[welsh brickie]

Block is quicker and cheaper to build and with pebbledash plaster coat, its a very good hardwearing finish.
Brick is also a very good build,but you must use a quality brick to acheive the same result