Examples of completed projects with facing bricks
Advantages of facing bricks
The colorful and diverse world of facing bricks: getting to know the types
Facing brick, far beyond a mere building material, is a key element in creating beautiful and lasting facades. The unparalleled variety in color, texture, dimensions, and even shape of bricks gives designers and architects free rein to implement creative ideas. In this section, we briefly review the most important types of facing bricks:
Refractory Brick: Due to its very high resistance to heat and environmental factors, this type of brick is an ideal choice for areas with harsh weather conditions as well as spaces exposed to high temperatures. Its resistance to frost and moisture are also outstanding features. Refractory bricks are produced in various colors from red, yellow, gray to black and have a smooth or textured surface.
Ghazaghi Brick (Qazaghi brick): One of the most authentic and widely used types of facing bricks in traditional Iranian architecture. These bricks are usually produced in smaller dimensions and by hand, giving the facade a rustic and warm appearance. Their various colors, from traditional red to ochre and yellow, make it possible to create attractive patterns. Good resistance to cold and heat is among its advantages.
Rustic Brick: As the name suggests, this type of brick, with its special and non‑uniform appearance, conveys a natural and intimate feeling. Its surfaces are usually rough and textured, and it is often seen in earthy and warm colors. Rustic brick is used to create facades with a rustic style, modern with natural elements, or interior spaces with a warm and cozy theme.
Glazed Brick: The glaze coating on the brick surface, in addition to stunning beauty and brilliance, greatly increases its resistance to moisture, stains, and chemicals. The color variety in glazed bricks is endless, and they can be used to create graphic designs, colored stripes, or modern and eye‑catching facades.
Shale Brick: This type of brick, produced from special clay and through specific processes, has high compressive strength and low water absorption. Shale bricks come in natural and beautiful colors, from dark red to brown and cream, and are very suitable for exterior facades due to their high durability and natural beauty.
Engineering Brick: These bricks are produced with exceptional strength and resistance to mechanical stresses and harsh environmental conditions. Although they are mostly used in infrastructure structures, their strength and durability sometimes lead to their use in special facades as well.
The choice of facing brick type depends on various factors, including the desired architectural style, the region's climate, budget, and of course personal taste. Each of these types, with its unique features, can give a special appearance to the building.
Why facing brick? Key advantages of brick facades
Choosing facing bricks for building facades is a decision that brings significant benefits. By combining beauty, durability, and efficiency, these materials have found a special place in the construction industry. Here we discuss some of the most important benefits:
Aesthetics and visual appeal: Facing bricks, with their natural colors and wide range, are capable of creating stunning and lasting facades. From the warm and intimate feeling of Ghazaghi bricks to the modern look of refractory and glazed bricks, each can give a unique style and personality to the building. The various brick laying patterns also help create creative and artistic designs on the facade.
High durability and long life: One of the most outstanding features of brick is its longevity and resistance to environmental factors. Facing bricks, especially refractory and shale types, show good resistance to direct sunlight, temperature changes (frost and heat), rain, wind, and even air pollution, maintaining their color and texture for many years.
Fire resistance: Brick is naturally a non‑combustible material. This feature significantly increases building safety in case of fire and also acts as a thermal insulator.
Good sound insulation: The thickness and structure of brick make it an effective sound insulator. Using facing bricks can help reduce the entry of disturbing noises from outside into the building, providing a quieter space.
Environmentally friendly: Brick is made from natural materials (clay) and its production process has a lower environmental impact compared to many other materials. Brick is also a recyclable material.
Resistance to insects and pests: Unlike wood or some composites, brick is resistant to insects, termites, and other pests, requiring no spraying or special maintenance in this regard.
Easy repair and maintenance: In case of minor damage to the brick facade, it is possible to replace defective bricks locally without needing to demolish a large part of the facade. Also, cleaning brick facades is usually possible with simple methods.
Considering these advantages, facing brick is not only an aesthetic choice but also a smart investment for the durability, safety, and long‑term value of the building.
Step‑by‑step guide to installing facing bricks
Proper and principled installation of brick facades plays a vital role in their beauty, durability, and long‑term performance. This process requires precision, skill, and adherence to necessary standards. Below, we explain the key steps of brick facade installation:
Preparing the substrate surface:
First, ensure the strength and levelness of the underlying wall or structure. Any unevenness, cracks, or voids must be repaired before starting.
If necessary, a suitable underlayment layer (such as cement mortar or special metal lath) is applied to create a smooth surface ready for brick bonding.
It is essential to ensure the surface is clean of dust, grease, and waste materials.
Preparing the appropriate mortar:
The mortar should be prepared based on the brick type, weather conditions, and technical recommendations. Usually, the base mortar consists of cement, sand, and water in specified proportions.
Adding stone powder, lime, or specific additives (such as antifreeze in cold seasons) may be necessary to improve mortar properties.
For refractory bricks, special refractory (furnace) mortars must be used.
The mortar consistency should be neither too runny nor too stiff, so that it spreads easily on the surface and provides the necessary adhesion.
Applying a scratch coat (if needed):
In some installation methods, a thin layer of mortar (scratch coat) is applied to the substrate to create better adhesion between the wall and the brick.
Laying the bricks (masonry):
First, determine the overall layout of the facade and the starting and ending points of the courses.
Mortar is spread uniformly either on the back of the brick or on the substrate (depending on the method). The mortar thickness should be standard and uniform.
Bricks are laid carefully, maintaining equal spacing (joints) – usually between 1 and 1.5 cm.
Using a template or level is essential to ensure courses are straight and joints are plumb.
Vertical and horizontal joints must be completely filled with mortar to prevent water and air infiltration.
Applying insulation layer (optional but recommended):
In many projects, a layer of moisture insulation (e.g., bituminous or polymer membranes) and/or thermal insulation (e.g., rock wool or EPS) is installed between the main wall and the brick facade to improve the building's energy efficiency.
Proper attachment of the facing brick to the main wall is achieved using special ties and clips (such as rebar or wire) to transfer the facade load correctly to the structure.
Pointing (filling the joints):
After the initial setting of the laying mortar, the joints are filled with pointing mortar or grout.
The pointing mortar should match the brick color and the original mortar.
After the joints are completely filled, their surface is smoothed and finished with appropriate tools.
Final cleaning:
After pointing is completed and the facade is fully dry, any excess mortar or stains on the brick surface are removed using a brush, water, and if necessary, special cleaning agents.
Take care not to damage the brick surface.
Important notes:
Use high‑quality, standard bricks.
Carefully follow the mortar mix ratios.
Perform the work in suitable weather conditions (avoid heavy rain, frost, or extreme heat).
Use proper tools and skilled labor.
Proper execution of these steps will ensure a beautiful, strong, and durable brick facade.
Tips for smart selection and purchase of facing bricks
Choosing the right facing brick is a decision that directly affects the beauty, durability, and long‑term costs of your building. Given the high variety of products on the market, considering the following tips will help you make an informed and satisfactory choice:
Determine the overall style and appearance of the building:
First, define your building's architectural style (traditional, modern, rustic, classic, etc.).
The brick color and texture should harmonize with other facade elements (windows, doors, roof) as well as the surrounding environment.
For traditional facades, Ghazaghi or rustic bricks with warm colors are more suitable. For modern facades, refractory bricks with neutral colors or glazed bricks with special designs look better.
Check brick quality and standards:
Compressive strength: The brick chosen for the facade must have adequate compressive strength to withstand applied stresses.
Water absorption: The brick's water absorption rate should be low, especially in areas with high rainfall or frequent temperature changes (freeze‑thaw). High water absorption can lead to cracking and spalling of the brick.
Frost resistance: In regions with cold winters, using bricks with high frost resistance (low water absorption) is critical.
Uniformity of color and dimensions: Quality bricks have uniform color (within each batch) and standard dimensions. Excessive variation in color and size can make installation difficult and the final result unsatisfactory.
No cracks or efflorescence: The brick surface should be smooth and free of any cracks, holes, or white stains (efflorescence).
Type of brick and its application:
As mentioned in the previous section, each type of brick (refractory, Ghazaghi, rustic, glazed, etc.) has its own characteristics and uses. Make sure the brick you choose is suitable for exterior facades.
For areas with harsh weather conditions, refractory and shale bricks are more reliable options.
Color and texture:
Choose the brick color carefully. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight and keep the building cooler, while darker colors absorb heat.
The surface texture (smooth, glossy, matte, rough) also greatly affects the final appearance of the facade.
Brick dimensions:
Bricks are produced in various dimensions. Smaller dimensions may be suitable for complex designs and more detail, while larger dimensions can create a more modern look and be installed faster.
Reputable brand and manufacturer:
Buying from well‑known and reputable manufacturers gives you more confidence in product quality and adherence to necessary standards.
Research the manufacturer's history and reputation before purchasing.
Consult with experts:
If possible, seek help from architectural consultants, facade designers, or experienced sellers. They can suggest the best options based on your project needs and conditions.
Calculate required quantity and cost:
Calculate the exact amount of brick needed, considering the facade area, possible waste (usually 5‑10%), and the laying pattern.
Don't calculate costs based solely on the price per brick; also consider quality, durability, and the side costs of installation and maintenance.
By following these tips, you can select the best facing brick for your project and enjoy its beauty and strength for many years.
Tips for buying facing bricks
Check quality standards
Ensure the facing brick has the necessary standards (e.g., Iranian National Standard or ISO).
Request quality certificates from the manufacturer to be sure of resistance to environmental factors (UV, humidity, temperature changes).
Test brick samples
Examine several brick samples before bulk purchase.
Water absorption test: Immerse a brick in water; if it absorbs too much water, it may be vulnerable to freezing.
Impact test: Gently tap to check that the brick is not brittle.
Check for efflorescence: The brick surface should not have white marks (from mineral salts).
Harmonize with project design
The facing brick should match the architectural style (modern, traditional, industrial) and other materials (stone, glass, or wood).
Use small samples on site for visual testing to ensure the color and texture are compatible with ambient light.
Calculate the exact quantity needed
To avoid shortage or excess, calculate the exact facade area and add about 5-10% extra for waste and cutting.
Note that bricks from the same production batch may have slight differences in color or texture; therefore, it is better to buy the entire order at once.
Check installation method and mortar
Choose the type of mortar (cementitious, special facing brick adhesive) and installation method (dry or wet) according to the brick type.
For heavier bricks (such as refractory or shale), use a dry installation system with metal fasteners for greater safety.
Consider environmental sustainability
Prioritize bricks produced using environmentally friendly methods (such as low‑energy kilns or recycled materials).
Some bricks are offered with nano‑coatings that provide self‑cleaning properties, suitable for polluted areas.
Check warranty and after‑sales service
Ask the manufacturer or seller about quality guarantees (e.g., color stability or crack resistance).
Check the return or exchange policy in case of product defects.
Compare price and quality
The cheapest option is not always the best; sometimes paying more for higher‑quality brick saves money in the long run.
Request price quotes from several sellers or manufacturers and compare samples.
Specific tips for Iran’s conditions:
Iran’s diverse climates: In northern cities (e.g., Rasht or Mazandaran), use refractory or shale bricks with low water absorption. In desert regions (e.g., Yazd or Kerman), clay or Ghazaghi bricks with light colors are more suitable.
Buy from local manufacturers: In Iran, cities such as Isfahan, Yazd, and Tehran have reputable facing brick manufacturers. Buying from the nearest manufacturer can reduce transportation costs.
Consider sanctions and price fluctuations: Due to currency fluctuations, it is better to check raw material prices and their impact on the final cost before purchasing.
Types of facing bricks and their applications:
Clay facing brick (traditional): Made from clay, resistant to heat and moisture, natural colors (red, brown, yellow).
Exterior facades of residential, commercial, and historical buildings.
Interior walls to create a traditional and warm feeling.
Use in historical buildings to preserve architectural authenticity.
Refractory facing brick: Very high heat resistance (up to 1200°C), abrasion‑resistant, high color variety.
Exterior facades of modern and industrial buildings.
Fireplaces and furnaces due to thermal resistance.
Humid spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Landscaping walls and gardens.
Shale facing brick: Made from shale stone, dense texture, varied colors, resistant to weather conditions.
Facades of luxury and modern buildings.
Interior and exterior decorative walls.
Use in cold or humid climates due to high resistance.
Ceramic facing brick: Lightweight, cheaper than other types, high paintability.
Facades of economical buildings.
Non‑load‑bearing and decorative walls.
Use in mass‑housing projects due to low cost.
Terracotta facing brick: Smooth and uniform surface, warm natural colors, good moisture resistance.
Facades of classic and modern buildings.
Interior walls for luxury decoration.
Use in restaurants and commercial spaces for visual appeal.
Glass facing brick: Transparent or translucent, light‑transmitting, modern beauty.
Decorative walls in interior spaces.
Partitions in offices and commercial spaces.
Exterior facades of special buildings for light effects.
Perforated (hollow) facing brick: Has holes for ventilation and weight reduction, modern appearance.
Facades of buildings that need ventilation (e.g., parking garages).
Decorative walls in gardens and open spaces.
Creating decorative sunshades on the exterior facade.