With clay bricks capable of retaining structural integrity for more than 150 years, Rob Flello of the Brick Development Association (BDA) explains why self-builders are increasingly viewing them as a long-term investment.
Whether you consider buying or building, a home is life’s biggest expenditure and our most valuable asset, so it must hold its value and be low maintenance.
Consequently, clay brick continues to be the tried and tested building material of choice for self-builders, and one that has dominated the UK’s architectural landscape for hundreds of years. Walk down any street and there will be buildings made of clay brick, and it can work in a historic or modern context. From the grandeur of Georgian-era homes to the charm of Victorian terraces, affordable post-war estates to stylish new-build housing developments, clay brick remains a constant.
Clay brick’s timeless appeal is matched by its exceptional durability, with the building lasting centuries, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements. With a minimum active lifespan of 150 years, clay brick’s appearance remains consistent throughout its active life and doesn’t fade or weather in comparison to other construction materials. In fact, brickwork weathers well which results in buildings becoming more attractive with age. This means that a brick home retains value for multiple periods of ownership.
Unlike render, timber or other building materials which require periodic maintenance, clay brick’s resilience minimises its environmental impact. Non-combustible, clay brick facades often survive fires structurally intact, enabling renovation and reuse.
Clay brick’s classic beauty and durability is matched by its incredible versatility, making it the ideal building material to inspire your dream home. It can add flair to a home’s design and distinctive characteristics across styles and eras. Whether gracing historic estates or sleek urban lofts, traditional cottages and farmhouses, or countless contemporary homes and buildings, clay brick complements and enhances any architectural vision.
With its wide selection of colours, textures, shapes and sizes, clay brick allows for immense creativity and flexibility in design. Some brick products have colours applied to the faces of the brick or paver to create a unique effect or finish. It can be easily adapted for extensions, renovations or changes in use. Clay brick also pairs beautifully with many other building materials and systems. It can also be deconstructed and rebuilt to create exceptional brickwork features and detailing.
New clay brick products provide even more options and include thin joint mortar brickwork, brick slips, clay thermal blocks and thin bricks mounted on insulated backings. Ongoing innovations in the industry ensure that clay brick continues to offer new possibilities for creative design and durable construction.
Beyond their enduring aesthetic, clay bricks provide ongoing benefits through energy efficiency. Noted for its excellent thermal mass, clay brick’s ability to absorb, store and release heat energy helps to regulate indoor temperatures and can reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. This contributes to lower operational carbon emissions, as the building requires less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. While a clay brick building will stand the test of time, its energy performance also makes them an investment that pays dividends through energy savings.
For self-builders, clay brick’s peerless blend of sustainability, adaptability and endurance will ensure this impressive building material remains an architectural mainstay for generations to come.
Rob Flello is chief executive at Brick Development Association (BDA)