1. Building in brick is cost effective

Did you know that brick is one of the cost-efficient methods of building? Every builder and tradie knows the ins and outs of working with bricks. And brickwork doesn’t need any coating to preserve its good looks and durability, unlike other materials that require expensive finishes such as render and paint.

2. Brick houses have an individual, timeless appeal

In an increasingly uniform world, bricks give character to a home. They are available in a vast range of colours and textures and lend themselves to creative design. For more than a century, bricks have decorated every housing style from grand Victorian mansions to today’s composite architecture. Whatever the style or fashion, there’s a brick for you.

3. Brick is low maintenance

It doesn’t get any easier to maintain than brick. There’s no paint to fade or render to crack so you will never be caught up in the endless cycle of cleaning, patching and painting. Bricks are bump-proof and their kiln-fired colours never fade. The natural brick texture actually hides dirt and grime, unlike plain finishes which highlight this.

4. Brick houses are warmer in winter, cooler in summer

Brickwork is an integral part of an energy-efficient house design. Think of it as a protective blanket. In summer, brickwork’s high ‘thermal mass’ slowly absorbs heat energy, reducing the amount of heat reaching the house interior. In winter, internal thermal mass absorbs and stores heat, slowly releasing it as the temperature falls.

5. Shhh! Brick houses are quiet

Step inside and close the door. Brickwork will let you and your family leave the noisy world behind. The peace and quite is remarkable. Just ask anyone who has been lucky enough to live in a solid brick home. (Thinking of a home theatre? Internal brick walls will help reduce the spread of sound to other rooms.)

6. Bricks are the environmental choice

Manufacturing any product consumes energy. This is called ‘embodied energy.’ According to the CSIRO, bricks have lower embodied energy per kilogram than most other building materials. They don’t require painting, will last indefinitely, can contribute to energy efficiency, and can be fully recycled. Over its long life, a brick house is an investment in a sustainable future.

7. Termites hate bricks

Bricks are kiln fired (baked) at temperatures around 1000°C, so it’s no wonder termites find them unattractive. However termites can munch their way through some other building materials, such as timber. As a general principle, the greater the use of brick the less termite food is in your house.

8. Bricks don’t burn

Whether in the city or the bush, building in brick should be part of your fire prevention strategy. Bricks don’t burn and their mass and strength helps protect your property from the threat of fire. They won’t fireproof your home but bricks are a great start. That’s why many insurance companies reserve their lowest rates for brick homes.

9. Brick homes retain their value

The saying “Invest in bricks and mortar” is good advice because brick houses have an unbeatable track record. They are solid – ideal for renovation and extension – and stay looking great for longer, boosting their ‘curb appeal’ to potential buyers.

10. Bricks are only natural.

Bricks don’t contain any resins, fire-retardant chemicals, glues, polymers or other synthetic materials. Just clay and shale that is fired in a kiln. That’s what gives bricks their strength, natural colours and good looks. And that’s why a brick home sits so well in the landscape. After all, it’s only natural.