Brick size and the effects on functionality of brick façade

This study investigates the reasons behind the brick thickness used in Finland’s brick veneer construction and examines how using thinner bricks would affect rainwater penetration, building physical performance, load-bearing capacity, and environmental impact. The study highlights the challenges with rainwater penetration through brick veneers and the importance of moisture performance in Wall structures.

Key findings include:

Brick Veneer Practices: Other countries, including those with higher wind-driven rain loads, do not use bricks as thick as those in Finland. Instead, they design wall structures to allow water to exit without causing damage.

Environmental Impact: Using thinner bricks (110 mm instead of 135 mm) could reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 19% per square meter of brick veneer.

Moisture Performance: The thickness of the brick veneer does not significantly affect the amount of water seeping through but can impact the moisture load of the inner wall structure.

Construction Quality: Defects in head joints and errors in bricklaying are the most influential factors in rainwater penetration 4. Functional wall structures can be achieved with adequate ventilation and moisture-resistant materials, regardless of veneer thickness.

Read the entire article in Finnish and see the images >>