Sustainable facing bricks: how cladding makes a difference
Are facing bricks sustainable? Do facing bricks affect insulation values? These are two questions that are frequently asked these days. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic, including in the construction industry. Whether it concerns a renovation or a new construction project, sustainable building with sustainable products is paramount. GeoStylistix facing bricks are the perfect example of how things can be made just that little bit more sustainable. Read on below for answers to these questions and to find out about the effect of facing bricks on sustainability and insulation.
From sustainable production to sustainable bricks
Concrete facing bricks contribute to sustainability in several ways and are therefore an attractive choice for façade cladding. From production and transport to installation and the brick itself. Within the construction sector, there are many innovations that further promote sustainability. Regulations from the Building Decree and the Concrete Agreement have ensured that the product and the production process have become more sustainable by setting clear requirements for energy consumption and environmental impact.
How facing brick production can be sustainable
Sustainability is part of MBI's mission, and this is clearly reflected in the production process. Every factory runs on green electricity generated by its own wind turbines and solar panels. This applies to the machines, offices and internal transport. Concrete bricks are also cured in climate chambers, which consume less energy than traditional bricks.
In addition, MBI produces bricks that are more environmentally friendly than traditional concrete bricks. With CemSaver®, up to 30% less cement is used in the bricks, leading to a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions in the concrete production chain. In addition, MBI creates extra sustainable products such as GeoStylistix ReUsed, in which at least 65% of the traditional raw materials have been replaced by residual materials from various industries and the dismantling of construction projects.
Environmentally friendly processing
Our GeoStylistix facing bricks are very environmentally friendly to process. These bricks use less material for fixing, have ergonomic advantages and provide more space for insulation.
Thanks to their light weight, the bricks can also be bonded. Bonding requires less material than traditional joints. Dry stacking is also an option, which does not require the use of mortar or adhesive at all. This means that the bricks can be reused or completely recycled. The slim bricks also allow for a lighter foundation construction, which means that less material is needed for the foundation.
Less material has two advantages for the processing of facing bricks such as GeoStylistix. The first advantage is that the light weight, less material and easy installation have ergonomic benefits for the installer. Installers do not have to lift as much and can position the bricks more easily. The second advantage is that there is more space left for the insulation of the building.
The sustainable qualities of facing bricks
MBI facing bricks such as GeoStylistix also have a number of properties that make them a future-proof, sustainable choice. The facing bricks require virtually no maintenance, can be re-impregnated, are highly durable and can be easily combined with multiple systems.
The bricks, especially those in light colours, can sometimes become dirty due to the environment. This does not happen often, but when necessary, the façade can be easily cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner. Once the bricks have been cleaned, they can be re-impregnated, ensuring that they remain attractive for a long time and preventing damage from the environment.
Concrete bricks are also very dimensionally stable. The facing bricks are easy to combine with, for example, insulation systems or various support systems, so that a suitable combination can be created for every situation. A strong, dimensionally stable brick combined with the right insulation system ensures a long-lasting attractive façade that contributes to the energy efficiency of a building.
How facing bricks contribute to good insulation and sustainable comfort
As mentioned earlier in this article, GeoStylistix brick slips can be easily combined with various insulation systems, such as the HOMZ-Pro insulation system. Applying facing bricks to an insulation system creates the perfect insulation shell around a building. This can be very interesting if the insulation value of a building is insufficient or in poor condition.
Because GeoStylistix facing bricks and our brick slips are less deep than traditional bricks or facing bricks, the space behind them can be used to insulate a building. This is beneficial for the depth of the façade and offers many insulation advantages. Combine this with joint grilles for extra ventilation.
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