Laterite bricks are special types of bricks generally used for constructing homes and other types of buildings in certain parts of South India (such as Karnataka, Kerala, and Andra Pradesh). They are the most sustainable construction materials and offer better aesthetics.
In today’s blog of Brick & Bolt, you will learn about laterite bricks, their types, manufacturing process, advantages, limitations, and why they might be the right choice for your next building project.
What Are Laterite Bricks?
Laterite is a type of soil that is rich in iron and aluminium oxides. Laterite soil is formed by the weathering of rocks in tropical and subtropical regions. Laterite bricks are produced from this type of soil.
Types of Laterite Bricks
Laterite bricks are classified based on their manufacturing process and the consequent properties. The following are the types of laterite bricks:
- Natural Cut Laterite Bricks
- Compressed Laterite Bricks
- Burnt Laterite Bricks
1. Natural Cut Laterite Bricks or Porous Laterite Bricks:
These types of naturally cut laterite bricks are porous in nature, hence it’s called porous bricks. They are traditionally cut directly from laterite deposits. Later, they are manually shaped into bricks, retaining a raw, rustic texture. Natural cut laterite bricks provide good thermal insulation but may require additional treatment to improve water resistance.
2. Compressed Laterite Bricks
Compressed laterite bricks are produced by compacting laterite soil mixed with a specific amount of cement or lime under high pressure. This procedure increases the strength and uniformity of the bricks, making them less porous and longer-lasting than natural cut laterite bricks. These types of bricks are also called stabilised laterite bricks and are generally utilised in modern buildings.
3. Burnt Laterite Bricks
Burnt laterite bricks are made by heating natural laterite bricks in a kiln, much like clay bricks. This boosts their strength while decreasing porosity, making them better suited for load-bearing constructions. The firing process makes these bricks tougher and more weather-resistant.
Advantages of Laterite Bricks
As laterite bricks offer countless benefits, they became a popular choice for construction. The following are some major advantages of using laterite bricks:
Cost-effective
Laterite bricks are mostly used in locally available areas, reducing transportation costs. The relatively simpler production process makes laterite bricks an affordable construction material choice compared to other building materials. Because of their larger brick size, fewer bricks are sufficient for the overall project. The standard laterite brick size is 300x200x150 mm.
Thermal Insulation Property
For buildings located in hot regions, laterite bricks will be very beneficial. They have better thermal insulation properties and allow you to adjust to the weather.
Sustainability
Laterite brick production involves eco-friendly construction materials. Since laterite bricks are often cast in situ, they do not contribute to the generation of greenhouse gases, which helps lower carbon dioxide levels.
Durability
Laterite bricks have excellent durability, as they can thrive adverse weather conditions and remain in good condition for years on end.
Fire-resistant
Laterite bricks are a safe choice for building. They’re highly fire-resistant and can sustain high temperatures, offering additional safety to buildings and occupants.
Applications of Laterite Bricks
The following are some of the best applications for laterite bricks:
Residential Construction: Laterite bricks are often employed in residential construction projects. They’re best suited for constructing walls, foundations, and even floors. Their excellent compressive strength and resistance to weathering make them a solid alternative for long-lasting laterite brick houses.
Commercial Buildings: Laterite bricks are best suited for commercial buildings such as schools and hospitals. These bricks offer excellent thermal insulation, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. In addition to saving energy, they also reduce utility bills.
Landscaping: Laterite bricks are a popular choice for landscaping projects due to their aesthetic appeal in paths, walls, and structures. They are used to design visually beautiful paths and retaining walls and as decorative interior elements or decorative structures for gardens and outdoor areas. The natural colour and texture of laterite bricks add to the visual appeal of landscaping ideas.
Decorative structures: Laterite bricks are commonly employed as eco-fiendly decorative elements in modern buildings. They can be used to create feature walls, facades, and other design features that give a natural charm to structures.
Limitations of Laterite Bricks
You need to consider the following limitations of Laterite bricks before choosing them as construction materials.
Availability
Laterite bricks are only available in some parts of India. If the bricks must be supplied from a remote location, this limited availability can result in greater transportation expenses.
High Porosity
Laterite bricks have a high porosity, allowing them to quickly absorb water. This can cause issues like dampness and seepage in buildings constructed using these bricks. Additional waterproofing may be necessary to avoid these issues.
Prone to Erosion
Laterite bricks are prone to erosion over time, particularly in places with significant rainfall. Regular monsoon home care is required to maintain the lifespan of constructions constructed using laterite bricks.
Conclusion
Laterite bricks are eco-friendly construction materials, more affordable compared to other types of bricks. Whether for creating enduring residential homes, energy-efficient spaces, or visually appealing landscapes, laterite bricks offer a versatile and sustainable solution. However, the overall cost of construction using these bricks can be higher due to the need for additional measures to address their disadvantages. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the requirements of specific projects and local conditions carefully. Laterite bricks could be an excellent sustainable construction material choice for those interested in green buildings, provided their limitations are addressed.
If you are also seeking long-lasting and durable construction, Brick & Bolt is here. As a leading construction service provider in India, Brick & Bolt offers a wide range of expertise to your project. They can also assist you in selecting the right construction materials and house floor plans. In addition, you can check your building cost estimation by using our exclusive building cost estimator tool.