The Evolution of the Breather Brick
For centuries, the common brick used to build walls, floors and other structures has been a mainstay of construction and architecture. But for all of the strength and durability associated with its rigid design, one of the limitations of brick has been its lack of permeability. This characteristic has become even more apparent as climate change has made moisture levels and drastic temperature swings commonplace. As a result, the need for more breathable bricks has grown. To this end, the evolution of what is known as the “breather brick” has been steady, and the technology is now being adopted in a wider array of structures.
Breather bricks are exactly what they sound like: bricks that are designed to allow air to flow through them, a stark contrast to the standard brick design which tends to block airflow. To compare, a standard brick typically has pores of between 1 and 5%, whereas a breather brick can have pores of up to 10%, making for much higher levels of permeability. The higher porosity of these bricks allows for better ventilation, resulting in a more stable internal temperature and humidity levels. That, in turn, leads to an overall improved indoor air quality.
Not only do breather bricks allow air to easily flow through them, but they are also highly absorbent. This absorption helps to reduce the amount of water vapor that is present in the structure, preventing mold growth and decreasing humidity levels in wet climates. By reducing condensation, breather bricks help to maintain the integrity of the building, extending its useful life far beyond a traditional brick’s lifespan.
In addition to their basic functions of air permeability and absorption, breather bricks also come with a variety of other features that are beneficial to the building. As well as reducing the amount of heat that is lost from the structure, they also provide some insulation, meaning that the inside of the building stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter months. This also reduces the need for supplemental heating and cooling, leading to an overall decrease in energy bills.
The design of a breather brick also plays an important role in its efficiency and performance. A number of designs have been used throughout history, from the traditional air-filled cellular brick, to those that contain a variety of materials and additives that help to improve their thermal efficiency.
Today, breather brick technology is being used in commercial and residential buildings alike. With the right selection of materials, these bricks are able to provide an abundance of benefits, helping to reduce energy costs, enhance indoor air quality, and extend the lifespan of a building. The air permeability and absorbency they provide also make them an ideal choice for any environment where moisture control is an important factor. As the technology continues to advance, the use of breather bricks is sure to rise even further, making them a practical, efficient, and cost-effective solution for any number of construction projects.
