Imagine a house which is low cost, within which even in the hot summer the temperature is almost 4 degrees less and that looks just stunning! This is not just a dream, but a reality that has helped a number of people in India while building their dream home.
Interlocking bricks – as the name suggests locks itself with other bricks and it is these interlocks which give strength to the wall. No cement mixture is needed for the bonding. This is a concept which many people are not well aware of. However, the amazing advantages of these bricks make it the need of time.
The major difference with the normal bricks used for construction and the interlocking bricks are:
- Interlocking bricks are not baked, it is just mud in high density pressed using a pressing machine and allowed to solidify by drying naturally. Some chemicals are added for increasing the bond strength. Normal bricks are baked ones
- Size of interlocking brick is more. Approximately it is 2.5 times more in volume than the baked bricks. (size is 10″ x 8″ x 4″)
- Weight of Interlocking bricks is more than the equivalent volume of baked bricks.
Method of Construction using interlocking bricks
- Normal basement is to be laid down first. Since the interlocking bricks have more weight than conventional bricks, a stronger basement is needed.
- Once the basement is laid, one layer of normal baked bricks are placed over the basement. Width of this layer shall match with the thickness of the wall which is going to be built using interlocking bricks.
- The Interlocking bricks are neatly arranged over this layer. (Experienced labourers are a must since any irregularities in their placement cannot be corrected at a later stage.
- While concreting the roof, ensure that the edges of the roof project out a little more than the wall. This is to ensure that rainwater does not flow through the walls.
- Once the construction is complete the corners of the wall are completely plastered using the cement. This helps to have adequate pressure from the sides of the building for the bricks bonded together. The pressure from the top is from the concrete above. So it is as if the interlocking is placed with adequate pressure from all the four boundaries.
- The external wall can be left as such without painting. But the gaps have to be filled with like-coloured cement.
- If the internal wall needs to be plastered, it is better to make the surface rough before plastering, since the surface of this brick is relatively smooth.
Advantages of Interlocking bricks
- Cost saving in terms of cement, sand and water.
- Design is more blended with nature as an artificial bonding mechanism is completely done away with
- The walls have more strength than the normal walls. (just hit the wall and listen to the sound of walls made by interlocking bricks as well as by normal bricks)
- These bricks do not heat up as fast as normal bricks, hence the room will remain cooler.
- Since no painting is required another cost saving
Disadvantages of Interlocking Bricks
- The space between the interlocks of these bricks is enough for insects and ants to set up their homes. However, a sealing could be done to prevent this.
- If rainwater flows directly through these bricks, the colour may fade. We can prevent it by painting.
- Sometimes it is difficult to ensure the availability of the same coloured bricks for the entire construction.
- If not supported by pillars, it is not suitable for buildings having more than 2 floors. However, pillars are not needed for double storied buildings.
Considering the fact that most of the disadvantages mentioned here shall be addressed without much hassle, Interlocking Mud Bricks are a great alternative for building houses that will not only save money but will also help you live close to nature.
(Photo & Information Courtesy: Saro Interlocking Mud Bricks, Mangalore Phone: 9845316491)
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