ESK BUILDING PRODUCTS

Calcium silicate bricks are made from sand, lime and a pigment for colour if required, with sufficient water to enable the mix to be moulded and then hardened by exposure to steam under pressure. Hydrated calcium silicate is formed from the sand and lime by the heat from the pressurised steam, forming a very strong and permanent bonding agent, which binds the sand grains together.

Beauty Colour & Light - A natural calcium silicate brick is near white if a white sand is used in its production and a little pink if a red sand is used. The colour is permanent and therefore maintained even after years of weathering. Using pigments, many colours can be manufactured. Their near perfect geometrical shape, sharp arrises (edges), uniformity of size and aesthetic appeal make calcium silicate bricks the ideal facing brick solution. Combining this with the maximum light reflection without glare also makes them perfect for internal areas, especially where maintenance costs need to be minimised.

Economy - Calcium silicate bricks are easy and fast to lay due to their uniformity of size and shape, in addition to the frog on one side.

High Compressive Strength - Calcium silicate bricks acquire a high compressive strength and load-bearing capability by being moulded and then steam-cured at high temperatures and pressures. Calcium silicate bricks are ideal for non-frame construction. The highest standard calcium silicate bricks are as strong as some clay engineering bricks.

Heat Resistance - Calcium silicate bricks have exceptional thermal capacitance characteristics.

Durability - Calcium silicate bricks harden with age. Freezing has little effect on the strength of good quality calcium silicate bricks. Wetting and drying conditions have very little weathering effect. The only gases that are present in the atmosphere that could affect calcium silicate bricks are sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Experimental work indicates that the effect of exposure is to harden the bricks further.

Efflorescence - Caused by crystallisation of soluble salts in the pores or on the surface of a brick, which is a common cause of disintegration and disfigurement with some other types of bricks. It does not normally occur with calcium silicate bricks, as they are practically free from soluble salts.