Steamed bricks?

[Jerus]

Hi

I just bought a batch of used "Midhurst White" bricks. Apparently they are steamed and not burned in a kiln.

Does anyone know how if this changes the performance of the bricks and if it's anything I need to be aware of while using them?

Hope someone can help me.

Cheers
J

 

[^woody^]

Research sand lime or calcium silicate bricks and see if the pro's and cons suit your proposed use.

Good for compressive strength, not so good for weathering iirc.

 

[JohnD]

I used to have a house where they were used for the internal walls. They seem very hard, are difficult to chase, and I am told will absorb a lot of water. A SDS+ will drill them. When the house was built, they were presumably cheaper that the red bricks used for the external walls. The shape was very sharp and regular. I believe the sand-lime mixture is autoclaved at high temperature and pressure.

Why did you buy them?

 

[Jerus]

Thanks JohnD and Woody for your answers. Much appreciated.

I bought them to use for some minor garden projects and maybe a brick BBQ and eventually a small shed. The reason why I bought the Midhurst brick is simply because they cheap and the seller was local. Have never done any brick laying before and felt it would be a fun try it.

But once again in life I got what I paid for (£50 for 1000+ used bricks sounded like a bargain).

When people told me it was used mainly for interior walls I got a bit worried.

I did a test and they seem to get small cracks when exposed to fire. So not suitable for the BBQ.

It was interesting reading about calcium silicate bricks. Now I know about more what they are suitable for.

Many thanks

 

[Coastcard]

I am looking for some Midhurst Whites if you have any spare?!

 

[Jerus]

I had to put my plans on hold for a bit so I might have a few hundred to spare.
I live in west sussex so you're welcome to buy some if you're in the area.