Fire Brick

What Is the Difference Between a Fire Brick and a Standard Clay Brick?

There are several key differences between fire bricks and standard clay bricks:

• Temperature tolerance: Fire bricks contain refractory properties, which allow them to tolerate temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. At that high temperature, a regular clay brick will crack and become damaged. Because clay brick is more porous than fire brick, clay brick will start to become damaged at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Shape and color: While regular bricks are likely to be unevenly shaped, fire bricks are rectangular. In terms of color, regular bricks vary based on the type of soil used but can be manufactured in different colors. Fire bricks, however, are naturally white. To add color to fire bricks, stains are added during the manufacturing process.
• Energy efficiency: Both fire brick and standard clay brick are energy efficient, but because fire brick is better able to absorb high temperatures, it provides a better insulating value. This means fire brick has lower thermal conductivity than standard clay brick, which makes it more efficient.
• Composition: Fire brick is composed of mostly silica with a smaller percentage of alumina and other materials, making it very dense. Standard clay brick has similar chemicals but in less concentrated amounts for a more lightly bonded construction.

Overall, when it comes to high-temperature applications, fire brick is specifically created to withstand those conditions with greater efficiency. And with easy customization, they can fit whatever your particular aesthetic needs may be.