Fire Brick
Fire brick, also known as refractory brick, is the type of brick used for fireplaces, kilns, and furnaces on the inside lining. This is because they are strong insulators, which helps to make the applications more energy-efficient with minimal heat loss. Ceramic fire brick is designed to stand up to extremely high temperatures that regular clay brick cannot.
Dense fire brick is most typically used in extreme chemical and mechanical applications such as a furnace or a wood-fired kiln, which are subject to higher temperatures and greater potential damage. For less extreme applications, such as an electric kiln, lighter “kiln bricks” are an ideal choice because they are lighter and more porous, making them better at insulating and easier to form.
Whether you’re considering fire brick for your fireplace, furnace, or other high-temperature application, fire brick is a necessity for safe and effective operation.
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.
Using Fire Brick for Fire Pit and Fireplace Construction
Because fire bricks are designed to withstand such high temperatures, they are ideal bricks for fireplaces, kilns, furnaces, and other high-temperature applications. While regular brick, stone, and other materials will crack from exposure to high heat, fire brick has the strength to stand up to fiery conditions for many years.
You can find fire brick in different sizes, and because it can be stained during the manufacturing process, you can find a color option that best suits your needs. Fire brick is an attractive and reliable option for your fire pit and fireplace. When you use fire brick, you can rest assured that it is fire-resistant and durable. You can also benefit from its natural energy-efficiency, as the fire brick insulates heat so your fireplace and fire pit stay as warm as possible.
Locate a Dealer for Fire Brick Supply
For your fire brick supply, Nitterhouse Masonry has what you need. We have two sizing options that will work well anywhere that requires a tolerance of extremely high temperatures.
To request more information about the fire bricks we have available, you can simply fill out our online form and one of our masonry specialists will reach out to you. You can also find a local dealer near you so that you can see the brick first-hand and talk to our expert staff in person.
We are located in the Mid-Atlantic states as well as several Midwestern states for easy access to our customers. Our high-quality fire brick is just what you need for your next fireplace or fire pit project, so contact us today to learn more about how Nitterhouse Masonry can help you. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best products and customer service, and we take pride in earning the praise of our loyal customers.
