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The AC (autoclaved concrete) brick is an ideal masonry material for
external facework. The bleaching effect of the autoclave process ensures
that light and clean pastel colours can be achieved without the dirty
blue tinge of cement. There is no free cement in the final product,
so the brick has no efflorescence, and its high density and minimal
capilliary pores also limit secondary efflorescence.
After autoclaving, the bricks require no further curing. This means
that short runs can be made and used immediately; there is no curing
shrinkage. This coupled with a low moisture movement, simplifies the
design of longer walls which have less potential to crack.
   
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Biscuit
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Bloukrans
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Champagne
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Chardonnay
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Pebble
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Rose
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Sand
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Silver
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Stone
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The Western Granite Facebrick is made in a unique process from specially
selected natural stone aggregates, mixed with cement, pressed to shape
under enormous pressure and then baked at 200`C to form a precisely
accurate, very dense and durable brick. The Granite Facebrick may be
used immediately and there is no curing shrinkage.
The Face of the brick is treated with a silicone solution that penetrates
2mm-3mm into the brick forming a long-lasting water-repellent layer.
The treated surface resists winter wetting, dirt, efflorescence and
fungus, retaining the clean bright summer look throughout the year.
Slight changes can occur in production due to many factors: climate,
temperature and variations in the aggregates or cement. Any colour difference
is highlighted if the brickwork starts with another batch on a new lift,
forming a horizontal colour band. Feeding the bricklayers from two delivery
loads should blend bricks. Make sure that the full quantity is ordered
so that it can be made in one batch.
Grade 11 Mortar - 1 part cement, 1 part lime, 6 parts sand. The batches
should be carefully measured out by volume and mixed with a mechanical
mixer. Lime is good in that it: 1) Lightens the mortar colours and makes
it more consistent. 2) Slows down the setting that minute movements
can take place without cracking. 3) Makes the mortar easier to use.
4) Resists white weeping that leeches from mortar joints.
Long-term exposure to salt spray or cleaning with acids may harm the
outer surface of the brick.
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