Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Lightweight Bricks for Houses

Bricks are one of the main raw materials in the process of building or renovating a house. Did you know that nowadays, lightweight bricks are preferred by developers over red bricks?

If you're planning to build or renovate a house, it's a good idea to consider the advantages and disadvantages of lightweight bricks below.

Advantages of Lightweight Bricks

Has Durability Comparable to Concrete 

Houses are always built with long-term orientation in mind. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the selected materials have good durability. This will help the house withstand damage caused by both external and internal factors.

Lightweight bricks can meet this need. This type of brick is even claimed to have durability comparable to concrete.

Good Insulator 

Building materials also influence the atmosphere inside the house. To create a cool home, materials that can serve as insulators or heat reducers are necessary.

Lightweight bricks are good insulators because the pores on the surface of the bricks can prevent external heat from entering the room. As a result, the house remains cool even when the outside temperature is hot.

More Cost-Effective 

Building or renovating a house using lightweight bricks can save you money. This is because you can save up to 50% on plaster costs due to the lower finishing process cost for this type of brick.

Additionally, the installation process for lightweight bricks is easier, so you can save on labor costs.

Disadvantages of Lightweight Bricks

Some disadvantages of lightweight bricks are:

Higher Unit Price

When comparing the price per unit of red bricks with lightweight bricks, you'll find that red bricks are cheaper. However, as explained earlier, when factoring in finishing costs, labor, and others, lightweight bricks can actually be more affordable.

Takes Longer to Dry

Before applying plaster to any type of brick, you must ensure that the bricks are completely dry. Forcing the application of plaster on wet bricks can result in white or yellowish stains on the plaster finish.

Unfortunately, if lightweight bricks get wet during installation, they will take longer to dry. You'll need a bit more patience to ensure no issues with the plaster finish later.

Building a House with Lightweight Bricks

After considering the advantages and disadvantages above, building a house with lightweight bricks is highly recommended. This also applies if you're purchasing a ready-built house from a developer. Make sure the developer uses quality materials.

Ingria Group, as one of the developers of subsidized and commercial housing, is very concerned about this matter. All their subsidized and commercial housing is built with solid materials.

Furthermore, Ingria always pays attention to the future prospects of the location and transportation access for each of their housing projects. Don't hesitate to ask for all the explanations you need during the survey to ensure you're purchasing a quality house with a long-term orientation.