In keeping with the progressive flow of masonry products in today’s sphere of available wall materials, the ceramic glazed industry has stepped up the pace for creative venues. Specifically there are now more sizes, shapes, colors, and textures than ever.

All ASTM C-126 and C-1405 units are produced on a clay, shale, fire-clay or mixture thereof, with or without the additions of grog or other mixtures. The ceramic glazed finish is fired into the clay body at the same time the brick is burned to produce an inseparable finish.
Texturing may be completed on the clay body prior to firing or applied by using various types of ceramic glazes in various states of vitrification. 

The advantages of having the ceramic glazed finish are many:

• Impervious finish
• Fade proof
• Chemical resistant
• No off-gassing
• Impact resistant
• Zero smoke density, flame spread and fuel contribution
• Never requires refinishing

Availability in 2”, 4” 6” and 8” thicknesses also offers masonry that is 2-3+ times stronger than a CMU and can therefore be used as load bearing with thinner wall design in some cases giving the owner more usable space. Typically on interior construction, no expansion joints are required.

Texturing the body is created by skimming the smooth ‘die’ skin off.  Using different levels of ground clay coarseness also helps develop a particular textured look. Textures can also be achieved by applying a rolled-on texture pattern into the green clay.

Glazes are developed in many ways depending on the manufacturer. Basically the sheen of the ceramic finish can be glossy, satin, or ultra matte finish. The additions of frits, specks, multi-layering of glazes, or different spray patterns develop varying textures in the glazes. Colors can range from standard colors to custom palettes. Applications of color in mural or patterned artwork is also an option.

Sizes of clay masonry can range from modular 2-1/4” x 7-5/8” brick up to an 11-5/8” x 11-5/8”. Mixing sizes into a grid or pattern is becoming more available with ceramic glazed masonry as seen in the examples below.

Of course, clay masonry can contribute to your ‘green’ efforts in areas such as day-lighting, reflectivity, use with other masonry materials, and offering longest life-cycle of any manmade building products known to man. This equates to reduced energy consumption and zero landfill waste. Overall it is better than any other recycled product(s) available. Build it once, Build it to last!

For more information on installation methods, availability of colors, sizes and shapes, contact the Ceramic Glazed Masonry Institute for a distributor near you at www.cgmi.org

from Kathy Gonser, Technical Services Manager for Elgin Butler Company (330) 877-6654

AIA/CES LU Credit Available: If you are interested in a one-hour learning unit credit (HSW) presentation entitled “Technical Overview of Ceramic Glazed Brick and Ceramic Structural Glazed Tile” please let us know by clicking here

If you are interested in a 20-minute dvd on the installation of this type of masonry products clicking here