What is the Difference Between High Quality Brick and Low Grade Brick
When it comes to construction, one of the most important yet overlooked elements is the brick. A strong foundation starts with the right building materials—and knowing the difference between a high quality brick and a low grade brick can make or break the durability of your structure. This blog dives deep into the qualities, strength, and types of bricks commonly used in construction, especially in local markets.
What is a High Quality Brick? (Awal Eent)
In general construction language, Awal Eent or First-Class Brick is considered a premium choice. Here’s what sets it apart:
Key Features of a High Quality Brick:
Metallic Ringing Sound: When two Awal Eent bricks are struck together, they produce a sharp metallic ringing sound. This sound is a quick, on-site indicator of the brick’s density and strength.
Strength Standard: A high quality Awal Eent should have a compressive strength of at least 1500 PSI.
Water Absorption: After being soaked in water overnight, a quality brick should gain only 12–15% of its original weight. This is a sign of low porosity, which reduces the risk of water seepage.
These criteria are essential for identifying bricks that meet engineering standards and are suitable for long-term, load-bearing construction.
Not All Awal Eent Bricks Are Equal
It’s important to note that not all bricks labeled as Awal Eent are high quality. Some bricks may have similar names but fail to meet standard requirements in size, strength, and composition. These substandard bricks are often marketed misleadingly and can lead to poor structural integrity.
Normal Brick – The Role of Salt in Brickmaking
Another common type is the normal brick, which might appear visually appealing due to its yellowish tint. This color is often the result of salt being added during the brick-making process.
Why is Salt Used?
Salt is added when the natural clay color is dull or faded, in order to make the brick look more vibrant and appealing.
However, this doesn’t improve strength or durability—in fact, salt-laden bricks can cause long-term issues, especially when exposed to moisture.
Soomi (Soom) – A Typical Low Grade Brick
Soomi bricks, also known simply as Soom, are considered the lowest grade in brick quality.
Signs of a Low Grade Brick:
- No metallic sound when struck together.
- Breaks easily—even when lightly dropped or tapped.
- Weak resistance against water, which can lead to:
- Seepage issues
- Plaster falling off walls
- Overall reduced life of the structure
Using Soomi bricks in your building is a sure-shot way to invite structural damage and maintenance headaches down the line.
The Importance of Testing – Even Without a Lab
While not everyone has access to professional lab testing, there are simple on-site tests you can perform to judge brick quality:
Quick On-Site Brick Tests:
Sound Test: Strike two bricks together. A metallic ringing sound = high quality.
Drop Test: Form a “T” with two bricks and drop them from a height of 1 meter. A high quality brick will not break.
Water Absorption Test: Soak the brick overnight. Weigh it before and after. A high quality brick gains no more than 12–15% in weight.
These field methods are a cost-effective way to avoid using low grade or poor-quality bricks in your construction project.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of brick is crucial for the strength, safety, and longevity of your building. Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner, understanding the difference between high quality and low grade bricks can save you from expensive repairs and ensure solid construction.
Always check for strength, absorption, and sound before buying—don’t judge a brick by its color alone.
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