Roman Brick Explained
Raw materials used to produce Roman Bricks
Originally, Roman bricks were produced using soft mud and let dry off out in the sun. This process gradually developed into firing clay in a kiln, typically a chamber Kiln or a Hoffman Kiln.
Characteristics of Roman Brick?
- Same fixings used as standard brick
- 40 bricks per sqm 500 x 10 x 40mm
- Can be used in a random bond
- Modular systems can be produced
- Specials available as requested
- Can be used as a full brick or brick slip and associated corners
- Longer and flatter dimensions
- Normally stamped with the mark of the legion
What Happens in the Kiln?
There are 8 stages which the raw material goes through in the Kiln, each stage as important as the next.
- Atmospheric Drying
- Carbon and Sulphur Burn Off
- Chemically Combined water driven off
- Quartz conversion occurs
- Sintering
- Vitrification and Maturation
- Maturation Temperatures
- Cooling
Hoffman Kiln
For further information on the 8 stages in the Kiln, please see our blog on What Happens in the Kiln?
Likestone are one of the distributors reintroducing Roman long brick to the building and design industry. The longer format than that of Uk sizes is very appealing to Architects and Designers alike. Likestone’s Corso Roman Long Brick is a perfect example of a unique product based on traditional design.
