Plastic brick for walls

Types

In recent years, there has been a significant evolution in the development of construction materials. Hence, a plastic brick for wall construction appeared, intended for quick and more efficient building of walls. These bricks come in various types, each serving a unique purpose depending on the structure that needs to be built, its utilization, and the local climate.

• Solid plastic bricks

  A solid plastic brick is the most common type preferred when building walls within a structure. These bricks are meant to carry weight. Commonly used in load-bearing walls, they add strength and toughness to the structure. They are manufactured from recycled or new solid polymer and, therefore, can be eco-friendly.

• Hollow plastic bricks

  Due to their lightweight and efficient construction, hollow plastic bricks have gained popularity. Such plastic bricks have a series of voids or holes, which reduces the overall weight without forfeiting strength. The empty spaces can also be used for reinforcement of concrete, making them a good choice for high-rise buildings. They can also be very insulated, increasing their value for residential buildings.

• Insulated plastic bricks

  As energy efficiency is on the rise, insulated plastic bricks are gaining popularity. Usually, these bricks have an insulating core manufactured from EPS or polyurethane. They give good thermal insulation and, at the same time, provide good structural integrity. Such types of plastic bricks are often applied in external walls to reduce energy transfer and thus decrease heating and cooling costs.

• Interlocking plastic bricks

  Interlocking plastic bricks come with a design that allows them to easily fit, thus making the building process faster. In such bricks, the edges are molded in a way that allows the bricks to fit well with each other. This eases alignment and decreases the necessity of mortar or any other binding material. This property of the plastic wall brick makes it very ideal for building temporary structures or quick projects.

• Veneer plastic bricks

  Veneer plastic bricks are thin bricks mostly used for facing walls. They look like traditional bricks, but their main purpose is to give a wall an elegant and appealing appearance. The core of these bricks is made from plastic composite materials to lighten their overall weight. They are ideal for adding a brick texture to a building without adding excess weight and are normally applied on non-load bearing walls.

Design

A plastic brick wall system is designed to be flexible, easy, and have various advantages compared to traditional brick walls. This system consists of several bricks made of durable plastic materials and can be easily assembled through a simple process of snapping them together.

• Durability and longevity

  The design of plastic bricks makes them exceptionally tough and resistant to bad weather conditions. They do not rot or rust like metals; neither do they absorb water like natural bricks. This ability means that they can last for a longer period with very little maintenance required.

• Lightweight and easy handling

  As mentioned earlier, plastic bricks are much lighter than traditional concrete or clay bricks. This lightness leads to easy handling during installation, thus reducing the overall labor work required for transporting and constructing the walls.

• Energy efficiency

  Embedded air pockets are used in the design of plastic bricks to provide better insulation. This insulation aids in keeping houses cooler in the hot months and warmer in the cold months, reducing dependence on heating and cooling devices and thereby reducing energy costs.

• Customization and aesthetics

  Plastic bricks allow a higher degree of design flexibility. They can be designed in various colors, sizes, and patterns. In this design, builders have the option of choosing a finish that matches their style and preferences without losing functionality.

• Sustainability

  The majority of plastic bricks are manufactured from recycled materials. Such a practice helps reduce plastic waste and thus contribute to developing a more sustainable environment. Also, the production process involves lower energy consumption compared to making traditional bricks.

• Cost-effectiveness

  Considering the ease of handling plastic bricks, they could be cheaper in the long run, even though their price may be a little higher than average. Reduced labor costs and low maintenance add cost savings associated with plastic bricks as compared to other conventional building materials.

Use cases

Plastic bricks for walls find several applications in construction, primarily due to their pioneering features and benefits. Discussed below are some common scenarios where these bricks are regularly used.

• Residential buildings

  Plastic bricks are regularly used in building houses owing to their lightweight, ease of assembly, and thermal insulation properties. These features result in a wall system that retains structural integrity, enhances energy efficiency, and requires minimal maintenance. They are also available in different attractive colors to enhance the aesthetic value of a building.

• Commercial structures

  Oversized commercial buildings, especially those lacking columnar structures, lag behind in the implementation of cost-effective building solutions. Hence, plastic bricks are useful in curtain walls and partition walls, providing flexibility during the construction process and leading to a quicker completion time.

• Interior applications

  Beyond exterior applications, plastic bricks are popular for interior walls. They can be used to create partitions or separations that offer a modernistic and appealing feel. The ease of installation that comes with using these bricks makes them a good option for interior designs that need to be, at times, reconfigured.

• Modular and prefabricated buildings

  Plastic bricks are particularly more preferred in the modular and prefabricated buildings industry. Such buildings entail on-site and off-site construction processes. Due to the uniformity and interchangeability of these plastic bricks, they result in faster assembly times and a reduction in the final construction costs.

• Temporary and event structures

  Because of their relatively lighter weight and easier deployment, plastic bricks are widely used to build structures that will be temporary, such as at functions and exhibitions. They give the walls a fairly decent appearance as well as sturdiness for the duration of the event.

• Retaining and landscape walls

  Plastic bricks are occasionally applied in building landscape and retaining walls in gardening and landscaping. The voids in the plastic bricks allow for backfilling with soil, which helps in ensuring proper drainage. In addition, their lightweight feature makes them ideal for raising walls in unstable soils.

Maintenance and repair

One of the biggest advantages of plastic bricks for walls is their relatively low maintenance requirements. Enjoying durability coupled with ease of repair, these bricks provide a hassle-free encapsulated experience.

• Routine cleaning

  The most basic and common form of maintenance is cleaning, and plastic bricks are easily cleaned. Their smooth surface makes it easy to wipe them, and mild detergents can be applied to remove dirt, stains, and grime. It is, however, recommended that frequent cleaning should be done to maintain their appealing look.

• Inspection for damage

  It is prudent to conduct regular inspections to detect possible dents or scratches. Things like heavy winds, stormy weather, or mere passage of time could cause damage to the structure. By identifying such issues at their early stages, more significant and expensive repair work can be forestalled.

• Repairing cracks or chips

  Plastic bricks are known for their durable nature. Nevertheless, if cracks or chips appear, they should be fixed immediately to prevent deterioration. Two-part adhesives or liquid repair compounds suitable for the plastic type may be used. Sometimes even fusion welding can be employed to restore a plastic wall brick to its original form.

• Repainting or resurfacing

  Although plastic bricks are built and designed for longevity, over time, exposure to sunlight and other elements may cause their color to fade. One method of restoring their appearance is through repainting with suitable outdoor paints that will enhance UV resistance. Alternatively, resurfacing with new polymer layers can offer a fresh look and provide an additional protective shield.

• Preventing algae and mold growth

  One of the features of plastic bricks is their resistance to mold and algae. Nonetheless, in areas that are very moist and humid, one ought to use products with antimicrobial additives to prevent mold and mildew from growing. It is also recommended that walls be inspected regularly and, if need be, treated with appropriate antifungal products.

• Checking for UV damage

  Even though modern plastics are resistant to UV radiation, there may still be a need to check for signs of warping or fading. In case there are protective coatings or sealants on the surface of the bricks, these should be reapplied as recommended by the manufacturer to serve as shield against the sun.

Q & A

Q1: What are the benefits of using plastic bricks over traditional bricks?

A1: The benefits of using plastic bricks include lightweight. This makes them easier to handle during construction processes. They are resistant to moisture, meaning they will not rot or rust. They also include minimal maintenance, such as no need for constant repairing. Lastly, they are eco-friendly since most are manufactured from recycled materials.

Q2: Are plastic bricks strong enough to be used in load-bearing applications?

A2: Most modern plastic bricks are designed with adequate strength to be used in non-load-bearing structures. Some hollow brick walls may allow load-bearing applications. Still, it's vital to check the specifications of the plastic wall bricks to ensure compliance with local building codes.

Q3: How do plastic bricks perform in terms of insulation?

A3: Plastic bricks offer good insulation properties. Most have air pockets or insulating materials embedded in them, enhancing thermal resistance. Such features help maintain indoor temperatures, providing energy savings by lowering heating and cooling costs.

Q4: What is the process for repairing damaged plastic bricks?

A4: Repairing plastic bricks involves identifying the type of damage first. Minor cracks can be filled with adhesive for two pieces. More severe damages may require replacement of the affected plastic bricks. It's advisable to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific repairs.

Q5: How are plastic bricks environmentally friendly?

A5: A plastic brick is mainly made from recycled plastics. Their production consumes less energy than traditional bricks. Also, their durability reduces the need for constant repairing. These factors together help reduce overall carbon footprint and plastic waste.