One of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Michelmersh is whether clay bricks can be used as pavers. DIY project owners in particular might wonder if they can use any type of brick to pave their driveway or patio. But while clay bricks are incredibly versatile, there are good reasons why construction professionals use clay pavers for paving applications.
In this article we’ll briefly explain what clay pavers are, why you should use them for paving projects and the benefits of clay pavers.
What are clay pavers?
Clay pavers are a construction product that manufacturers make for the purpose of paving an area used for driving or walking, or levelling an area such as a driveway or patio.
Pavers can look very similar in size and appearance to other types of bricks but their dimensions differ and they must meet specific technical standards because of their use cases.
Why you should use clay pavers for paving
Clay facing bricks are a versatile, aesthetic and robust building material that help structures sustainably last for generations. But the technical testing and requirements for clay facing bricks differ to the technical testing and requirements for clay brick pavers due to their use case. Neither architects nor specifiers will select facing bricks for paving projects as a result.
Clay pavers need to meet the British and European standard BS EN 1344 to be made and sold in the UK and Europe, which includes:
- Abrasion resistance: Clay pavers need to withstand abrasion from frequent use, particularly where vehicles are involved (on roads and driveways.) These technical requirements are in place to ensure longevity as well as safety—uneven surfaces can create a trip hazard for pedestrians. The test involves purposely wearing away the surface with an abrasive disc, and the depth of the resulting impression determines the abrasion resistance rating. This ranges from an A1 rating (<2100m) to an A3 rating (<450).
- Transverse break load: By testing pavers with the greatest potential load they’re likely to face, manufacturers help avoid broken surfaces which could cause damage and injury. It imitates the worst case scenario, where the paver isn’t supported on either side by other pavers and that the laying course (the flat bed beneath paving) has failed. The rating indicates the load the clay paver can tolerate before breaking, which ranges from T0 (no requirement) up to T4 (>80 N/mm mean value; >64 N/mm minimum individual value).
- Slip skid resistance: Setting icy weather conditions aside, the surface of clay pavers needs to resist people slipping or vehicles skidding. The test for slip skid resistance uses a rubber slider on a mechanical foot which slows as it comes in contact with the paver. The higher the mean slip resistance value (SRV) the better the slip resistance. This ranges from U0 (no determination) to U3 (55 SRV).
- Freeze/thaw resistance: Clay facing bricks must also meet freeze/thaw resistance standards, but they’re measured at different standards to clay pavers. Clay pavers only have two ratings—FP0 (zero requirement) and FP100 (freeze/thaw resistant) because they experience a similar level of exposure to frost wherever they’re used. Facing clay bricks’ exposure to frost can vary significantly, so they require a wider range of resistance.
It’s important to reiterate that while facing clay bricks are a durable, reliable and sustainable construction product, they don’t meet the same standards for paving that ensure a long-lasting and safe surface.
The benefits of clay pavers
If you’re drawn to the visual impact of clay bricks, clay pavers can help elevate the aesthetic of your project with similar benefits:
- Range of colours: Clay products offer a wide range of colours, from pale tones and pastels to vibrant shades and deep greys and browns. Manufacturing processes and different clays can also create striking and unique patterns that lend classic charm to your paving project. You can also more easily match or contrast your pavers to bricks used in retaining walls or buildings. Michelmersh’s full range of paver colours form part of our swatchbook, and can also be found on our products page.
- Brick bonding patterns: Pavers differ somewhat to facing bricks when it comes to brick bonding patterns, but you can still create eye-catching designs including herringbone, basket weave and Spanish bond.
- Sustainability: Clay products, including pavers and facing bricks, have a sustainability profile that might surprise you. They’re non-toxic and require little to no maintenance, which makes them environmentally-friendly and equates to zero operational carbon. Clay brick structures such as Herstmonceaux Castle were built more than 500 years ago and are still standing today, which is testament to clay products’ longevity.
Paving the way for your next project
If you want to transform an outdoor space with the durability and elegance of clay pavers, we have products and expertise at Michelmersh that can help. You can get in touch with our friendly team if you have more questions you need answered, or you can access our pavers brochure and order a swatchbook to find the right paver for you in a few clicks.
