Building your own house? Feeling a little bit nervous about picking the right bricks?

Don’t worry - almost every homeowner, at some point, faces the same crossroads: “Should I trust the supplier, or is there a way to actually check these bricks myself?”

If you’re about to spend your hard-earned money (and a LOT of it) on truckloads of bricks, you absolutely owe it to yourself to know you’re getting the good stuff. Don’t let a batch of weak or crumbly bricks ruin your dream.

So, roll up your sleeves because I’m about to share the 7 simplest (but most vital) brick quality tests you can do right there on site - no lab coats, no technical jargon. And yes, these work for both red clay and fly ash bricks!

Why Even Bother Checking Brick Quality?

Let’s be honest - bricks may all look similar, but their performance can be worlds apart. Good bricks = strong, long-lasting walls. Bad bricks? Imagine cracks, damp patches, or even collapsed walls.

Wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

Reasons you absolutely should check your bricks:

• Strength: The better the brick, the stronger your home.
• Durability: High-quality bricks resist rain, pests, and the test of time.
• Savings: Fewer repairs, less wasted mortar, and lower maintenance down the road.

The 7 Must-Do Brick Tests for Homeowners (No Engineering Degree Needed!)

Huge factories and government labs have advanced tests and machines. But for regular buyers and first-time homeowners, these field-friendly checks are really all you need.

1. The Look Test: What Do Your Bricks “Say” to You?

Pick up a brick. Look for:

• Uniform size & shape. Both red clay and fly ash bricks should be neatly rectangular with sharp edges. (A bit of roughness is okay, but broken or deformed bricks - hard pass.)
• Smoothness: Minor texture is normal, but big cracks, holes, or grooves shouldn’t be there.
• Consistent colour:
  • Red Bricks: Deep, uniform red or burnt orange. Dark or patchy? Could be over/under fired.
  • Fly Ash Bricks: Pale grey throughout.

Pro Tip: Stack ten bricks in a row - are all sides and edges lining up? That’s a mark of consistency.

2. Sound Check: Strike a Chord (Yes, Really)

Ever knocked two bricks together? You should!

• Good sign: A ringing, metallic “clink” sound - sturdy and strong.
• Worry sign: Dull “thud” sound - think twice before buying.

Your ears are a very underrated quality checker.

3. Drop Test: Toughness in Action

Hold the brick at about waist height (about 1 meter) and let it drop onto a concrete floor.

• Pass: No crack, no break.
• Fail: Splits in half or shatters? That brick’s going to crumble under a heavy wall.

One or two failures out of many is okay. More than 5–10%? Walk away.

4. Water Test: The Soak-and-See Method

This is important for those muggy monsoons.

• Weigh a dry brick if you can. Otherwise, just keep “feel” in mind.
• Soak it in water for 24 hours.
• Weigh or feel again.
• Red Bricks: Shouldn’t absorb more than 20% of their own weight in water.
• Fly Ash Bricks: Even less, not more than 15%.

A brick that sucks up water like a sponge will damage walls over time.

5. Scratch Test: How Hard Are They?

Take a regular nail or even your house key—try to scratch the surface.

• Good bricks won’t powder or leave deep grooves.
• If it feels powdery or you make large scars easily, that’s a red flag.

6. Edge Crack Check: Is Everything Lined Up?

Look along edges and corners. Sharp, neat edges mean care during production.

If most bricks have chipped or rounded corners, it signals poor quality control.

7. Efflorescence Test: The “Salty” Situation

No, we’re not talking about taste!

Place a brick in a shallow plate, pour water until the bottom is just covered. Leave in sunlight for a couple days.

• Look for white, powdery patches—small amounts are okay.
• Large patches? Avoid. This means soluble salts which damage walls and paint.

Bonus: The “Feel Test” (A Classic Dad Move)

Gently tap the brick in your palm. Does it feel dense and “hefty” for its size? Light, hollow bricks are prone to damage.

What Makes a Brick “Best” for Your Home?

There’s no one-size-fits-all:

• Red bricks: traditional, thick, insulating.
• Fly ash bricks: uniform, lightweight, eco-friendly.

Builders often use both - fly ash for partitions, red bricks for load-bearing walls.

Quick Comparison Table

Real Talk: Don’t Get Fooled by Fancy Words

Sellers love “first class” or “BIS certified” brands. Good - but you need your own checks.

Trust, but verify - your house depends on it!

Final Smart Buyer Checklist

• Sample from different spots of the brick stack.
• Stack bricks at the site and check uniformity.
• Ask for delivery samples and test before bulk purchase.
• When in doubt, consult M.K.B. Udyog team for advice.

Final Word:

Bricks are literally the backbone of your house. Spend an hour testing, and sleep peacefully for decades.

Building in Gaya or nearby? Contact M.K.B. Udyog for samples and on-site advice. We want every home to stand proud!