h3>Southdown Multi – Forterra Facing Brick
The Southdown Multi brick from Forterra is a classic multi-tone facing brick that delivers both aesthetic versatility and structural strength. The blend of red, buff, yellow, brown, blue and grey shades gives walls a rich, varied appearance that changes with light and weather, making it ideal for façades, extensions, or restoration work where character matters.
Manufactured via wirecut methods and offered with rolled-back texture, the Southdown Multi surface gives just enough relief to soften mortar lines and add depth — without being overly rough. Its multi-tone palette helps mask minor variations in colour, blending well with surrounding masonry and making it easier to achieve a balanced finish across a wall.
Performance is built in. This brick carries a durability rating of F2, meaning it’s suitable for exposed external use, and boasts a relatively low water absorption of 7 %, helping resist moisture uptake. With good detailing — such as proper cavity dimension, flashings, weep holes, and quality mortar — Southdown Multi offers reliable, long-lasting performance in UK conditions.
Key Specifications
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Size:215 × 102.5 × 65 mm
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Colour:Multi (blend of reds, buffs, etc.)
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Texture:Rolled-back (wirecut)
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Water Absorption:? 7 %
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Durability:F2 (suitable for exposed external use)
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions make Southdown Multi a good choice?
Its **F2 durability** and low absorption make it well suited for external walls in exposed conditions — including coastal or frost-prone areas — provided proper construction detailing is used.
How much variation is there in the multi-tone blend?
Because it’s a **multi** brick, variation is expected and part of the appeal. You’ll see a mix of tones across bricks. To avoid visual clustering or banding, it’s best to mix bricks from several packs during laying.
Does the 7 % absorption rate reduce the risk of damp problems?
Yes — **? 7 % absorption** is relatively low and helps reduce moisture uptake. But the wall’s long-term resilience against damp depends more on proper detailing (cavity, flashings, drainage, mortar) than on absorption alone.
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