Ibstock Swanage Imperial Light Stock Facing Brick (68 mm)
The Ibstock Swanage Imperial Light Stock Facing Brick is a refined stock-faced clay brick in a light red tone, designed especially for refurbishment or blends where a traditional character is desired. Its stock (soft-mud) finish gives a gentle texture and subtle charm, while the imperial size helps match older or heritage masonry profiles. Because clay is a natural material, slight shade variation can occur between batches — mixing bricks from at least three packs on site is recommended to reduce visible variation.
In use, this brick balances charm with practicality. While its strength is moderate, it carries durability for typical external exposure in the UK, provided proper detailing is observed for moisture, cavity design, and mortar choice.
Key Specifications
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Size:228 mm × 109 mm × 68 mm
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Colour:Light Red / Stock Tone
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Texture:Sand-faced / Stock Finish
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Water Absorption:~ 13%
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Durability:F2
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Compressive Strength:15 N/mm²
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Pack Quantity:420
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Active Soluble Salts:S2
Description & Usage Notes
This brick is manufactured via the stock (soft mud / thrown) process, which gives each unit its slight irregularity and textured appeal. The imperial sizing makes it particularly useful for renovations or matching older stockwork.
The F2 durability rating makes it suitable for standard external conditions. With ~13% water absorption, precise detailing is essential — include good cavity construction, effective flashings, and moisture control measures to maintain long-term durability.
Always blend bricks from multiple packs during laying to avoid uneven colour runs or banding. Requesting a physical sample or detailed high-quality images before placing a bulk order is wise, particularly when matching existing brickwork.
FAQs
Is ~13% water absorption too high for external use?
No — ~13% is acceptable for a stock brick, provided the wall is well designed (cavity, flashing, correct mortar) to manage moisture effectively.
What does the durability grade F2 mean here?
It means the brick is frost-resistant and suitable for general external exposure under UK conditions. For harsh environments (e.g. coastal zones, high freeze-thaw stress) stronger bricks might be considered.
Will the colour vary between packs?
Yes — variation is natural in clay bricks, especially with stock textures. Mixing bricks from at least three different packs during installation minimizes visible banding.
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