Ibstock Swanage Imperial Red Stock Facing Brick (68 mm)
The Ibstock Swanage Imperial Red Stock Facing Brick is a classic, heritage-style brick with a sand-faced texture and rich red colouring. Its imperial height helps linking into existing older masonry profiles, while the stock (soft-mud) process gives it a gentle, slightly weathered look. Because all clay bricks have natural variation, mixing bricks from at least three packs on site is recommended to achieve a more uniform finish.
This brick offers a balance of aesthetic appeal and suited performance for many external wall applications, particularly those involving restoration, matching, or sensitive design contexts.
Key Specifications
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Size:228 mm × 109 mm × 68 mm
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Colour:Red
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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
Made using the stock (soft-mud) manufacturing method, this brick carries subtle irregularities and texture that suit traditional and period-style buildings. Its imperial height is especially useful where matching or tying into existing brickwork is required.
With an F2 durability rating, the brick is frost-resistant and suitable for typical external exposure in the UK. The 13% water absorption is moderate; to ensure long-term performance, proper detailing (cavity design, flashing, drainage, appropriate mortar) is essential.
Always mix bricks from multiple packs during laying to reduce the risk of visible banding or abrupt colour shifts. It’s also wise to request sample bricks or additional high-quality images before placing large orders, especially in restoration or matching projects.
FAQs
Is 13% water absorption acceptable for external walls?
Yes — 13% is a common absorption value for stock bricks. With correct detailing and moisture control, it performs reliably in external wall applications.
What does the F2 durability rating imply?
It means the brick is frost-resistant and suitable for normal UK external exposure. In more aggressive environments (e.g. near the coast or heavy freeze-thaw), a higher-rated brick might be safer.
Will the brick colour vary between production batches?
Yes — variation in shade is natural in clay bricks, especially those made using soft-mud processes. Mixing bricks from at least three packs during installation helps achieve a more consistent visual finish.
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