Ziegel

Ziegel is the German term for bricks, ceramic masonry units made from fired clay. They are a common building material for walls, facades, and pavements, prized for strength, fire resistance, and thermal mass. In German construction, Ziegel include several types and finishes.

Most Ziegel are made from clay or shale. Material is processed, formed by molding or extrusion, dried, and fired in a kiln to vitrify the clay. Firing color varies with mineral content and temperature, producing red to brown bricks; some are hollow for insulation.

Common varieties include solid bricks for load-bearing walls, hollow bricks for insulation, facing bricks with decorative surfaces, and engineering bricks with high density and low porosity. Fire bricks withstand high temperatures for kilns and fireplaces.

Key properties include high compressive strength, dimensional stability, and substantial thermal mass. Water absorption and porosity vary by type, influencing durability and weather resistance. Bricks are typically used with mortar for sturdy masonry and good fire performance.

Standards and sizes vary by region. In Europe, Ziegel conform to national or European standards, with standardized formats around 240 × 115 × 71 mm (including mortar) and regional variants.

Historically central to construction, brickmaking intensified in the 19th century with standardized sizes. Today, sustainable practices include energy-efficient kilns and the use of recycled content, with bricks recyclable at the end of life.