Ziegeln

Ziegeln, or bricks, are rectangular ceramic blocks produced mainly from clay or shale. They are formed, dried, and fired in kilns to create a hard, durable building material. Bricks are used for walls, arches, pavements, and chimneys. They may be solid or hollow, with hollow variants improving insulation and reducing weight.

Manufacture begins with processing clay or shale, tempered with water and sometimes additives. The material is formed by molding or extrusion into standard brick shapes, then dried and fired in kilns—continuous tunnel kilns or periodic kilns. Firing vitrifies the clay, yielding compressive strength and weather resistance. Finishes range from natural to glazed surfaces.

Brick types include common bricks for load-bearing walls, facing bricks for appearance, engineering bricks for higher strength, and hollow bricks for insulation. In addition to fired clay bricks, calcium silicate bricks and refractory bricks serve specialized applications.

Historically, bricks have been produced for thousands of years; industrial production accelerated in the 19th century. Modern standards govern dimensions, strength, and performance. In Europe, EN 771 covers tolerances and tests assess strength, absorption, and freeze–thaw durability.

Bricks are durable, reusable, and recyclable. Production increasingly emphasizes energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and the use of local materials. Demolition brick masonry can be salvaged or processed as aggregate.