rakennusteramiikan

Rakennusteramiikki, or construction ceramics, refers to ceramic materials used in the building sector. These products are made by shaping natural clay and other minerals and firing them at high temperatures to produce hard, durable materials. The category includes bricks, ceramic blocks, clinker bricks, and ceramic tiles for floors and walls, as well as ceramic cladding elements. It also covers ceramic fittings used in drainage and some sanitary installations, and certain ceramic facade components.

The most common products are bricks and blocks used for load-bearing and partition walls, and ceramic tiles for interior and exterior surfaces. Clinker bricks and glazed bricks provide decorative or weather-resistant finishes. Porcelain stoneware and high-fire tiles offer moisture resistance and durability for wet areas and high-traffic floors.

Manufacturing involves preparing clay and other raw materials, forming them into desired shapes (moulding, extrusion, or slip casting), and firing in kilns at temperatures that develop strength and durability. Glazing is often applied to tiles to improve surface hardness and water resistance.

Properties of construction ceramics include fire resistance, durability, and good dimensional stability. They typically have low water absorption when properly fired and offer long service life. Limitations include brittleness and susceptibility to impact, as well as the energy-intensive nature of firing processes.

Applications span brick masonry for walls, tiled floors and walls, decorative or protective ceramic façades, ceramic pipes and sanitary fittings, and internal partitions or feature walls. The field emphasizes standardized sizes, quality control, and ongoing efforts to improve sustainability through waste recycling and more energy-efficient production.