You can usually tell if a wall is double brick by looking for solid brick construction both on the exterior and interior walls without a noticeable gap between them. Here's how to identify double brick construction:
Identifying Double Brick Walls
Here's a breakdown of how to tell if a wall is double brick:
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Visual Inspection: The most straightforward method is visual inspection.
- Exterior Walls: Examine the outside of the building. If it's brick, that's a good start.
- Interior Walls: Look at the inside walls. If they also appear to be solid brick, without any plasterboard or other materials covering them, it's a strong indicator of double brick construction.
- No Visible Gap: Crucially, there should be no apparent gap or cavity between the exterior and interior brick walls. This differentiates it from brick veneer construction (see below).
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Checking for a Cavity:
- Brick Veneer vs. Double Brick: The key difference lies in the presence of a cavity. Brick veneer construction involves a single layer of brick on the outside, with a timber or steel frame inner wall. There's a noticeable gap or cavity between the brick and the internal structure.
- How to Check: If you suspect brick veneer, check around window and door frames, or even drill a small, inconspicuous hole (with permission, of course!) to see if there's a gap behind the brick. With double brick, you'll encounter solid brick.
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Wall Thickness:
- Double brick walls are significantly thicker than single brick or brick veneer walls. While thickness varies slightly, double brick walls are generally around 230-250mm thick (approximately 9-10 inches). Measure the wall thickness if possible.
Double Brick vs. Brick Veneer: A Comparison
| Feature | Double Brick | Brick Veneer |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Structure | Two layers of solid brick | Single layer of brick with a cavity |
| Interior Walls | Typically exposed brick | Usually plasterboard over framing |
| Gap/Cavity | No noticeable gap | Definite cavity between brick and framing |
| Wall Thickness | Thicker (approx. 230-250mm) | Thinner |
Why is it Important to Know?
Knowing whether a wall is double brick is important for:
- Structural alterations: Renovations or additions require different approaches depending on the wall type.
- Insulation considerations: Double brick offers some insulation benefits, but may still require additional insulation in certain climates.
- Property value: In some areas, double brick construction is considered a desirable feature, potentially increasing property value.
In summary, if both the exterior and interior walls appear to be solid brick with no cavity in between, you're most likely looking at a double brick structure.
