Insulation and sound insulation of clay brickwork
Insulation
Clay brickwork, combined with internal and external air films and a cavity, has moderate thermal resistance, R. Typical values are shown below.
The thermal resistance of clay brick veneer or cavity walls can be enhanced by adding either foil or bulk insulation. Wall insulation should be accompanied by appropriate detailing to avoid thermal transfers by bridging through window and door frames, by radiation through window openings or by convection through leakage.
Sound insulation
Due to their mass, clay bricks provide excellent sound insulation, particularly for low frequency noise.
The Building Code of Australia has specific requirements for sound attenuation for multi-unit dwellings which can be satisfied by two leaves of 110 mm clay brick masonry with cavity of 50 mm between leaves and 13 mm cement render on each outside surface.