Do mudbrick walls wash away when it rains?

A properly maintained mudbrick wall, built with a damp course underneath and with intact roofing, gutters and downpipes, will last centuries. You must guard against concentrated water projection on to a mudbrick wall (e.g., from sprinklers, broken downpipes etc.) as this does have the capacity to erode mudbrick over time.

Can I put nails into a mudbrick wall, for example, to hang a picture?

Yes! Locate nails as close to the centre of the mudbrick as possible, and you can drive a nail directly in to the mudbrick. You can also drill a hole and insert a plug and screw, however, whichever method you choose avoid the edges of the mudbrick as it might crack away.

Do you need to add modern chemical additives/chemical-based products to make a good mudbrick?

No.

What is the best soil or clay for making mudbricks?

In brief, many subsoils and clays are appropriate. Please refer to our Mudbrick Construction Guidelines for detailed information.

How long does it take to build a mudbrick house?

An average build by professionals, from excavation to occupancy, is around 6 months.

How expensive are mudbrick homes to build? How do they compare in price to other forms of building?

This varies, but on average $2800/m2. Mudbrick homes are a premium product and closely associated in price to a solid brick house.

Who can perform building inspections?

Builders of mudbrick houses often carry out building inspections; refer to the NMA’s Trade Guide.

What are the advantages of living in a mudbrick home?

There are numerous advantages that are summarised around the notions of sustainability, aesthetics, and comfortable living (refer to xx tab).

How long does a mudbrick house last?

They can last for centuries!

What energy rating can mudbrick houses achieve?

Every house is different. It is prudent to design your house from the outset with energy efficiency in mind so that your mudbrick home can achieve a 6-star energy rating (or better).

Do I need special paint for finishing a mudbrick wall?

A mudbrick wall can be coated with a multitude of products (refer to our Construction Guidelines for more information). Historically, builders would make up a brew with clay, cow dung and water, however current practice is usually to use a water-based render paint that is vapour permeable as mudbricks need to breathe. Some people use water-based paint, but there are better options.