Dairy Brick — What It Is And Why You Need It

Posted on: 22 July 2020

Dairy brick, also called acid brick or dairy tile, is a specialty flooring. While it is used in dairy processing plants, it works well in any food or beverage plant. Read on to learn more about dairy brick and what it is used for. 

What is dairy brick?

Dairy brick is a masonry flooring that is compressed at a higher pressure and temperature than typical floor tiles. The pressure and heat combine to create a non-porous tile that is impervious to chemicals and resistant to heat. The bricks come smooth or with a texture to prevent slippage.

Why do I need dairy brick?

Dairy brick is recommended in any commercial application that needs to maintain highly sanitary conditions as well as those that use caustic chemicals to clean flooring. The non-porous nature of dairy brick prevents bacteria from growing and causing food-borne illnesses in a plant. It also allows the floors to be cleaned with harsh chemicals, including acid, without damaging the floor's integrity. 

Is there a government body that requires dairy brick installation?

Laws governing the use of dairy brick in food and dairy plants vary from state to state. Check with your local government to see what the regulations are in your area. 

What is dairy brick made out of?

Dairy brick is made out of the same ingredients as typical bricks are. The components that make up the brick are not what give the brick its special characteristics. The method in which it is manufactured -- high heat and high pressure -- does.

Can damaged dairy brick be repaired?

It is inevitable that dairy tiles will become damaged over time due to heavy objects dropping on the flooring. Individual broken tiles can be removed by an expert and replaced. The dairy brick repair contractor can also check for damage to the subfloor at the time of the repair. 

Can I replace damaged dairy brick myself?

Due to the highly specialized nature of dairy brick, you need to hire a dairy brick contractor to do any installation, repair, or re-grouting work. This is not a do-it-yourself project for your maintenance team members. 

Can dairy brick be re-grouted?

Dairy brick needs to be regularly inspected for loose and damaged grout. Repairs need to be made as soon as possible to avoid bacteria growth between the tiles. Bacteria create unsanitary conditions for the entire plant.

A dairy brick floor is important to the health of your customers, the safety of your team members, and the success of your food, dairy, or beverage business. 

To learn more about dairy brick, contact a contractor.

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