What is Brickforce?

Brickforce is a welded steel wire mesh used in brickwork and blockwork construction to strengthen masonry walls. It’s made from mild steel or galvanized steel wires, laid horizontally between brick layers to improve wall stability and prevent cracking.

Brickforce comes in rolls or flat sheets and is available in different widths depending on the wall type. It’s one of the most common reinforcement materials used in South Africa, valued for its strength, durability, and simplicity of installation. to calculate brickforce use this tool.

Brickforce plays a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity of walls. Without it, walls can develop cracks due to temperature changes, foundation movement, or uneven loading.

Here’s why builders use Brickforce:

• Prevents cracks from spreading through brickwork
• Increases wall strength and resistance to lateral forces
• Improves durability against weathering
• Reinforces load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls
• Reduces maintenance costs over time

In short, Brickforce keeps your brickwork strong, aligned, and stable especially in large walls or high-traffic structures.

Brickforce comes in several standard sizes, depending on wall thickness. In South Africa, the most common Brickforce widths are 75mm, 150mm, and 230mm, suitable for half-brick, full-brick, and cavity walls respectively.

Pro Tip: Always check your building plan or engineer’s recommendation for the correct Brickforce size before installation. More about size click here.

Brickforce prices vary depending on width, material type, and supplier. Galvanized versions cost slightly more but offer better corrosion resistance ideal for external walls and coastal regions.

Here’s a general price range:

Note: Prices may vary by supplier and location. Always compare prices from trusted hardware stores or building suppliers before purchasing. more details about brickforce prices.

Installing Brickforce is simple but must be done carefully for maximum wall strength. Follow these steps:

1. Lay your first course of bricks on the mortar bed.
2. Place the Brickforce centered on the mortar, ensuring it’s fully embedded.
3. Overlap the ends of each roll by at least 150mm.
4. Apply a fresh layer of mortar over the Brickforce.
5. Continue with the next course of bricks, keeping alignment straight.
6. Repeat every second or third course, as recommended by your engineer.

Pro Tips:

• Use galvanized Brickforce for exterior walls to prevent rust.
• Never leave Brickforce exposed to moisture before installation.
• Keep rolls stored in a dry area.

While both materials reinforce structures, Brickforce and Rebar serve different purposes.

So, if you’re working on masonry walls, Brickforce is your go-to reinforcement. For concrete structures, rebar is the better choice.

You can buy Brickforce rolls at most major hardware and building supply stores, both online and in-store. Popular options include:

• Builders Warehouse
• Cashbuild
• BUCO
• Mica Hardware
• Leroy Merlin
• Local steel and masonry suppliers

Always compare prices and material types before purchasing to ensure you’re getting the right Brickforce for your project.

Brickforce might look simple, but it’s one of the most important reinforcements in modern masonry construction. Whether you’re building a small wall or a large structure, using the right size and type of Brickforce ensures your walls remain strong, stable, and crack-free for years.

If you’re planning a project, make sure to check out our Brickforce Calculator to estimate material needs and explore more building tools on our website.