The effects of modifications of the clay rocks containing smectite on their thermal expansion have been studied at the example of the claystones from Dylągowka (Dynow Foothills, south-eastern Poland). Hot-stage microscopy was employed combining a dedicated procedure of digital image analysis. The chemical modification of three rock types from the Dylągowka deposit included the treating with an addition of Na2CO3, activation with a H2SO4 solution, and firing at 560 °C. X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses (DTA, TG) helped determine the impact of the modification processes on the structural changes in smectite, the major component of the rocks in question. The investigations into thermal expansion have shown that the clay rock varieties poor in CaO can be acid-activated with a significant improvement their expansion in comparison with such an ability of natural rock equivalents. It is a result of introducing silica into the melt that forms on heating the natural clay rock at high temperatures due to its presence of alkalis (Na2O and K2O). The silica, in turn, comes from the protonated silica gel generated due to the acid treatment of smectite-bearing rocks. The liquid phase (the melt) with a high viscosity may form a cover on the surface of granules of the product being fired and prevents the expulsion of gases into the ambience. An addition of Na2CO3 is favourable as it considerably lowers the firing temperature of the expanded product, both in the case of clay raw materials poor and rich in CaO. The acid activation of the latter variety (CaO-rich) is less effective because of the reaction of acid (H2SO4 used by the authors) with calcite; the mineral is decomposed, and at least part of the acid does not activate a clay material.