Advice on Using Reclaimed Bricks

What are the benefits of using Reclaimed Bricks? We’ve decided to share our ideas and tips with you…

1.) Which are some of the primary motives to think about using bricks from reclaimed materials?
The most important reason for using recycled bricks is often aesthetics, as they tend to look more appealing in a delicate setting. For instance, it’s common for planning policies to recommend their use in Listed Buildings or within Conservation Areas when extensions or additions might need to conform to the original structure or building.

In addition, in light of the current global climate catastrophe and huge construction industry’s contribution to it, recycling materials can be an efficient way to reduce the carbon footprint of projects and avoiding the higher cost of new materials due to Brexit and Covid-19.

2.) What kinds of reclaimed brick are available?
Reclaimed bricks can be classified into two types: hand-crafted or made by machines. From the time of the latter part of the 19th century after the industrial revolution all bricks were created by hand. Bricks made by hand are distinctive in appearance, while the bricks made by machines are more uniform because of their production method that involves clay being extruded and wire-cut. If your project is related to Victorian architecture or even earlier then you may want to look into using handmade bricks.

Reclaimed bricks come in a range of colors, based upon the clay (inner surface) as well as the sand (outer surface) and the kiln’s atmospheric conditions (including temperature) you should make sure that you match the bricks to the building material that was originally used.

3.) Which are benefits of using recycled bricks for your project of renovation or extension?
In addition to the fact that the reclaimed bricks as being both historical accurate and eco-friendly There are many other reasons why using them can be beneficial.

Due to the aged and often unique appearance of reclaimed stone, they can be an attractive element of an interior or architectural project. The patina of age on their surface creates dimension of interest that is usually not found in new materials, creating unique surfaces, which include walls as well as floors, fireplaces and stairs inside and out.

If used with care, there’s no reason to believe that they will not be able to endure another time of usage and pleasure.

4.) Can reclaimed stone be accessible throughout the UK?
In short, absolutely. In addition to the internet (which isn’t always the best option to purchase bulky goods! ) You are not far from the reclamation business that specialises with architectural salvage typically comprising recycled bricks.

One of the main advantages of shopping locally for recycled bricks, besides being a source of support for local businesses, and consequently your local community, is that the bricks most likely come from (sadly destroyed) local structures. This is particularly important when your construction project aims to duplicate (still still standing) local structures (which is a common practice for Conservation Areas).

5) Why should you consider recycled bricks instead of new ones?
Another reason to choose the reclaimed bricks rather than new ones is the savings in cost typically, buying anything , other than antiques, second-hand items are more affordable than purchasing brand new. But given the balancing action between demand and supply as well as the possibility of increased cost of labor for recycled materials, this may prove to be an untruth. It’s probably better to put off putting in a bid on an auction until you’ve discussed it in detail with an architect construction contractor first!

6) Does there exist any scenario where reclaimed bricks are not appropriate?
Although new, usually made by machines, bricks are identical in size but their reclaimed, and often hand-crafted counterparts may be various sizes: while modern bricks measure 215mm by 102.5mm 65mm in size, bricks from the past may differ by 1/8 inches or even more, which makes them costly and time-consuming to “tooth” brickwork.

There could also be technical aspects to be considered with reclaimed bricks, like their ability to withstand frost, water and temperature changes and their strength in compression. An experienced structural engineer or architect should be able to guide you on this issue.