If in the past you have used reclaimed bricks or you are considering using them for your next project, you’ve probably thought to yourself: where exactly do reclaimed bricks come from? Understanding where they have come from helps you appreciate their design and the character of the brick.
ย In this blog, we will explore the different places from which reclaimed bricks come and how they end up going from an old home to being reused for your new project.
The Main Sources of Reclaimed Bricks
1. Demolition of old buildings โย
When older buildings are torn down, whether that be houses, industrial buildings, factories, schools, etc., many of the bricks are salvageable and can be reused. Often, bricks are taken down by hand or with light machinery; therefore, there is more chance of them being preserved and reused.
2. Renovation and refurbishment โย
Sometimes parts of buildings are altered. For example, extensions being removed or replaced. Bricks from any of these works may have the chance to be saved rather than discarded.
3. Garden walls, outbuildings, barns, etc. โย
These are very good sources for reuse, as they contain good bricks that are less structurally critical. Despite the bricks being perhaps a bit weathered, they are still in good shape to be used again.
4. Yards and reclamation depots โย
Once bricks are removed from a previous project, they will go to a specialist reclamation yard where they are sorted, cleaned, graded, stored, and sold as “reclaimed bricks”.
The Reclamation Process
1. Removal โ
ย Bricks are removed from walls or structures. A good salvage operation will try to preserve the faces and edges of the bricks where possible so that they can be reused again and sold as reclaimed bricks.
2. Cleaning and mortar removal โย
Once removed, many bricks will have old mortar, cement, or plaster still attached to them. They will be cleaned before being sold as reclaimed bricks.
3. Sorting/grading โย
Suppliersย will sort the bricks based on their condition. Some bricks may have slight damage or cracks, meaning a thorough grading of the bricks is a key step that suppliers must undertake.
4. Weathering/inspection โย
This can be included in the sorting and grading of the bricks. Sometimes bricks that seem fine on the outside may have some internal damage.
5. Storage โย
Once sorted, all the bricks are palletised and are ready for delivery. Good storage under cover will help avoid any further damage to the bricks before being used again.
6. Supply/sale โย
Reclaimed bricks are then sold via reclamation yards or specialist suppliers.
Questions You Should Ask Your Reclaimed Brick Supplier
- Do you know where these bricks were sourced? (area, building, etc.)
- Have these bricks been cleaned and graded? (condition of the bricks)
- Can I see some sample bricks to compare the colour and texture to an existing building?
- What are the dimensions of the bricks, and how do they vary?
- How many bricks are usable and not damaged?
- Have the bricks been exposed to any harsh weather?
The Challenges When It Comes to the Origin of Reclaimed Bricks
1. Variation between batches โย
As every demolition or salvage of bricks has its own type of brick, colour, texture, wear, and size, you may struggle to get consistency across different batches. Ensure that you order enough reclaimed bricks from the same source to get the best match possible.
2. Damage โย
Some bricks will have some form of damage, whether that be little chips, cracked edges, or water damage. The more degraded the building or structure that the bricks originally came from, the more likely there is to be some damage to the bricks.
3. Storage and transportation โย
As reclaimed bricks are heavy, awkward, and sometimes irregularly shaped, storing them properly and transporting them professionally is crucial to prevent any further damage to the bricks.
4. Matching to existing brickwork โย
If your existing building has bricks from a particular manufacturer or they are already weathered in a certain way, finding the best reclaimed bricks from similar sources will help with matching your existing building.
5. Supply limitations โย
Once a building has already been demolished, if you need more of the same bricks from that same building later, this may not be possible. Some reclaimed brick suppliers have very limited stock. However, with our supply, we will ensure that you secure enough bricks in the early stages so that you are satisfied.
Why Knowing Where Reclaimed Bricks Come From Matters?
- Aesthetic โ Bricks that came from buildings locally in a similar area tend to match better with the surroundings and existing buildings.
- Character โ Bricks from older constructions often have some fading or weathering which can add character to a building. If you are thinking about an extension that you want to look like it has always been there, then reclaimed bricks are perfect for you.
- Durability โ Bricks that have already survived for years through frost and poor weather conditions are clearly very durable, which is why reclaimed bricks are seen as a great option. If you get the reclaimed bricks from previously well-built structures, many of the bricks are still very solid.
Conclusion
Overall, understanding where the bricks have come from is key to knowing what you require for your project. Reclaimed bricks carry history and provide character to a building which you may not find with new bricks. In this blog, you now know where reclaimed bricks may come from and how they are looked after once they have been restored from older buildings. At Consumer Advisory, we believe that reclaimed bricks are the best choice for an extension or restoration of a property to help match your existing building.
If you wish to get in contact today, please visit our website at https://consumer-advisory.co.uk/services/reclaimed-bricks-tiles-slates-york-stone-sleepers-supply-quotation/, where we offer the highest quality reclaimed bricks.
Whether you require 1,000 or 20,000 bricks, we hold the largest reclaimed brick stock in Southeast England. Daily deliveries are available to all parts of London.
Please fill out the enquiry form for the relevant project, and we will provide you with up to three free quotes from trusted local contractors.
