4 Benefits of Recycled Bricks
Bricks are one of the oldest building products on the planet. They're also one of the most durable products as they are impervious to insect infestation and rot and resistant to fire, unlike other building materials such as wood. Bricks are also an environmentally friendly choice as they are made from the earth. Here are four advantages of using recycled bricks in your next building project.
1. Recycled Bricks May Save You Money
Common red recycled bricks and other popular brick colours and styles that are readily available are often considerably less expensive than new bricks. Recycled bricks may enable you to afford using them when you may not be able to otherwise.
2. Recycled Bricks May Offer Additional Architectural Interest
Depending on your project, you may prefer the look of aged brick rather than new brick. Understandably, new bricks tend to be uniform in shape, size, texture, and colour. For some projects, such as a foundation, this may be preferred. For other projects, however, a variation in colour and texture may be preferred as this can add architectural interest.
Recycled bricks are often more suited to specific settings. For example, if you have an older home with a brick façade and wish to build a garden wall, new bricks will likely look out of place. By using old, recycled bricks, your new garden wall will look as though it was always there.
Using recycled bricks on your project may also serve another purpose. Not every old building can be saved, unfortunately. However, many of the components in an old building can be salvaged. For example, vintage timber flooring and woodwork are often rescued before an old building is demolished so it can be used again.
Bricks are no different, and if the bricks come from a specific kiln, are a specific type or colour or come from a well-known building, these bricks have a provenance that can make them highly sought after for reuse. These specialty bricks will bring historical interest to the new project.
3. Recycled Bricks Are an Environmentally Friendly Choice
Far too often, old bricks end up in a landfill. Obviously, this is not good for the environment. Old bricks often have a lot of life left in them, even if they are broken down into aggregate and used as mulch or on garden pathways.
4. Recycled Bricks Are Resilient
While both new and old bricks are durable, old bricks have usually been around a long time and have stood the test of time. If they were going to crack or fail in some other way, they likely would have done so by the time they reach your project.
To learn more, contact a place that carries recycled bricks.