When embarking on a construction project, one of the foremost basic decisions to be made is what building materials to use. With the current increased awareness of sustainability, many individuals are turning to reclaimed materials in their projects. Such materials are ones that have been used previously in a different building project but are suitable for re-purposing. There is a lot of choice available when it comes to reclaimed materials and in this article, we will be looking at some of the benefits of using reclaimed bricks.
Cost
Especially in larger scale building, costs can be a major concern for the feasibility of a project. It is, therefore, advantageous to find good deals and cheaper materials – without sacrificing quality – wherever possible. Using reclaimed bricks is an excellent choice for lowering expenditure on your project. These bricks do not have any of the associated production costs attached to them that new materials do, allowing the prices to stay low. What’s more, you don’t have to compromise on standards as you can still obtain good quality, and even specific heritage materials, through reclaimed brick merchants.
Leadtime
When it comes to reclaimed materials there are no drastically long lead-times whilst you wait for materials to be available - whether that's manufacturing or imported from outside of the UK.
Reclaimed bricks are salvaged from old buildings within England and are very quick to reclaim once demolition starts. This means there is a sustainable continuous supply, which helps maintain good stock levels of materials that are ready for delivery once orders are placed.
The added bonus of this is that you can visit reclamation yards and brick yards and view the materials in person - this helps potential buyers get a real feel of materials for their construction project.
Environmentally Friendly
One of the largest advantages of using reclaimed bricks is that they are an environmentally friendly option. The construction industry in the UK is a huge contributor to national waste and carbon emissions. Such emissions can come from extracting, producing, manufacturing and transporting building materials. However, by using reclaimed bricks you can cut out a lot of this negative environmental impact as you are using pre-made materials.
Reclaimed bricks can further be seen as an eco-friendly option due to their usage being a form of unprocessed recycling. Not only does their use reduce needless production of new materials and creation of emissions, but it will also cut down on landfill waste. A lot of demolished building materials are thrown away, however, by using these bricks again, you can help reduce this unnecessary source of waste.
Character
Using reclaimed materials for your project can be a fantastic way to add character and individuality. These materials can help create a unique finish, allowing you to make a truly original building. Whether used for an internal feature wall, extension or paving, the variety of textures and tones available with reclaimed bricks are sure to create an attractive and eye catching finish for those with an appreciation of history.
Heritage
Manufacturing methods of building materials have changed tremendously over the decades, yet most buildings that require structural repairs or families wishing to extend homes are built within the Victorian or 20th century eras. To correctly preserve these buildings its important to use traditional techniques and materials.
Reclaimed bricks and other salvaged building materials are a great solution, as they are often reclaimed from buildings of the same era that unfortunately could not have been saved. Using these materials to preserve other buildings is a great solution to preserve heritage.
History
Reclaimed bricks are often salvaged from grant buildings that have a wealth of history - such as Old Mill Buildings, Schools and Hotels. The incorporation of reclaimed materials in any project is preserving history and is always a good conversation starter at a diner party.
Reclaimed Brick Company are an exceptionally well-established, leading supplier of high quality reclaimed bricks across the British Isles. We stock a huge range of bricks – including specific heritage materials – which are suitable for a variety of building projects. All the bricks we provide have been hand picked by our professionals so you know you’re only getting the most reliable of materials. For further enquiries, or more information about our products, get in touch with our team today – we are more than happy to help.
