Reclamation Yard Companies in the UK

Reclaimed Products, Materials and Salvage

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure and where there’s muck there is brass. The local rag and bone man is iconic within our culture, yet the image and importance of architectural salvage has moved on from Steptoe and Son.

In fact, the industry is very much in step with the wider environmental and sustainability agenda. Life cycle cost analysis now forms an integral element, for example, of Breeam (Building Research Establishment Energy Assessment Method)

So for architects and specialist builders an Architectural Salvage Centre (ASC) is today a valuable source of salvaged materials, fixtures and fittings arising from demolition and strip-out works.

For architects involved in conservation and refurbishment projects, the increasing availability and quality of recycled products is a boon.

Likewise for specialist bar and restaurant fitters the demand for original and period features to create the right atmosphere is seemingly limitless and much more than the rather cliché guilded mirror or stuffed fox.

From oak timbers to roof tiles; from cabinets to chandeliers; from door furniture to dining tables and radiators to railings, there is now a wide network of ASC’s to investigate.

That said, care must be taken in the specification and selection of second hand materials and components – they do not come with a manufacturer’s warranty or an installation manual.

That solid oak church pew may have seemed ideal but the woodworm might need treatment.

Typically the products available include:

• Architectural parts from pubs and churches
• Rare and antique timber moldings, brackets, and columns
• Antique lighting fixtures
• Antique bath, sinks, and water closets
• Doorknobs, hinges, and other ironmongery
• Wrought iron fencing and steel windows
• Bricks, slates and roof tiles
• Original and reproduction building parts including staircases and stone dressings
• Steel beams; oak timber beams
• Flooring, wainscoting
• Glazed screens, stained glass &lead lights
• Stone garden features and seats

Take care if you are looking for original items; you will find that many popular items described as ‘fully restored’ are in fact reproduction typically ‘Victorian’ domestic items such baths and fire surrounds.

For architects involved with projects with an element of demolition, there may elements of value which could be spared the wrecking ball. So it may be worth contacting a salvage specialist before the demolition contractor arrives on site.

It is also worth noting that there has in recent months been a significant recovery in the value of non-ferrous base metals; particularly copper, brass and lead. Given that even the poorest quality brick and tiles can be crushed to make free hardcore a building at the end of its life should be regarded as a source of useful materials and components.

There is also an increasing number of specialist firms that can refurbish old components such as radiators and fireplaces so that they can be used as part of a modern heating and hot water installation for example.

Find addtional information at http://www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk/products/architectural-salvage/architectural-salvage/