Restored and Reclaimed Bricks for Building
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of re-using salvaged brick, apart of course from the preservation of our built heritage is that it is entirely in step with the sustainability agenda.
Firstly the cost of sustainability is balanced by the benefits or renewable resources and energy savings; secondly, sustainability is encouraged by the UK Government in its ‘Strategy for Sustainable Construction’; thirdly, bricks contain embodied energy, recycling from local sources reduces transport, waste and new manufacturing. Finally using salvaged bricks reduces the carbon footprint of construction and thereby lessens environmental impacts.
Brick buildings were built in the British Isles during Roman occupation and became popular during the 17th century when the dwellings of the middle classes were being built from brick in preference to timber.
It is an interesting fact that early brick-makers associated the redness of bricks with their quality, whereas in fact, the colour comes from iron in the clay, which oxidizes during firing. Hence the preponderance in much of the UK of this familiar colour, which gives brick built buildings much of the character we admire. However this poses problems if you are adding and trying to match to an older brick building, particularly one that’s several hundred years old!
In these circumstances a near match is no match at all. Given the small quantities often involved, the cost of salvaged bricks, particularly those which are handmade can be prohibitive.
There is an argument to be made, in support of the BRE’s assertion that there is space capacity in this sector, that the cost of using salvaged materials should attract a government subsidy and perhaps be zero rated for VAT given the environmental benefits.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of re-using salvaged brick, apart of course from the preservation of our built heritage is that it is entirely in step with the sustainability agenda.
Firstly the cost of sustainability is balanced by the benefits or renewable resources and energy savings; secondly, sustainability is encouraged by the UK Government in its ‘Strategy for Sustainable Construction’; thirdly, bricks contain embodied energy, recycling from local sources reduces transport, waste and new manufacturing. Finally using salvaged bricks reduces the carbon footprint of construction and thereby lessens environmental impacts.
Brick buildings were built in the British Isles during Roman occupation and became popular during the 17th century when the dwellings of the middle classes were being built from brick in preference to timber.
It is an interesting fact that early brick-makers associated the redness of bricks with their quality, whereas in fact, the colour comes from iron in the clay, which oxidizes during firing. Hence the preponderance in much of the UK of this familiar colour, which gives brick built buildings much of the character we admire. However this poses problems if you are adding and trying to match to an older brick building, particularly one that’s several hundred years old!
In these circumstances a near match is no match at all. Given the small quantities often involved, the cost of salvaged bricks, particularly those which are handmade can be prohibitive.
There is an argument to be made, in support of the BRE’s assertion that there is space capacity in this sector, that the cost of using salvaged materials should attract a government subsidy and perhaps be zero rated for VAT given the environmental benefits.
Where to buy restoration bricks
- Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC - Hillview Road, Michelmersh, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0NN, 01794 368506