Can Demolished House Bricks Be Used in Another Building?

Demolition of a building often leads to a surplus of reusable materials, including bricks. The suitability of using these bricks in another building depends on various factors such as the condition of the bricks, the intended use, and the overall structural integrity.

General Considerations

In general, you can use bricks from a demolished house for another building. However, the expense of cleaning the mortar and debris from the bricks often makes this option less economical than purchasing new bricks. This is especially true for modern buildings where the bricks do not require a specific style or historical match.

Using New or Distinctively Old Bricks

If the bricks are new or in good condition, they can be used directly in another building as long as the size requirements are met. For older bricks, there are alternative uses. You can use them for paving a new walkway around your house or for building retaining walls. Older bricks might not be suitable for load-bearing structural walls due to their potential degradation over time.

Structural Suitability and Environmental Factors

While crushed concrete and bricks can sometimes be used as soil amendments or in outdoor areas, their use in constructing new walls or foundations is more limited. Old bricks might be stronger than crushed concrete and could be used for garden fences, but they should not be used where structural integrity is crucial, like main load-bearing walls. Bricks vary in their strength and water absorption, so only use them for tasks where they are structurally appropriate.

No Cement in Demolished Houses

It's important to note that there is no cement in demolished houses; cement is a powder that is mixed with water to make mortar. While reused bricks can be perfectly fine, the cost of cleaning them for reuse can be astronomical, making it often more economical to use new bricks.

Principles for Reusing Reclaimed Bricks

Using reclaimed bricks in new construction or renovations involves a few key principles:

Discard or Decontaminate

Discard or decontaminate any bricks known to be contaminated with diseases, pests, or toxic substances. This is a critical step to ensure the safety and hygiene of reused materials.

Clean the Bricks

Clean the bricks of dirt, mud, and old mortar. Proper cleaning will ensure that the bricks look good and function well in their new location.

Segregate the Bricks

Segment the bricks into categories based on their condition, era, color, or decoration. This categorization will help in using the bricks appropriately in future projects, whether for heritage buildings, listed structures, or bespoke projects.

Possible Use Categories

The bricks can be classified into various categories for different uses:

Hardcore: Old, not cleanable, broken, and usable pieces. Variations: Divided by era, age, color, or name, including decorated bricks. Projects: Suitable for listed buildings of a certain period, local or vernacular buildings, or features of a heritage or bespoke building.

Series of Steps in Segregation

Here is a step-by-step process for segregating the bricks:

Identify and decontaminate all bricks known to be unsafe. Thoroughly wash and clean the remaining bricks to remove all dirt and old mortar. Clean the bricks by sorting them into categories based on their material, history, or intended use. Use the cleaned and categorized bricks in appropriate new or historical buildings, gardens, or features.

Conclusion

While there are many benefits to using reclaimed bricks, careful consideration must be given to their condition, intended use, and structural integrity. Reclaimed bricks can be a cost-effective and sustainable solution for building projects, particularly in renovations and restoration work. However, the process of cleaning and categorization can be complex, and it's often more practical to source new bricks for new constructions requiring high-strength, long-lasting materials.