What sets engineering bricks apart from other bricks is their design – they have been manufactured to have an extremely high compressive strength, durability, and low water absorption. Our
are wirecut with a smooth plain surface and are split into 2 different categories: Class A and Class B.
Class A bricks have a compressive strength of 125N/mm2 with a water absorption rate of less than 4.5%. Class B bricks have a compressive strength of 75N/mm2 with a water absorption rate of less than 7%.
Features and benefits of engineering bricks
- Functional use for strength and low water porosity
- Used above and below damp-proof courses
- Reusable and eco-friendly manufacturing process
- Suitable for below ground applications
- Standardisation and manufacturing process provides dimensional accuracy Frost and acid resistant
What are reclaimed engineering bricks?
Reclaimed bricks are simply bricks that have been used previously in a different project but are still suitable to be used. You can find bundles of reclaimed engineering brick and reclaimed facing bricks, and many people are turning to these to help their projects be more sustainable. You can reclaim or recycle bricks and blocks that have been previously used in the construction of buildings, walls, paving and infrastructure and include:
- Reclaimed blue engineering bricks
- Reclaimed red engineering bricks
- Reclaimed red facing bricks
- Reclaimed facing bricks in other colours
The most common sources of reclaimed engineering brick include items that were damaged during unloading, excess ordering, bricks that are still in storage and cutting waste.
Why choose reclaimed engineering bricks?
There are many benefits to using reclaimed bricks and blocks including:
- The cost – you can reduce your costs of the project by finding good deals and cheaper materials, especially in larger scale construction. Reclaimed red engineering bricks are the perfect low-cost option without sacrificing any quality.
- Environmentally friendly – using reclaimed blue engineering bricks is the environmentally friendly option due to their usages being a form of unprocessed recycling. A lot of wastage from over-ordering and demolished buildings is simply thrown away, but you can get yourself a good deal and help the environment by reusing the materials.
- Adding character – using reclaimed red facing bricks to your project is a fantastic way to add character and individuality. These materials can create a unique finish and will create a truly individual building.
If you are looking for engineering bricks for sale, it is worth looking through our reclaimed selection. We have a wide range of reclaimed engineering brick and facing bricks for sale at prices to suit every budget and project.
FAQs
What is a reclaimed brick?
A reclaimed brick has been rescued from an old building and cleaned up or taken when a project has over ordered materials. If you are looking to replicate the look of an original building when undertaking a renovation or extension project, reclaimed bricks are the perfect low-cost option.
How do you use reclaimed bricks?
Reclaimed bricks can be used in exactly the same way as you would use a new brick! You need to ensure that your reclaimed brick isn’t damaged in any way (worn edges are normally okay) to avoid compromising your structure.
Can old bricks be used?
Yes, old and reclaimed bricks are the perfect option if you are looking for a low cost or environmentally friendly way to complete your construction project. They are also ideal if you are looking to match original brickwork if you are undertaking a restoration or extension project.
Are reclaimed bricks better?
Reclaimed bricks are seen as the better environmentally friendly option for construction work. They come in the form of unprocessed recycling and so cut down needless emissions as well as stopping excess materials from ending up in a landfill.
Are old bricks strong?
Old bricks are certainly strong enough, but they are chosen more for being environmentally friendly and cost effective, as well as adding character to buildings. The new form of manufacturing bricks ensures that new bricks are stronger and more consistent than old bricks.
What bricks do you use for your extension?
You will need to use engineering bricks and facing bricks to complete your extension correctly. You can also use reclaimed bricks if you are looking to match original brickwork or to add rustic charm and character to your extension.
How do you tell if a brick is an engineering brick?
An engineering brick is made for practicality rather than to look pretty, and you can tell an engineering brick by the 3 large holes that run through the top to bottom. These holes help the mortar to spread evenly and ensure secure bonding when fixed in place.
Are reclaimed bricks more expensive than new?
One of the primary advantages of using reclaimed bricks is that they tend to be less expensive than buying brand new building materials. You do not have to pay for the clay, transport, or firing if you are using reclaimed bricks, which means you can usually find low priced deals.
What is the strongest type of brick?
Engineering bricks have been specifically manufactured to be the strongest type of brick, much stronger than facing bricks, which are chosen for how they look. Engineering bricks have an extremely high compressive strength, making them perfect for building foundations.
Are engineering bricks frost resistant?
Yes, engineering bricks are both resistant to frost and waterproof thanks to their low water porosity. This means that they are resistant to water and to frost, and subsequently commonly used for damp proof courses and for bridges, canals, and tunnels.
Can you paint old engineering bricks?
Yes, you can paint bricks if you want to freshen them up or add a decorative feature. If you are painting the bare surface, then it is important that you apply a primer before you paint. The primer will act like a glue and will allow the paint to stick secure to the surface of the brick.
How can you tell the quality of bricks?
Bricks will undergo a series of tests to ensure that they are suitable for the job in hand before they can be sold, but there are some things that you can look out for to see if you are choosing quality bricks including uniformity of colour (they should all be roughly the same colour), how sharp the right angle corners are, and if they are uniform in texture.
