If you've been thinking about re-facing the siding on your home with brick, there are a few things that you should consider. Before you invest in brand-new supplies, you may want to think about using reclaimed brick instead. Reclaimed brick is reused from other projects and places. This reduces the production demand and makes use of solid supplies that still have a significant usable life. If you've never heard of recycling brick, you may be surprised at what you can find.

How Do You Find Used Brick?

If you have a specific type of brick in mind for your project, you'll probably have to look a bit more actively to find it, but if you're a bit more flexible about what you use for the job, there are many places where you can look. For example, check out places like nearby urban neighborhoods, demolition sites, construction zones, and even old, abandoned buildings. Ask your local city recycling center about where you can find brick pieces, whole bricks, and other supplies for the project.

What Kinds of Brick Can You Choose From?

There are several different types of brick that you may find in various areas around your neighborhood. Knowing what you're looking at will help you choose the best bricks for your needs.

Modern, traditional bricks are made from clay and crafted to be ideal for general use. ​These are a popular choice for basic tasks like landscaping and wall construction. When you're working with reclaimed modern brick, you can use it to create attractive pavers for walkways or for collectibles.

Engineered bricks are dense because they are crafted from tightly packed fresh clay. The baking process is designed to harden the brick beyond that of the traditional modern materials. These are longer lasting and often withstand harsh weather environments and demanding construction plans.

Concrete brick is often reclaimed for use in heavier applications. For example, crumbled concrete brick is ideal in applications like landscape borders, retaining walls, and even homemade fire pits.

Air brick is a brick structure designed with a permeable base. This allows air to pass through the base of the brick, making air brick ideal for the lower levels of any ventilation-heavy structures. You can use this kind of brick in foundations, basements, and similar structures to ensure better airflow. This will minimize the risk of moisture and thus prevent mold and mildew growth inside the house.

Facing brick features carved indents on the front and the back. Facing bricks also typically carry the manufacturer's name stamped on both sides. If you're looking for something that will allow you to create a decorative piece that showcases the manufacturer as well as your design, facing brick is a good option.

When you're looking for a brick material that's attractive in both color and texture, calcium silicate may be the style you need. Created from a mixture of lime and sand, these bricks are great for decorative purposes. Seal the bricks so that they are protected from the elements to get the longest possible lifespan out of them.

Fire brick is a product that's often used in applications like outdoor fireplaces and pizza ovens. It's crafted to hold up against significantly high temperatures and can even be tinted in many colors.

No matter what type of project you're working on, knowing your options for brick styles can help you choose the right product for your design. With the right preparation and the information here, you'll be better equipped to shop for brick supplies and choose the best ones for your needs. Don't dismiss the benefit of reclaimed brick, particularly when you can reduce the production demand for new material. Talk with a local company, recycling center, or brick mason, such as Alliance Demolition Services Inc, to find out what kind of reclaimed brick is available in your area.