Brick – a sustainable product
Bricks are one of the oldest and most traditional construction materials that are trusted by most of the people. Bricks are made up clay that offers several benefits which no other kind of construction materials can offer. Since brick is made of natural materials, which from the viewpoint of ecology, meet modern standards of sustainability.
There are varieties of bricks available in the market and they are utilized as per their size, color, texture, origin, materials used and the process of their formation. Bricks are not only used in the construction of buildings but also are considered as an essential element of manufacturing unit in industries.
Since they are so common and used in large abundance, they often make up a large percentage of construction waste produced by demolition and remodeling projects. Recycling them keeps them out of the landfill, and can provide other people and businesses with the building materials they need to accomplish their goals.
Why should bricks be recycled?
Bricks are made of mining shale and other raw materials that are costly as well as bad for the environment. If the waste materials can be used again, it will not only cut down on mining but also save on extra costing, which is a win-win situation for both environment and people.
Another reason for recycling bricks can be the goal to prevent more landfills from being built as the construction waste materials take up a large amount of space in landfills.
How are bricks recycled?
It is easier to recycle bricks when it is planned to do since the beginning. Bricks are easy to recycle when arrangements are made beforehand. Bricks are recycled in several ways. They can be chipped and used in landscapes. Bricks, when crushed into very fine material, can also be used in place of sand or even go into new bricks.
Bricks, depending upon different factors, are recycled in different ways. Few categories of bricks are sellable while few are apt only for small, non-load bearing works or grinding up to manufacture new bricks.
Put bricks back to work
Recycled bricks can be the perfect construction material for a lot of projects. The weathered look that old, reused bricks provide is almost impossible to get artificially. Thus recycled bricks are in a great demand in places where the antique and worn look is required.
Apart from this, reclaimed bricks are also used in new construction projects, remodeling projects, small building projects, fireplaces, walls or boundaries. Reclaimed bricks can also be used while constructing walkways, landscaping projects, patios or creating artistic projects.
If the bricks are in extremely poor shape but still have recycled life left in them, they can be broken down into aggregate, can be made into new bricks, or can be used as a base compound in ground surfaces such as tennis court.
Conclusion
There are limitless ways in which the bricks can be recycled. As a builder or contractor, it’s your responsibility to get the bricks into right use. Recycling the bricks can be a great idea in terms of environmental protection and also, for making money by using or selling them for projects that demand the aged look of reclaimed bricks.
Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India
For an expert advice, drop a word at our email id gosmartbricks@gmail.com
