Buying second-hand bricks can exceed your expectations. They also save money as well as reduce environmental impact. However, they also come with serious risks. Without opting for precautionary measures, you can end up purchasing low-quality bricks. At Bricks Victoria, we follow all standard protocols while recycling red bricks. Hence, rely on us to get top-tier second-hand bricks to fulfil your project’s requirements. In this blog post, we will cover the top mistakes when buying second-hand bricks in Melbourne, VIC you should avoid. Here, you will also learn how to avoid them to ensure your peace of mind. So, read on!
1. Negligence in the Quality of Bricks
You should carefully choose bricks for your construction project. Often, people buy poor-quality bricks that are available at lower prices. This is not good for your building’s structural integrity. With extreme pressure, they can break quickly. When you see bricks, you can easily identify them by looking at their texture and shape. Conversely, lower-standard bricks often come in poor condition. You may notice cracks on them.
2. Not All Brick Sellers Are Equal
Even when you want to build patio stones, good quality bricks are essential. Remember, sourcing quality used bricks from a reliable seller is just like winning half the battle. Make sure you consider the following pointers:
- Avoid Suspicious Bricks: Has your seller not told you where they sourced the bricks? Just avoid such sellers.
- Know Your Brick Type: Consult your building expert to learn which kind of brick your project needs.
- Red Bricks: Look for the salt damage in your bricks.
- Paving Bricks: Ensure bricks are thicker when choosing for driveways and patios.
3. Overlooking Seller Reviews
Are you going to place an order for recycled red bricks? Check for their online reviews. Choose a seller with positive feedback. Do not overlook multiple complaints. This is a red flag.
4. Skipping the Brick Quality Test
Avoid assuming that old bricks are not weak. While placing an order for bricks, ensure you have checked them thoroughly. Good bricks often produce a tuck-tuck sound. Just hit them with a hammer. They should not make a dull thud. There should not be any variations in their colours. Their colours should be uniform with no stains.
Additionally, good bricks feature a smooth surface. And yes, they absorb very little water. To test their quality, soak them overnight. If they absorb more than 15%, they are good for load-bearing jobs.
You can use doubtful bricks in the following places:
- Decorative walls (for non-structural purposes only)
- Pathways where you need bricks for aesthetics, not for heavy-duty objects
- For preparing the brick edging for gardens.
5. Avoiding the Bricks Cleaning Phase
Does your seller not provide you with cleaned and ready-to-use second-hand bricks? Make sure you clean them to remove the layers of grime/dust from their surface.
Consider the following pointers while cleaning the recycled bricks thoroughly:
- Do the Pressure Washing with Efficiency: Knowing how to do the pressure washing can make a big difference. Too aggressive pressure washing means you lose the brick’s character. On the flip side, too soft washing means that you are attracting more dirt.
- Test for Contaminants: Ensure there are no signs of paint splatters in old bricks. Also, pay attention to mortar remnants, if there are any. Avoid buying such types of contaminated bricks.
- Look for Efflorescence: Look for white salt deposits that damage bricks. Scrub them off with vinegar and water for optimal results. Otherwise, they will keep appearing and damaging your bricks.
6. Forgetting That Old Bricks Need Expertise Knowledge
Recycled bricks often come in strange sizes and shapes. Are you planning to fit them into a high-precision design? Consider the following trips to ensure the best integration of second-hand bricks in your project:
- Ensure a Good Blend: Do a perfect mix and match of red bricks with sandstock. This will give you a good texture.
- Hide Imperfections Smartly: Leave wider mortar joints to conceal uneven textures.
- Do a Trial Test: Lay second-hand bricks on the small spot to see how they appear.
7. Not Choosing Bricks According to Your Local Climate
Australia’s weather is not uniform all around. Ensure you buy second-hand bricks from a local expert. With their many years of experience in the industry, they adhere to local building rules. Hence, they give the right kind of bricks that can match your region’s climatic conditions.
Avoiding these common mistakes can give the desired results in your construction project. Hence, always look for the quality and compare prices. Get in touch with the Bricks Victoria team representative at 1300-893-366. We will give you a FREE QUOTE estimate.
FAQs
- Can we use second-hand bricks again?
After demolishing the old structure, the bricks can be reused for the next project. For this, reliable suppliers recycle them thoroughly so that they can be used again.
- Do bricks become discoloured over time?
The moisture that builds up on bricks contains minerals. These minerals are accountable for the brick’s discolourations.
- Does water weaken bricks?
The answer is yes. The years of exposure to the harsh rain are enough to erode bricks. This damages the layers of mortar in between them.