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What are Reclaimed Brick Slips?

Last modified: 10.12.2023
Close-up of a textured brick façade showcasing light grey bricks with rough, porous surfaces and clean mortar joints. This type of decorative brick slip finish adds a traditional yet contemporary aesthetic to exterior walls. Available from EWI Store, our brick slips offer durability, weather resistance, and authentic visual appeal ideal for modern retrofit and new build projects.

In the ever-evolving world of interior design and architecture, the charm and character of older, more rustic materials are enjoying a resurgence. Among these materials, reclaimed brick slips stand out for their unique aesthetic and eco-friendly credentials. This blog will examine the multitude of benefits that reclaimed brick slips offer.

Reclaimed brick slips, often referred to as brick veneers or brick tiles, are more than just an aesthetic choice; they represent a deep connection to history and a commitment to sustainable practices.

These brick slips come from a variety of sources, each with its own story. They might be salvaged from historic mills, old schools, warehouses, or residential buildings that are hundreds of years old. This means that each brick slip is not just a piece of clay, but a fragment of history, carrying the essence of the era it was originally crafted in. The weathered look, the slight imperfections, and the colour variations are all testaments to their journey through time.

The process of reclamation is a careful and respectful endeavour. It begins with the meticulous deconstruction of old buildings, where each brick is gently removed to preserve its integrity. Once collected, these bricks are cleaned to remove mortar, dust, and other residues. This cleaning process is crucial as it reveals the true character of the brick while maintaining its historical integrity. After cleaning, the bricks are then sliced into thin slips, usually around 20mm in thickness. This slicing is done with precision to ensure that the slips maintain their structural stability and aesthetic appeal. The resulting brick slips retain the original face of the brick, displaying the character and patina that only time can bestow.

Each reclaimed brick slip is unique. The colours can range from traditional reds and browns to more unusual hues like yellows, whites, and blacks, depending on the type of clay and firing methods used in their original manufacture. The texture of these slips can also vary greatly; some might have a smooth finish, while others display rough, rustic surfaces. These variations allow for a wide range of creative design possibilities, making each installation distinct.

Reclaiming and repurposing these bricks is an excellent example of sustainable building practices. By giving new life to old materials, we reduce waste and the need for new resources. This not only conserves the energy and raw materials used in new brick production but also reduces landfill waste.

Architects and designers cherish reclaimed brick slips for their versatility. They can be incorporated into both contemporary and traditional designs, offering a bridge between the old and the new. These slips can be arranged in various patterns, like herringbone or basketweave, adding another layer of design potential. Their slim profile also makes them ideal for use in interiors where space is at a premium or where the structural support for full-sized bricks is unavailable.

The production of new bricks requires a considerable amount of natural resources, including clay, shale, and water. By opting for reclaimed brick slips, the demand for these raw materials is significantly reduced. This conservation of resources is a crucial step towards sustainable building practices, ensuring that natural reserves are not depleted unnecessarily.

The process of manufacturing new bricks is energy-intensive, involving high-temperature kiln firing that contributes to substantial carbon emissions. In contrast, reclaimed brick slips require much less energy to process. The most energy-intensive part of their lifecycle – the initial firing – has already occurred. The energy required to clean, cut, and prepare these bricks for reuse is considerably less, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with their use.

Demolition and construction waste contribute significantly to landfill volumes. By reclaiming bricks from old buildings, we divert a large amount of material from landfills. This not only saves space in landfills but also reduces the environmental impact associated with waste management, including transportation and processing.

Reclaimed brick slips are often sourced from older structures, where they have already proven their durability over decades or even centuries.

This longevity is a testament to their quality and resilience. By reusing these materials, their lifespan is extended, which means fewer resources are consumed over time for building and renovation purposes.

New bricks typically travel a significant distance from manufacturer to building site, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Reclaimed brick slips, however, are often sourced locally, reducing the need for long-distance transportation. This local sourcing not only supports local economies but also minimises the environmental impact associated with transportation.

The extraction of raw materials for new bricks can lead to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. By using reclaimed materials, the need for such extraction is diminished, helping to preserve natural habitats and the species that rely on them.

Using reclaimed brick slips can contribute to a building’s green credentials, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. These materials are recognised for their reduced environmental impact, which is a key component in green building rating systems.

Finally, the use of reclaimed brick slips sets a precedent for sustainable practices in the building industry. It encourages manufacturers, architects, and builders to think creatively about resource use and to seek out opportunities to reuse and recycle, fostering a more sustainable approach to construction and design.

Each reclaimed brick slip carries with it a story of its past life, often visible in its weathered and patinated surface. These bricks may have witnessed centuries of history, from the Industrial Revolution to modern times, and this historical essence is embodied in their appearance. The character of aged bricks, with their slight imperfections and variations, adds depth and a sense of timelessness to any space.

The texture of reclaimed brick slips varies greatly, offering a tactile experience that new materials rarely provide. Some may have a smooth, worn surface from years of exposure, while others might display the marks of handcrafting or the roughness of weathering. This variety of textures provides a multi-sensory appeal, engaging not just the sight but also the touch.

Unlike new bricks, which tend to have uniform colours, reclaimed brick slips offer a diverse palette. From deep reds and warm terracottas to muted browns, ochres, and even charcoals, these colours are often softened and blended through years of exposure. The natural fading and variation in hues create a rich tapestry that can be used to great effect in design, adding warmth and character.

There is an authenticity in reclaimed brick slips that is hard to replicate with new materials. This authentic rustic charm is highly valued in both traditional and contemporary settings. In modern spaces, they can add a contrast of old versus new, while in traditional designs, they reinforce the historical context.

Reclaimed brick slips are incredibly versatile as a design element. They can be arranged in various patterns, from classic running bonds to more creative herringbone or basketweave patterns. This versatility allows designers to play with the slips not just as a surface material but as a key design feature, creating focal points or subtle backdrops as required.

The use of reclaimed brick slips also reflects a respect for craftsmanship. The original making of the bricks, often by hand, and their survival through time speaks to the quality of the craftsmanship. Incorporating these into modern design pays homage to these traditional skills.

Reclaimed brick slips are also celebrated for their remarkable design versatility. They seamlessly integrate into various architectural and interior styles, from contemporary and modern spaces where they add texture and warmth, to industrial settings where their rugged appearance complements raw elements. In traditional and classic designs, they enhance historical authenticity, while in eclectic and bohemian spaces, they offer creative expression. These slips are versatile in application, beautifying interior walls, exteriors, and fireplaces, and serving as unique backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms. Their installation flexibility, including a variety of patterns and compatibility with other materials, alongside their adaptability for both full and partial coverage, makes them suitable for a wide range of projects, from small residential to large commercial developments. This adaptability extends to various themes, providing depth in historical and rustic themes, and adding urban flair to loft-style spaces, making them a popular choice among designers and architects.

Installing reclaimed brick slips is akin to tiling. They are fixed to the wall with adhesive and then grouted. While the installation process may require some expertise, especially to achieve a desired aesthetic, it's not overly complex. In terms of maintenance, these slips are relatively low-maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning to maintain their beauty.

Alternatives to reclaimed brick slips include materials like acrylic brick slips, which offer a modern, lightweight solution for achieving a brick-like appearance.

Acrylic brick slips are manufactured from high-quality plastics, providing a durable and often more uniform look compared to their reclaimed counterparts. They are particularly suited for environments where weight and ease of installation are considerations, such as in high-rise buildings or quick renovation projects. While they lack the historical character and environmental benefits of reclaimed brick, acrylic slips are available in a wide range of colours and styles, making them a versatile choice for those seeking a brick aesthetic with a more contemporary and consistent finish.