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The Popularity of Used Brick provided by ServiceMagic.com.

Used brick is fast becoming a popular building material for homeowners looking for that antiquated, time-worn brick look on everything from homes to gates to arches and patios. Salvaged from old buildings and streets, these turn-of-the-century bricks and brick pavers provide your home with all the charm, character, and originality of one hundred year old brick construction.

They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore
To be honest, bricks have pretty much been made the same way for thousands of years now. All it takes is clay, fire, and water. The difference between modern brick construction and salvaged brick is in the automation. Bricks made at the turn of the century were more often than not made by hand instead of pumped out by machines, giving each brick a less finished and more individual appearance. It is this distinctiveness in each brick that attracts homeowners to use them for everything from constructing walls to building patios. If you've ever passed by a hundred year old brick building and stopped to admire the variations in color, texture, and character, you understand why these recycled bricks are fast gaining popularity.

Oldies but Goodies
Despite being up to hundred or more years old, salvaged brick is just as strong and construction worthy as newer brick. If you have any questions about the longevity of brick, consider that The Great Wall of China, built around 200 B.C., is constructed of 3,873,000,000 bricks and doesn't look to be coming down any time soon. Knowing that, building with seventy to a hundred year old bricks doesn't seem like too much of a stretch. In fact, brick is an excellent insulator, lasts for generations, and is an incredibly strong building material when laid correctly. The only caution with building with salvaged brick is if you live in colder areas of the country, as some older brick will break down under harsh freeze/thaw conditions. Best to check with a mason or brick supplier before you build with used brick in these areas.

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