Bricks are durable and ecologically responsible
Brick, a sustainable product
Brick is a natural, quality, user and maintenance-friendly product, that is durable during all phases of its life cycle. In the construction phase from the use of raw materials, production process to packaging. During the operational phase through comfort, maintenance, flexibility and safety. During demolition through reuse and recycling of bricks.
Thermal comfort
The porous structure of bricks offers a huge advantage: the ability to accumulate heat. In winter, during sunny days, bricks can store heat from the sun and radiate the energy back when necessary. During the summer they can buffer the heat and thus avoid overheating of the building.
Maintenance-free
Bricks require no maintenance. After a while, external brickwork even obtains a certain lustre. It adds charm to a residence. Because no maintenance is required, the impact of the building on the environment is much smaller.
Mechanical resistance
Bricks are very stable. Temperature changes do not cause them to expand or shrink. Because of this mechanical resistance, bricks are well suited for buildings of ten or more storeys.
Fire resistance
Brick is a non-flammable and non-combustible material. It reduces the chances of fire. When exposed to fire no toxic gases are emitted. Often, after a fire, a brick facade is structurally still sound and can be incorporated in the renovated building.
Adaptable and flexible
Brick buildings are very flexible. During the construction process and the building's lifetime the layout of the building can be customized.
Recycling and reuse
The decision to demolish a building is usually not because of the state of the external bricks, even if it is a hundred years old. Often the old structure no longer meets the current requirements and the decision is made to reconstruct the building. After demolition, bricks can be recovered and recycled or reused.
Reuse
After removing the remains of mortar, bricks remain reusable for restoration or for new homes and projects. Recovered bricks give a building an exceptional appearance and character.
Recycling
Because of their mineral structure, bricks from demolition sites can be used after recycling as:
- Filling and stabilizing material for infrastructure works.
- Aggregates for poured and precast concrete and mortar.
- Aggregates for calcium silicate bricks.
- Red "crushed brick" as gravel on tennis courts.
- Plant substrates.
Because bricks only consist of natural raw materials, they have no harmful side effects when they come into contact with ground or surface water.