What are handmade bricks?
Handmade bricks are not completely made in the same way as, for example, painting or knitted blankets. The name refers to the fact that the bricks are poured by hand into sanded molds and no machines are used to compress or cut them.
As a result, creases and wavy marks appear on the face of the brick, a unique feature that cannot be replicated by machine. They can also be made to any size the manufacturer desires.
After sitting in the mold They are dried in a controlled environment so that the water in the clay evaporates.
After this, they are baked in an oven. Today, handmade brick manufacturers usually use modern kilns, which allow for greater stability in the bricks.
However, some places still use traditional tunnel kilns for the full historical effect. Handmade bricks are usually made with The hands are also taken out of the oven. As the inconsistency of handmade brick is one of its charms, manufacturers still want to ensure that a certain level of quality is maintained.
Some are then selected for different combinations and colors.
Why do people use handmade bricks?
Brick Matching: To build extensions on these features, you want bricks that are as similar as possible to the original building. One way to do this is to handcraft the bricks to match the original specifications. That way you don't have to search high and low for reclaimed bricks, hoping to find an exact match.< b>
Conservation: Handmade bricks are sometimes used for cultural heritage and conservation projects. Where a listed or heritage building There are particular ones that need restoration, using hand-made bricks to exactly replicate the original look.
This is similar to the previous point, but more for really old buildings that are protected and therefore have money, rather than exact ones. get the look they're after.
Capturing a particular aesthetic: You might just like the beauty of handmade bricks. . Many people like the rustic character they offer. Wrinkles, sand cover and irregularities are often part of the appeal. Whether it's your own build or part of a development, you may want to build your exterior with handmade bricks. And the beauty of them is that, even though they may look old, you can still make them in metric sizes. , and ensure that the building is future-proof and efficient.
The benefits of handmade bricks
The best thing about them is their flexibility. In theory, they can be made to any specification the buyer wants. Different mixtures, different clay and of course different shapes and sizes. They are also a good alternative, as reclaimed bricks are hard to find. If it's a newer building, but you want to match a certain local style, you can make them look old but keep the metric size.