When you think of brick masonry, what do you picture? Do you see city or government buildings and admire them for the bricks classical features? Do you notice homes where bricks add a contemporary, sophisticated appearance? Or do you think of their durability and longevity, picturing a video game or movie where masonry structures are still standing after wartime?
How about the sustainability and eco-friendly components of brick and stone?
When it comes to brick masonry, rarely do we think of these structures as sustainable or green, but they are. Masonry bricks are one of the more environmentally sustainable construction materials available today.
Now, you may ask, “how so?” Well, in this blog, we will dive into exactly how brick masonry is not just a timeless aesthetic choice but also a sustainable one.
Brick Masonry Regulates Building Temperatures
Cement, sandstone, clay, and other types of bricks have a high thermal mass. This means that due to the high density of the material, they have a natural ability to absorb, store, and release heat. Essentially, masonry bricks quickly absorb heat and then release it slowly, maintaining a stable temperature for long periods of time despite climate fluctuations.
If the temperature is warm outside, masonry structures will absorb the warmth and heat from the sun so that your home or office can maintain its cool internal climate. On the opposite end, bricks also absorb heat from the interior of your home, halting encroaching cold from winter or autumn.
This is to say that masonry helps to maintain internal building temperatures, reducing the need for cooling and heating systems. Buildings use less energy to maintain internal temperatures, and building owners spend less on energy costs.
Brick Masonry Is Locally Sourced
More often than not, natural bricks and stones are acquired from local quarries. This not only allows the bricks to match the surrounding environment, but it also reduces the amount of travel necessary to transport the bricks from the quarry to the construction site.
Travel from fuel-powered vehicles, like trucks or trains, is one of the leading causes of high carbon emissions. By using locally sourced bricks for masonry projects and reducing the need for travel, this reduces fuel consumption as well as saves on fuel costs. Overall, masonry structures mean a lower carbon footprint.
Brick Masonry Resilience
If you remember at the beginning of this article when we mentioned masonry structures still standing after video game or movie battles, that is because the notion has some truth to it. Masonry bricks are highly durable, hailed for their stability and longevity. They don’t burn, rot from excessive moisture, or rust, and they are even pest resistant.
Bricks’ natural resistance to both environmental and manmade disasters mean that these materials can withstand the test of time. They maintain their structural integrity where other materials would fail and need replacement, lessening the consumption of other raw materials as well as reducing waste that ends up in landfills.
Recyclability of Masonry Bricks
Despite the resilience of masonry bricks, buildings and other structures are still tore down and removed, but due to their resilience, many bricks are left structurally intact. This means that bricks can be recycled and used for other purposes, such as another building, a fence, or various landscaping projects. Recycling bricks from demolished structures both extends their lifespan and reduces the need for new brick production, conserving natural resources.
For stones and bricks that are damaged and cannot be reused as they are, worry not – they are still recyclable. These stones can be crushed into a powder which is then used as aggregate in producing new bricks, concrete, and asphalt.
Regardless of if masonry bricks maintain their form and integrity after demolition or are crushed for use in other materials, their ability to be recycled makes them a highly sustainable option, reducing landfill waste and our reliance on other natural resources.
Choose Brick Masonry
As the world turns toward more sustainable and eco-friendly options to preserve our planet, it is no surprise that brick masonry is one of those options. With its durability, energy-efficient properties, and recyclability, brick masonry is a front runner for sustainable construction.
At Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills, we make it our priority to provide sustainable construction materials that reduce waste and pave the way for a greener future. Our brick masonry and construction services are trusted and sough after throughout the Detroit Metro area because of our quality work, product and skill.
Contact us today to learn more about how brick masonry can transform your next structure into a beacon of sustainability while ensuring a timeless and elegant appearance.