Selfbuilder & Homemaker – July – August 2019

the iconic Collyweston slate, prevalent

across the East Midlands.

THERE’S MORTAR LIFE...

As important as picking the right brick

for a project, selecting the mortar that

binds it all together is just as crucial.

While many self-builders favour ready-

bagged, pre-mixed mortar, remember

that the colouring of mortar can

completely transform the look of a

building, so homeowners should ensure

they use one which matches the overall

aesthetics they are hoping to achieve

with the project.

RIGHT TO RECLAIM?

Whether it’s sustainability concerns or

wanting to maximise the authentic feel

of their build, some self-builders opt for

reclaimed or salvaged bricks. These are

typically handmade and older, sourced

everywhere from discontinued mills to

former stately homes, some of which

have obsolete design quirks which make

them totally unique in modern builds.

Reclaimed products can be found in a

huge variety of colours, sizes and textures,

so when selecting salvaged material, it’s

important to ensure they are in keeping

with the period and location of their

home. What’s more, the quality of

reclaimed materials can vary hugely, so

it’s crucial to ensure that bricks come from

a reclamation yard with a reputation for

sourcing good quality materials.

NEXT STEPS

Self-build projects can be a cost-

effective, highly rewarding way for

homeowners to improve their properties.

While it may seem that there is a myriad

of brick considerations, all that’s

required is some careful research into

the right material for a project.

Homeowners looking to embark on such

a project should speak to planning

authorities to ensure that the project is in

line with local regulations, and that key

considerations such as regional

vernacular are contemplated, before

settling on a brick product.

Simon Taylor is director of sales – Builders

Merchant at Ibstock

STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS (BRICKS, BLOCKS & CEMENT)

60www.sbhonline.co.uk july/august 2019