Facade & Cladding

Reclaimed Brick.

Reclaimed brick is the most climate-friendly masonry material — its CO₂ footprint is 90% lower than new brick. Always choose reclaimed brick when it matches the existing construction.

Key Figures

Carbon Footprint (GWP): 0.03 kg CO₂-eq/kg
Density: 1800 kg/m³
Expected Lifespan: 100+ år (2. eller 3. generation brug)

What is reclaimed brick?

Reclaimed brick is brickwork extracted from demolished buildings, cleaned of mortar, and resold for new masonry. The carbon footprint is dramatically lower than new brick, as no firing is required — only transport and cleaning. Reclaimed brick provides authentic patina and matches historic buildings.

Carbon Footprint Compared

Reclaimed brick ← this material 0.03 kg CO₂/kg

Brick (new) 0.23 kg CO₂/kg

Concrete 0.13 kg CO₂/kg

Fibre cement 0.67 kg CO₂/kg

Negative carbon footprint (green) indicates carbon storage. Data based on EPD averages from ECO Platform and estimates per EN 15804.

Typical Applications

check_circle Facade walls (matching existing)
check_circle Masonry in historic buildings
check_circle Street facades and terraces
check_circle Interior exposed masonry

In Renovation

Reclaimed brick is ideal for matching extensions to existing brick facades, repairing existing masonry, and carrying out authentic renovations of historic buildings. It is circular economy at its best.

Questions about reclaimed brick

Is reclaimed brick as strong as new brick?

Yes, provided it is correctly cleaned and sorted. Old hard-fired bricks from the 1800s and early 1900s are often stronger than modern brick. Avoid bricks with salt efflorescence or frost-spalled surfaces.

Where do you find reclaimed brick?

Genbrugsmaterialer.dk, HAVNEGÅRD, and local salvage yards are good places to look. Price is typically 2–4 DKK/brick depending on type and quantity.

Does reclaimed brick suit all buildings?

It requires careful matching — colour, format, and surface texture must match the existing masonry for extensions. A building professional can help match type and age.

What does reclaimed brick cost vs. new brick?

Reclaimed brick typically costs 3–6 DKK/brick cleaned. New hand-struck bricks cost 5–10 DKK/brick. Machine bricks are cheapest at 2–4 DKK/brick. Reclaimed brick is comparable in price but gives far lower CO₂.

Related Materials

Structure

Need advice?

We help you choose the right materials for your project — with focus on sustainability, durability, and economy.