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February 22, 2008
Looking for Facade Bricks
I have a 1853 brownstone which is in Manhattan which has been under renovation for a year. The house had stucco put over the brick facade which has now been removed-- but the bricks were damaged. Since everything is being done to restore it to its original condition the decision was made to turn the bricks around-- but many were damaged beyond repair and can not be used.I am looking to buy about 1000 bricks which would be from the same era. While my house is not in Brooklyn, we are using a Brooklyn contractor-- Harry Dewees ( Dewees - Mellor) and after talking with him I decided to humbly post this seeing if anyone could possibly help. Thank you.
Comments
I would check http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/my_community.jsp "My Community" on the DoB web site and look for new demolition postings. Maybe your contractor could reach out to the demo company and see if they would be willing to salvage for you. In places like Williamsburg, Brooklyn many huge old brick buildings are being torn down on a daily basis. Also many low rise buildings in Brooklyn's South Slope use non mechanical demolition methods which means they must take down the building brick by brick.
Posted by: guest at February 22, 2008 6:51 PM
How do you expect help if you don't post the brick dimensions and a photo?
Posted by: guest at February 23, 2008 1:08 AM
Wait--you're taking down the entire facade, brick by brick, and turning the bricks around? If true, impressive and prodigious... but I gotta call bullshit.
Posted by: Rehab at February 23, 2008 3:04 PM
Cannot be done. Modern bricks are made with completely different firing process than 1850's brick. You can replicate a look of an older brick, for example you can get hand-struck bricks made that look 19th century, but you cannot randomly mix these in a wall with actual 19th century brick. Contemporary bricks are far harder in composition and would eventually cause the older bricks to spall apart.
Also -- mortars have to be compatible also.
Posted by: Smokychimp at February 24, 2008 10:42 PM
I doubt that you will find suitable material from a wrecking company. However there are a number of commercial sources for bricks salvaged from 18th and 19th century buildings. Find the professionals by referring to a source like Period Homes (published by Clem Labine, the original founder of Old House Journal) and checking their listings. Expect to pay a pretty price.
Posted by: guest at February 26, 2008 2:00 PM
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