Can we talk about using old red brick vs new clay brick for restoration work?

I was down in Charleston last month checking out a row of historic houses and the brick they used back in the 1800s looks completely different from the modern stuff we get now. The old bricks are softer and more irregular, but I've seen guys argue that new clay bricks hold up better long term in wet climates. Which way do you lean when you're matching an old wall for a repair job?

2 comments

2 Comments

grace_campbell17d ago

Man that Charleston row sounds like a real pain to match up. It's tough when the old stuff just doesn't have the same character as what's available now.

young.kim17d ago

Everything's made to be thrown away now instead of built to last.