HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR BUILDING BRICKS BY STORING THEM PROPERLY

Building bricks are the backbone of any structure, but what do you do if you are not using them in the immediate future? How do you store them properly and avoid wasting the building bricks you have bought?

Prevention is always more effective than a cure. With building bricks, the same applies. When ordering bricks on sale for a big project; planning is key to the preservation of the supplies. If you have consulted with you Quantity Surveyor you should know at which point in the building process you will need x amount of bricks. By having them delivered as they are needed may save you the trouble of storing for a long period of time altogether.

If your building bricks are onsite already you will have to make plans to keep them dry and safe. Bricks do not have many chinks in their armour but poor storage can cause deterioration.

What to avoid when storing bricks

• Water damage- this is more to do with where you store them. If they are in a flooded storage space this may be a problem but occasional rain that quickly goes away should not destruct the bricks in anyway.
• Theft- keeping you building bricks stored outside in a space with a locked gate or a locked in storage unit will keep them safe from thievery.
• Deterioration- Improperly stacked building bricks may fall, damaging those stored with it.

Proper storage is easy and your bricks will last a lifetime:

• Create a foundation of loose gravel outside to help keep bricks dry.
• Dig a shallow hole and cover with plastic for an outdoor solution with all the benefits of being under a roof.
• Stacking bricks in a way that avoids them falling over is best for the storage of the bricks and the safety of those around them.
• Clay and cement bricks should be stacked and stored separately to guarantee their longevity.
• Solid, perforated and hollow bricks must also be stacked separately to avoid fluctuations in their shape and density from breaking each other.
• For safety and preservation the stacks should be no taller than 10 bricks and no more than 4 bricks across.

Don’t delay your project because of improperly stored bricks; unpack them and get building!