Question 1

How do I repair crumbling red bricks?

Accepted Answer

To repair crumbling red bricks, begin by removing loose mortar and brushing away dust and debris so new material can bond properly. For small areas, use a suitable lime or cement‑based repair mortar matched to the brick colour and texture, pressing it firmly into voids and tooling the joints to match existing profiles; for hairline cracks, a specialist brick repair mortar or resin injection can be effective.

Where the brick body is extensively deteriorated replace the unit: carefully cut out the damaged brick, clear the bed and head joints, bed a new brick in fresh mortar and finish the joints to blend with the surrounding work. Always use compatible materials and, where listed buildings or historic fabric are involved, seek professional advice to ensure breathability and long‑term performance.

Question 2

What is the difference between soft red bricks and hard red bricks?

Accepted Answer

Soft red bricks are fired at lower temperatures or made from softer clays, giving them a more porous, workable texture that’s easier to cut, shape and tuck‑point - making them ideal for restoration, ornamental work and situations where a sympathetic match to older masonry is needed.

Hard red bricks, by contrast, are fired hotter or made from denser clay mixes, producing a tougher, less absorbent unit with higher compressive strength; they’re better suited to structural walls, paving and external uses where durability and resistance to weathering are priorities.

Question 3

Are red bricks environmentally friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes - red bricks are largely environmentally friendly: made from natural clay they require no petrochemical feedstocks, are highly durable (reducing replacement cycles) and can be crushed and reused as aggregate or reclaimed whole for new builds.

Energy use and emissions vary by kiln technology and firing fuel, so choosing suppliers using modern, efficient processes or reclaimed stock further improves sustainability. Look for recycled content or certification (e.g. BES 6001/FSC for associated timber) when sourcing to minimise environmental impact.

Question 4

How do I choose the right type of red brick for my project?

Accepted Answer

When choosing the right red brick for your project, weigh up appearance, performance and cost: opt for soft red bricks or reclaimed stock for restoration and period properties, choose hard red or engineering grades for structural walls and external paving, and consider textured or multi‑red faces for decorative façades.

Check porosity and frost resistance for exposed locations, confirm compatibility with your mortar and insulation strategy, and compare prices and supplier specs on BuildBuddy to balance aesthetics, longevity and budget.

Red bricks

Wienerberger Warnham Red Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Clumber Red Bricks 65mm

Forterra Sherwood Red Mixture Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Sandfaced Red Brick 65mm

Forterra Kimbolton Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Michelmersh Freshfield Lane 1st Quality Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Tuscan Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Tudor Bricks 65mm

Forterra Atherstone Red Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Weston Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Claydon Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Class B Engineering Brick Smooth Red - Perforated 65mm

Carlton Heather Sandfaced Bricks 73mm

Forterra Nottingham Red Rustic Bricks 65mm

Ibstock New Burntwood Red Rustic Brick 65mm

Forterra Hampton Rural Blend Bricks 65mm

Forterra Village Sunglow Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Heritage Red Blend Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Aldridge Anglian Red Rustic Brick 65mm

Ibstock Parham Red Stock Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Leicester Red Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Waresley Red Stock Bricks 65mm

Forterra Oakthorpe Red Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Dorking Red Brick - 65mm

Ibstock Ashdown Bexhill Red Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Sunset Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Grampian Red Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Dorset Red Stock Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Bradgate Claret Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Rustic Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Thakeham Red Multi Bricks 65mm

TBS Olde English Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Ewhurst Medium Multi Brick 65mm

Wienerberger Caldera Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Tabasco Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Forterra Chelsea Smoked Red Bricks 65mm

Forterra Burghley Red Rustic Bricks 65mm

Forterra Lindum Cottage Red Multi Brick 65mm

Ibstock New Burntwood Red Rustic Brick 73mm

Wienerberger Titian Bricks 65mm