You can tell if your brick is metric or imperial by comparing its dimensions to the standard sizes for each:

• Metric - The standard metric brick size in the UK is 215 x 102.5 x 65 mm. This size has been in use since 1965. 
• Imperial - Imperial bricks are generally larger than metric bricks and are measured in inches. There is no single imperial brick size, but popular sizes include 228 mm long by 108 mm wide, with a height of 50 mm, 68 mm, 73 mm, 75 mm, or 80 mm. 

Brick sizes have varied over time in the UK:

• Before 1780: Bricks were often two inches in size. 
• 1784: A government tax on bricks led brick makers to produce larger bricks so fewer were needed for a wall. 
• 1850: The tax was repealed, but many brick makers had already invested in machinery to make larger bricks, so they persisted. 
• 1965: The metric system was adopted as the standard. 

If you're replacing bricks in an older building, you should check the original brick size to ensure consistency and a better visual finish.

Preservation and conservation are sometimes both used interchangeably, not knowing the difference in meaning. Preservation is the protection of historical and cultural sites from human impact and human misuse altogether, while conservation is the protection and maintenance of historical and cultural sites by regulating human activity and not outright eliminating humans from the sites.

A Surfacing Divide: Preservationists and Conservationists

In the early 20th century, as environmental movements were popping up left and right, two factions emerged, the Preservationists and the Conservationists. Both factions believed in a greater good, just with differing opinions on the matter at hand as one wanted human impact to be regulated and one wanted it removed and eliminated.

One of the many preserved sites, Stonehenge, does not allow people within 15 yards of the stones. This restriction is possibly a consequence from the 1900s, when damage to the stones was increasing and the English government, realizing its historical significance, took matters into their own hands and implemented such a restriction in order to better preserve Stonehenge remains by inserting a rope around the remains to act as a sort of barrier, protecting them from vandals to this day.

An example of a historical site that was conserved and repaired is Khonsu Temple, a temple that is part of the Karnak temple complex among the seven main temples of Luxor. The temple is accessible to all tourists with a standard fee, making the entire temple open for tourists with some exceptions of weak spots, tunnels, and elevated spaces that visitors are restricted from approaching.

The currently preserved and conserved zones are going mostly pre-historical territories and sacred religious buildings as they are deemed by society significantly important buildings. The majority of such territories have been mostly influenced by religion and art throughout the ages. Since ancient times, people have maintained churches and synagogues as they were the most prominent and important sacred structures of that time. The ongoing conservation and preservation of such structures goes to show how important they continue to be in the eyes of society and individuals.

Heritage conservation is about managing change. It is planning based on the inherited culture and cultural artifacts of a place, structure or object. It means assessment, interpretation, conservation, documentation and, most certainly, strategic management.

Heritage Bricks come in three main size categories

Metric: 65mm x 215mm x 102mm

Southern Imperial: 68mm x 228mm x 110mm

Northern Imperial: 75mm x 228mm x 110mm

Bespoke sizes can be made to specific requirements on request.

Heritage Bricks are perfect if you’re considering a new build or an extension to an existing property. After all, it’s often a prerequisite of planning permission that the colour and type of finishing materials are approved as suitable for the area by the Local Planning Office, before permission is granted.

This is especially important in areas of conservation, or designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But also, equally important for aesthetics.

We are bringing the past to the present, with our wide range of old style and heritage bricks available for immediate delivery. They are available in a variety of colours and textures, and all pre-weathered, so we’re confident that Heritage Brick Co has the perfect match for your brick project.

We identify whether existing infrastructure still has a role to play, and prioritise restoration making them fit-for-purpose wherever possible – all the while remaining sensitive to the original design features and purpose of a place.

Whether to restore or replace old brickwork depends on the condition of the brickwork, the building's history, and the desired outcome:

• Historic buildings - For historic buildings, it's generally better to repair rather than replace brickwork. Repairing can help preserve the building's authenticity and historic fabric. For example, a mason can sometimes remove a brick, turn it around, and put it back in the wall. 
• Brick condition - If the brick is too worn or crumbling, it may need to be replaced. Signs that a brick building needs restoration include cracked mortar, dampness, missing or damaged bricks, and a faded appearance. 
• Cost and disruption - Brick restoration can be cost-effective and cause less disruption than replacing and rebuilding the brickwork. 
• Underlying issues - It's important to have a mason inspect the building to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be fixed. If the underlying issue isn't fixed, the brickwork will likely continue to be problematic. 

You can clean brickwork with a mixture of table salt and dish soap. Once the paste is removed, you can use a sealant to keep the bricks in good condition.

Yes, brickwork on a Grade II listed building can be restored, but you'll need written consent from your local authority:

• Get consent - You'll need to contact your local council and provide a detailed description of the work you plan to do. The local authority will consider the building's condition, historical significance, and other factors. 
• Follow the rules - You'll need to respect the building's character and design. For example, you can usually do general maintenance and repairs using like-for-like materials. 
• Be prepared for penalties - Renovating a Grade II listed building without consent can result in financial penalties and even prison time. 

Helical bars can be used to strengthen brickwork in listed buildings. They can be concealed in the mortar bed of the wall and can be used to stitch and strengthen cracked masonry, tie separating layers of wall, and more.

There are several ways that you can get a free brick matching services, including:

• By Email
• Filling in our online form
• Project Site Visit
• Visit our Brick Showroom

The Heritage Brick Yard provides a free and easy brick matching service in just a few simple steps. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable staff offer a comprehensive service delivered with the most extensive knowledge in the area.

Order via Product Page

On the specific product page, to the right of the product image there is an 'Order Sample' Button. Click the button to order your sample online.

Order via Email

Simply email our sales team your project requirements and specific product you wish to order a sample.

Visit Us

If you are close by or wish to see our full range, why not come and visit us at our bespoke Brick Centre? and take samples away free of charge.