‘Bricks and mortar’ is a euphemism for houses or buildings in general, because most new Gloucester homes and other small buildings are still made from these materials as they have been for hundreds of years. And while the quality of the materials and the techniques used have developed over time, the basic role of bricklayers – and their importance in the construction industry – is still recognizable from that of Victorian times.

Bricks are a fascinating building material. Optimised for strength, weight, and porosity, they are not only a structural component, but also a building’s first line of defence against the effects of weather and climate. When Gloucester homes used to be built from stone blocks, the stones had to be cut or ‘dressed’ to fit together to form a wall. Once bricks were invented, their standardized dimensions and porosity made it possible for them to be attached with mortar which made for much stronger joints and a more uniform construction methods. These developments eventually gave rise to a new construction trade – that of bricklaying, which describes the skill of using bricks to build structures of all kinds, fully utilizing the advantages of the material. Skilled Gloucester bricklayers are always in demand, as so many aspects of building trade rely on their craft. For example, most newly built buildings with the exception of large commercial properties will require some or all of the exterior to be completed in brick work. Even timber and steel framed structures are often clad in brick work, as this provides protection for the structural components against the elements, increasing their lifespan. Bricklayers are often called in when Gloucester homeowners wish to increase the value of their property by constructing extensions and additional buildings. The ability to match the type of bricks and style of work to the original structure is key in these cases. And of course, when brickwork fails or becomes damaged a bricklayer can repair and rebuild the damaged sections of wall.

House prices in Gloucester have increased dramatically in recent decades. To preserve the value of your property it is important to have access to skilled and reliable tradespeople. When you find time served bricklayers, joiners and a plasterers working in your town be sure to keep their numbers in case you want to use them again in the future. Or if you are in the market to buy a house, it is comforting to know that the standards of materials and workmanship in newly built properties is increasing year on year. By buying a brand new home, you put yourself in a favoured position where you at unlikely to have to spend any money on house repairs for the foreseeable future. The bricklayers and other tradespeople working on new builds in the area are of the highest standard, so new homeowners can get the full enjoyment out of their properties. Please see the Lester Woods General Builders website for more information on availability of these trades or any other type of building work.