A brick recycled in 10 seconds thanks to a Quebec-designed device

Every year, tons of bricks that are still in good condition are discarded. It is now possible to reuse them thanks to a Quebec invention.

With the help of partners, Tommy Bouillon, owner of Maçonnerie Gratton, has developed the Brique Recyc machine which cleans bricks of mortar residue and reuses them to rebuild a wall. A solution that in addition to being ecological solves a labor problem.

“Until now, cleaning could only be done manually with a hammer, brick by brick. The machine, which is equipped with diamond blades, cleans the bricks in less than 10 seconds and almost without waste. It’s a huge time saver,” emphasizes Tommy Bouillon.

Brique Recyc is currently used on construction sites in Quebec and Ontario, led by Maçonnerie Gratton and Atwill Morin, for multi-dwellings and condominiums of four stories or less.

The machine is mounted directly on the scaffolding and can be driven by one worker.

“Deconstructing and rebuilding a wall can now be done with four employees rather than five. We thus gain in productivity, ”says Mr. Bouillon, who has embarked on the manufacture of his invention.

Strong demand

Other masonry contractors are interested in Brique Recyc. In Quebec, the marketing of the machine has however been delayed.

“We were waiting for the decision of the CCQ [Commission de la construction du Québec] to find out which profession could operate the equipment, explains the entrepreneur. She finally came last June.”

In the meantime, it is France which has torn off Brique Recyc.

“We sold our entire first series in Europe. In France, the regulations are strict in terms of material recovery, so the masonry companies there have shown great interest in our machine,” explains Tommy Bouillon.

Entrepreneurs here will have to wait until early spring 2023 to receive their Recyc Brick in the process of being manufactured.

Many Positive Impacts

Tommy Bouillon estimates that the reuse of bricks on a wall of 1000 square feet (90 m2) avoids polluting emissions equivalent to 5.9 tons of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of one car less on the roads for one year. Imagine when Brique Recyc will be used on hundreds of Quebec construction sites!

The impact of the machine is not only environmental. Building owners can also save big by salvaging the material.

“The gain is difficult to quantify, but it is significant, assures the owner of Maçonnerie Gratton. In addition to limiting the purchase of new bricks, the machine saves on the cost of renting containers for construction waste. Owners no longer need to apply for a permit to occupy the public domain, which can cost up to $500 per day. Not to mention the lower labor costs.”