State of decay where to find building materials
I started my search for reclaimed building materials near abandoned farms and old houses. My initial focus was on finding reusable wood and brick. I discovered surprisingly strong materials despite the decay!
My Initial Scouting Trip
My first foray into the world of salvaged building materials began with a drive through the backroads of rural Vermont. I’d heard whispers from old-timers about abandoned farmsteads and forgotten properties, places where time seemed to stand still, leaving behind a legacy of weathered wood and crumbling stone. My trusty pickup truck, affectionately nicknamed “Betsy,” rumbled along dusty lanes, passing fields of wildflowers and ancient stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, a heady mix that fueled my excitement. I remember stopping at a place called Widow’s Creek, a name whispered with a touch of local legend. The farm was a ruin, the house a skeletal frame against the sky, but even from the road, I spotted intriguing possibilities. There were stacks of weathered barn wood, partially collapsed outbuildings, and a stone foundation that looked remarkably intact despite the encroaching ivy. I cautiously approached, my boots crunching on fallen leaves and brittle branches. The silence was profound, broken only by the chirping of crickets and the distant caw of a crow. It was a little unnerving, but the potential rewards outweighed any apprehension. I spent hours that day, carefully inspecting the structures, assessing the condition of the wood, and mentally cataloging what I might salvage. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, as I finally made my way back to Betsy, my heart pounding with a mixture of exhilaration and anticipation. I had found my first goldmine, a treasure trove of forgotten building materials waiting to be rediscovered.
Salvaging from the Derelict Houses
Armed with my trusty crowbar, hammer, and a collection of salvaged tools (ironically!), I began the careful process of reclaiming usable materials from the derelict houses. The first challenge was safety. Many structures were unstable, with floors sagging and walls threatening to collapse. I proceeded slowly, methodically checking each beam and joist before putting my weight on it. I found that the old-growth timber, though weathered and worn, possessed a strength that surprised me. Many boards, despite their age and exposure to the elements, were remarkably sound, suitable for framing or flooring. I carefully removed nails, using a claw hammer and occasionally resorting to pliers for stubborn ones. The process was painstaking, requiring patience and a keen eye for detail. I learned to identify signs of rot and insect damage, discarding anything compromised beyond repair. One house, a small cottage near the edge of a wood, yielded a treasure trove of reclaimed flooring boards. They were wide, tongue-and-groove planks, darkened by age but still remarkably smooth. I spent an entire afternoon carefully removing them, stacking them neatly in Betsy’s bed, protecting them from damage with old blankets. The work was physically demanding, but the satisfaction of uncovering these hidden gems was immense. Each salvaged piece felt like a victory, a testament to the enduring quality of materials from a bygone era. I also found some beautiful, aged bricks – perfect for a future project, I thought. I carefully wrapped them in old sheets to protect them from breakage during transport.
The Abandoned Factory – A Goldmine!
My exploration led me to an abandoned factory on the outskirts of town – a place whispered about in hushed tones by the locals. Entering was daunting; the rusted gates groaned under my efforts, and the air inside was thick with the smell of dust and decay. But what I found inside was incredible. Heaps of discarded metal – beams, pipes, sheets – lay scattered across the floor. Much of it was rusted, but I found plenty of usable material. I carefully selected sturdy steel beams, their strength evident despite the surface corrosion. I also found a large quantity of heavy-duty metal sheeting, perfect for roofing or siding. The factory’s interior was a maze of broken machinery and collapsed structures, but I navigated it cautiously, my headlamp cutting through the gloom. I discovered stacks of perfectly preserved bricks in one corner, untouched by the elements. They were a deep, rich red, far superior in quality to anything I could buy new. I spent hours there, carefully selecting and assessing my finds. It was like a treasure hunt, each discovery fueling my excitement. The sheer volume of material was overwhelming; I knew I couldn’t take it all, but I filled my truck with what I could manage. I felt a thrill of accomplishment as I drove away, the weight of my discoveries a tangible representation of my hard work and perseverance. This abandoned factory proved to be a goldmine, a testament to the enduring value of industrial materials, even in states of disrepair.