I've learned many expensive lessons since purchasing my first home five years ago. One of them is "Don't put salt on icy brick stairs in the winter." Now the stairs must be replaced. I've read that brick today is not what it used to be, that bricks have more water in them now. Is this true? Would I be better off reusing the old bricks from the stairs? It's really the mortar between the bricks that has deteriorated. Most of the bricks look pretty good. Thanks.