Brick slip systems have become increasingly popular in the construction industry. They offer a harmonious blend of traditional aesthetics and modern efficiency.
The demand for aesthetically pleasing and durable building exteriors is driving the brick cladding systems market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2024 to 2030, a clear indicator of its rising popularity.
As brick slip systems continue to be the go-to choice for architects, contractors, and developers, we look at why clients often specify them for projects.
What is a brick slip cladding system?
A brick slip, also known as a brick tile or brick veneer, is a thin section cut from a standard brick or manufactured to replicate the appearance of traditional brickwork.
Typically measuring between 15mm and 25mm in thickness, brick slips provide the visual appeal of full bricks without the associated weight and bulk. They can be made from various materials, including real clay bricks, concrete, plaster, or acrylics. Clay can be cut now as thin as 7mm, while acrylics come in as thin as 3mm. However, those cut from genuine clay bricks are often favoured for their authentic look and feel.
Advantages of using brick slips
Brick slip cladding systems have revolutionised the construction industry by providing a flexible and visually pleasing alternative to conventional brickwork. The advantages of using brick slips for projects include:
Ease of installation: Their lightweight nature and design allow quicker and more straightforward installation across all project types than traditional bricklaying methods. Brick slips can be installed onto mechanical fix systems such as aluminium rails, which makes installations far quicker than conventional brickwork.
Aesthetic appeal and versatility: Brick slips, with their timeless look of traditional brickwork and a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes, offer a versatile solution that can be tailored to various design visions, enhancing the visual appeal of both interiors and exteriors.
Lightweight: Due to their reduced thickness, brick slips are significantly lighter than full bricks, making them suitable for projects where weight is a concern.
Thermal performance: Brick cladding delivers exceptional thermal performance. Brick slip cladding, when paired with insulation, can provide excellent thermal performance.
Environmental benefits: Manufacturing brick slips requires less raw material and energy than full bricks, reducing the environmental footprint.
Cost-effective: Brick slips’ ease of installation means that projects are completed more quickly, saving time and money. When considering long-term maintenance, brick slips also require minimal upkeep, further reducing costs over the life of the building.
Durability and resilience: Brick slips are designed for longevity. Their weather resistance against wind, rain, and fluctuating temperatures and robust construction ensure they are a wise, long-term investment.
Applications of brick slip cladding systems
A brick slip system can be used in numerous ways, both internally and externally, for residential and commercial applications, including modular, new-build and retrofit projects.
Over the years, brick slips have become more popular than traditional bricks. They offer an affordable, easily manageable, and fast alternative to brick walls. This type of system could be vital in supporting the 1.5 million new homes target set by the UK government.
Brick slips provide an ideal solution for improving the aesthetic of an exterior building without extensive work. When paired with an insulation system, they can also improve the building’s energy efficiency.
Other factors to consider
Ensuring the installation meets the highest regulatory and quality standards is equally important in ensuring the durability and visual appeal of the cladding system. Eden Facades has many years of experience installing different brick slip systems. Some of our projects include:
Frampton Road, London – Working with Neilcott Construction Group, our scope was to install Eurobrick X-Clad brick slip system to the ground floor walls of two new apartment blocks.
The Marie Weller primary school, Towcester Vale – Having delivered many successful construction projects for the education sector, we installed a Eurobrick brick slip system for a new-build school in Towcester.
Treadgold House, London – An ongoing project working with United Living, whereby we’re over-cladding with an Ash & Lacy MechSlip brick cladding system, meaning no existing cladding was removed. This over-cladding approach ensured minimal disruption while modernising the building’s external appearance.
Broomfields Care Home, Chelmsford – Working with long-term partner R G Carter, a Wetherby insulated brick slip system was installed alongside an insulated render system to refurbish an existing hospital building into a new care home.
With years of experience and a portfolio of successful installations, Eden Facades is ready to support your next project with the installation of high-quality brick slip solutions.
If you would like to learn more about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
