External brick slips are a relatively new solution in the UK construction industry, used to give a building the appearance of brickwork without using brickwork. External brick slips are extremely thin pieces of real brick designed to mimic the appearance and tactile characteristics of masonry structures, yet can be installed in a lightweight, flexible way. Today, external brick slips are popular among architects and builders because they are durable, beautiful and can be used within the contemporary insulation system.
External brick slips can be used in renovation and new-build works to provide a consistent, cost-effective finish. Modern brick façade design includes brick slips as an external coating that can deliver high performance in appearance and structural efficiency.
What Are External Brick Slips?
External Brick Slips are thin brick tiles cut from original clay bricks to be attached to external surfaces that provide the desired effect of a traditional brick façade. The installation of these slips is usually done by gluing them in place or by using mechanical fastening systems, depending on the building’s structure and the project’s needs.
External brick slips can be used in a wide range of applications as an alternative to full brick walls, particularly where structural load or space constraints make traditional brickwork impractical.
Benefits of External Brick Slips Cladding
There are many benefits of external brick slips for residential and commercial structures. Key benefits include:
- Lightweight construction reduces structural load
- Authentic brick appearance with real clay materials
- Improved thermal performance when combined with insulation systems
- Faster installation compared to traditional masonry
- High durability and weather resistance
- Wide design flexibility for modern and classic façades
External brick slips have also been shown to enhance energy efficiency when combined with external wall insulation systems.
External Brick Slips vs Traditional Brickwork
While external brick slips are similar to conventional brickwork, there are a number of key distinctions:
- They are much slimmer and lighter.
- They do not require deep foundations
- The installation is faster and easier than before, thanks to the reduced labour requirement.
- It can be installed in various retrofit and renovation applications
- Offer similar aesthetic results to full brick walls
External Brick Slips are an excellent solution when structural limitations exist or when modern insulating systems are needed, as compared to traditional bricks.
Types of External Brick Slips Systems
There are a number of ways of installing brick slips externally:
- Adhesive fixed systems
- External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems
- Mechanical rail systems
- Precast panel systems
Whereas mechanical systems are usually employed in high-rise or tough environments because of their robust fixing system and fire safety performance.
External Brick Slips Installation Process
The preparation of the external brick slips usually requires surface preparation, slip fixing and mortar pointing. The slips are adhered to exterior-grade adhesive or mechanical fastening systems with a stable substrate.
Using the right materials and preparation is important for use on the outside, including a stable base, appropriate bonding material, and waterproof pointing.
The installation process guarantees the final result looks like a real brick wall and that it’s super functional.
External Brick Slips for Energy Efficiency
Insulation systems can be combined with external brick slips to enhance the energy performance of buildings. They can reduce heat loss and improve U-values when installed as an external wall insulation system.
This combination provides:
- Reduced energy bills
- Improved thermal comfort
- Reduced cold bridging
- Enhanced building efficiency
This makes external brick slips a popular choice in construction and retrofitting for their energy efficiency.
Design Flexibility of External Brick Slips
External brick slips offer architects many design options and can be used in both modern and traditional styles. They come in a variety of colours, textures and finishes, offering options to achieve a match with existing buildings or a modern building façade.
Examples of common design uses are:
- Residential home exteriors
- Commercial building façades
- Extensions and renovations
- Add walls and architecture to the scene
External Brick Slips in UK Construction
External brick slips are gaining popularity in the UK because they comply with the current building codes and insulation guidelines. They are versatile and used in a variety of housing developments, commercial buildings and refurbishment projects.
External brick slips are particularly popular in urban areas where maintaining a brick appearance is necessary whilst complying with the current energy performance requirements.
Durability and Maintenance of External Brick Slips
External brick slips resist adverse weather conditions such as rain, frost and UV. They are durable enough to be used outdoors for an extended period.
Requirements for maintenance are low, usually include:
- Occasional cleaning
- Checking pointing condition
- Minor repairs if required
They are strong and will provide long-term performance of the façade.
Cost Considerations of External Brick Slips
Mostly, external brick slips are less expensive than complete brick buildings in terms of labour and structure. The cost of materials can differ, but savings may be made by:
- Reduced construction time
- Reduced structural loadings
- Less foundation work
- Faster installation process
This makes them an appealing option for contemporary construction spending plans.
External Brick Slips for Renovation Projects
External brick slips are commonly used in renovation and retrofit situations to enhance a building’s appearance without requiring significant structural alterations. They can be attached to an existing surface if done correctly.
These are suitable for:
- Old building upgrades
- Façade restoration
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Aesthetic transformation
They are flexible for both the modernisation and preservation aspects.
Conclusion
Brick slips are an effective and aesthetically pleasing way to clad an exterior wall in modern times. External Brick Slips are now becoming a top-favoured option in UK construction due to their lightweight, durability, energy efficiency and design flexibility.
From new construction to remodelling, external brick slips provide a sure-fire solution for both traditional brick appeal and contemporary performance features.
