Gallery
There are a number of different brick slip cladding systems available and each one varies in terms of component parts and assembly method. At Eurobrick, our advice is to think about your objectives and what benefits you might like from a system. Will it need to be lightweight? Insulated? Suitable for DIY? Also, speak to the cladding company’s technical staff to ensure that the system is properly tested and consider whether it has third-party certification and comes with a guarantee.
Self-builders can choose from a variety of construction methods that work with brick slip systems. The systems do not usually require the foundations associated with traditional masonry as they are suspended directly from the structural fabric. Being lightweight is beneficial as it can simplify the design and cost of foundations, while the ease of installation means the project can be completed by semi-skilled labour or even as a DIY job.
The technical constraints of some home extension projects may make a cladding system essential. For example, if you are building upwards, you’ll benefit from a lightweight system. At Eurobrick, we have dealt with a whole range of projects from the technically demanding, to relatively straightforward extensions that require the existing structure and extension to be over-clad to achieve a seamless finish.
For those wanting to renovate their old home, insulated brick cladding is ideal. It’s estimated that there are eight million properties in this country built without a cavity and it’s well known that solid walls are thermally inefficient. Most brick cladding systems provide external wall insulation, helping you to save money on energy bills. As the installation is carried out externally, it means precious internal floor space is maintained and there will be little disruption to your daily life during the work.
Over-cladding can also solve common problems experienced in older properties – namely condensation, damp penetration and dilapidation of the exterior. Well designed and installed systems will weatherproof the original fabric of the building, keeping wind-driven rain out, reducing condensation risk and rejuvenating the exterior.
The cost of using brick slip systems will vary not only from system to system, but also upon the choice of slip, the amount of, and type of, insulation required, size of the project and the installer. We recommend that you speak to a cladding company to discuss your requirements and calculate an estimate. Be sure to enquire about any extras that may be required, since a basic “headline” price, based on a square metre rate, can be deceptive. Items such as corner bricks can have a significant effect on price. Most cladding companies will be happy to do a take-off of your drawings and provide an estimate relevant to your build and choices.
