What Does Brick Cladding Mean In Construction?
What Does Brick Cladding Mean In Construction?
Brick cladding is a layer of brick material applied to the exterior of a structure to provide protection and improve its appearance.
It is typically installed by a brick cladding installer or a brick slip installer and can be used in various bonding patterns to create unique designs.
Brick cladding also provides insulation from noise and heat loss, as well as protects the interior of the building.
It can also be used for interior design work, such as with false brick facing which can be attached by general contractors.
Brick cladding is usually cheaper than using bricks alone, and has a simpler construction process.
What Are The Types Of Brick Cladding?
There are several types of brick cladding available for use in buildings. These include stone cladding, vinyl cladding, aluminium cladding, wooden cladding, brick cladding, fibre cement cladding, stainless steel cladding, porcelain tile cladding, scyon cladding, and composite materials.
Brick cladding provides a decorative look to walls and is highly durable but expensive to install.
It is also resistant to fire due to its high fire resistance. Brick wall cladding can be used for both interior and exterior walls, and it comes in a wide range of styles and colors.
How Is Brick Cladding Installed?
Installation of brick cladding is a process that requires careful planning and preparation. The most common method for interior applications is to use thin bricks, which are applied with a 1/2″ thick mortar to the back of the veneer and pressed firmly into a scratch coat to ensure good bond.
For exterior applications, a plastic-coated galvanised steel profile can be fixed to the structural wall and specially shaped brick tiles can then clip into the steel system with appropriate vertical joints.
When installing brick veneer siding, it is important to practice proper lifting techniques and wear gloves to protect hands.
The old siding will need to be removed before beginning on brick veneer siding.
The first brick should be placed along the edge of an angle iron ledge and firmly pressed into the mortar, leaving a half-inch of airspace between the foundation and the brick.
When installing thin brick veneer, it is important to keep in mind that traditional thin brick installation techniques require craftsmanship.
It is recommended that one visit the Brick Industry Institute website and download their Thin Brick Technical Guide before starting any project.
Additionally, practicing installation techniques beforehand will help ensure an installation that looks great and lasts for years.
What Is The Benefit Of Brick Cladding?
Brick cladding provides a number of practical and aesthetic benefits for construction.
- It can make a property look more aesthetically pleasing, increase its curb appeal, and protect it from damage caused by pollutants, mold, and temperature changes.
- Brick cladding also provides enhanced insulation from both noise and heat loss, which can lead to long-term energy bill savings.
- Brick slip cladding systems help the structure resist being damaged or tainted by extreme weather conditions, which also prevents cracking.
- Brick cladding requires minimal maintenance and offers improved energy efficiency compared to other materials such as fiber cement, vinyl or EIFS (synthetic stucco).
- Clay brick also provides an unbeatable 1.5 hours of protection against fire compared to stucco and vinyl barely lasting 30 minutes.
- Additionally, brick cladding can significantly increase the value of a property due to its aesthetic and practical benefits.
What Is The Disadvantage Of Brick Cladding?
The main disadvantage of brick cladding is its environmental impact. Bricks are baked in kilns, which require large amounts of energy and contribute to global carbon dioxide emissions.
Additionally, brick veneer is more expensive than other siding materials such as wood or fiber cement siding and vinyl, and it does not improve the structural integrity of a building or other dwelling.
Brick veneer is also susceptible to water damage due to its often poor drainage ability, as well as natural damage from earthquakes or heavy winds.
