The most demanded type of cladding in modern buildings is the external brick slips. By combining the visual appeal of the old-style brick building with the modern efficiency of the installation, they should offer a useful and aesthetically pleasing alternative to complete brick veneers.
External brick slips offer flexibility, architectural appeal, and durability, and are not as heavy as standard masonry, whether you are renovating a property, upgrading the exterior, or establishing a new building.
What are External Brick Slips?
External brick slips are narrow strips of actual brick or manufactured brick tiles made to be used as an exterior wall. They mimic the look, feel, and colour change of conventional bricks and decrease the thickness and weight of loads by a large margin.
They are normally between 15-25mm thick and bonded onto prepared substrates using specialist adhesives or mechanical systems to produce an uninterrupted brick finish.
Why Choose External Brick Slips for Cladding?
The external brick slips offer several advantages over traditional brick construction.
Lightweight Construction
They exert very little stress on the existing structures since they are significantly thinner than normal bricks. This ensures that they are perfect during refurbishments and extensions.
Cost Efficiency
The amount of material used in the project is usually reduced, and the installation speed results in low project costs.
Authentic Appearance
The quality of the external brick slips is high since they are cut using realistic clay bricks and the depth of colour.
Versatility
They can be used in residential homes, commercial structures, garden walls, and have facades.
Applications of External Brick Slips
External brick slips have many applications across the building industry.
- New build facades
- Property renovations
- Exterior feature walls
- Commercial premises
- Outbuildings and garden rooms.
- Insulation systems on outer walls.
They are flexible and can be used in traditional and modern architectural styles.
External Brick Slips and External Wall Insulation (EWI)
External brick slips are among the most useful components in External Wall Insulation systems. Combined with insulation boards, they create an energy-saving facade with improved thermal performance while maintaining a brick appearance.
The solution is especially useful to the old UK buildings that require better energy ratings without sacrificing in terms of appearance.
Installation Methods for External Brick Slips
Proper installation is required in order to guarantee long-term performance and durability.
Adhesive Fixing System
Brick slips are pasted onto prepared substrates with flexible, weather-resistant adhesive.
Mechanical Rail Systems
Slips are firmly held in place by pre-formed rails or panels. This technique guarantees consistent spacing and efficient installation on large facades.
Panelised Systems
Ready-to-assemble brick slip panels are quick to install and common in the commercial construction industry.
Professional installation ensures proper alignment, aiming, and weatherproofing.
Durability and Weather Resistance
External brick slips are designed to withstand the British weather. High-quality clay slips are:
- Frost resistant
- UV stable
- Moisture tolerant
- Impact resistant
They can also have a long lifespan of decades with minimal maintenance when properly installed.
Design Options and Finishes
External brick Slips available come in many forms, which include:
- Conventional red and rustic colours.
- Modern grey and anthracite finishes.
- Buff and cream heritage colours.
- Rough and smooth surfaces.
There are also corner slips that return the brick to the corner, making the facade look absolutely genuine from all angles.
Maintenance Requirements
External brick slips offer one of the greatest advantages: low maintenance costs.
Routine care includes:
- Cleaning with water occasionally.
- Inspection of pointing
- Maintaining clear drainage channels.
They also do not need to be repainted or refinished regularly, unlike painted render.
Choosing the Right External Brick Slips Supplier
With the choice of exterior brick slips, consider:
- Product certification and testing.
- Frost resistance rating
- Colour consistency
- Access of corresponding corner slips.
- Installation and support technical advice.
A good supplier will provide detailed specification sheets and expert advice tailored to your project.
Cost of External Brick Slips in the UK
External brick slips depend on the cost of:
- Type of the material (clay or concrete)
- Finish and colour
- Quantity required
- Installation method
- Site preparation
Despite the variable pricing of suppliers, they usually provide a better overall value than the full brick construction, especially when labour and structural economy are considered.
Why External Brick Slips Are a Smart Investment
The external brick slips merge old-fashioned flair with futuristic functionality. They deliver:
- Architectural elegance
- Long-term durability
- Better insulation compatibility.
- Reduced structural load
- Faster project completion
External brick slips are among the safest and most aesthetically appealing cladding options for homeowners, architects, and developers seeking an efficient solution.
