Bricks are the most commonly used materials for outer walls in most developments throughout the country. However, with the increasing popularity and availability of brick cladding, buildings in the future now have important decisions to determine whether to finish traditional brick coatings or use brick cladding panels.
Traditional brick buildings are what we usually see, where bricks are placed in a flat line to form a pattern that is put together using mortar. Dimples are finished with a shovel to leave a neat and attractive appearance. Although the brick cladding is quite new in the UK, there are several systems available which consist of lightweight panels made in the factory with brick slips and embedded in the back. Some systems consist of brick slips mounted on insulation to improve the thermal performance of the exterior walls. The panels are then affixed to the substrate at that location with the connection pointing to the mortar to complete the display.
In comparing costs, it will first appear that traditional bricks and installation costs are lower than with a coated brick covering. However, by eliminating the need for masonry support on multi-floor properties, brick cladding offers a reduction in frame costs and foundation costs. Brick cladding is also good for replacing initial expenses. It takes a much shorter time to install thanks to its simple design, meaning the project can be completed faster. This also reduces initial costs such as scaffolding, waste disposal, cranes and shipping requirements. For more information on Brick Cladding, visit https://www.telling.co.uk/architecture/brick-cladding/
Brick cladding panels are made in factory settings, so you can expect cladding to have a higher quality of work than what you get with traditional brick making. On-site design and installation also play a major role in presenting top-class products. There are various finishes and components for angles, window openings and doors to satisfy even the most difficult of architectural designs.
So, the choice between traditional bricks and cladding may be a difficult choice but cladding can offer many benefits, although you may be wary. Which choice to use in a project will depend on elements such as cost, schedule and design complexity.
Where cladding offers benefits that cannot be offered by conventional bricks is with the additional protection that can be applied by using brick panel cladding on existing structural materials. You can improve the thermal performance of exterior walls, protect buildings from moisture like that caused by rain and snow, and prevent crack damage from extreme temperatures.