Architects, contractors, builders, and developers are always looking for new ways to create efficient, sustainable, and visually appealing structures. With brickwork and a traditional brick façade having long been a popular choice for adding aesthetic appeal to buildings, brick slips have emerged as a game-changer in the ever-changing construction landscape. In this blog, we will highlight the reasons why these slim, lightweight, and versatile brick tiles are more than just a trend – and why they represent the future of construction.
Aesthetics meets efficiency
When it comes to building design, aesthetics and efficiency don’t always go hand in hand. Traditional brick construction is time-consuming and labour-intensive while brick slips offer the perfect balance between aesthetics and efficiency. They allow for the creation of stunning, brick-clad facades that look like real bricks without the need for heavy, traditional brickwork, which means faster construction times and a reduction in labour.
Versatility and customisation
One of the most appealing aspects of brick cladding is their versatility. They come in a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes, allowing architects and designers to get creative with their projects. Whether going for a classic red brick slip or something more contemporary, brick slips can be tailored to meet any design vision, making them suitable for a wide range of projects.
Lightweight and sustainable
The lightweight nature of brick slips makes them ideal for projects where weight is a concern. Traditional brick construction can be heavy, requiring substantial structural support. Brick slips, on the other hand, are considerably lighter, which can also lead to reduced environmental impact. In an age where sustainability is a top priority, brick slips require less raw material, energy and significant greenhouse gas emissions to manufacture than traditional bricks, primarily due to the firing process. Additionally, their lightweight design means less transportation-related emissions, making them a greener choice for construction projects.
Cost-Effective
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness often go hand in hand. The reduced labour and transportation costs associated with brick slips contribute to their cost-effectiveness. However, the benefits extend beyond this. Being considerably lighter than traditional bricks, their ease of installation means that projects are completed more quickly, saving both time and money. When considering long-term maintenance, brick slips also require minimal upkeep, further reducing costs over the life of the building.
Durability and resilience
Like traditional bricks, brick slips are built to last. They are weather-resistant and can withstand the test of time, ensuring that your investment in brick slips will continue to pay off for years to come. Thanks to their durability.
Ease of Installation
A standout characteristic of brick slips lies in their straightforward installation process. In contrast to conventional bricks, which demand skilled and labour-intensive work, brick slips offer a simpler installation method that diminishes the need for highly specialised bricklayers. This, in turn, results in notable cost reductions and furthermore, it accelerates the project’s completion timeline.
The future of construction
Brick slips seamlessly blend the timeless charm of authentic bricks with contemporary efficiency. Their versatility, lightweight properties, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation position them as the future of construction. As prominent UK distributors of brick slip cladding systems, we offer MechSlip and NaturAL-X, A1-rated solutions featuring durable and lightweight brick slips mechanically affixed to various substrates through an engineered aluminium support rail system. These solutions are available in a diverse array of colours and brick finishes. Additionally, we provide Gebrik, a B-rated panelised, insulating brick slip cladding system. It can be directly affixed to masonry, timber, or steel frame substrates for buildings under 11 meters in height, placing us at the forefront of this evolutionary shift in construction.
We work with architects, specifiers, contractors, developers and installation specialists across a wide range of commercial sectors to help them create a traditional brick finish while saving costs and build time. See our case studies for some of the successful projects we have worked on. If you’re aiming to transform your upcoming construction project with impeccable brickwork, take a moment to explore the benefits of brick slips. We welcome you to reach out to us for further information and assistance.