Brick slips scotland: Glasgow Brickyard | Brick Tiles
It’s time for brick cladding to shine north of the border
With its proven ability to save both money and time on building projects, it’s no wonder the popularity of brick cladding systems are growing in England. Scotland, however, has been slow to recognise its benefits. But as Grant Softley, Technical Sales Manager of Aquarian Cladding Systems explains, that could be about to change.
As a Scottish native and with more than 10 years in the brick industry, Grant acknowledges that traditional masonry facades remain the most popular method of protecting buildings from inclement Scottish weather and the use of brick cladding systems as an alternative is practically non-existent.
The advantages of traditional masonry are of course, well known, but Grant believes brick cladding has fallen behind here in Scotland due to preconceived ideas about its durability and cost benefits. Interestingly its promotion historically has been something of an afterthought, with the only people pushing it more concerned with their targets for bricks.
But with architects and contractors under increasing pressure to reduce construction costs and build-time, the focus is starting to shift and brick cladding is starting to gain more traction – and it’s not hard to see why.
Reducing costs and uncertainty
Contractors in Scotland still think brick cladding is untried, untested, and therefore risky. They also believe it is too expensive. In truth, for the right project, none of this is true and the benefits far outweigh the investment in time to explore the option.
Unlike the conventional method of bonding bricks together one at a time with mortar, which is notoriously unpredictable due to its heavy reliance on fair weather and labour availability, brick cladding systems offer a quick, simple, and predictable, robust solution with fewer design and construction limitations.
As a result, build programmes and prelim costs (including replacing scaffolding with mechanical access) can be reduced, with greater flexibility of build sequencing and less risk of programme over-run.
Being a quarter of the weight of conventional brickwork means that the need for support angles is either reduced or eliminated – as too are other conventional ancillaries such as wind posts and cavity trays. This reduction in weight and support means reduced line loads, framing and foundations, which all contribute to greater productivity and cost efficiency.
It also means fewer deliveries to site, reduced movement and storage of materials around site, a reduction in equipment needed, and less waste disposal from site, demonstrating that, when it comes to brick cladding systems, not only are costs reduced but also wastage.
Designing for life
Brick cladding systems now being widely used in the England, and available throughout the UK, enable designers to achieve brick façades without compromise, with stunning results. A wide choice of natural colours and finishes provide a wealth of design opportunities to be creative and, it could be argued, provide even greater design flexibility, allowing the designer to achieve more with a brick cladding system than with conventional brickwork.
The best brick cladding systems, like our Gebrik, MechSlip and NaturAL-X systems, use natural clay brick slips and are pointed with mortar, bringing a natural durability to the façade, which will neither fade with age nor suffer extremes of algae-growth in exposed areas. So, they will withstand weather and age just like conventional brickwork – with far less risk of unsightly efflorescence and staining normally associated with bricklaying!
The sustainable solution
When you also consider that brick cladding systems are produced using slips, which are typically 20-25% of the thickness of bricks, the embodied energy and raw materials required for a brick cladding system are considerably less than for brick production. Add to that a similar reduction in sand, cement and water for mortar and you have a solution which is much kinder to our environment.
In addition, some solutions, like our 60mm thick Gebrik Insulating Brick Cladding System, can be very thermally effective in relation to overall wall thickness and, when used as a rainscreen with a cavity, can provide healthier, breathable buildings which dry out quicker and are therefore less prone to the risks of interstitial condensation than thicker, conventional brickwork.
A brick finish remains as popular as ever in British architecture and brick cladding systems are increasingly being used to provide a warm, natural finish, whilst maintaining robust protection from the elements.
Belief and interest in brick cladding systems here in Scotland is growing, especially amongst architects. The Scottish construction industry is not only beginning to wake up to a brand-new product, but also a brand-new ideology on how to build. It’s an exciting time for brick facades here in Scotland and only the sky is the limit.
Working with architects, contractors, developers, and cladding contractors on many award-winning buildings across a wide range of sectors, Aquarian’s brick slip cladding systems include the A1-rated MechSlip and NaturAL-X, the Gebrik Insulating Brick Cladding System and A1-rated Terreal Terracotta Rainscreen System. For more information or to discuss your project requirements please call 0808 223 9080, or email info@aquariancladding.
co.uk
brick slips falling from height
Collaborative reporting for safer structures. Report 1017: brick slips falling from height
A reporter has been examining failures in brick slip systems and has found the same issues in three different projects. The projects are all in the UK but are unrelated, and were completed around the mid-2010s. It has been found that the adhesive holding the brick slips to backing boards is failing and the slips are falling to the ground.
A brick slip falling from any height could cause injuries and possibly a fatality. In the cases studied, the buildings are all over three storeys and adjacent to busy streets.
In one of the buildings, a number of brick slips at a considerable height above ground had de-bonded from the composite board substrate and were lying on an adjacent roof. It was clear that the adhesive bond between the composite board and slips had failed. Possible causes are:
- the adhesive layer was applied too thinly or inconsistently; or
- the adhesive used may be inappropriate for the job.
On another building, with several areas of failure apparent, inspection identified that, in almost all cases, the bond between the brick slip and adhesive had failed. A contributory cause may be that the composite backing boards are bowing.
This and other investigative work by the reporter’s firm has identified failure modes in adhesively bonded brick-slip systems due to deterioration of the adhesive and/or its interfaces. For example, many adhesives, including epoxies, are known to lose their ductility over time. This means that they become brittle with age and have less capacity to accommodate any movement of the system’s components.
Brick slips are porous, allowing moisture and air into the interface between the adhesive and the slip. Hydrolysis and oxidation are just two of the mechanisms that can deteriorate adhesive bonds over time. In such cases, it is important to determine whether the adhesive has been correctly specified as being adequate for its intended purpose in order to comply with building regulations.
An additional complication is the UK government’s ban on combustible products for new work on residential buildings over 18m in height, as adhesives are generally combustible. This means that any remedial works will need to comply with this directive.
It is the reporter’s view that, if they are aware of several failures, there must be many more actual or potential future failures throughout the country. Steps need to be taken to identify buildings where adhesively fixed brick slips are incorporated and carry out structural inspections.
In the cases considered here, one building has been reclad with a mechanically fixed system and the other two have temporary protection around the failed areas pending further investigation.
Comments
This report is of concern because there must be very many buildings with brickwork cladding that incorporate brick slips, some attached by mechanical means and some with adhesives. The practice goes back many years, and a variety of systems have been used.
Some will have been more robust and successful than others, and some of the suppliers no longer exist, so records are sparse or non-existent.
It is known that in the past there might not have been enough testing of brick slip systems, but developments in recent years have improved their general quality.
Components and materials do fall off buildings, and there are fatalities and injuries. In 2007-8 the Scottish government commissioned CROSS to investigate falls of material, and 1,200 cases were recorded – mostly from older buildings, with 40% associated with masonry. There were several reports of injuries due to pedestrians being struck. In addition, CROSS has had many reports about falling objects.
CROSS has also published reports and alerts on problems with resin adhesives in relation to tension systems: see Tension systems and post-drilled resin fixings, bit.ly/TensionSystems. Although these are not the same as brick slip failures, the report points to some long-term consequences from the inappropriate use of some adhesives.
Specifiers and designers should assure themselves of the appropriate longevity of products.
The reporter makes a good point that if they know of a number of incidents then others must know of far more. Additional information is needed in order to assess the level of potential risk, so reports are requested from anyone who has experience of brick slips falling or becoming loose. A useful reference on the subject is Alexis Harrison’s article ‘Are brick slip cladding systems safe?’ (see bit.ly/HarrisonBrickSlips)
Key learning outcomes
For designers:
- consider the likely lifespan of the materials and components used on façades
- some adhesives used may not adequately give the required robustness and longevity.
For the construction team:
- manufacturers’ instructions for the selection and application of adhesives must
be followed - ensure that adhesives are correctly applied
- do not substitute products without the approval of the designer.
For building owners:
- CROSS is very keen to hear about other cases of brick slip failures.
Image credit | Alamy
Facade tiles Hauberk brick Scottish
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Manufacturer: TechnoNIKOL
9000 2 Series: Hauberk brick
Imitation: brick
Length, mm: 1000
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Description
Characteristics
Reviews 1
Brown with a smooth change of shades is presented in the color of Scottish tiles Hauberk brick.
This color is the best for lovers of dark facades under facing bricks.
The inspiration for the collection is classic brickwork with its clear graphic pattern, which for many is a model of a durable and practical way of decorating a facade.
Right angles, straight lines and well-balanced proportions of the new cladding material evoke pleasant associations with tradition and reliability. The palette is based on the most recognizable shades of brick.
- Tight coating ensures durability of the structure
- Color does not fade in the sun
- Mechanical resistance
- Architectural expressiveness
- In 3 days, you can update the facade of the whole house
- Do-it-yourself quick assembly
Price per m2
Manufacturer
TechnoNIKOL
Series
Hauberk brick
Imitation
under brick
Length, mm
1000
Width, mm
250
Thickness, mm
2.4
Packed, m2
2.5
Package weight, kg
23
Country of origin
Russia
Tayson
I bought Hauberk in 4 Seasons, thanks to the staff for advice and tips. I recommend taking a tile with a margin so that you do not have to buy more.
It is better if all of it is from one batch, then the color will exactly match (this is the only inconvenient nuance). There are no quality problems, there was no marriage. It is difficult to fix only the first row (it took a long time to level and check everything), then things go faster.
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Categories: TechnoNIKOL Hauberk, Facade tiles, Hauberk Brick, Brick
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Facade tiles Hauberk brick Belgian
Producer: TechnoNIKOL
Series: Hauberk brick
Imitation: like a brick
544 ₽735 ₽
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Facade tiles Hauberk brick Gothic
900 02 Manufacturer: TechnoNIKOL
Series: Hauberk brick
Imitation: brick
544 ₽735 ₽
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Facade tiles Hauberk Catalan brick
Producer: Technonikol
9 0002 Series: Hauberk brick
Imitation: like a brick
544 ₽735 ₽
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Facade tiles Hauberk brick English 900 03
Manufacturer: TechnoNIKOL
Series: Hauberk brick
Imitation: under brick
544 ₽735 ₽
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Facade tiles TechnoNIKOL Hauberk burnt brick
Manufacturer: TechnoNIKOL
9000 2 Series: Hauberk Brick
Imitation: brick-like
544 ₽735 ₽
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HAUBERK facade tile, Scottish brick (id 97439393)
Characteristics and description
TECHNONICOL HAUBERK is a modern building cladding material.
Based on fiberglass, improved bitumen and natural basalt granulate, the facade tile is characterized by increased tightness, resistance to corrosion and temperature fluctuations, and also has exceptional material and color durability.
Facade tiles – an excellent choice for your facade!
TECHNONICOL HAUBERK facade tiles are building cladding materials developed in accordance with all innovative technologies. The material is created using fiberglass, improved bitumen, natural basalt granulate. Thanks to this, facade tiles have the following properties: increased tightness, resistance to corrosion and temperature extremes, color fastness and durability of the material.
BRICK COLLECTION
The classic brickwork with its clear graphic pattern, which for many is an example of a durable and practical way of decorating the facade, became the prototype of the collection. Right angles, straight lines and well-balanced proportions of the new cladding material evoke pleasant associations with tradition and reliability.
The palette is based on the most recognizable shades of brick.
TECHNONICOL HAUBERK façade tiles are distinguished by textured expressiveness, this is achieved due to the color and pattern on the tile. This combination makes the appearance of a country house noble, original, warm and cozy.
Application:
TECHNONICOL HAUBERK facade tiles are a material suitable for renovation and decoration of the facade, its architectural elements, fences and railings.
- wooden house building;
- frame-panel houses;
- foam-aerated concrete houses;
- fences, barriers.
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from 4 150 ₸/sq.