Bricks and brick slip cladding aren’t new age-y. They have been used in the construction industry for many years. In fact, the history of using bricks to build facades of building and exterior walls dates to BC 7000. Over the years, fired bricks replaced dried bricks that were used back in BC 7000. Now, we are living in a time where brick slip tiles completely took the construction industry by storm.
Commonly known as brick veneers, thin bricks or brick effect tiles, the brick slip tiles are used in both major and minor renovations as well as in new build construction. With recent advancement in technology, engineers and designers are now able to recreate the evergreen elegance of 1900’s brick buildings – including houses and commercial complexes. They are also used to beautify the garden spaces and neglected patio area. Additionally, many homeowners are focusing on cladding the neglected walls with brick tiles.
Brick slips for external cladding are popular among architects and homeowners who want the classiness of ‘real brick look’ at a lower cost. Versatility and availability of limitless brick bond patterns, colors, shapes, and finishes mean you can achieve any style – without making renovation a costly affair.
Types of Brick slips
Brick slips are of two types. The first is a modification of the traditional clay bricks. This type is formed by firing the bricks in the kiln to achieve the desired depth of a slip tile. The second one is brick slip veneer that is sawn from traditional brick to mimic the real brick vibe. Both types are used for external brick slip cladding.
Benefits of using brick slips for external walls
There are many benefits of using brick slips when it comes to renovation project around the home. Before you jump in and Google ‘best tile companies in London’ or ‘London tile company’ or ‘tilers near me’, know these benefits as well.
- Time is money and, as brick tile installation can be done very quickly, using brick slip will cut down the overall remodeling cost. Plus, it eases the work without compromising strength and aesthetics.
- Another biggest advantage of using brick slips is that they can be applied to almost any wall surface. The only thing you should consider is the use of a good tile adhesive.
- Brick slips are much lighter in weight than a regular house brick. Therefore, they can be used on walls that do not have great foundations. This is, in fact, another chance of cutting down the build costs.
- Back slips are relatively slim and streamlined. That means it takes only a very little space. Conventional brickwork takes more space and cladding.
- Even with very little masonry skills, one can DIY it – another area in which brick slip help you save some dollars. By following some tips and simple steps you can effortlessly install them yourself. Remember, they are assembled on site and the tile adhesive is applied to set the tiles in place.
We recommend DIYing it only if the project area is small – like a patio or a mini garden area. Hiring brick mason or a contractor would be ideal if you quite a bigger area to cover.
- Brick tiles bring an extensive choice of colors, textures, and styles to your table. So, it’s easy to achieve unique styles – from contemporary to rustic, modern and traditional. Besides the default brick red, they also come in beautiful tones like brown, grey, caramel, red-terracotta, black, white and more. They can also be painted to match your personal styles. No matter what your tastes and styles are, you can find something that suits you.
- Brick slip tiles are less expensive than the traditional bricks, making them an excellent choice for house remodeling projects without breaking the bank. Unlike other materials, you don’t have to spend extra bucks on repainting the brick tiles.
Whether you want to increase your home value or revamp the space to be on-trend, brick slides can get the job done for you.