Facing brick cladding

Types of Facing Brick Cladding

Brick cladding is an architectural term used to refer to brickwork that is not load-bearing but is instead used as an outer covering for buildings. Brick cladding is used for both commercial and residential buildings and adds to the aesthetics of a building while also providing insulation, moisture, and fire resistance.

Brick facing is another term used to describe brick cladding that is used on the exterior of buildings. Brick clading comes in various types and can be customized to suit the needs of the building it will be used on. Below are some of the types of brick cladding:

• Clay Brick

  Clay bricks are also known as fired bricks. They are made from clay earth that is molded into shape and then baked in a kiln. Clay bricks come in different sizes, shapes, and colors.

• Common Burnt Brick

  These are used for walls that do not require a specific style or finish. They are used for internal walls and foundations.

• Facing Brick

  These bricks are made specifically to be seen. They have a smooth and attractive appearance, and because of this, they are used for external walls.

• Special Burnt Brick

  These bricks are used when facing brick requires unique sizes, shapes, or colors. They add style and finish to any wall.

• Concrete Brick

  These bricks are made from concrete, which is cast and hardens like cement. They are very heavy and mostly used for pavements and walls that need to support a lot of weight.

• Fly Ash Brick

  Fly ash bricks are made from fly ash, which is a waste product from burning coal to make electricity. They are made by mixing fly ash with water, lime, and other materials. The mixture is then molded into brick shapes and baked in a kiln. These bricks are used for everything from pavements to internal walls to external walls.

• Gypsum Brick

  Gypsum bricks are made from gypsum, which is a soft mineral. They are lighter than other bricks but not as strong. These bricks are mostly used for walls that do not need to hold weight, like internal walls or partition walls.

• Refractory Brick

  Refractory bricks are made from materials like aluminum oxide and silica, which can withstand very high temperatures. They are used in places that get super hot, like furnaces, kilns, and pizza oven.

• Sand-lime Bricks

  These are made by mixing sand, lime, and water. The mixture is then pressed under high pressure to make the bricks, which are then baked in a hot oven. These bricks have a smooth finish and can be used for walls that need to support weight or walls that do not need to support weight.

Function and feature of facing brick cladding

Below are some of the features of brick cladding:

• Insulation: Brick can help insulate a house against heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Because brick is dense, it can absorb heat from the sun during the day and release it slowly into the house at night. In colder months, brick keeps cold air from coming into the house. So, a brick house stays comfortable longer before needing air conditioning or heating.
• Durability: Brick houses last a long time without needing much maintenance. Brick doesn't rot like wood, and it's hard to break. A brick house can protect against wind, rain, and other weather better than some other materials. Once built, a brick home can last for decades with just a good cleaning every few years.
• Noise reduction: Brick walls help block outside noises, so a brick home is quieter inside. The thickness of the brick absorbs sound waves and keeps them from coming through as easily. If peace and quiet are wanted in a home, brick helps provide that.
• Fire protection: Brick is non-combustible, so it won't catch fire. If a fire starts, brick walls slow the spread and give more time to escape. Having brick gives added safety from fire.
• Low maintenance: Brick only needs to be washed periodically. It doesn't rot, bend, or color differently like wood may do. Brick walls are easy to care for and stay looking nice with little effort.
• Energy efficiency: Brick helps keep heating and cooling inside the home longer. That reduces energy bills and is better for the environment.
• Versatility: Brick can be used on any exterior surface - walls, patios, steps, fireplaces, and more.
• Style and design: Brick provides timeless beauty and classic appeal.
• Value: Brick homes retain their value over time, so they are a good investment.
• Increased comfort: Because brick insulates so well, homes stay at a more consistent temperature that is comfortable.
• Built to last: With proper care, brick homes endure for generations.

Scenarios of facing brick cladding

Facing brick cladding is used in various scenarios, including the following:

• Residential buildings

  Brick cladding is used to cover the exterior walls of houses, townhouses, and apartment buildings. It improves the aesthetics by creating a warm, classic, and timeless look. Brick cladding also offers underlying functions, such as protecting the house against inclement weather and requiring low maintenance. It also has a high resale value.

• Commercial buildings

  Brick facing can be used for commercial buildings, such as office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants. It provides the commercial buildings with a classic and timeless look, which can be important for businesses that want to create a good first impression. Brick cladding can also be customized to match the brand image and identity of the business.

• Historical buildings

  Brick facing is often used on historical buildings to preserve their original appearance. It is also used to restore historical buildings. The facing bricks used in this scenario are usually chosen for their historical accuracy. They are also chosen for their aesthetic properties. Brick cladding is also used on monuments to maintain their original appearance and protect them from weather-related damage.

• Interior walls

  Facing bricks are also used on interior walls in some buildings, such as lofts, condos, and commercial spaces. Brick cladding is preferred in these spaces because it improves the visual appeal. It also offers a texture contrast and a classic and warm feel. Additionally, brick cladding is easy to maintain, meaning the owners will not incur high costs maintaining the interior walls.

How to choose facing brick cladding

Brick cladding is an excellent choice for exterior walls. However, before purchasing brick cladding, it is essential to consider some factors to ensure it meets the requirements of the project being worked on. Here are some of the factors to consider:

• Quality of the Brick

  It is important to analyze the quality of the brick to ensure it meets the required standards. Look at the compressive strength, water absorption, and freeze-thaw resistance. These are the important qualities of a good facing brick.

• Brick Type

  There are different types of bricks, such as burnt clay bricks, cement bricks, fly ash, and lime bricks. Each type of brick has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the right one depending on the project.

• Color and Texture

  Facing bricks come in different colors and textures. It is important to choose a color and texture that will complement the style of the house being built. Whether it is smooth or textured, light or dark, choose the right one that will enhance the aesthetic appearance of the house.

• Size and Shape

  The size and shape of the brick facing can also differ, and it is important to ensure that the brick facing will fit the size and shape of the wall. Whether standard size or non-standard size, choose the right one to ensure a successful project.

• Cost

  It is important to consider the cost of the brick to ensure it fits the budget. Brick facing comes at different prices, and it is important to choose the one that fits the budget without compromising quality.

• Availability

  Not all facing bricks are available in all areas, and it is important to ensure that the brick cladding is available to avoid delays in the project. Check with local suppliers to see which brick facing is available.

• Building Codes and Regulations

  It is important to ensure that the brick cladding complies with local building codes and regulations. This will help avoid legal issues and ensure a successful building project.

• Installation

  Consider the installation process of the brick cladding. Some bricks require skilled masons, while others are easy to install. Choose the one that fits the project.

Facing Brick Cladding Q&A

Q: What is the difference between brick cladding and brick facing?

A: Brick cladding and brick facing are the same. It refers to an additional layer of bricks on a wall for support, protection, or a new look.

Q: What is brick veneer cladding?

A: Brick veneer cladding is similar to brick facing or cladding. It involves an exterior wall made of wood or steel that supports a layer of bricks for added protection, insulation, or aesthetic appeal.

Q: What is brick slip cladding?

A: Brick slip cladding is another term for brick facing or cladding. It refers to a wall or surface with thin, flat pieces of real bricks (called brick slips) glued or installed that provide the appearance of a full brick wall without the extra thickness or weight.

Q: What are the two types of brickwork?

A: Brickwork refers to the practice of building structures using bricks. The two types of brickwork are:

1. Solid brickwork - This involves using two or more rows of bricks bonded together for strength. It is commonly seen in load-bearing walls of older buildings.

2. Composite brickwork - This type uses inner and outer walls of bricks with a strong material (like cement) filling the space between them. It provides good strength, insulation, and moisture control.