Everything You Need to Know About Brick Slips

What Are Brick Slips?

Brick slips are thin slices of brick, typically around 15–30mm thick, that replicate the look of a full brick wall but are much lighter and easier to install. Essentially, they are the outer face of a brick, cut into smaller pieces, allowing them to be applied to various surfaces like tiles. This technique lets builders and designers create the aesthetic of an exposed brick wall without the weight and structural demands of traditional brickwork.

Types of Brick Slips

Brick slips come in a variety of types based on the material, production method, and intended use. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

• Reclaimed Brick Slips: These are made from old, salvaged bricks, giving them a unique, weathered look with natural patina and color variation. Reclaimed slips are perfect for restoration projects or creating a rustic, authentic feel in modern designs.

• New Clay Brick Slips: These are cut from new, kiln-fired bricks. New brick slips come in various colors, textures, and finishes, and they are often available in smooth, wire-cut, or handmade styles. They offer a consistent, clean appearance compared to reclaimed slips.

• Handmade Brick Slips: These are produced using traditional methods where the clay is molded and fired in small batches, giving each brick slip a distinct character. Handmade slips are often used for their unique, textured finishes.

• Concrete and Resin Brick Slips: These are synthetic alternatives to traditional clay bricks, often used for applications where weight needs to be reduced or where a specific color or finish is required. While they can mimic the look of clay bricks, they typically don't have the same weathering properties.

• Glazed Brick Slips: These are clay slips with a glossy finish, usually applied to create decorative accents or feature walls. The glazing adds color and sheen to the brick, making it suitable for modern designs or to highlight specific areas of a room or building.

• Corner Slips: These are pre-formed L-shaped slips used for corners, window reveals, or other special structural features. They help maintain the continuity of the brickwork pattern, giving the finished project a polished, seamless look.

How Brick Slips Are Manufactured

Brick slips are typically manufactured in two ways:

1. Cutting from Full Bricks: The most common method is to slice a full brick into thinner slices. This method preserves the texture, color, and character of the original brick, especially if reclaimed or handmade bricks are used. After cutting, the slips are cleaned and prepared for installation.

2. Purpose-Made Slips: Some brick slips are manufactured directly as thin units, produced either by extrusion or pressing methods. These slips are molded into thin forms and fired in a kiln, creating a uniform appearance and reducing waste. Purpose-made slips can offer more consistency in color and texture compared to reclaimed bricks.

Installation Methods and Techniques

Installing brick slips involves adhering them to a surface like tiles. The process is relatively straightforward but requires attention to detail to achieve a professional finish. Here's how it's generally done:

1. Preparing the Surface: The surface should be clean, dry, and stable. A primer may be applied to ensure better adhesion, especially if the wall is very smooth or porous.

2. Applying Adhesive: A flexible tile adhesive is spread onto the wall using a notched trowel. The adhesive should be applied in sections to avoid it drying out before the slips are pressed into place.

3. Laying the Slips: Brick slips are carefully placed on the wall, starting from the bottom and working upward. Spacers are used to maintain consistent gaps between each slip, mimicking the mortar joints of traditional brickwork.

4. Pointing the Joints: After the slips are applied and the adhesive has set, the gaps between the slips are filled with pointing mortar. This helps to create the classic brick wall look and can be finished in various ways, such as flush, recessed, or weather struck joints.

5. Cleaning and Sealing: Once the mortar has cured, any excess is cleaned off the slips, and the surface may be sealed with a protective coat to prevent staining or moisture absorption.

Benefits of Brick Slips

Brick slips offer a range of advantages over traditional brickwork:

• Lightweight and Easy to Install: Brick slips are much lighter than full bricks, making them easier to transport and install. This also reduces the load on the building structure, which can be particularly useful in renovations or retrofits.

• Cost-Effective: While the initial cost of brick slips can be higher than some alternative cladding materials, the overall cost tends to be lower when factoring in installation time and structural savings.

• Versatile Design Options: Brick slips come in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes, offering flexibility in design. Whether you want the rustic charm of reclaimed bricks or the sleek look of modern clay, there’s a brick slip to suit every aesthetic.

• Durability and Low Maintenance: Brick slips are highly durable and require minimal maintenance. They are resistant to weather, fading, and wear, making them ideal for both interior and exterior applications. They also don’t require repainting or sealing as often as other materials.

• Sustainability: Reclaimed brick slips are an environmentally friendly option since they reuse bricks that would otherwise end up in landfills. Additionally, the production of thin brick slips uses less material and energy than traditional brickmaking.

Common Applications of Brick Slips

Brick slips are used in a wide range of applications, both in residential and commercial settings:

• Interior Feature Walls: Brick slips are perfect for creating feature walls in living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms. They add warmth, texture, and character to any space, and can be used in various styles, from industrial lofts to modern minimalism.

• Fireplaces and Chimneys: Brick slips are often used to line fireplaces and chimneys, giving them an authentic brick appearance. Since they are lightweight and easy to install, they can be added to existing structures without the need for heavy masonry.

• Exterior Cladding: Brick slips are commonly used as cladding for the exterior of buildings, particularly in renovation projects. They can be applied to block walls, timber frames, or insulation systems to create the look of a traditional brick building without the associated weight.

• Garden Walls and Outdoor Features: Brick slips can be used to clad garden walls, patios, or outdoor kitchens, creating a durable and attractive finish that complements the natural surroundings.

• Commercial Spaces: Brick slips are popular in commercial design, particularly in restaurants, cafes, and retail spaces. They help create a welcoming, rustic atmosphere that appeals to customers and clients alike.

Comparison with Traditional Brickwork

While brick slips provide the same aesthetic appeal as traditional brick, they differ significantly in terms of weight, installation, and structural requirements. Here’s a quick comparison:

Cost Considerations

The cost of brick slips can vary depending on the type (reclaimed, handmade, or new), the brand, and the quantity needed. On average, the cost of brick slips ranges from £20 to £60 per square meter. Additional costs include adhesive, mortar, and installation materials.

For large-scale projects, the cost of installation can be reduced by using prefabricated brick slip panels or employing faster installation systems. Although the initial material cost may be slightly higher than other cladding options, brick slips offer long-term value due to their durability and low maintenance.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Brick slips can contribute to sustainable building practices, particularly when made from reclaimed bricks. By recycling existing materials, reclaimed brick slips reduce waste and the need for new raw materials. The production process for brick slips uses less energy compared to full brick manufacturing, and the lighter weight means lower transportation emissions.

Additionally, brick slips can be used as part of energy-efficient building systems, such as external insulation systems, helping to improve a building’s thermal performance and reduce energy consumption.

Maintenance and Durability

Brick slips are very durable and require minimal maintenance. Unlike other wall finishes, they do not peel or fade over time. A simple cleaning with a mild detergent and water is usually enough to keep them looking fresh. For exterior applications, brick slips can withstand various weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, without cracking or deteriorating.

While the pointing mortar may need occasional touch-ups, the slips themselves will last for decades, making them a low-maintenance option for both residential and commercial properties.