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Short note: Brick cladding

Short answer

Brick cladding is a non-load-bearing covering of thin bricks or slips fixed to a structural wall for appearance and weather protection. It uses special facing bricks fixed with mortar or adhesive, movement joints every 6-10 m and at storey heights, and offers a durable, low-maintenance finish, though costlier than plaster.

Write a short note on brick cladding.

Brick cladding is a covering of thin bricks or brick slips fixed to a structural wall or RCC frame for appearance and weather protection. It is non-load-bearing.

Features

  • Uses special facing bricks, brick tiles (12-25 mm thick slips) or full-size bricks as an outer leaf.
  • Bricks are fixed with cement mortar over a rough-plastered backing, or by adhesive, or tied to the frame with stainless steel ties and a cavity.
  • Joints are pointed with cement mortar (flush, struck or recessed).
  • Movement joints are needed at storey heights and every 6-10 m.

Advantages

  • Attractive, natural look and wide variety of colours and textures.
  • Durable and fire-resistant, with low maintenance.
  • Weather protection and thermal insulation.
  • No need for paint or plaster.

Disadvantages

  • Higher cost than plaster.
  • Needs a skilled mason and good fixing.
  • Efflorescence and water seepage if poorly detailed.
   backing wall | cavity | brick leaf
   RCC/brick    | 25 mm  |[brick]
   wall tie  ---+--------+-- stainless steel

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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