---
title: "Short note: Brick cladding"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_6/building_technology:short-brick-cladding"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/short-brick-cladding
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Brick cladding

Building Technology · Chapter 9: Finishing works

- Asked in: 2070 Chaitra (old course), 4 marks
- Video: [A guide to installing Eurobrick brick cladding](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcM_MjZ8qd0) — Eurobrick
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/short-brick-cladding
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-9

## Question

Write a short note on 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.

## Answer

**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.

```text
   backing wall | cavity | brick leaf
   RCC/brick    | 25 mm  |[brick]
   wall tie  ---+--------+-- stainless steel
```

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Brick cladding is
   A. Thin bricks or slips fixed to a structural wall as a non-load-bearing cover
   B. A foundation
   C. A partition
   D. Load-bearing brick wall
   Answer: A. It is for appearance and weather protection. (Key point: Brick cladding)

2. How can brick cladding be fixed?
   A. Welding
   B. Cement mortar over rough-plastered backing, adhesive, or stainless steel ties with cavity
   C. Hanging nails only
   D. Not fixed
   Answer: B. Stainless ties are used for outer leaf. (Key point: Fixing)

3. Why are movement joints needed?
   A. For decoration
   B. To save brick
   C. To allow movement at storey heights and every 6-10 m
   D. For drainage
   Answer: C. Movement joints prevent cracking. (Key point: Movement joints)

4. Which is a disadvantage?
   A. Not durable
   B. Fire prone
   C. Needs paint
   D. Higher cost than plaster and needs skilled mason
   Answer: D. Cost and skill are drawbacks. (Key point: Disadvantage)