Designing a home may be stressful when you are out of ideas. You have tons of decorative options available in the market today, but choosing the right one transforms your space dreamily.
A home or house is the place where we find our entire peace and happiness. Using exposed brick cladding, you can achieve a traditional and vernacular look while retaining modernism. Its unique and out-of-the-box approach comes as an interesting solution to your needs.
In this article, you will be explained the types, advantages, and applications of exposed brick cladding. By understanding them thoroughly, you will get an idea about choosing the right decorative method.
What is Exposed Brick Cladding?
Exposed bricks are nothing but a brick wall that is exposed naturally. They are uncovered with any paint, plaster, or other finishes. Such walls reflect the natural beauty of brickwork and give a rustic finish. As a base material, they protect surfaces from any external causes like water, sun, wind, etc.
The appearance of naturally exposed raw brick walls provides rustic, modern, and minimalist architectural style. Whether you are constructing a new home or renovating historical structures, this option can be a durable and eye-catching one.
Types of Exposed Brick Cladding
Exposed brick cladding has been classified into different types. They have been made from various materials possessed with ideal characteristics. Here are those:
Natural Brick Cladding
Natural brick cladding is a widely used type made from natural materials like shales and clay. They can be used to elevate the elegance of both the interior and exterior of a building. A perfect decorative material involves using brick or brick-like tile to cover the surface. It allows you to feel the original colour, texture, and shape of bricks, which seems visually interesting. It works great for traditional as well as contemporary houses and has reduced energy consumption.
Thin Brick Veneer Cladding
An exterior wall cladding with brick veneer feels lighter than traditional brick. They are made from lightweight, engineered materials that resemble the appearance of traditional brickwork. It can be a perfect choice to achieve your desired aesthetic look. Thin brick veneer cladding is primarily used to reduce the load of a building and can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is pretty easy to install at reduced labour costs and is available in various colours, textures, and finishes; you can choose the one according to your architectural style.
Materials Used in Exposed Brick Cladding
Exposed brick cladding is a recognized decorative choice for both interior and exterior spaces of a building. However, the look and aesthetic appeal depend upon the materials used in it. They are:
Clay Brick: Clay brick is the most common brick type crafted by hand. It is extracted by clay fired in a kiln or sunburnt and then moulded into specific patterns or shapes. They offer a classic and rustic appearance, available in numerous sizes, textures, and colours, but generally in earthy tones.
Sand-Lime Brick: This man-made brick uses lime instead of cement and selected sands. Sand lime is a white brick cast in moulds and then cured. They are used for several purposes in construction industries, especially for their enhanced durability and fire resistance.
Brick Veneer: If you would like to replicate the appearance and feel of traditional brick, then this can be your ultimate choice. A thin and lightweight material often used for exterior cladding. It may not be suitable for some areas prone to harsh weather conditions.
Mortar and Adhesives for Brick Cladding
A strong bonding ensures longevity, structural integrity, and appearance. The choice of adhesive or mortar should be appropriate to the binding needs of construction projects. Here are some of the common options provided:
Mortar: It is a common and traditional binding material that builds durable bonds between bricks. They are made from ingredients like cement, water, and sand. Choose the right mortar type based on the construction project you are dealing with:
- Portland cement mortar for enhanced strength and resilience.
- Lime mortar, a traditional option for plasticity and breathability.
- Polymer-modified mortar contains the combined properties of polymer and Portland cement, providing exceptional strength and flexibility.
Adhesive: A newer binding option with improved flexibility. Opt for adhesives if you are installing lightweight brick cladding systems such as veneers. They dry quickly and provide the required strength.
- Silicone-based adhesive is known for good adhesion, but it will not work great for all brick types.
- Acrylic-based adhesive is primarily used in interior applications, ensuring a strong bond.
- Hybrid adhesives have combined properties of both acrylic and silicone adhesives, providing exceptional flexibility and performance.
Installation Process of Exposed Brick Cladding
Here are the lists of processes you need to follow before installation:
Surface Preparation
- Ensure that the existing surface is coated with paint or plaster, clean it properly for good adhesion.
- Then use a levelling surface to make the surface smooth and even, which helps avoid unwanted gaps.
- Applying a primer appropriate to the surface condition can improve adhesion and prevent moisture penetration.
Brick Laying and Bonding
- Create a solid foundation using masonry or concrete blocks, which is essential when the surface is about to handle the heavy loads.
- The surface is prepared with a backing material, and then the bricks are laid one-by-one using mortar or adhesive.
- To avail a neat and proper installation, bricks should be arranged uniformly using lining tools.
Pointing and Finishing
- Once the bricks are arranged in a proper alignment, pointing needs to be done to ensure that the mortar joints look clean.
- Finally, the surfaces need to be cleaned and a sealant applied to ensure the performance of brick cladding.
Applications of Exposed Brick Cladding
As mentioned earlier, exposed brick cladding is a suitable choice for both interior and exterior applications. Based on the architectural style, you can choose the right type of cladding system:
Interior Applications
Exposed brick cladding offers a natural and rustic appearance, which adds a sense of warmth to any room. They are unique, versatile, and long-lasting. It helps create both a vintage and modern look, depending upon your architectural style. You can transform your living rooms, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom into a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Exterior Applications
Exterior brick cladding, on the other hand, creates privacy and adds aesthetic value. The exterior appeal of your home attracts potential buyers and improves its monetary value. Brick is a strong and durable material that can tackle any harsh weather conditions, including temperature fluctuations, rain, and wind. You can install it in your garden walls, barbecues, fireplaces, and facades to add a traditional look.
Advantages of Exposed Brick Cladding
Aesthetic Appeal and Natural Look: Exposed brick looks very natural and classic. It provides a timeless beauty and long-lasting appearance to your interior and exterior applications at minimal maintenance. At reduced cost and time, you can create an inviting atmosphere.
Thermal Insulation Properties: Exposed brick cladding carries excellent thermal insulation properties and reduces heat transfer and regulates indoor temperature in any climatic conditions. When the installation is done properly, brick can act as a protective layer with enhanced effectiveness.
Disadvantages of Exposed Brick Cladding
Higher Initial Cost: Compared to other cladding materials, the initial investment in brick is generally higher. Additionally, installation is crucial and requires highly skilled labour, therefore increasing the overall cost.
Limited Colour and Texture Variations: Every architectural style deserves a unique appearance, which can be varied through colours, patterns, and textures. But it is restricted in this natural brick cladding, compared to paint or other cladding systems.
Potential for Cracks or Wear Over Time: Improper installation can lead to cracking, discoloration, wear and tear. Regular maintenance can help enhance the appearance and prevent damage. Exposed brick surfaces may also start to chip out or wear out over time and require regular application of sealants to prevent this.
Water seepage: Since exposed bricks generally do not have any waterproof coating (such as plaster or paint) over them, water seepage can be a common problem faced by such walls when placed externally. This can also lead to moisture accumulation and mould development.
Final Thoughts
Exposed brick cladding can be a perfect choice for construction projects where a blend of tradition and modernism is required. While it can be beautiful and strong, proper installation and regular maintenance are required to guarantee its durability. Ensure proper supervision and maintenance to obtain a long lasting finish.