What are the differences between Brick Tile Cladding and Brick Slips?

Here at Wienerberger we like to think of ourselves as experts in all things brick, and that goes beyond just standard-sized bricks. Did you know that we also provide alternative facade solutions, such as brick tile cladding and brick slips, which give the illusion of a brick facade but with additional functional benefits?

One question we are often asked is - what are the differences between our Corium brick tile cladding system and our Manufactured Brick Slips? Let’s discover more about how these types of cladding are designed, manufactured, and installed to find out more about their similarities and differences. 

Firstly, both our Manufactured Brick Slips and Corium brick tiles are thinner than a standard sized brick (215 x 102.5 x 65mm) and are manufactured using extrusion to precise dimensions rather than being cut slices of full-size bricks. The clay is driven through an extrusion head to form a continuous column of material in the desired width and depth. This is then cut into bricks tiles or slips of the desired length by row wires.

Thanks to the versatility and practicality of clay as a material, brick slips and brick tiles can be produced in a variety of shapes (such as corner and soffit pieces), colours, textures, and finishes, offering architects the ability to achieve specific aesthetic goals for their building facade. Both Wienerberger’s Corium external cladding system and Manufactured Brick Slips are durable, colourfast, can be installed in various bonding patterns.   

The main difference between these alternative solutions is their installation methods, and therefore the type of projects they are typically used for. However, both brick tiles and brick slips are ideal for off-site, modular construction, meaning that they benefit from the quality, speed and reduced labour costs that factory conditions can offer. Furthermore, with less mortar and therefore less water used during construction, the manufactured brick slip and Corium exterior cladding installation processes provide a much cleaner build compared to traditional brickwork.

The Corium brick tile cladding system combines the durability and timeless appeal of bricks where traditional masonry techniques aren’t practical. Corium is suitable for use on steel framed substrate walls, concrete, external masonry and timber frame of both new and existing buildings

The Corium system is made up of interlocking steel rail sections attached to a building’s structure, mounted horizontally or vertically. These steel rails are specially profiled to allow fired 32mm thick brick cladding tiles to be clipped in, providing a mechanical fix for quick and accurate installation. The vertical and horizontal joints between the tiles are then pointed with mortar for an additional fix and to provide the appearance of brickwork.

Ideal for larger scale commercial projects, Corium brick tiles can be produced in variety of shapes and sizes for added design versatility and premium finishing touches. Special-shaped bricks such as one-piece soffits, corners and projecting bricks can also be included.

The beauty of the Corium system, in contrast to similar cladding systems on the market, is that brick tiles can be laid at different angles and orientations. Brick cladding systems which rely on cut bricks rather than purpose-made brick tiles do not offer this same flexibility. 

Take a look at a video demonstration of how Corium is installed step-by-step.

Slimmer and more lightweight than Corium brick tiles, Manufactured Brick Slips are 9mm or 14mm in thickness and are designed to be applied directly to a substrate to achieve a brickwork effect.

Easy to handle and less weight-bearing on a structure, external brick slips are typically adhered to a substrate, such as backer board or concrete, using an adhesive. The substrate must be clean, level, and properly prepared to ensure a secure bond.  Once fixed into place, the vertical and horizontal joints between the slips are then pointed with mortar.

Special-shaped brick slips are available, but this is limited to corner and soffit pieces, in comparison to Corium’s wider offering.

Thanks to their ease of installation, Manufactured Brick Slips are a perfect choice for ETICS and EWI suppliers, pre-cast producers and modular system manufacturers. In comparison to Corium, brick slips may be a more cost-effective solution for smaller commercial or domestic projects.

Wienerberger can also provide bricks slips for residential and commercial installation that are made from cut bricks. Find out more about Brick Slips. 

In summary, both the Corium brick tile cladding system and Manufactured Brick Slips share many of the same hallmarks – a brickwork aesthetic, diverse design possibilities and practical advantages. Their differences lie in how the product is installed and their suitability for the project scale and wall build-up – i.e. the mechanical fix that the steel rail Corium system can provide, in contrast to the simpler adhesive fix required for brick slips.

By understanding the unique characteristics and installation methods of brick tile cladding and brick slips, architects can make informed decisions and select the most suitable option for their projects. Whether it's a new construction or a renovation, both options offer a compelling blend of functionality, aesthetics, and durability, elevating the overall design of any building.