Exposed terracotta buildings always exude a rustic charm. They bring back the spirit of traditional earthen architecture seen at some point in time in most parts of the world. Exposed bricks also add a distinctive character to a structure. That being said, even though it may not be possible to use full wire cut bricks today, there is a wide range of cladding brick options available. These are thinner and can be used as a facade on top of other masonry, for both new and existing buildings.
When it comes to exterior construction, cladding brick is a great choice for reasons beyond just aesthetics. Here’s something:
Defense Main walls from weathering: Brick cladding provides an additional layer of protection to a building from harsh weather conditions such as heat, rain, mold and other pollutants. This then helps prevent cracking and degradation of the main structure.
being added Strength and Support: The technology provides an additional layer of material adding mass and strength to the existing structure. This is particularly useful for older buildings that require additional strength and protection to make the main structure last longer.
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thermal insulation: Being quite thick, the brick cladding provides a layer of thermal insulation from the excessive heat outside, thus keeping the interiors cool and reducing cooling costs.
low maintenance: Good quality cladding bricks require very little maintenance over time as compared to paints and other coatings. This is one of the reasons why cladding brick has gained popularity in recent times. Most types of brick cladding only need to be washed in order to look good.
use them
There is a wide range of terracotta bricks available in the market today. They vary in colour, size and thickness, and variation in color is also due to firing, method of manufacture, and addition of natural oxides. Handmade bricks are also available for cladding and can be used for a more natural finish. Different sizes of cladding bricks are manufactured for use in corners and to achieve a different aesthetic. It is imperative that extreme care is taken while fixing the cladding bricks, to ensure the symmetry of the joints on the façade. Special adhesives can be used to fix the cladding bricks in lieu of cement mortar. Using adhesive will ensure a clean finish and avoid stains from spilling cement during fixing.
The author is the founder of Green Evolution, a sustainable architecture firm
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