CLADDING & FACADES 41
OFFSITE, ON-TREND
The ongoing shortage of housing in the UK has lead to a resurgence in modular construction. Richard Haines of Eurobrick considers the benefits of brick slip systems in this context.
W
ithout doubt, speed of delivery has to be one of the most
important considerations for the
modular building sector. Brick slip cladding systems are both quick and easy to install, with some only requiring the use of semi-skilled labour.
The ability to install cladding off-site during the manufacturing process is of key importance. This reduces onsite opera- tions, which can be costly, subject to other scheduled site activities or delays, and (particularly significant in the UK) be at the mercy of the weather.
The ongoing skills shortage in the construction industry is a real concern, and in a sector that is expected to grow in the coming years, reducing dependency on tradi- tional skilled labour will be a plus. As mentioned, some brick slip systems can be assembled by semi-skilled labour, which could help to ease labour pressures, both in terms of finding workers and the associated costs.
BENEFITS
Brick slip cladding systems are generally light-weight and do not require the foundations associated with traditional masonry. This helps to simplify the design of foundations and reduce costs compared with traditional brickwork. Cladding can also be fitted to a number of different substrates, including timber and steel frame. A well-designed cladding system offers a level of product consistency that is essential in the modular construction industry and vital for mass produced buildings. In a controlled factory environ- ment, an installer should be able to fix at least a square metre of system per hour, however this can vary from system to system. Third party product certification may be required by the client, but not all available brick slip systems have been rigorously tested and certified. Modular companies should always request confirmation of certifi- cation from the cladding supplier.
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Quality brick slip cladding is robust enough to withstand the stresses of being lifted, transported to site on the back of a lorry and craned into position. A modular building that can be delivered to site, and that does not require substantial exterior finishing works, is a major benefit. It costs money to have installers and builders working away from home, so the less time spent onsite the better.
THE ONGOING SKILLS SHORTAGE IN THE INDUSTRY IS A REAL CONCERN, AND IN A GROWING SECTOR REDUCING DEPENDENCY ON TRADITIONAL SKILLED LABOUR WILL BE A PLUS
Another benefit is durability. When
offering a modular housing package to clients, longevity of the product will be an important consideration, including the required external finishes. Kiln fired clay brick slips weather and age in the same way as conventional brickwork, and brick slip exteriors require little to no maintenance. It is important to note however that the life span of different cladding systems may vary, and they should be checked with the suppliers.
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