Brick slips are a popular solution for architects and developers seeking to achieve the timeless look of brickwork while utilising some of the benefits that brick slips systems provide; such as improving the speed of the build, allowing more insulation, and employing light-weight build methods. Our team of Brick Experts at Creative Brick Solutions outline here what a brick slip is, and why they are gaining popularity with architects across a wide range of building types.
What Is A Brick Slip?
A brick slip is essentially a thin brick that replicates the appearance of standard brickwork. They are typically between 12mm and 28mm thick and can be used in both internal and external applications. Once installed, they create the appearance of full bricks while offering much greater design flexibility. For architects, brick slips offer opportunities that traditional bricks can’t, particularly in lightweight construction, retrofits, or projects that require unique colours and formats.
How Are Brick Slips Manufactured?
Brick slips can be produced in various ways, depending on the desired finish, texture, and performance characteristics. The most common method is to extrude and cut purpose-made slips from clay, in the same way as full bricks are made. These are then fired in kilns to achieve strength, durability, and colour stability. Many brick slips are made from cutting 20mm from the face of a full brick. This is often the case with more rustic, characterful finishes that are ideal for conservation or heritage-style builds.
Slips are usually cut from standard bricks when specific brick types are needed to match existing structures or when projects have a high level of brick detailing and require a combination of full bricks and cut slips.
More advanced finishes, such as glazed or engobed slips, involve additional stages where decorative coatings or glazes are applied before a second firing to lock in the chosen colour and surface texture. This makes brick slips not just a structural solution, but also a highly creative design tool.
How Are Brick Slips Installed?
There are two main approaches to installing brick slips: adhesive-fix and mechanical systems. Adhesive-fix systems such as EWI (external wall insulation) involve bonding the slips to a substrate using specialist adhesives, then finishing with traditional pointing mortar. This method is commonly used for interior walls or small exterior areas, allowing for a seamless brick appearance in tight or difficult-to-reach spaces.
For larger projects, particularly high-rise developments or modern facades, mechanical brick slip systems offer greater performance and precision. Systems like Mechslip use rails, support trays, or backing boards which are used to secure the slips in place, ensuring speed, alignment, and compliance with building regulations. These systems are ideal for off-site or modular construction and are increasingly specified in urban residential, education, and commercial architectural schemes.
Why Do Architects Use Brick Slips?
Brick slips offer architects and specifiers numerous advantages. Their slim profile and light weight make them suitable for retrofits, overcladding, and anywhere where full brickwork would be impractical. They can be used to create complex patterns, layered bonds, or dramatic feature walls without the engineering complications of traditional masonry.
From a design perspective, brick slips are available in a wide variety of formats, from standard and long-format to bespoke and special-shaped units. This allows for expressive architectural detailing while retaining the robustness and texture of genuine clay. They also allow for consistency in colour and finish, particularly when using modern production techniques such as engobing or glazing.
Using Glazed Brick Slips
One of the most exciting architectural developments in recent years is the increasing use of glazed brick slips. These slips are coated in a ceramic glaze, often in vivid, custom colours. They are then re-fired to produce a durable, glass-like surface. Glazed slips add a bold personality to a facade, whether used across an entire elevation or to accentuate entrances, windows, or signage. They also offer excellent performance benefits: they’re stain-resistant, low maintenance, and retain their colour over time.
At Creative Brick Solutions, we offer a wide selection of glazed brick slips, including both glossy and satin finishes, in a curated palette of contemporary tones. These products are ideal for statement and bold architectural facades, as well as retail and hospitality projects, or any setting where visual impact and durability are essential.
Speak To Our Brick Slip Experts
Whether you’re just beginning to develop a facade concept or ready to specify materials, our team is here to help. We specialise in providing expert guidance to architects and specifiers on brick slip selection and detailing.
We work with leading European manufacturers such as Rairies Montrieux and supply some of the most innovative glazed, engobed, and shaped slips on the market. If you’re looking to bring a unique brick look to your next project then get in touch with us today.
We’d be happy to advise, send samples, or arrange an architect CPD session tailored to your design team’s vision.