Brick Cladding

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By Mark Walters

Cladding has traditionally referred to the bonding of one metal to another in order to protect the metal underneath. In construction, this definition has been expanded to include brick. As you might expect, brick cladding is the process of attaching a material to brick in order to guard it against several things.

Using brick as a construction material dates back over centuries. Brick looks nice and is sturdy, but it is porous. This means that water and other elements will wear on it and it will eventually crack and wear away. Water is the main offender in the breakdown of brick and once it breaks the barrier, it will lead to the formation of mold and mildew on the structures underneath. Cladding creates a facing that keeps water from the brick it covers and that keeps the frame under the brick nice and dry.

Brick cladding is often not intended as a load bearing structure. It can, however, provide protection from impacts by objects and as a buffer for wind. You have probably been told to dress in layers during the winter. Not only can you shed layers if you get too hot, but each set of clothing adds an insulating layer that keeps in heat. These same physics are at work on a home that maintains multiple layers. The more layers there are the more insulation is provided to the home. A layer of brick cladding is another piece of insulation that saves money spent on heating and cooling.

Most manufacturers craft their cladding with aesthetics in mind. It is, after all, the outermost layer of the house and the one people see right away. You can purchase cladding made from several types of materials. Some is crafted from vinyl, similar to some kinds of siding. There are also masonry veneers that mimic brick, keeping the look provided by actual brick. Some homeowners demand the real thing, however, and there is brick cladding available created from the genuine article. Whichever material you choose to go with, there is an endless supply of choices because of the numerous styles and colors brick cladding comes in.

Brick cladding serves several purposes for your home. It is a home's raincoat as well as a windbreaker. It is actually a rather simple home improvement operation that combines practicality with aesthetics. - 20763

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