Covering Brickwork, Meaning, Methods, and Design Options
Understanding Covering Brickwork
Covering brickwork refers to the process of applying a new surface finish over existing brick walls. This may be done for aesthetic reasons, to protect damaged brickwork, or to update the appearance of a building without removing the original masonry.
Brickwork can be covered internally or externally using a range of materials depending on the desired finish and performance requirements.
Purpose of Covering Brickwork
The main purpose of covering brickwork is to change or improve the appearance of a wall while retaining the existing structure underneath.
Key reasons brickwork is covered include:
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Updating the look of outdated or damaged brickwork.
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Improving consistency where bricks are mismatched or repaired.
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Protecting brick surfaces from weather exposure.
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Creating a new decorative feature wall or facade.
Covering brickwork allows transformation without full reconstruction.
Covering Brickwork in Traditional Construction
Traditionally, brickwork has been covered using render, plaster, timber cladding, or tile systems. While effective, these finishes completely hide the brick appearance and often change the character of the building.
Some coverings also reduce breathability, which can be an issue on older properties if not managed correctly.
Covering Brickwork with Brick Slips
Brick slips provide a way to cover brickwork while retaining a brick appearance. They are fixed directly onto existing brick walls or prepared substrates, allowing damaged or inconsistent brickwork to be visually upgraded.
Using brick slips to cover brickwork avoids demolition, reduces waste, and allows the wall to be refinished with a consistent colour, bond pattern, and joint finish.
Covering Brickwork and Slips from Stock
At Slips from Stock, our brick slips are well suited to covering existing brickwork both internally and externally. With correct preparation and installation, brick slips create a clean, uniform brick finish over older or uneven surfaces.
Covering brickwork does not have to mean hiding it completely. When brick slips are used, existing walls can be refreshed and upgraded while preserving the character and texture associated with brick finishes.