Brick Slip Systems for External Wall Insulation
Authentic brick slip finishes for EWI systems — clay brick slips and mineral brick slips available across masonry, steel frame and timber frame substrates.
The brick appearance of traditional masonry — with the thermal performance of modern EWI
Brick slip EWI systems deliver the authentic look of solid brickwork while dramatically improving the thermal performance of the building envelope. By combining external wall insulation with a brick slip finish, specifiers and contractors can meet demanding U-value targets without compromising on aesthetics — a critical advantage on projects where planning requirements, conservation area designations or design codes demand a brick appearance.
Licata offers two distinct brick slip systems for EWI: clay brick slips, which use real fired clay to deliver authentic brick colour, texture and variation; and mineral brick slips, which provide a consistent, lightweight, low-maintenance brick-faced panel across the elevation. Both are available across Licata's range of EWI insulation types and substrates.
All Licata EWI brick slip systems are supplied as a complete package — insulation, adhesive, basecoat, mesh, brick slip adhesive and brick slips — from a single source.
Non-combustible brick slip EWI systems
For buildings over 11 metres and projects where Part B, the Building Safety Act or client requirements restrict the use of combustible materials in the external wall, Licata offers brick slip EWI systems built on non-combustible components.
A system combining non-combustible mineral wool insulation with clay brick slips achieves an A1 classification. Available for both masonry and steel frame substrates — with the steel and timber frame systems built from an A1 fibre cement board sheathing outwards.
Clay brick slips and mineral brick slips — what's the difference?
Licata supplies two types of brick slip for EWI systems. The right choice depends on the project's aesthetic requirements, substrate, fire performance needs and specification priorities.
Clay Brick Slips
Made from real fired clay — the same material as traditional brick. Clay brick slips deliver genuine brick colour, texture and natural variation across the elevation, making them the preferred choice where authenticity of appearance is paramount. Ideal for conservation areas, heritage contexts or where planning consent is conditional on a real brick appearance. When combined with mineral wool insulation, clay brick slips achieve an A1 non-combustible classification — the only brick slip finish that does so.
Mineral Brick Slips
Manufactured from mineral-based materials — significantly lighter than clay brick slips, with highly consistent colour and texture across the full elevation. Mineral brick slips are the preferred choice where uniformity, reduced dead load or simplified installation are prioritised over the natural variation of clay. Particularly suited to large-scale housing and residential developments, commercial refurbishment and new-build framed projects where consistency across multiple elevations is required.
What are brick slips?
Brick slips are thin slices of brick — typically 15–25mm thick — that replicate the appearance of full, traditional brickwork while weighing a fraction as much. In an external wall insulation system, brick slips are bonded to the face of the insulation and basecoat using a dedicated brick slip adhesive, then pointed with mortar to recreate the look of a solid brick wall.
This allows a building to achieve the authentic, characterful appearance of brickwork together with the thermal performance of a modern insulated facade — ideal where planning, conservation or design requirements call for a brick finish, but the wall also needs to meet contemporary U-value targets. Brick slip systems are used on both retrofit projects, where solid wall homes are being upgraded, and on new build steel and timber frame construction.
Why choose a brick slip EWI system?
Authentic Brick Appearance
Delivers the genuine look of traditional masonry — ideal for planning, conservation areas and design codes that require a brick finish.
Modern Thermal Performance
Combined with EWI, the system meets demanding U-value targets without compromising on the brick aesthetic.
Lightweight
Brick slips weigh far less than full brickwork, reducing dead load on the structure and removing the need for additional foundations.
A1 Options Available
Clay brick slips combined with mineral wool achieve an A1 non-combustible classification for buildings of all heights.
Complete Single-Source System
Supplied as one certified package — insulation, adhesive, basecoat, mesh, brick slip adhesive and brick slips — from one manufacturer.
Multiple Substrates
Available for masonry, steel frame and timber frame, with a choice of EPS or mineral wool insulation.
Brick slip EWI systems for framed construction
For steel frame and timber frame substrates — starting from A1 fibre cement board sheathing, with mineral wool insulation and a choice of clay or mineral brick slip finish.
Steel Frame — Mineral Wool — Clay Brick Slips
A1 non-combustible system from fibre cement board outward — mineral wool insulation with authentic clay brick slip finish.
Steel Frame — Mineral Wool — Mineral Brick Slips
Built from A1 fibre cement board outward — mineral wool insulation with lightweight mineral brick slip finish.
Timber Frame — Mineral Wool — Clay Brick Slips
Starting from A1 fibre cement board on timber frame — mineral wool insulation with flexible clay brick slip adhesive to accommodate timber movement.
Brick slip EWI systems for masonry
For brick and block masonry substrates — available with EPS or mineral wool insulation and a choice of clay or mineral brick slip finish.
Masonry — Mineral Wool — Clay Brick Slips
A1 non-combustible mineral wool insulation over masonry with authentic clay brick slip finish and pointing mortar.
Masonry — EPS — Clay Brick Slips
EPS insulation over masonry with flexible clay brick slip finish and colour-matched pointing mortar.
Masonry — Mineral Wool — Mineral Brick Slips
Mineral wool insulation over masonry with lightweight mineral brick slip finish.
Masonry — EPS — Mineral Brick Slips
EPS insulation over masonry with lightweight mineral brick slip finish — consistent colour across the full elevation.
BBA and KIWA certification is held on selected Licata systems. Certification scope, fire classification and system build-up vary by substrate, insulation and finish. Speak to our technical team to confirm the certification and fire performance applicable to your specific project and system selection.
Brick Slip System Brochures
Download the full product and system brochures for Licata's clay and mineral brick slip ranges.
Full product range, system specifications, fixing details and colour options for Licata's clay brick slip range.
Download PDF
Full product range, system specifications, fixing details and colour options for Licata's mineral brick slip range.
Download PDFBrick slip systems — frequently asked questions
Specify a brick slip EWI system
Contact our technical team for system selection guidance, NBS specification clauses, sample requests and project-specific advice.