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.
Brick has been employed as a building material for centuries. Though durable, it is porous and is therefore eventually vulnerable to weathering and cracking. The major culprit in the deterioration of brick is water. Not only does it wear away the structure of the brick, it will encourage the growth of mold and mildew once it reaches the inner frame. Cladding, therefore, is a facing that sheds water away from the underlying brick and the structure that it in turn protects.
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.
Since it is found on the outside of the home and is the first layer people will see, cladding is an aesthetic feature as well as a protector. Cladding is found in many styles and materials. Just like some siding, cladding can be purchased vinyl form. Some cladding is constructed from masonry veneers that look quite similar to actual brick. If only the real deal will work for you, however, there are companies that craft cladding from brick itself. Whether veneer, vinyl, or brick, cladding material can be bought in a large number of colors and styles which provides an endless array of possibilities for the homeowner looking to protect his brick.
There are several uses for brick cladding. Homes benefit from its ability to keep out wind and water and provide insulation. Brick cladding looks stylish while it keeps your home safe from the elements.
