Hello,

We are in the process of designing a New Build, hopefully to PassivHaus standards. We have a design which satisfies PHPP using insulated render (approx 260mm EPS externally with a 215 structural block).

We would like to look at incorporate brick slips but we are struggling to find a suitable system (we would like to use non-synthetic bricks to give a more authentic look). Again, the buildup of the wall would be 215 blocks, 250 - 280 EPS/XPS (or a natural equivalent) then slips externally.

Does anybody have any experience of building with slips and significant levels of insulation? Any views on EPS vs XPS, the need for a cavity, method for fixing slips to wall (ideally a grid / purpose panel) and solution for fixing the panel to the inner wall (obviously thermal bridge free if possible)?

I'm sure we are not the first to look into this, so any thoughts / guidance greatly appreciated.

Best

Dean

I would recommend using system sheets of insulation on top of your insulation, mechanically fixed with plastic insulation fixings
Use pistol bricks up the corners and into window reveals.

Reckon xps rather than eps, sticking slips on is easy with products like tile cement available, bricks are then pointed,

If it was mine I would go render with yellowish sand and ashlar lines forget the birch slips.

Pic no 2 and 6 on the Wetherby site are exactly how not to do it - so obviously sheets of wallpaper.

It's incredible that none of the various systems, whether fake render or brick slip, have yet got around to UK brick sizes - both current 75x225 module and trad 3"x9" module are needed.

why xps tony ? graphite EPS is going to be a bit cheaper and of similar R value, density isn't that much of an issue for sticking slips on.

Sorry, re the point from fostertom we would ideally like to find a system that uses a standard uk brick size (so 215x65 or as near as possible) and will work with 260mm insulation.

<blockquote><cite>Posted By: dsewell</cite>Sorry, re the point from fostertom we would ideally like to find a system that uses a standard uk brick size (so 215x65 or as near as possible) and will work with 260mm insulation.</blockquote>

I'm sorry but the information Tom is giving regarding Wetherby brick slips is misleading. My measurements were wrong and the slips are standard UK brick size and the thickness of the slips I used is 15mm. The relevant information is in the attached BBA certificate. You can use the complete system of insulation and mesh and slips or you can use just the mesh and slips as I did. The thickness of insulation is not tied to the slip system and different types and thicknesses of insulation can be used.
I have no connection with Wetherby other than to use their system which I found easy to install.

Does the insulation have ridges? Nice pistol bricks

Module size and brick size and block size are all metric now, bricks approx 215 X 65 and blocks 435 X 215 setting out courses at 75mm and 225.

Old money bricks worked on four to the foot. And block courses at 9"

Many thanks for the BBA Cert and photograph.

I have looked at Wetherby, it looks good. My only real concern with the system is the use of the metal WBS Brick Slip starter track (may not be required) and the steel fixings which will cause a sizeable thermal bridge. I have contacted Weatherby regarding the starter track and use of alternative thermally broken fixings and will report back. Sugject to addressing thermal bridging through the track and fixings it looks like a good option.

I like the pistols. Do they have "headers"? It would look much better in a more interesting bond.

Smet have a simple system that uses rugged xps, mechanical fixings, looks expensive but is said to be a dry process.