BLOG | Prefabricated masonry techniques elevate brick’s status as a sustainable building material

Brick is one of the world’s most sustainable building materials. Reliable, durable, and recyclable, bricks’ evolution as a low-impact product has been hastened by the introduction of increasingly innovative masonry support systems. As Jemma Ison (Keystone Group Sustainability Manager and IG Masonry Support Specification Executive) highlights, these prefabricated techniques have not only expanded the architect’s palette in terms of brickwork design, they have advanced and simplified the build process to give bricks a sustainable advantage over other established materials.

Masonry is a classic and timeless building material that achieves superior, maintenance-free results. Utilising masonry in prominent areas can be essential to delivering an architect’s overall vision, or fulfilling a client’s brief to ensure a project remains in keeping with the local surroundings. Brick Slip Systems are adaptable to suit any application. Ideal for small openings over window heads but also deliver effortless results spanning an entrance of a commercial building. Whatever the desired finish, IG Masonry Support‘s prefabricated units provide high-quality results at low environmental impact.

Time and energy saver

The average time it takes to create intricate masonry details with prefabricated brick slip solutions is estimated to reduce time by 90% in comparison to traditional onsite methods. As well as the time-saving factor there are many other benefits associated with offsite production, from improved construction efficiencies and reduced onsite waste to minimal site impacts due to the fit-and-forget design. Furthermore, a prefabricated unit is produced in line with manual handling guidelines. Therefore, designed to be easily managed and handled onsite. This eliminates the consumption of any fuel or electricity needed to aid the installation process.

Skills shortage

Whilst highlighting the direct and indirect sustainable benefits of these prefabricated methods, it is also a recognised challenge that traditional techniques require the services of a highly-skilled bricklayer. In the current climate, this might not be an appointment that is easy to secure. The bricklaying sector, as with the construction industry as a whole, is in the midst of a well-publicised skills shortage. Indeed, the Construction Skills Network (CSN) has forecast a need for 1,450 more bricklayers per year over the next five years to help fulfil UK building projects. Therefore, it could mean an appropriately-qualified bricklayer travelling many miles to work on a particular project, a journey that would incur additional fuel consumption and environmental impacts.

Natural hindrances to efficient brick detailing 

When it comes to achieving intricate brick details, a building site is far from the ideal environment. Poor weather can hamper high-quality workmanship and build consistency. This can lead to reworks and additional project time, cost, and material waste. Whereas offsite manufacture takes place in a controlled environment, enabling products such as brick slip systems to be produced with greater skill and accuracy.

Safe and adaptable solution  

Due to their A1 fire-rated finish, IG Masonry Support’s prefabricated brick slip products provide peace of mind to specifiers due to their reliability and compliance with building regulations. The product range includes the company’s ultra-lightweight brick on soffit system, B.O.S.S A1. A component building part, the product’s superb performance is supplemented by its sustainable credentials, which are supported by its carbon neutral classification. In addition, IG Masonry Support’s Brick Slip Arches have increased design options for architects looking to use masonry in evermore striking and imaginative ways. Manufactured offsite, the Brick Slip Arches are bespoke designed to order, and delivered to site replete with brick slips adhesively bonded to a stainless-steel unit. These lightweight units facilitate fast and efficient installation and integrate seamlessly with brickwork constructed onsite.

Environmental Product Declarations

IG Masonry Support is committed to becoming a net-zero carbon business in line with the Science Based Targets. Its adoption of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) is further evidence of its sustainable ambition. The company is the UK’s first masonry support supplier to issue EPDs on its products, thus providing full transparency of their environmental impact. The declarations are in accordance with GreenBook Live EPD system.

A Type III environmental label, an EPD is generated using data obtained through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This is performed via a peer reviewed Product Category Rules document (PCR) in line with EN 15804 (the European Standard for the generation of EPD for construction products), ISO 14025, and other related international standards.

Dual benefit

In terms of their installation, IG Masonry Support is the only UK manufacturer to offer a solution that has dual security using an A1 fire-rated adhesive as well as a secondary stainless steel mechanical fix, providing safety and added aesthetic consistency.

In short, prefabricated brick slip systems are ideal for wherever an intricate brick detail is required. Their specification and installation are made all the easier and more effective through engagement with a prefabricated brick slip specialist such as IG Masonry Support. The company’s single point of contact controls the design, pricing, and manufacturing process, providing tentative support and expert communication throughout a project.

Quality, consistency, and greater sustainability are the ultimate outcomes of the correct specification of prefabricated brick slip solutions, which are gaining in popularity as developers and architects look to expand the use of one of the world’s oldest, most reliable building materials.