Course Description

This comprehensive technical CPD course provides architects and building design professionals with practical knowledge of masonry-like cladding systems. The course covers traditional supported masonry, mechanically-fixed brick slip systems, adhesive-fixed systems, insulated prefab panels, rendered brick-effect finishes, and precast concrete solutions – examining up to ten distinct ways to achieve a brick façade appearance.

You’ll learn to compare systems across key performance criteria: self-weight, fire classification, installation speed, programme impact, cost, and long-term durability. The course explains the critical differences between mechanical retention and adhesive-only bonding, addresses fire classification requirements and height restrictions that govern system selection, and examines documented cases of adhesive de-bonding and slip detachment to illustrate how specification decisions carry long-term consequences.

Presented by Eugene Korch (façade engineer and IAST Programme Director), the course combines regulatory context with practical application, using side-by-side system comparisons, certification data, and project case studies to show how each system performs in practice.

Using clear diagrams, technical data sheets, and manufacturer specifications, this course builds evidence-based understanding. It’s designed to help you specify appropriate masonry-like cladding systems whilst recognising the common pitfalls, design errors, and specification gaps that lead to failures on site.

Included in Facade Intelligence Professional Membership (FI PRO)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Distinguish between traditional masonry, mechanical brick slips, adhesive systems, insulated panels, and precast solutions

  • Understand UK brick dimensions and their implications for system compatibility

  • Compare system weights and their impact on structural frame design

  • Apply post-Grenfell fire rating requirements for buildings of different heights

  • Understand the differences between Euroclass A1, A2, and B ratings

  • Evaluate major mechanical brick slip systems and their key differences

  • Recognise documented failures in adhesive-fixed systems and their causes

  • Specify appropriate movement joint spacing for different systems

  • Identify thermal bridging issues at bracket positions and mitigation strategies

  • Design drainage and ventilation cavities for rainscreen systems

What's Covered

Introduction and Regulatory Context

Masonry aesthetics in UK construction: Why they matter.
Evolution of masonry façades: From loadbearing masonry to lightweight cladding.
Post-Grenfell regulatory landscape and combustibility requirements.
Façade fire safety standards: Key guidance and regulations.
NHBC requirements for masonry and cladding.
The six principal system types and when each is appropriate.

Traditional Supported Masonry

UK brick dimensions and coursing implications.
Masonry support systems and their applications.
Weight considerations for outer leaf construction.
Material requirements for support systems in multi-storey buildings.
Common defects: cavity debris, tie failures, DPC problems.
Cost and programme implications, weather dependency

Mechanically-Fixed Brick Slip Systems

How mechanical rainscreen systems work: rails, brackets, cavities.
Major system types: extruded clay tiles vs real cut bricks.
Key manufacturers and their system differences.
Rail design variations and their implications.
Repair procedures and maintenance requirements.
Cost comparison across different systems

Adhesive-Fixed Brick Slip Systems

How adhesive systems work: substrate, adhesive, slip
Documented failures causing slips to fall from height.
Adhesive degradation mechanisms: hydrolysis, oxidation, thermal cycling.
Fire rating limitations of adhesive-based systems.
NHBC requirements for masonry and cladding.
Height restrictions and when adhesive systems may be appropriate.

Insulated Prefab Panel Systems

Panel construction: brick slips cast in insulation.
Fire rating classifications and height restrictions.
Thermal performance advantages.
Installation process and corner treatment.
Repair limitations and long-term durability concerns.

Prefabricated Brick-Faced Panels

Precast concrete brick panels: weight, fire rating, design life.
Steel cassette systems: applications for soffits and reveals.
Stainless steel soffit solutions.
Off-site manufacture advantages: quality, speed, weather independence.
Cost considerations and when premium systems are justified.

Technical Performance Comparison

Weight comparison across all system types.
Fire rating summary and height restriction implications.
Wind load resistance: impact testing.
Thermal bridging at supports: mitigation strategies.
Moisture management: cavity design, weepholes, drainage.
Design lifespan expectations for different systems.

Common Design and Construction Issues

Movement joint failures: spacing requirements and common errors.
Interface detailing: windows, roof abutments, ground level.
Thermal bridge calculation errors and verification.
Specification errors: incomplete specifications, fire rating assumptions.
Coordination failures: clash detection, fire barrier integration.
Value engineering damage: substitution risks.
Cavity contamination: the endemic problem in traditional masonry.
Installation quality failures: rail alignment, mortar voids, pointing quality.
Quality control gaps: who inspects and when.

Course Schedule

    1. Technical Guide - Download

    2. Course Overview

    3. Course Objectives

    4. How to Navigate the Learning Materials

    1. Introduction Video

    2. Knowledge Check

    1. TRADITIONAL BRICK MASONRY

    2. EXTRUDED TERRACOTTA TILES ON RAILS

    3. REAL BRICK SLIPS - EDGE GROOVE

    4. PUSH-FIT - MORTAR-RETAINED

    5. PREFABRICATED PEG-RETAINED PANELS

    6. ADHESIVE-FIXED BRICK SLIPS

    1. Lecture

    2. Knowledge Check

    3. Technical Seminar with Q&A

    4. Post-Lecture Reading List

    1. Certificate: Download & Share

About this course

  • £120.00
  • Practice test questions
  • CPD Certificate: 2 hrs
  • Interactive 3D models

Your Instructors

Programme Director, IAST Eugene Korch

Eugene is a façade engineer and educator with extensive experience in building envelope design and technical specification. Through the Institute for Architectural Science and Technology (IAST) and Facade Intelligence, he delivers CPD training to architects and construction professionals across the UK. His teaching approach emphasizes practical application and accessibility, making complex technical subjects understandable for design professionals.

Who Should Enrol

This course is designed for:

Architects: Needing comprehensive knowledge of masonry-like cladding options
Architectural Technologists: Working with façade specifications
Envelope Designers: Seeking to understand system selection criteria
Façade Specialist Contractors: Requiring technical knowledge of multiple systems
Junior Façade Engineers: Building foundational knowledge
Building Envelope Consultants: Comparing system options for clients
Project Managers: Overseeing projects with brick aesthetic requirements
Cost Consultants: Understanding system cost implications
Design Managers: Coordinating façade packages

Course Details

Format: Self-paced online course with video lectures

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

CPD Points: 1.5 hours structured CPD / 1 Learning Unit

Access: 12 months from enrollment

Certificate: CPD certificate issued upon completion

Prerequisites: None – introductory level

Materials: Downloadable resources and reference guides included

What Makes This Course Different

Comprehensive coverage: All major masonry-like systems compared in one course.
Evidence-based: Technical data from BBA certificates, test reports, and standards.
Practical approach: Real-world case studies and common failure analysis.
Post-Grenfell focus: Current regulatory requirements and height restrictions.
Honest assessment: Clear guidance on system limitations and appropriate applications.
Expert presenter: Practising façade engineer with hands-on specification experience.

Joining options

  • £120.00

    Free for Facade Intelligence Professional Members (FI PRO)

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Join the Facade Intelligence Professional Membership (FI PRO)

Membership fees start from £320 per year

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For a bespoke quote, please contact our team at [email protected].
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