SureBrick System Overview
Offering all the benefits of a modern brick slip system but without architectural compromise, SureBrick is capable of delivering design-led projects in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Lighter weight than traditional masonry, SureBrick is simple to install with no reliance on conventional bricklaying skills. It produces thinner walls so buildings can be better insulated delivering higher levels of thermal performance.
It also facilitates a speedier build process than traditional methods, creating buildings that are wind and water-tight earlier in the build program.
SureBrick can be relied upon to deliver maximum performance for many years - backed by extensive testing and BBA certified
SureBrick’s enhanced choice of design and finish options means the system can deliver any required style and can be used in almost every conceivable building type and location.
SureBrick system overview
SureBrick, a Forterra innovation, is the next generation brick slip system and the result of Forterra’s commitment to modernising and improving building methods.
- Sub structure and insulated cavity (not part of the system)
- Standard coated surebrick rails
- Real 'single piece' brick pistol corners
- Brick slips 22-90mm thick
- Special shaped bricks
- Fixings to suit substrate
- Stainless steel surebrick rails
Robust
The brick slips are mechanically retained, eradicating risks relating to poor installation.
Risk free
Our components are non-combustible and the system tested to A1 classification meaning the system complies with regulations and can be used in buildings of any height.
Design compatible
The system can accommodate any 65mm frost resistant (F2) brick, making it much easier to meet design specifications, match local brick types and meet planning requirements.
Versatile
Suitable for use in all new build and refurbishment projects, including private and social housing, schools, hospitals, medium and high-rise buildings, panelised or volumetric modular construction.
Unlimited individuality
It can easily incorporate traditional brick detailing to deliver an individual, architectural finish.
Flexible
A highly flexible system that is easy to use and can be easily adjusted to accommodate brick coursing alignment and accommodate site tolerances.
Cost effective
It is cost efficient, utilising the highest specification components for maximum performance and optimised value.
A Forterra innovation
SureBrick comes with the highest level of service and support from Forterra, including design assistance, detailed project-specific costing, scheduling support, delivery, and installation training.
The Surebrick Advantage
SureBrick is the result of extensive market research and development, talking to architects, specifiers, installers and clients to fully understand today’s requirements of a brick slip system.
One of SureBrick’s many outstanding features is it’s compatibility with a wide selection of brick types and finishes. The system can incorporate any 65mm-high F2 brick, produced by any manufacturer. This includes cut, extruded, soft mud, pressed or thrown bricks, or purpose made slips, offering thousands of design variances to suit your scheme’s requirements.
SureBrick’s versatility means the system can be used in every conceivable building type and location. This includes projects where bricks have to be matched with local brick types or existing buildings in the area, or projects where it will be used alongside traditional construction methods.
The SureBrick system has also been developed to enable architects and designers to incorporate traditional brick detailing in their projects, including any projection of up to 68mm, numerous bond patterns, plinth bricks and special lengths or shapes. With thicker brick slips it is even possible to finish using any standard mortar joint profile.
SureBrick is the first brick system available in the UK that can deliver complete architectural flexibility as standard, including:
- Soft mud bricks
- One piece corners
- Projections
- Shapes
- Detailing
- Bond patterns
Installation video
Installer testimonial video
SureBrick completely overcomes the problems associated with brick slip systems that rely on the use of adhesive onsite. With its risk free mechanical fix, SureBrick also eliminates any delays in installation due to weather conditions.
The simplicity of the system is further enhanced by the use of just four rail types, screws and profiled brick slips which when combined can deliver highly complex, beautiful, architectural facades without the need for highly trained bricklayers.
As part of a modern construction solution, SureBrick also brings significant advantages to the build programme allowing internal trades to proceed at the same time as the façade installation.
This efficiency brings many advantages not only in terms of accurate and efficient build scheduling, it also reduces the need for costly access equipment and scaffolding.
Installation
Installation training by Forterra’s experienced technical team is offered ahead of the build date. All projects are assigned a dedicated contact to provide on-site support and advice.
SureBrick can be fixed to many different backing wall types, including SFS, timber frame or concrete.
Interlocking rails are screwed to the structure, with fixing points at a maximum of 600mm centres.
Specially profiled bricks are then simply clipped or slid into place before finishing with pointing mortar.
Details such as corners and window interfaces are easily incorporated.
Risk Free
SureBrick’s mechanical clipping system means that it is completely safe on site. The body of the brick is accurately profiled so that it clips into the metal rails which are mechanically fixed back to the supporting structure.
This approach also ensures SureBrick can be relied upon to deliver maximum performance for many years – backed by extensive testing and BBA certified.
35 Year Warranty
*Available upon application.
Testing
SureBrick has vast appeal for projects involving complex façade designs, and the testing has to reflect this reality. Where some systems have only tested a basic façade, SureBrick test certification incorporates numerous architectural system variances.
This rigorous and comprehensive testing includes:
This rigorous and comprehensive testing includes:
Hygrothermal – Heat Rain Cycles
Hygrothermal – Heat Cold Cycles
Hygrothermal – Extended Freeze Thaw Cycles
Air-tightness
Weather-tightness
Fire – Material classification
Wind Load Resistance
Deflection – Serviceability & safety
Fixing – Pull-through rail, perpendicular and shear
Brick – Pull-out of rail
Impact – Soft and hard body
Corrosion – Salt Fog Exposure
* Based on the system incorporating 22mm thick slips, including pointing.
† No defects were noted following the 3J tests with either brick.
At 10J minor cracks were noted on some extruded bricks.
†† Minimum average performance recorded following weathering.
** Minimum average performance recorded.
∆ Risk category low.
ß Additional 12 month accelerated salt solution testing has also been completed.
FIRE SAFE
The SureBrick system is tested and certified as A1 non-combustible meaning that the system is fire safe and there is no need for additional project specific testing.
Details
Our comprehensive technical documentation such standard sections, internal and external returns are available to download here. Use our filter to browse through all of our documentation.
Testing and certification
SureBrick Fire Classification, Corrosion and Pull Through, Weathertightness and other documents are available to download here.
Find out more about our Surebrick system
To help you in your decision-making process, our brochures contain useful information about the product ranges, their applications and technical specifications.
