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Render finishes

Brick slip finish over insulation

A brick slip finish uses thin real-brick or brick-effect tiles bonded onto an external wall insulation system and pointed with mortar. It insulates the wall while keeping a brick appearance — useful where planning wants the look of the street to stay the same.

  • Thin slips (typically 10–20mm) bonded to the system base coat
  • Clay, concrete or flexible acrylic slips available
  • Can be matched to local brick colours and bonds
  • Helps meet 'similar appearance' planning conditions
  • Heavier than render, so more fixings are specified
  • Corners formed with L-shaped slips for a convincing finish
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Red brick slips being bonded onto a base coat over mineral wool insulation, with grey mortar joints

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Why choose brick slips over render?

Permitted development for houses in England and Wales generally expects materials of a similar appearance to the existing walls. On a brick terrace or estate, render can change the street scene, while brick slips keep it. Some owners simply prefer the brick look.

Typical build-up

Typical build-up for brick slip finish over insulationCross-section from inside (left) to outside (right): Existing wall, Adhesive, Mineral wool slab, Base coat + glass-fibre mesh, Brick slips + mortar.INSIDEOUTSIDE1. Existing wall2. Adhesive3. Mineral wool slab4. Base coat + glass-fibre mesh5. Brick slips + mortar
Slip thickness
≈10–20mm
Types
Clay, concrete or flexible polymer
Insulation
Mineral wool or EPS rated for the weight
Corners
L-shaped corner slips
Pointing
Mortar to suit colour

Are brick slips real brick?

They can be — cut or manufactured clay slips — or concrete and flexible polymer slips designed to look like brick. Clay slips are heavier and need systems rated for that weight.

How is the brick slip system built up?

Insulation boards are fixed as for any EWI, followed by a reinforced base coat. The slips are bonded with the system adhesive, spaced for joints, then pointed. Corners use L-shaped slips so the edge looks like a solid brick.

Brick slip finish over insulation prices

Brick slip finish over insulation guide prices
ItemGuide priceNotes
Brick slip EWI£185–£260 per m²0% VATExcluding scaffold
Brick slip feature panels£168–£265 per m²inc VATPlinths, bays, features
Matching samplesProvided at survey

Guide prices are confirmed by a fixed written quote after a free survey. 0% VAT: installing insulation in a home is zero-rated until 31 March 2027, so these figures are the total; 5% applies from 1 April 2027. Prices include VAT at 20%.

How it works

  1. Tell us about the property

    Use the quote tool or form, or call free on 0800 088 6248.

  2. Free survey

    We measure the walls, check condition and confirm planning and building control.

  3. Fixed written quote

    The system, details, access, exclusions and VAT, in writing. Anything hidden is priced and agreed before extra work.

  4. Installation and handover

    Work planned around the weather, then inspected and documented.

Brick slip finish over insulation: questions

Will brick slips match my neighbours' brick?

We source slips to get close in colour and texture and show samples beforehand, but an exact match to weathered brick isn't always possible.

Is a brick slip finish more expensive?

Yes — roughly £70–£120 per m² more than render, because of materials and slower installation.

Do brick slips fall off?

Not when installed to the system manufacturer's specification, with the right adhesive, fixings and pointing.

Can I mix brick slips and render?

Yes. A brick plinth or ground floor with render above is a common combination.

Reviewed 19 October 2026 by the Render and Insulation technical team.

Where we work

Brick slip finish over insulation by area

Each area page covers local planning, building control and the weather your walls face.

England

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

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EWI and render survey

Free measured survey and fixed written quote for installation work.

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Get a fixed price for brick slip EWI

Tell us about the walls and we will arrange a survey. No obligation, no work until the price is agreed in writing.

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