Barracuda Brick
Slip System
A mechanically fixed brick slip cladding system designed for performance durability and real brick compatibility.
Under development for the past six years, the Barracuda brick slip support system is an innovative brick slip cladding solution developed by James and Taylor.
The concept that underpins the Barracuda brick slip system combines flexibility with performance. With its lightweight construction and fast installation methodology, the system accommodates virtually all brick types while achieving high durability and consistent façade performance.
What the Barracuda Brick Slip System is
A mechanically fixed brick slip system
The Barracuda rails are manufactured from stainless steel and support simple 40mm thick cut brick slips. This thickness allows an adequately deep mortar depth, unlike many other systems where the mortar depth is insufficient.
With an effortless push-fit installation, the system includes a pre-gauged backing support structure which facilitates accurate installation without the need for gauge rods.
Designed for performance and longevity
The idea that led to the creation of the Barracuda brick slip system came from a long wish list targeted at solving problems inherent in many brick slip systems on the market.
The aim was to develop an alternative to traditional masonry that would remove the need for costly scaffolding while incorporating rainscreen cladding principles.
This aspiration led to the development of Barracuda; an integrated brick slip external cladding solution with excellent weathering performance and features not found in other systems.
What makes the Barracuda brick slip cladding system unique
There is currently nothing like the Barracuda brick slip system on the façade market. The system aligns the top of each brick slip, as in traditional brickwork, and incorporates proper corner and reveal bricks that are not cut and bonded.
This approach allows façades to maintain the appearance of real brickwork while benefiting from the advantages of a modern brick slip system.
Key System Advantages
Any type of brick
The Barracuda brick slip support system is compatible with virtually all bricks of any shape or size, from all manufacturers. This includes bricks with large frogs, large or small core holes, and solid bricks.
Many other brick slip systems are limited to purpose-made extruded bricks, which restrict aesthetic choice and material availability.
Easy and precise installation
With a simple push-fit methodology and pre-gauged backing structure, the Barracuda system facilitates rapid and accurate installation.
Automatic levelling
The variable -length teeth within the Barracuda rails force the brick slips upwards so that their top surfaces align correctly, replicating the appearance of traditional brickwork.
Many other brick slip systems align the bottom surfaces of the slips and therefore never truly replicate real brickwork.
Mortar retention
The Barracuda system uses mortar to securely retain the brick slips. The teeth within the system lock the mortar firmly in place, allowing a greater depth of mortar than many competing systems.
Lower cost potential
Where brick choice allows, Barracuda can generate two brick slips from one parent brick. Stock bricks, handmade bricks and solid bricks often fall into this category, reducing brick slip costs significantly.
Independently Assessed Performance
Traditional brickwork is mortared as it is laid. With brick slip systems, slips are typically installed before mortar is applied.
This means many brick slip façades spend a period in an un-mortared state where slips could potentially disengage due to wind loads or impact.
Testing demonstrates that Barracuda brick slips can withstand pull-out forces equivalent to wind speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour even in their un-mortared state.
Barracuda has been subjected to a wide range of independent testing with exceptional results, supporting its Independently Assessed Performance.
Specification, testing and downloads
You can find full technical information and documentation on our downloads page including:
- Product specification
- Testing and performance data
- Installation guidance
- System drawings
- Technical resources and reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a brick slip system?
A brick slip system allows the appearance of traditional brickwork to be achieved using brick slips fixed to a supporting structure rather than laid as full masonry.
The Barracuda brick slip system uses stainless steel rails and brick slips cut to 40mm thickness. These slips are inserted into the rail system and then mortared, forming the visible outer layer of the façade.
What makes the Barracuda brick slip system different?
Barracuda was developed to solve problems inherent in many brick slip systems on the market.
The system uses a fully mechanical fixing methodology and aligns the top surfaces of the brick slips so that the finished façade closely replicates traditional brickwork.
It is also compatible with virtually all brick types, giving architects greater design freedom.
Can a brick slip system use real bricks?
Yes.
Barracuda uses real bricks that are cut into simple brick slips. In many cases, one parent brick can produce two slips, particularly with stock bricks, handmade bricks and solid bricks.
This allows projects to retain the aesthetic qualities of real brickwork.
How is a brick slip system specified?
Brick slip systems are typically specified as part of the external wall façade design.
Specification will normally include the brick type, slip thickness, rail components, mortar type, backing wall construction and performance requirements such as wind resistance, impact resistance and watertightness.
The Barracuda website provides a full specification and technical documentation to support this process.
Has the Barracuda brick slip system been tested?
Yes.
Barracuda has undergone extensive independent testing including wind resistance, watertightness, impact resistance and durability testing.
Testing demonstrates that brick slips retained within the system can withstand pull-out forces equivalent to wind speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour even in their un-mortared state.
Is the Barracuda system fire safe?
The Barracuda brick slip system is made from stainless steel and aluminium components.
Both materials are classified as A1 non-combustible under the European fire classification standard for construction products.
