Why Barracuda?
Barracuda was developed from a long wish list targeted at solving problems considered inherent in many brick slip systems on the market.
The result is an integrated brick slip external cladding solution designed to accommodate real brick tolerances, provide proper-depth mortar joints and support accurate installation through a fully mechanical system.
Designed around real brick tolerances
Most brick slip systems rely for their satisfactory performance on the engagement of cut or purpose-made brick slips into a rail system.
This means that the height of the bricks becomes critical to their safe retention by the system.
Almost all bricks used in the UK are declared by their manufacturer to comply with the maximum permissible deviations in brick height stipulated within BS EN 771-1.
These permissible deviations are very large.
The majority of brick slip systems are only capable of accommodating a small part of this permissible deviation range.
It is very important that the specifier of a brick slip system thoroughly understands the deviation in brick slip height that might occur on their project and the real capability of any brick slip system to accommodate it.
The Barracuda system can accommodate the wide range of brick-size manufacturing tolerances stipulated within BS EN 771-1.
Virtually any type of brick
The Barracuda brick slip support system is compatible with virtually all bricks of any shape or size, from a wide range of manufacturers. This includes bricks with large frogs, large core holes, numerous smaller core holes and solid bricks. The bricks can be extruded, pressed or handmade.
Many other brick slip systems are limited to bricks that are extruded in a purpose-made profile, severely limiting the aesthetic choice, and/or can only use bricks with very tight face-height tolerances.
Automatic levelling
The variable-length teeth or fronds present in the Barracuda rails force the brick slips upwards, aligning the top surfaces as is the case with traditional brickwork.
Many other brick slip cladding systems align the bottom surfaces of the brick slips or their mid-height.
Barracuda aligns the top surfaces of the brick slips, helping the façade retain the appearance of traditionally laid brickwork.
The system also incorporates proper corner and reveal bricks that are not cut and bonded.
Mortar retention
- The Barracuda brick slip support system is mortared.
- The Barracuda system uses the mortar to securely retain the brick slips.
- The mortar forms an effective shear key with the lateral surfaces of the brick slip and the mortar is secured to the substructure or backing wall by the teeth or fronds which project from the Barracuda profile.
- The Barracuda system also securely retains the mortar within the joints.
- The mortar is locked into place by enveloping the teeth or fronds.
- The teeth within the system therefore lock the mortar firmly in place, with the ability to retain a greater depth of mortar than many competing systems.
Proper-depth mortar joints
The Barracuda rails support simple 40 mm thick cut brick slips.
The brick slips are robust at this thickness and allow an adequately deep mortar depth.
The simple single-cut slip retains strength and increases durability.
Secondary grooves and rebates required by some other systems can weaken the slip and potentially entrap water, reducing durability.
Mortar and pointing
With the brick slips fully inserted into the Barracuda brick slip support system and the brick slips in their finalised position, mortar is injected into the perpend and bed joints between the brick slips.
It is important that the bed joints are adequately filled so that the mortar envelopes the teeth on the Barracuda rails.
Fill all of the joints adequately so that when they are tooled off, the mortar is suitably compacted by the tooling-off process.
The mortar joint face profile must be a shallow 22 mm or 7/8 inch bucket-handle profile.
Full Mortar & Pointing guidance, including recommended mortar, injection method, working sequence and environmental conditions, is available within the Product installation information.
Easy and precise installation
The brick slips are a simple push fit and the system can be supplied with a complementary pre-gauged backing structure that further speeds accurate installation.
The pre-gauged backing support structure facilitates accurate installation without the need for gauge rods.
Barracuda L and T aluminium substructure rails
Barracuda L and T aluminium substructure rails feature integral brick-course gauge tabs.
These gauge tabs enable more rapid and accurate installation of the Barracuda R1 rails.
The gauge tabs are positioned at 75 mm centres, representing the standard brick-course height, along the length of the L and T aluminium substructure rails.
Barracuda L rails are situated behind the standard Barracuda rails. Barracuda T rails occur at the junction between the ends of adjacent Barracuda rails.
Barracuda L and T aluminium substructure rails are normally supplied by James & Taylor already cut to the required lengths.
The Barracuda L and T rails are designed so that they will be compatible with most proprietary helping-hand brackets.
Full substructure installation information, dimensions, fixing centres and fastening requirements are available within the Product installation section and supporting system drawings.
Highly durable
The Barracuda system is highly durable.
The system uses stainless steel and actively promotes mortar-joint durability.
The simple single-cut slip retains strength and increases durability.
Barracuda has also been subjected to extensive long-term durability testing.
Design life warranty
Design Life Warranty information is available for the Barracuda brick slip system.
Please refer to the current Barracuda Design Life Warranty for the applicable design life, project requirements and warranty terms.
Not reliant on glues or resins
Barracuda uses a fully mechanical methodology and is not reliant on glues or resins.
Traditional brickwork is mortared as it is laid. Brick slip systems are almost always first fitted with brick slips and then subsequently mortared.
This means that brick slip systems are often left temporarily un-mortared.
Because we can never be certain when a façade might encounter extreme wind conditions, it is vital that a brick slip system, in its temporary un-mortared state, performs safely during these conditions.
Testing of the Barracuda system demonstrates that un-mortared brick slips can withstand pull-out forces equivalent to wind speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour.
Lower brick slip cost potential
Where the choice of brick allows, the Barracuda brick slip system generates two brick slips from one parent brick.
Typically, stock bricks, handmade bricks and solid bricks fall into this category.
This potential can get close to halving the cost of the brick slips.
Frequently asked questions
Can Barracuda accommodate normal brick manufacturing tolerances?
The Barracuda system can accommodate the wide range of brick-size manufacturing tolerances stipulated within BS EN 771-1. Real bricks can exhibit a very wide range of dimensional variation, particularly variations in brick height or distortions that affect brick height.
Why are brick tolerances important in a brick slip system?
Yes. The Barracuda system can accommodate the wide range of brick-size manufacturing tolerances stipulated within BS EN 771-1. Real bricks can exhibit a very wide range of dimensional variation, particularly variations in brick height or distortions that affect brick height. Barracuda testing has included brick slips ranging in height from 58 mm to 70 mm.
How does Barracuda retain the mortar?
The mortar forms an effective shear key with the lateral surfaces of the brick slip and is secured to the substructure or backing wall by the teeth or fronds projecting from the Barracuda profile. The mortar is locked into place by enveloping these teeth.
How does the Barracuda substructure help installation?
Barracuda L and T aluminium substructure rails feature integral brick-course gauge tabs.
These gauge tabs enable more rapid and accurate installation of the Barracuda rails.
Is a design life warranty available?
Design life warranty information is available for the Barracuda Brick Slip System. The applicable design life, project requirements and warranty terms should be checked against the current warranty document.
Where can I find more detailed installation information?
Full installation information, including System Substructure and Mortar & Pointing guidance, is available on the Product page.
Find out more about Barracuda
Explore the Barracuda product and installation information, review the testing and performance evidence or speak to the James & Taylor team about a project requirement.