Brick Slip Testing to Ceramic Tile Standards

At Lucideon we apply our long-standing expertise in ceramic tile testing to the assessment of brick slips used in facade and cladding systems. By testing brick slips to the same international ceramic tile standards (including the ISO 10545 series), we help manufacturers, system providers and specifiers demonstrate that their products meet demanding performance and durability requirements under UKAS accreditation (testing laboratory No. 0013).

Why test brick slips to ceramic tile standards?

Brick slips are thin ceramic units, typically bonded onto carrier systems or panels to deliver the aesthetics of traditional brickwork with reduced weight and faster installation. When used on external façades and internal wall linings, they need to perform reliably over decades of service, often under the same conditions as floor and wall tiles.

Testing brick slips to ceramic tile standards allows you to:

Demonstrate compliance with recognized international standards (e.g. ISO 10545 series)
Benchmark new brick slip formulations or finishes against established products
Provide objective evidence for certification bodies, warranty providers and regulators
De-risk the introduction of new slip formats, colours, and glazes
Support design decisions for brick slip cladding systems and hybrid wall constructions

Typical test programme for brick slips

Drawing on our ceramic tile performance testing capability, we can develop a tailored, UKAS-accredited test program for your brick slips. Depending on application and specification, this may include:

Dimensional & visual properties

Size, squareness, and straightness (dimensional tolerances)
Surface quality, chips, and defects
Flatness and warpage

Physical & mechanical properties

Water absorption, apparent density, and porosity
Modulus of rupture and breaking strength
Impact resistance
Bond strength - in combination with the chosen adhesive or carrier system, if required

Durability & environmental resistance

Frost resistance / freeze-thaw cycling
Thermal shock resistance
Chemical resistance
Stain resistance

Surface & functional performance

Surface abrasion resistance
Slip resistance testing where brick slips form walking surfaces or thresholds, using pendulum and ramp methods (e.g. BS 7976, DIN 51130 / 51097)

Programs are built around the relevant ceramic tile test methods, combined with any additional construction materials tests needed to satisfy project-specific or certification body requirements.

Integrated testing for brick slip systems

Brick slips rarely work in isolation - they are part of complete facade, ETICS, or cladding systems. Alongside individual slip testing to ceramic tile standards, we can also:

Test full-scale brick slip systems for wind load, impact, air leakage, rain penetration, and durability
Perform hygrothermal cycling and weatherability tests on brick slip facades and external wall insulation systems
Assess adhesive, carrier board and fixings performance as part of complete system evaluation

This combined approach helps you to link material-level properties with system-level behavior, supporting both design optimization and third-party certification.

Who we work with

Our brick slip testing services support:

Brick slip and facing brick manufacturers - developing new slip ranges, colours, and finishes
Cladding and facade system providers - evidencing system performance for approvals and warranties
Offsite and modular manufacturers - validating factory-produced wall and panel systems
Specifiers, consultants, and contractors - independent verification of product claims and suitability for specific projects
Certification and warranty bodies - independent, testing to recognized standards

Why choose Lucideon?

UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 0013) - comprehensive schedule covering ceramics, tiles, masonry and building products, under ISO 17025
Deep ceramics and construction expertise - decades supporting the global ceramics industry and extensive experience in building materials and structural testing
End-to-end support - from test program design and sample preparation through to interpretation of results and support with certification or problem-solving
System-level capability - ability to link tile-standard testing with full-scale roofing, cladding and brick slip system tests in our large structural laboratories
Independent, impartial advice - our experts don’t just provide numbers; they explain what the results mean for real-world performance and how to improve your products

Talk to us about brick slip testing

Whether you are launching a new brick slip range, seeking evidence to support a facade system approval, or investigating performance issues on site, our specialists can help you choose the right suite of ceramic tile standard tests and any additional construction materials tests required.

» Contact us here

Brick Slip Testing