What is Monolith? An In-depth Guide
The construction industry is always looking for innovative building solutions that prioritise both efficiency and safety. One such solution is Monolith BrickPlus: Pro, a groundbreaking construction system that is a real step forward in how we approach brick slip installation and exterior cladding. Here’s what makes it great and how it could be just what you’re looking for.
What Makes Monolith BrickPlus: Pro Different?
Traditional brick slip installation has long been labour-intensive because each slip must be fitted one by one. Thankfully, Monolith BrickPlus: Pro changes this working method by integrating strong mesh webbing directly into the brick slips themselves. The result is a pre-populated panel system featuring twelve brick slips held together, ready for immediate installation, and Bob’s your uncle!
If you've ever encountered bathroom tiles mounted on a mesh backing, you should understand the basic concept. However, scaling this principle up to create a robust exterior cladding product has been a big engineering challenge: one that Monolith has successfully overcome. This innovation is a construction industry first, combining the aesthetic appeal of traditional brickwork with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. Impressive stuff!
Speed and Efficiency: Faster Installation
The most striking advantage of the Monolith system is its installation speed. By eliminating the need to fit individual brick slips one-by-one, the application process becomes much faster. For contractors and developers, this translates directly into reduced labour costs, shorter project timelines, and the ability to complete builds more efficiently without compromising on quality or appearance.
The panels themselves are designed with practicality in mind. Each panel measures 440mm in height, 553mm in width, and 13mm in depth, with boxes containing five panels weighing only 19kg in total. This manageable size and weight make handling straightforward whilst maintaining structural integrity.
A Modern Alternative to Traditional Cavity Walls
Monolith BrickPlus: Pro offers an alternative construction method to traditional cavity wall systems. Unlike conventional brick and slip applications that typically require a cavity, Monolith can be directly applied to various substrates, including insulation, external leaves, render boards, solid walls, and ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork) systems.
This flexibility reduces the overall build-up by up to three times compared to traditional construction methods, making it particularly valuable for projects where space is at a premium or where modern building techniques are being employed. The system seamlessly complements contemporary construction technologies, making it an ideal solution for new builds, extensions, commercial developments, and interior renovations requiring a brick finish.
Safety First: A1 Fire Rating and Non-Combustible Certification
Safety is the priority in any building project, and Monolith BrickPlus: Pro has been rigorously tested to meet the highest standards. Following extensive testing by Exova Warrington Fire, the system has been awarded an A1 Fire rating: the highest classification available. This means Monolith is classified as 100% non-combustible, providing complete peace of mind regarding the safety of your building's exterior.
Better still, when applied with certain adhesives, BrickPlus: Pro creates a limited combustibility exterior finishing system, establishing it as one of the construction industry's go-to products for fire-safe cladding solutions.
Performance Benefits: From Durability to Design Flexibility
On top of speed and safety, Monolith delivers impressive technical performance. The advanced composite material used in manufacture exhibits very low porosity, with 90% less absorption than traditional clay brick. This characteristic provides superior resistance to frost damage and weathering, ensuring long-term durability in the British climate.
The system offers exceptional value during transportation: being lighter, thinner, and more compact than traditional alternatives means more material can be delivered per pallet, reducing both shipping costs and packaging waste.
Design flexibility is another key strength. Monolith is available in multiple colours, textures, and finishes, with a bespoke design service capable of matching existing brickwork or even replicating bricks no longer in production. This capability is ideal for heritage projects or when extending properties where brick matching is crucial.
Speak to UK Brick Slip Suppliers
To create excellent-looking facades, brick slip systems are ideal. Modular Clay Products have partnered with some of the UK’s leading brick manufacturers to offer a tremendous range of brick slip solutions.
You can browse our range of products using the Brick Finder tool and compare two products directly. But if you are looking for something more bespoke, speak to one of our experienced sales team, and we can discuss brick blend options for you.