Corium Brick Rainscreen Q&A 2020

1. Corium Brick: Questions & Answers v.2020
Performance
• Is the system designed to work as either a back-ventilated or pressure-equalized rainscreen?
The term Rainscreen is used loosely these days, we define Corium as a Back Ventilated Cavity
Wall or Back Ventilated Rainscreen.
• How is the soffit detail vented?
If the soffit utilizes a Pistol Brick then the Pistol includes a water-jet cut drainage hole. The
assembly is always vented at the top of wall and bottom of wall with a ¼’ minimum gap.
• How is moisture entering through the porous brick and mortar accounted for, i.e. how does it dry
out?
The high-pressure extruded brick has an extremely low absorption rate, (zero if glazed), but if
damage to the system incurs water into the system will be handled in two ways:
1. The metal trays will shed the water.
2. The lime-based (non-cementitious) mortar will absorb the water for evaporation at the
surface. Thus, the mortar allows the system to breathe and flex.
• It appears that the steel trays abut directly against aluminum T brackets – how is galvanic
corrosion accounted for?
The trays are coated with a high-performance coating called Magnelis – this is a Marine grade
coating that provides an impressive barrier against any type of corrosion. The Product Data sheet
will be provided within the submittal package.
• What are the requirements for horizontal and vertical movement joints with regards to allowable
spacing in uninterrupted and interrupted (with windows and other openings) brick fields?
Similar movement requirements to traditional masonry, we specify 30’max in any direction.
• What material is being used for the thermal isolation pad between the brackets and backup wall?
We utilize Simona-Simopor PVC thermal shims that can be stacked to greatly reduce thermal
conduction. We can also use SS Brackets which provide additional performance. In addition, a
smart system design will minimize brackets and contact points, with over 30 years of rainscreen
design we have a very good understanding of envelope performance.
• Can alternate anchor brackets, such as fiberglass or thermally broken girts, be used in the system
and still be under warranty?
Yes, easily installed over most any substrate. Warranty is fully maintained for the brick, tray and
mortar.
• What is the required deflection limit of the backup wall?
The required deflection limit is L/360.
• What governs the maximum design wind load pressure?
We are ASTM tested to 90psf = 180mph wind load.
Aesthetics
• Is it possible to add reveals, protrusions, or a radius to the system or does an installation have to
result in planar surface?
Yes, although limited, variable brick depths and features are available. Radius installation is
possible and best achieved if utilizing a vertical bond.

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Aesthetic Cont…
• What bond patterns are achievable?
All traditional masonry patterns are easily achieved, in fact custom solutions (brick sizes) are
easily achieved with a new die.
• When installing the system itself on a slope, what is the limitation of the slope if any?
We recommend a 1/12 pitch minimum.
• When installing the brick as slanted, what is the limitation of the angle if any?
Shown on pages 8-9 of our Corium Brochure, 180/360 degrees possible
• What range of custom brick pieces are available? Are corners other than 90 degrees possible?
Non-90 corners are easily achieved by miter cutting the brick and bonding the corners together.
Bond not required but helps to close the gap.
Installation
• Who typically installs the system? Is there a certification process or training for installers?
Due to simplicity, any trade can (and has) successfully installed this system. The primary support
system is most critical, after that the design of the brick system takes out the complexity and
provides maximum QAQC. Corium is so simple its hard to get wrong.
• What is the typical lead time for installed components, with emphasis on custom components?
Typically see 12-16 from order to delivery to North American jobsite.
• Where are the components manufactured?
Brick is made in Germany by Wienerberger AG, Trays are made by ArcelorMittal at any one of
their European facilities. Mortar is currently made in the UK, however we also have US options.
• Is there an order of installation that is required for the Corium System or can it be installed in any
order?
The order of installation is Substructure, Trays, Bricks and Mortar. Contractors often install the
brick in the Winter and install the mortar when temperatures rise in the Spring.
• How are the corner pieces installed / anchored?
One Piece Corners are simply snap-locked into the tray system. High seismic zones require an
additional fastener at the corners.
• What are field-cutting options for the various components?
All components are easily cut in the field with standard masonry and metal cutting tools.
Maintenance/Post-Construction
• What is the oldest installation of this system in the US?
Our first project was at Loyola College, New Orleans, 2013. Corium Brick has been installed for
nearly 30 years in Europe and is currently being installed at over 1Msf per year in the UK.
• What is the typical warranty on a Corium installation?
5 year standard, additional available on request.
• What maintenance / cleaning is typically required on a corium system?
No maintenance other than inspecting system for damage on a regular basis.
• What is the procedure for repairing a damaged brick?
Remove mortar, pry out brick, replace brick and repoint.