Cladding bracket and installation method for a cladding system

Abstract

Aspects relate to a cladding bracket, a cladding system, and a method of installing the cladding system. The cladding bracket comprises an upper mount securable to a backing substrate. The cladding bracket further comprises an elongate member extending downwardly from the upper mount. The cladding bracket further comprises a cladding support arrangement below the upper mount, extending forwardly from the elongate member, wherein the cladding support arrangement is configured to receive a cladding element.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cladding bracket for a cladding system. In particular, they relate to a cladding bracket for supporting a cladding element of a cladding system.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Cladding systems are known. An example cladding system comprises a plurality of cladding elements supported by a backing substrate. Cladding brackets for attaching cladding elements to backing substrates are known. Cladding brackets generally comprise a flat rear plate which is screwed or bolted to the backing substrate, and a forward cantilevered part which supports the cladding element.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a cladding bracket comprising: an upper mount having a front surface and rear surface, wherein the upper mount is securable to a backing substrate with the rear surface facing the backing substrate; an elongate member having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the elongate member extends downwardly from the upper mount; and a cladding support arrangement below the upper mount, extending forwardly from the front surface of the elongate member, wherein the cladding support arrangement is configured to receive a cladding element, wherein the elongate member defines an offset portion along which at least the rear surface of the elongate member is forwardly offset relative to the rear surface of the upper mount, to form a gap between the offset portion and the backing substrate.

[0004] An advantage of the cladding bracket is enabling improved waterproofing of a building, because it allows a waterproofing membrane to extend between the cladding bracket and the backing substrate.

[0005] Firstly, the gap created by the offset portion provides the advantage of a slot into which an upstand of the waterproofing membrane can extend, without interfering with the cladding bracket. A horizontal waterproofing membrane can therefore be folded upwardly at a fillet to create an upstand which is layered between the front surface of the backing substrate, and the offset portion of the rear surface of the elongate member of the cladding bracket.

[0006] Secondly, the upper location of the upper mount ensures that whatever fixing connects the upper mount to the backing substrate would be located above the top edge of the upstand of the waterproofing membrane. Therefore, the fixing does not pierce the waterproofing membrane.

[0007] The cladding bracket enables the upstand of the waterproofing membrane to be located in front of the backing substrate, therefore obviating the need for the waterproofing membrane to pass under the backing substrate along an interior floor slab of the building.

[0008] Furthermore, since the waterproofing membrane has an upstand outside the building, there is no need for the floor slab inside the building to have a cast-in lip allowing an upstand to be formed in the waterproofing membrane.

[0009] Furthermore, since the waterproofing membrane does not pass under the backing substrate, it does not need to support a weight load of the backing substrate if the backing substrate is ground-supported. This protects the waterproofing membrane against damage and compromised performance.

[0010] Optionally, a thickness of the gap defined by the offset portion is selected from the range at least 4mm to less than 20mm. An advantage of the lower limit is that the gap is sized to accommodate a range of waterproofing membrane thicknesses. An advantage of the upper limit is that the cavity thickness between the backing substrate and the cladding element is minimised. Any lower limits and upper limits defined in this specification may be claimed together or separately.

[0011] Optionally, the offset portion is elongate such that the gap is shaped as a downwardly extending slot, and wherein a bottom edge of the elongate member defines a downwards-facing entrance of the slot. This advantageously allows a lower cladding support of the cladding support arrangement to be located far below the top edge of the upstand of the waterproofing membrane. Therefore, the waterproofing membrane can extend upwardly by a long distance behind the cladding element and cladding bracket.

[0012] Optionally, the cladding bracket comprises a plate.

[0013] Optionally, the plate comprises the elongate member and the upper mount.

[0014] An advantage of the elongate member being part of a plate is that the plate presents a large surface area, to spread the load transferred from the elongate member to the upstand of the waterproofing membrane.

[0015] Optionally, the plate has a maximum dimension in a forward direction which is less than half or less than a quarter of a maximum dimension of the plate in a vertical direction. Optionally, the cladding bracket has a maximum dimension in a forward direction which is less than half or less than a quarter of a maximum dimension of the cladding bracket in a vertical direction. An advantage is that a cavity thickness between the cladding element and the backing substrate is minimised.

[0016] Optionally, the upper mount and elongate member are integrally formed.

[0017] Optionally, the upper mount and elongate member are integrally formed portions of the plate.

[0018] Optionally, the cladding bracket comprises a cranked portion (also referred to as a ramp or step) between the rear surfaces of the upper mount and the elongate member, wherein the offset portion extends from an end of the elongate member to the cranked portion. An advantage is that plate bending has a low tooling cost.

[0019] Optionally, the cranked portion is defined by plate bends.

[0020] Optionally, the cladding support arrangement is supported by the offset portion defined by the elongate member.

[0021] Optionally, the upper mount is configured to receive most or substantially all of a weight load received by the cladding bracket. An advantage is that weight loads are transmitted above the top edge of the upstand of the waterproofing membrane, rather than through the waterproofing membrane.

[0022] Optionally, the upper mount comprises a hanging point.

[0023] Optionally, the hanging point comprises a hole configured to receive a fixing such as a mechanical fastener.

[0024] Optionally, the upper mount comprises a plurality of the hanging points. An advantage is that if one hanging point is unsuitable or obstructed, a different one can be used.

[0025] Optionally, a set of the plurality of hanging points are horizontally spaced across the upper mount. An advantage is that if one hanging point is too close to a left or right edge of the backing substrate, a different one can be used to prevent edge damage to the backing substrate, e.g., spalling.

[0026] Optionally, a set of the plurality of hanging points are vertically spaced from each other. An advantage is that if the upper hanging point is too close to a joint or other obstruction, the lower one can be used, and vice versa.

[0027] Optionally, the plurality of hanging points are horizontally slotted. An advantage is providing tolerance, while allowing for a non-slip weight-bearing connection.

[0028] Optionally, the or each hanging point is located above the top edge of the upstand of the waterproofing membrane, in use. Optionally, the or each hanging point is located above the cranked portion mentioned above.

[0029] Optionally, the cladding bracket comprises a lower mount, wherein the lower mount is securable to the backing substrate. An advantage of the lower mount is that a lower, lateral restraint is provided. An advantage of the lower mount in addition to the upper mount is resistance to left and right swaying of the cladding bracket about the upper mount.

[0030] Optionally, the upper mount is in an upper half of the cladding bracket and the lower mount is in a lower half of the cladding bracket.

[0031] Optionally, the lower mount is located below the cranked portion mentioned above.

[0032] Optionally, the upper mount is configured to be weight-bearing and the lower mount is configured to be non-weight bearing.

[0033] Optionally, the elongate member comprises the lower mount. Optionally, the offset portion defined by the elongate member comprises the lower mount.

[0034] Optionally, the lower mount is planar (e.g., flat), the upper mount is planar (e.g., flat), and wherein the lower mount is parallel to the upper mount and forwardly offset relative to the upper mount.

[0035] Optionally, the top edge of the upstand of the waterproofing membrane is located above the lower mount, in use. Although a fixing for the lower mount may perforate the upstand of the waterproofing membrane to reach the backing substrate, a sealant could be added before the fixing is inserted, to form a seal around the perforation.

[0036] Optionally, the lower mount comprises a fixing point.

[0037] Optionally, the fixing point of the lower mount comprises a hole configured to receive a fixing such as a mechanical fastener.

[0038] Optionally, in use, the fixing is loose (e.g., un-torqued, less than a full tightness) and is configured to provide a lateral restraint, and wherein the upper mount is configured to substantially bear a weight load of the cladding bracket and cladding element.

[0039] An advantage is that the fixing of the upper, weight-bearing mount is above the waterproofing membrane, while the fixing of the lower, non-weight-bearing mount can perforate the waterproofing membrane and will encounter minimal weight-induced movement (e.g., strain, creep) that might compromise a watertightness of the perforation of the waterproofing membrane.

[0040] Optionally, in use, no more than one fixing is connected to the lower mount, even if the lower mount comprises a plurality of fixing points. An advantage is improved waterproofing because the waterproofing membrane is perforated only once for the cladding bracket, which makes it easier to reinstate a waterproof seal.

[0041] Optionally, the fixing point is located below the cladding support arrangement, or above a lower part (e.g., lower cladding support) of the cladding support arrangement. An advantage of locating a fixing point below the cladding support arrangement is preventing interference between the fixing (e.g., fastener head) and the rear surface of the cladding element, in embodiments where the cavity thickness between the cladding element and the backing substrate is minimal. An advantage of a higher fixing point is that it can be used if a ground elevation is high such that a low fixing point cannot be used (e.g., part of a sawn-off bottom of the cladding bracket).

[0042] Optionally, the lower mount comprises a plurality of the fixing points. An advantage is that if one fixing point is unsuitable or obstructed, a different one can be used.

[0043] Optionally, a set of the plurality of fixing points of the lower mount are horizontally spaced across the upper mount. An advantage is that if one fixing point is too close to a left or right edge of the backing substrate, a different one can be used to prevent edge damage to the backing substrate, e.g., spalling.

[0044] Optionally, a set of the plurality of fixing points of the lower mount are vertically spaced from each other. An advantage is that if the upper fixing point is too close to a joint or other obstruction, the lower one can be used, and vice versa.

[0045] Optionally, an upper one of the vertically spaced fixing points of the lower mount is above the lower part of the cladding support arrangement, and a lower one of the vertically spaced fixing points of the lower mount is below the lower part of the cladding support arrangement. An advantage of the upper fixing point is that it can be used if a ground floor slab extends above the lower fixing point.

[0046] Optionally, the elongate member comprises a lower extension extending below the cladding support arrangement, and wherein the or each fixing point which is below the cladding support arrangement is formed in the lower extension.

[0047] Optionally, the offset portion defined by the elongate member comprises the lower extension.

[0048] Optionally, the plurality of fixing points of the lower mount are vertically slotted, or are larger in diameter than a shank of the fixing / than the holes of the upper mount. An advantage is providing vertical tolerance for the cladding bracket.

[0049] Optionally, the cladding support arrangement comprises a lower cladding support configured to support a lower surface of the cladding element.

[0050] Optionally, the lower surface of the cladding element is an underside surface of the cladding element.

[0051] Optionally, the lower cladding support is configured to support a lower corner region of the cladding element.

[0052] Optionally, a pair of the cladding brackets are configured to support respective lower corner regions of the cladding element.

[0053] Optionally, the lower cladding support comprises a prop configured to support the cladding element.

[0054] Optionally, the prop has an adjustable height. Optionally, the prop has a continuously adjustable height. Optionally, the prop comprises a set screw. Optionally, the set screw is configured so that tightening the set screw raises the prop, and loosening the set screw lowers the prop.

[0055] Alternatively, or additionally, the lower cladding support has an adjustable height relative to the elongate member. Optionally, the lower cladding support has an incrementally adjustable height relative to the elongate member.

[0056] In an optional first variant of the cladding bracket, the lower cladding support is configured to support a pair of adjacent cladding elements in a row of cladding elements. Optionally, the lower cladding support of the first variant comprises a plurality of / pair of the props, each configured to support a different one of the pair of adjacent cladding elements. Optionally, the props are spaced laterally from each other.

[0057] In an optional second variant of the cladding bracket, the lower cladding support is configured to support only one cladding element. For example, the lower cladding support of the second variant is optionally configured to support an edge cladding element in a row of cladding elements. Optionally, the lower cladding support of the second variant comprises one prop / fewer props than the first variant.

[0058] Optionally, a cladding system comprises both variants of the cladding bracket, wherein the first variant is located between cladding elements of a row of cladding elements, and wherein the second variant is located at an edge of the row.

[0059] Optionally, the lower cladding support comprises a raised front lip.

[0060] Optionally, the lower cladding support defines a channel behind the raised front lip.

[0061] Optionally, the lower cladding support comprises a platform and the raised front lip, and wherein in use, the cladding element is connected to the raised front lip and / or platform by a sealant.

[0062] Therefore, an advantage of the raised front lip is providing a channel for filler material, and / or restraining the lower front edge of the cladding element. Optionally, the filler material comprises grout and / or mortar.

[0063] Optionally, the cladding support arrangement comprises an upper cladding support configured to support an upper surface portion of the cladding element.

[0064] Optionally, the cladding support arrangement comprises the lower cladding support and the upper cladding support.

[0065] Optionally, a vertical spacing between the upper mount and lower mount is greater than a vertical spacing between the upper cladding support and lower cladding support.

[0066] Optionally, the lower cladding support and the upper cladding support are supported by the elongate member and are each supported in use by the upper mount.

[0067] Optionally, the upper surface portion of the cladding element is an upper side surface or top surface of the cladding element. An advantage is that the upper cladding support prevents the top of the cladding element from tilting forwards, as well as optionally providing restraint in other directions.

[0068] Optionally, the upper cladding support is located at an upper half of the cladding bracket to support the upper surface portion of the cladding element.

[0069] Optionally, the cladding bracket comprises a forwardly extending flange supported by the offset portion and / or upper mount, wherein the flange comprises the upper cladding support.

[0070] Optionally, the flange is supported by the offset portion defined by the elongate member.

[0071] Optionally, the elongate member comprises a transverse section and the flange, wherein the flange extends forward of the transverse section.

[0072] Optionally, the offset portion defined by the elongate member comprises the transverse section and the flange.

[0073] Optionally, the flange is connected to the transverse section by an upright plate bend.

[0074] Optionally, if the cladding bracket comprises a plate as mentioned above, the plate may comprise the transverse section and the flange.

[0075] Optionally, the flange is elongate and upright, and extends to the lower cladding support towards its lower end.

[0076] Optionally, a front of the flange is configured as a spacer to set a joint spacing between adjacent cladding elements in a row, creating a joint gap therebetween.

[0077] Optionally, the front of the flange is at least as far forward of the upper mount as a centre of the prop of the lower cladding support. An advantage is that the cladding bracket helps to set the vertical gap between cladding elements, before it is pointed (e.g., grouted / mortared).

[0078] Optionally, the front of the flange is recessed relative to a front part (e.g., raised front lip) of the cladding bracket, such that in use the front of the flange is recessed in the joint gap to provide space for joint sealing material (e.g., settable material and / or cementitious material such as mortar or grout). Therefore, the front of the flange is less far forward of the upper mount than the front face of the adjacent cladding elements. An advantage is that a frontal gap exists between the adjacent cladding elements, which can be filled with joint sealing material.

[0079] Optionally, the flange has a front edge thickness or constant thickness selected from the range 2mm to 8mm.

[0080] Optionally, the flange has a variable front projection distance along its height. For example, this may accommodate a variable depth of the joint sealing material.

[0081] Optionally, the flange has a first front projection distance at the upper cladding support, and a second front projection distance beneath the upper cladding support, shorter than the first front projection distance. An advantage is that a greater joint sealing depth can be achieved wherever the front projection distance is shorter.

[0082] Optionally, the flange comprises a front edge recess defining the variable front projection distance.

[0083] Optionally, the upper cladding support comprises an attachment point configured to receive a connector for supporting the upper surface portion of the cladding element.

[0084] Optionally, the attachment point of the upper cladding support comprises a hole configured to receive a connector such as a dowel.

[0085] Optionally, the hole is a through-hole.

[0086] Optionally, the hole is formed in the flange. In use, the dowel may be pushed through the hole into an aligned drilled hole in the cladding element.

[0087] Optionally, the upper cladding support comprises one or more of the attachment points. Optionally, at least one of the attachment points is forward of the set screw as defined above. This relationship of the attachment can help to prevent forward overturning of the cladding element. Optionally, in use, at least one of the attachment points is forward of a centre of mass of the cladding element.

[0088] Optionally, the upper cladding support comprises a plurality of the attachment points. An advantage is that if one attachment point is unsuitable or obstructed, a different one can be used.

[0089] Optionally, a set of the plurality of attachment points of the upper cladding support are forwardly spaced relative to each other. An advantage is that if an attachment point is too close to a front or rear face of the cladding element, a different one can be used to prevent edge damage to the cladding element.

[0090] Optionally, a set of the plurality of attachment points of the upper cladding support are vertically spaced from each other. An advantage is that if an upper attachment point is too close to a top face of the cladding element or other obstruction, a lower one can be used.

[0091] In the optional first variant of the cladding bracket, the upper cladding support above the lower cladding support may be aligned between left and right sides (e.g., left and right props) of the lower cladding support, wherein the left side (e.g., left prop) of the lower cladding support is configured to support a left cladding element of the adjacent cladding elements of the row, and wherein the right side (e.g., right prop) of the lower cladding support is configured to support a right cladding element of the adjacent cladding elements of the row.

[0092] In the optional first variant, the upper cladding support may be located in a central region between left and right sides of the cladding bracket.

[0093] Optionally, in use, the connector (e.g., dowel) through the upper cladding support interconnects the left and right cladding elements.

[0094] In the optional second variant of the cladding bracket, the upper cladding support above the lower cladding support may be located substantially to a left or right side of the lower cladding support (e.g., prop of the lower cladding support). This is because the second variant is for supporting the edge cladding element of the row. The second variant may therefore have handedness.

[0095] In the optional second variant, the upper cladding support may be located substantially to a left or right side of the cladding bracket.

[0096] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a cladding system comprising the cladding bracket, and one or more of: the backing substrate; or the cladding element.

[0097] Optionally, the cladding system further comprises the waterproofing membrane.

[0098] Optionally, the cladding system comprises a plurality of the cladding brackets, and a plurality of the cladding elements, wherein the plurality of cladding brackets are configured to support the plurality of cladding elements.

[0099] Optionally, the cladding system comprises first and second variants of the cladding brackets, wherein the first variant cladding brackets are configured to support pairs of adjacent cladding elements in a row, and wherein the second variant cladding brackets are configured to support single cladding elements in the row.

[0100] Optionally, the plurality of cladding brackets are configured to support the plurality of cladding elements in a row. The row of cladding elements may even extend around one or more corners.

[0101] Optionally, the cladding system further comprises one or more of the fixings, set screws, and / or connectors as defined earlier.

[0102] Optionally, in use, the cladding bracket is located in a cavity between the backing substrate and the cladding element.

[0103] Depending on the supply chain, the above parts may be sourced from one or more suppliers. The cladding brackets may either come pre-attached to the backing substrate or may be attached on-site.

[0104] Optionally, the backing substrate is a backing panel.

[0105] Optionally, the backing substrate comprises a layer formed from cementitious material.

[0106] Optionally, the cementitious material comprises concrete.

[0107] Optionally, the layer is a backing layer, and wherein the backing substrate further comprises a plurality of cast-in cladding elements, cast into the backing layer. An advantage is improved operational efficiency because off-site construction is used.

[0108] Optionally, the cladding bracket is configured to position the cladding element substantially flush with one or more of the plurality of cast-in cladding elements.

[0109] Optionally, the backing layer of the backing substrate comprises a front face, wherein a first portion of the front face is concealed by the cast-in cladding elements, wherein a second portion of the front face is adjacent to the cast-in cladding elements, uncovered by the cast-in cladding elements, and recessed relative to front faces of the cast-in cladding elements, and wherein the cladding bracket is secured to the second portion of the front face of the backing layer, to support the cladding element such that a front face of the cladding element is substantially flush with the front faces of the cast-in cladding elements.

[0110] Optionally, the backing substrate comprises one or more upper rows of the cast-in cladding elements, and wherein the cladding bracket is configured to support one or more cladding elements of a lower row of cladding elements. An advantage of adding the lower row on-site is that waterproofing systems can be installed behind the lower row prior to installing the lower row.

[0111] Optionally, the cast-in cladding elements are formed from a same material class as the cladding element supported by the cladding bracket. Optionally, the cast-in cladding elements are formed from a same material as the cladding element supported by the cladding bracket.

[0112] Optionally, an edge of the cladding element supported by the cladding bracket is connected to an edge of at least one of the cast-in cladding elements by joint sealing material (e.g., mortar, grout), in use.

[0113] Optionally, the cladding element comprises stone, such as natural stone or artificial stone. Alternatively, the cladding element comprises one or more of: fired clay; terracotta; concrete; aluminium; other metal.

[0114] Optionally, the cladding element is tile shaped or brick shaped or in sheet form.

[0115] Optionally, the waterproofing membrane extends between the cladding bracket and the backing substrate.

[0116] Optionally, the waterproofing membrane extends between the cladding bracket and the backing substrate such that a top edge of the waterproofing membrane is located in the gap between the offset portion and the backing substrate.

[0117] Optionally, the waterproofing membrane comprises a deck portion and an upstand connected to the deck portion.

[0118] Optionally, the upstand of the waterproofing membrane extends up the second portion of the above-mentioned front face of the backing layer of the backing substrate, into the gap between the second portion of the front face and the offset portion.

[0119] Optionally, the waterproofing membrane is flexible such that the upstand of the waterproofing membrane is connected to the deck portion by a folded fillet.

[0120] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method of installing the cladding system as defined above, the method comprising: installing the waterproofing membrane; securing the cladding bracket to the backing substrate, wherein an upstand of the waterproofing membrane extends up the gap between the cladding bracket and the backing substrate; and securing the cladding element to the cladding support arrangement of the cladding bracket.

[0121] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a cladding bracket comprising: a mount securable to a backing substrate; a member extending from the upper mount; and a cladding support arrangement configured to receive a cladding element. This statement supports a cladding bracket without the offset portion, and with any one or more of the preceding optional features.

[0122] For example, according to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a cladding bracket comprising: an upper mount securable to a backing substrate; an elongate member extending downwardly from the upper mount; a cladding support arrangement below the upper mount, extending forwardly from the elongate member, wherein the cladding support arrangement is configured to receive a cladding element; and a lower mount securable to the backing substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0123] For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example cladding system; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an example cladding system; FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example cladding element; FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional elevation of an example cladding system; FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example cladding bracket; FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation of an example cladding bracket; FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a variant cladding bracket; and FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate height adjustability of a lower cladding support relative to an elongate member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0124] A cladding system 100 is first described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. The cladding system 100 firstly comprises a backing substrate in the form of a backing panel 102.

[0125] The cladding system 100 further comprises a plurality of cladding brackets 112 secured to a lower part of a front face 106 of a backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102.

[0126] The cladding system 100 further comprises a plurality of cladding elements in the form of stone cladding tiles 108, 170, which are secured to the cladding brackets 112. The cladding tiles 108, 170 may be formed from natural stone (e.g., granite or sandstone) or artificial stone. Aspects of the invention are also applicable to other forms of cladding elements than stone tiles, such as: fired clay; terracotta; concrete; aluminium; or other metals. Furthermore, instead of tiles, sheet or brick forms may be used.

[0127] The cladding system 100 further comprises a waterproofing membrane 184 to prevent water from entering an interior dry side of the cladding system 100.

[0128] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate front perspective views of the cladding system 100, as viewed from outside a building.

[0129] FIGS. 1-2 show two vertical upright backing panels 102 alongside each other, to demonstrate that a plurality of pre-cast backing panels 102 may be erected alongside each other to form a continuous cladding of a building.

[0130] Each backing panel 102 comprises a backing layer 104 which is hidden from view by an array of cladding tiles 108, 170. The cladding tiles 108, 170 comprise several upper rows of cast-in cladding tiles 108 which were pre-cast into the backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102 prior to delivery to the construction site. The cladding tiles further comprise a lower row 182 (e.g., bottom row) of attachable cladding tiles 170 which are installed on-site, after the waterproofing membrane 184 has been laid. This is represented by the exploded view of FIG. 2.

[0131] In some examples, the backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102 is formed from concrete.

[0132] In some examples, the cladding system 100 can be hung from an upper floor of the building without excessive deadload. However, in some implementations, the backing panel 102 may be at least partially or completely ground-supported and may rest on an underlying shim arrangement 194 shown in FIG. 4.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower row 182 of cladding tiles 170 may be generally flush with the overlying rows of cast-in cladding tiles 108 so that their front faces are generally flush. The gaps between the cladding tiles 108, 170 of all the rows may be filled with a joint sealing material such as mortar or grout.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 2, the cladding brackets 112 are located in a concealed cavity 110 between the backing panel 102 and the cladding tiles 170, so that the cladding brackets 112 are concealed behind the cladding tiles 170.

[0135] FIG. 2 further shows the laid waterproofing membrane 184. The waterproofing membrane 184 can be formed from bitumen, for example. Its thickness may be from the range 4mm to 15mm, for example.

[0136] The waterproofing membrane 184, when laid, comprises a deck portion 186 and an upstand 190. The deck portion is also referred to as a horizontal portion or ground portion. The deck portion 186 of the waterproofing membrane 184 extends to the front bottom corner of the backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102, and is flexed up at a fillet 188 to extend up the front face 106 of the backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102. This vertically extending section of the waterproofing membrane 184 is referred to as an upstand 190.

[0137] The cladding brackets 112 have been configured to allow the upstand 190 of the waterproofing membrane 184 to extend behind them. The top edge 192 of the waterproofing membrane 184 is located behind the cladding brackets 112, and below the top edge of the row 182 of cladding tiles 170.

[0138] In the Figures, the waterproofing membrane 184 is located wholly to the exterior side (wet side) of the backing panel 102. The waterproofing membrane 184 does not pass under the backing panel 102, so the shim arrangement 194 of FIG. 4 does not rest on the waterproofing membrane 184.

[0139] FIG. 3 illustrates a cladding tile 170 in more detail. The cladding tile 170 comprises a front surface 172, a rear surface 174, a lower surface 176, left and right side surfaces 178, and a top surface 180. If the cladding tile 170 is cuboidal as shown, these are a front face, a back face, a bottom face, left and right side faces, and a top face, respectively.

[0140] The exact geometry of the cladding tile 170 is related to architectural requirements and is outside the scope of this disclosure.

[0141] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a first design of the cladding bracket 112A in more detail. FIG. 4 illustrates the cladding bracket 112A along with the other components of the cladding system 100. FIGS. 5-6 illustrate views of the cladding bracket 112A alone.

[0142] The cladding bracket 112A is configured to support the lower corner regions and side surfaces 178 of a pair of adjacent cladding tiles 170 of the lower row 182 of cladding tiles 170. The left and right lower corner regions and left and right side surfaces 178 of a given cladding tile 170 are supported by a pair of the cladding brackets 112A, with one supporting the left lower corner region and left side surface 178 of the cladding tile 170, and the other supporting the right lower corner region and right side surface 178 of the cladding tile 170.

[0143] The cladding bracket 112A comprises an elongate main plate 114 defining a main body of the cladding bracket 112A. The cladding bracket 112A further comprises a forwardly protruding lower plate 161 attached to the front surface of the main plate 114. The plates may be formed from metal such as steel.

[0144] The illustrated elongate main plate 114 is upright and has an L-shaped cross-section. The L-shaped cross-section comprises a transverse section 142 (web), and a flange 144. Different cross-section shapes are possible.

[0145] The lower plate 161 is cantilevered forward of the main plate 114, and provides a lower cladding support 156. The lower plate 161 is elongate in a horizontal left-right direction, and is horizontally level. The lower plate 161 has an open-top U-shaped and / or L-shaped cross-section. This defines a channel, the channel extending horizontally, perpendicular to the main plate 114, and in generally the same left-right direction as the elongate lower surface 176 of the cladding tile 170. Different cross-section shapes are possible.

[0146] The lower plate 161 may be slot welded to the web 142 of the main plate 114, for example. Other connection types are possible.

[0147] The web 142 of the main plate 114 extends parallel to the front face 106 of the backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102. It is also parallel to the rear surface 174 of the cladding tile 170.

[0148] Whereas the web 142 of the main plate 114 is located directly behind the rear surface 174 of a cladding tile 170, the flange 144 of the main plate 114 extends forwardly away from the web 142, into the gap / joint between adjacent cladding tiles 170. The front edge 146 of the flange 144 therefore acts as a joint spacer, and is subsequently covered with joint sealing material in the finished cladding system 100. The thickness of the flange 144 defines the spacer. The thickness of the flange 144 may be selected from the range 2mm to 8mm.

[0149] The web 142 of the main plate 114 comprises a cranked portion 124 (kink / ramp) located proximal to its top end.

[0150] The portion of the web 142 of the main plate 114 which is above the cranked portion 124 comprises a plurality of horizontally-slotted through-holes defining hanging points 122. Therefore, this portion of the main plate 114 is referred to as an upper mount 116. The upper mount 116 comprises a flat front surface 118 and a flat rear surface 120, and comprises the hanging points 122 which are holes connecting the surfaces 118, 120. A fixing such as a screw or bolt can be inserted through any one of the hanging points 122 and anchored to the backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102.

[0151] The lower elongate member 126 (strip) of the web 142 of the main plate 114 which is below the cranked portion 124, which makes up the majority of the length (vertical height) of the main plate 114, is referred to herein as a cranked member 126.

[0152] The cranked portion 124 creates a forward offset of the cranked member 126 relative to the upper mount 116. The cranked member 126 is offset forward of the upper mount 116 by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the upstand 190 of the waterproofing membrane 184. This creates a gap 134 behind the cranked member 126 with a downwards-facing entrance 136 at the bottom of the cranked member 126, to prevent interference with the upstand 190 of the waterproofing membrane 184.

[0153] The cranked member 126 may extend parallel to the upper mount 116, and offset forwardly from the upper mount 116.

[0154] The cranked member 126 of the web 142 of the main plate 114 may be referred to as an offset portion 128 of the cladding bracket 112A, having a front surface 130 and rear surface 132. As shown in FIG. 4, the upstand 190 of the waterproofing membrane 184 extends in the gap 134 behind the rear surface 132 of the cranked member 126 of the web 142, and in front of the backing layer 104, to a top edge 192 of the waterproofing membrane 184 below the cranked portion 124.

[0155] The cranked portion 124 extends the full thickness of the web 142 of the main plate 114, wherein the front and rear surfaces 130, 132 of the cranked member 126 are each forwardly offset relative to the respective front and rear surfaces 118, 120 of the upper mount 116. In another embodiment, the cranked portion 124 is formed only in the rear of the web 142, so that only the rear surfaces 120, 132 are cranked.

[0156] The cranked member 126 of the web 142 of the main plate 114 is supported from above by the upper mount 116, when a fixing is used to fasten one of the hanging points 122 to the backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102.

[0157] The user can choose between several horizontally and vertically staggered hanging points 122 of the upper mount 116, to avoid any obstructions and ensure an adequate distance to the edge of the backing layer 104 to prevent concrete spalling.

[0158] The cranked member 126 of the web 142 of the main plate 114 comprises a further series of holes towards its bottom edge 140, collectively defining fixing points 152 of a lower mount 150. When a fixing such as a screw or bolt is inserted through any one of the fixing points 152 and embedded in the backing layer 104 of the backing panel 102, the lower half of the cladding bracket 112A is restrained from rotating left or right (clockwise or counterclockwise) about the upper mount 116. It is also restrained from flexing forwardly away from the backing panel 102.

[0159] The fixing through the lower mount 150 may perforate the upstand 190 of the waterproofing membrane 184, so it may be desirable to use sealant to reinstate the waterproofing. This is done by drilling through the membrane 184 and then inserting a bitumen or other sealant type material into the hole 152 and then inserting the fixing.

[0160] It may also be desirable to avoid transmitting weight loads through the lower mount 150. Therefore, the illustrated fixing points 152 are vertically-slotted holes. Furthermore, the installer can avoid torquing the fixing to its full torque. As a result, the weight loads all pass through the upper mount 116 and avoid the waterproofing membrane 184.

[0161] If fixings are inserted through multiple hanging points 122 of the upper mount 116, then the cladding bracket 112A may not be susceptible to rotation so the lower mount 150 may be omitted or not used. However, it may not always be possible to use multiple hanging points 122 of the upper mount 116.

[0162] Furthermore, even if the cladding bracket 112A is not susceptible to rotation, the bottom may flex away from the backing panel 102 unless the lower mount 150 is used.

[0163] One or more of the fixing points 152 of the lower mount 150 are located on a lower extension 138 of the web 142 which extends below the lower plate 161 to a bottom edge 140 of the cranked member 126. Furthermore, one or more further fixing points 152 of the lower mount 150 are located above the lower plate 161.

[0164] Any fixings below the lower plate 161 remain accessible even after the cladding tile 170 has been fitted onto the lower plate 161, whereas any fixings above the lower plate 161 would be concealed behind the cladding tile 170.

[0165] Where possible, it would be advantageous to insert the fixing into one of the lower fixing points 152 below the lower plate 161, so that the head of the fixing does not interfere with the rear surface 174 of the cladding tile 170. However, in some construction projects, the ground level may be too high so the extension 138 may be cut off, necessitating the use of the higher fixing points 152. A fixing with a smaller head may be appropriate for the higher holes, to prevent interference with the cladding tile 170.

[0166] Turning now to the flange 144 of the main plate 114 which extends forwardly from the web 142, the cranked member 126 of the main plate 114 comprises a vertically extending plate fold which creates the flange 144 defining the L-shaped cross-section.

[0167] For ease of manufacture, the upper end of the flange 144 terminates below the cranked portion 124. Therefore, only the cranked member 126 of the main plate 114 comprises the flange 144, and not the upper mount 116.

[0168] The lower end of the flange 144 extends to the lower plate 161, where it may or may not be connected to the lower plate 161. If it is connected, this improves stiffness.

[0169] When the cladding tile 170 is secured to the cladding bracket 112A, it may be desirable to provide adjustability to ensure a uniform joint between cladding tiles 170.

[0170] Therefore, the cladding bracket 112A defining the lower cladding support 156 comprises a pair of height-adjustable props 158 in the form of set screws 160, which are mounted to a platform section of the lower plate 161. These set screws 160 form part of the lower cladding support 156.

[0171] Each set screw 160 is for a different one of a pair of adjacent cladding tiles 170 in the lower row 182. One set screw 160 supports the lower left corner region of one of the cladding tiles 170, and the other set screw 160 supports the lower right corner region of another of the cladding tiles 170.

[0172] The flange 144 is centrally located between the set screws 160, extending into the joint between the adjacent cladding tiles 170 and covered by joint sealing material.

[0173] The upper tips of the set screws 160 urge against the lower surface 176 (underside) of the respective cladding tile 170. When tightened, the set screws 160 lift the cladding tiles 170. When loosened, the set screws 160 lower the cladding tiles 170. The set screws 160 therefore usefully allow the joint width above the row 182 of cladding tiles 170 to be controlled.

[0174] The set screws 160 support the weight of the cladding tiles 170. The weight load of the cladding tiles 170 extends from the set screws 160 to the lower plate 161, then to the cranked member 126 of the web 142 of the main plate 114, then to the upper mount 116.

[0175] It would be appreciated that other forms of height-adjustable lower supports can be provided.

[0176] The lower plate 161 further comprises a raised front lip 162 (web) in front of the set screws 160. This prevents the cladding tile 170 from slipping forwardly off the set screws 160. Furthermore, if the bottom of the flange 144 extends all the way to the lower plate 161, the front edge 146 of the flange 144 can help to prevent the cladding tile 170 from slipping rearwardly off the set screws 160.

[0177] The raised front lip 162 would not be visible in use despite its location in front of the cladding tile 170, because it would be slightly below ground level once groundworks are complete.

[0178] To further secure the cladding tile 170 to the lower plate 161, a filler material may be applied into the U-shaped lower plate 161 which defines a form of channel, to seal the cladding tile 170 against the lower plate 161. For example, mastic or foam filler material can be used to seal the sides of the channel, and grout may be poured into the channel to provide solid secure adhesion.

[0179] The height of the set screws 160 allow the filler material to flow underneath the bottom of the cladding tile 170 and extend to the rear side of the cladding tile 170.

[0180] When the cladding tile 170 is secured to the cladding bracket 112A, it may be desirable to provide multiple points of restraint, and not just the lower cladding support 156.

[0181] Therefore, the cladding bracket 112A comprises a cladding support arrangement 154 defined by both the lower cladding support 156 and an upper cladding support 164 for supporting the cladding tile 170, which is now described.

[0182] The flange 144 of the cranked member 126 of the main plate 114 comprises the upper cladding support 164, to provide an additional form of restraint of the cladding tiles 170, against forwards tipping of the cladding tiles 170.

[0183] The upper cladding support 164 is created by a plurality of attachment points 166 (through-holes) formed through the flange 144. A dowel 168 (pin) can be inserted through one of the attachment points 166 into a drilled hole in an upper portion of the side surface 178 of the cladding tile 170. The multiple horizontally and vertically spaced attachment points 166 provides a choice of locations for the installer.

[0184] It would be appreciated that a dowel 168 is not the only form of connector for an upper cladding support 164.

[0185] During installation, an installer can first place a first cladding tile 170 between a pair of cladding brackets 112A, resting on one set screw 160 of each one the pair of cladding brackets 112A. Once the installer has tilted the first cladding tile 170 rearwardly into its final position and set the height of the cladding tile 170 using the set screws 160, the installer can drill a hole into the side surface 178 of the first cladding tile 170, aligned with one of the attachment points 166. The installer then tilts the first cladding tile 170 forward.

[0186] The installer then places a second cladding tile 170, with one side resting on the other set screw 160 of the cladding bracket 112A and its other side resting on the set screw 160 of another cladding bracket 112A in the row. The second cladding tile 170 is tilted into position and its height is set, then the installer drills a hole into the side surface 178 of the second cladding tile 170.

[0187] The installer then tilts up the first cladding tile 170 and inserts a first dowel 168 through the attachment point 166 and into the drilled hole of the first cladding tile 170, along with a piece of string looping round the end of the dowel 168. The dowel 168 is 'over inserted'. This secures the first cladding tile 170. The first cladding tile 170 is now restrained by the dowel 168 against forwards, rearwards, upwards, and downwards translation as well as forwards or rearwards tipping.

[0188] The installer then places and drills a third cladding tile 170 next to the second one, and tilts it down. The second cladding tile 170 is then tilted rearwardly into its final position and a second dowel 168 with a piece of string is inserted into the hole. The string from the first dowel 168 is inserted into the hole. The string from the first dowel 168 is then pulled, pushing the first dowel 168 half out of the first cladding tile 170 and into the hole of the second cladding tile 170, with the attachment point 166 therebetween. The third tile 170 is then rocked into place and the cycle repeats.

[0189] The attachment points 166 are close to, or in front of, the centre of mass of the cladding tile 170. For example, the horizontal forwards distance of the attachment points 166 from the upper mount 116 is about 80-120%, or 90-110%, of the horizontal forwards distance of the centre of the set screw 160 from the upper mount 116.

[0190] As a result of one or more of the attachment points 166 in the flange 144 being quite far forward, the front edge 146 of the flange 144 at the upper cladding support 164 may be projected further forward than would be ideal for providing a minimum cover depth of the joint sealing material (e.g., grout / mortar between cladding tiles 170). Therefore, the flange 144 comprises a front edge recess 148 below the upper cladding support 164, along which the front edge 146 of the flange 144 is recessed to provide a greater cover depth for receiving joint sealing material.

[0191] The illustrated front edge recess 148 is elongate in the vertical direction. In examples, the front edge recess 148 may reach the front face of the web 142. Furthermore, the front edge recess 148 and could be a length ranging from 50mm to 1000mm.

[0192] Alternatively, or additionally, other examples, the front edge 146 of the flange 144 may comprise a set of individual front edge recesses in the form of notches. Notching out the flange 144 provides space for tile spacers.

[0193] Beneath the front edge recess 148, the flange 144 may increase in forward projection again to create a ramp-like lead-in surface 196 extending towards the set screws 160. This is to lead the lower surface 176 (underside) of a cladding tile 170 onto the tops of the set screws 160, as the cladding tile 170 is being lowered onto one of the set screws 160.

[0194] FIG. 7 illustrates a variant of the cladding bracket 112B which is for securing the edge cladding tile 170 at the edge of a row 182 of cladding tiles 170. Since only one cladding tile needs to be supported, the cladding bracket 112B is narrower than 112A.

[0195] FIG. 7 shows that the main plate 114 may be the same to ensure shared parts, but the lower plate 161 is shorter in the width dimension. The lower plate 161 may be cut to a shorter width, terminating at the flange 144 of the main plate 114. Only one set screw 160 is attached to the lower plate 161, at whichever side of the flange 144 the lower plate 161 is on.

[0196] Therefore, the flange 144 of the main plate 114 no longer represents the centre of the cladding bracket 112B. The flange 144 is now either a left or right edge of the cladding bracket 112B.

[0197] It would be appreciated that either variant of the cladding bracket 112A, 112B may be taken alone or in combination. For example, a left handed cladding bracket 112B (FIG. 7) and right handed variant thereof can perform the same function as the cladding bracket 112A of FIGS. 4-6 when located alongside each other. Alternatively, both types of cladding bracket 112A, 112B can be supplied for a construction project.

[0198] In the preceding description, a method of installation of the cladding system 100 is defined. The method comprises: a) installing the waterproofing membrane 184; b) securing the cladding bracket 112 to the backing panel 102, wherein the upstand 190 of the waterproofing membrane 184 extends up the gap 134 between the cladding bracket 112 and the backing panel 102; and c) securing the cladding tile 170 to the cladding support arrangement 154 of the cladding bracket 112.

[0199] Operation b) can comprise applying fixings to the upper and lower mounts 116, 150, or just the upper mount 116.

[0200] Operation c) may comprise placing the cladding tile 170 such that a left lower corner region of the cladding tile 170 rests on a set screw 160 of a first cladding bracket 112, and a right lower corner region of the cladding tile 170 rests on a set screw 160 of a second cladding bracket 112. The set screws 160 are then tightened or loosened. The upper holes for the dowels 168 are then marked and drilled (if not pre-drilled). The dowels 168 are then inserted through the attachment points 166 of the flanges 144 of the cladding brackets 112.

[0201] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0202] For example, the cladding bracket 112 can be formed from other types of structural elements than plates.

[0203] Furthermore, instead of an offset portion 128 in the cladding bracket 112, the backing panel 102 may comprise a recess to accommodate the waterproofing membrane.

[0204] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example cladding bracket 112 in which the height of at least the platform section of the lower plate 161 of the lower cladding support 156 can be adjusted relative to the main plate 114, for example incrementally. This allows coarse / incremental height adjustment, prior to fine / continuous height adjustment by the set screws 160 mounted to the platform section.

[0205] Specifically, in FIGS. 8A-8B, the lower cladding support 156 is connected to the main plate 114 at an incrementally adjustable / selectable height. The lower cladding support 156 is connectable to the main plate 114 at any of a plurality of different heights.

[0206] The lower cladding support 156 comprises one or more first connectors 198A (plugs or sockets), and the main plate 114 comprises one or more second connectors 198B (plugs or sockets) to which the first connectors 198A are engageable. For example, as shown, the plug may comprise a tooth, and the socket may comprise a hole or slot shaped to receive the tooth.

[0207] In FIGS. 8A-8B, but not necessarily in all examples, the tooth or teeth are formed along a plate edge, such as a forward edge of the lower plate 161 of the lower cladding support 156. The hole or holes are formed in the cranked member 126 of the main plate 114, and open at the front surface 130 thereof.

[0208] To enable coarse height adjustment, the main plate 114 comprises a plurality of the second connectors 198B including ones at different heights relative to each other. The first connectors 198A are selectably connectable to the second connectors 198B at any of the different heights. This sets the coarse height of the platform section of the lower plate 161 of the lower cladding support 156 relative to the cranked member 126.

[0209] Meanwhile, the set screws 160 allow fine / continuous height adjustment. The combination of the selectable / incremental mounting height of the lower cladding support 156 along the cranked member 126, and the continuous height adjustability of the set screws 160, provides tolerance and compatibility with different heights of cladding tiles 170.

[0210] Where the connectors 198A, 198B comprise teeth and holes, this inhibits movement of the lower cladding support 156 relative to the main plate 114 in first and second orthogonal axes (e.g., vertical and lateral), but not in a third axis corresponding to the depth axis of the holes. Therefore, further connectors may be included to inhibit the movement in the third axis. In FIGS. 8A-8B, but not necessarily all examples, the further connectors are the same type of connectors 198A-198B, and comprise a first connector 198A mounted to the flange 144 of the main plate 114, and a second connector 198B mounted to the platform section of the lower plate 161 of the lower cladding support 156. For example, the further connectors 198A, 198B comprise a plug and socket located forward of the main plate 114, and facing a different direction than the socket(s) formed in the main plate 114, to inhibit the movement in the third axis.

[0211] Specifically, in FIGS. 8A-8B, the flange 144 comprises a plurality of elongate slots 199 at the different heights, into which the lower plate 161 of the lower cladding support 156 is insertable. A tooth-shaped plug 198A is formed along the lower edge of each slot 199, and protrudes upwardly into the slot 199. The platform section of the lower plate 161 of the lower cladding support 156 has a corresponding hole 198B configured to receive the plug 198A of the slot 199 of the flange 144. The height of the slot 199 allows the lower cladding support 156 to be tilted upwardly while inside the slot 199. During connection, the lower cladding support 156 is inserted in a rearward direction into a selected slot 199 of the flange 144, while tilted upwardly in the slot 199, until the front teeth 198A of the lower cladding support 156 engage with the holes 198B in the front surface 130 of the cranked member 126 of the main plate 114. The lower cladding support 156 is then tilted downwardly into a more horizontal orientation, until the hole 198B in its platform section of its lower plate 161 is lowered into engagement with the upwardly-extending tooth 198B of the lower edge of the slot 199 of the flange 144 of the main plate 114. The lower cladding support 156 is now restrained in all three axes.

[0212] To release the lower cladding support 156, it can be tilted up and off the tooth 198B of the slot 199 of the flange 144, and then pulled forwardly away from the main plate 114. Alternatively, the height cannot be changed after manufacture, wherein the lower cladding support 156 may be welded or otherwise permanently connected to the main plate 114.

[0213] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0214] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0215] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

[0216] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A cladding bracket comprising: an upper mount having a front surface and rear surface, wherein the upper mount is securable to a backing substrate with the rear surface facing the backing substrate; an elongate member having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the elongate member extends downwardly from the upper mount; and a cladding support arrangement below the upper mount, extending forwardly from the front surface of the elongate member, wherein the cladding support arrangement is configured to receive a cladding element, wherein the elongate member defines an offset portion along which at least the rear surface of the elongate member is forwardly offset relative to the rear surface of the upper mount, to form a gap between the offset portion and the backing substrate.

2. The cladding bracket of claim 1, wherein the gap creates a slot into which an upstand of a waterproofing membrane is able to extend, between the cladding bracket and the backing substrate.

3. The cladding bracket of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper mount is configured to receive most or substantially all of a weight load received by the cladding bracket.

4. The cladding bracket of claim 3, comprising a lower mount, wherein the lower mount is securable to the backing substrate, wherein the offset portion defined by the elongate member comprises the lower mount, and wherein the lower mount comprises a fixing point.

5. The cladding bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the cladding support arrangement comprises a lower cladding support configured to support a lower surface of the cladding element.

6. The cladding bracket of claim 5, wherein the lower cladding support is configured to support a lower corner region of the cladding element, such that a pair of the cladding brackets support respective lower corner regions of the cladding element in use.

7. The cladding bracket of claim 5 or 6, wherein the lower cladding support has an adjustable height relative to the elongate member, and / or wherein the lower cladding support comprises a prop configured to support the cladding element, and wherein the prop has an adjustable height.

8. The cladding bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the cladding support arrangement comprises an upper cladding support configured to support an upper surface portion of the cladding element.

9. The cladding bracket of claim 8, comprising a forwardly extending flange supported by the offset portion and / or upper mount, wherein the flange comprises the upper cladding support.

10. The cladding bracket of claim 9, wherein a front of the flange is configured as a spacer to set a joint spacing between adjacent cladding elements in a row, creating a joint gap therebetween.

11. The cladding bracket of claim 10, wherein the front of the flange is recessed relative to a front part of the cladding bracket, such that in use the front of the flange is recessed in the joint gap to provide space for joint sealing material.

12. The cladding bracket of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the upper cladding support comprises an attachment point configured to receive a connector, and wherein the connector comprises a dowel.

13. A cladding system comprising the cladding bracket of any one or more of the preceding claims, and one or more of: the backing substrate, optionally comprising a layer formed from cementitious material; or the cladding element.

14. The cladding system of claim 13, wherein the layer is a backing layer, and wherein the backing substrate further comprises a plurality of cast-in cladding elements, cast into the backing layer, and wherein the cladding bracket is configured to position the cladding element substantially flush with one or more of the plurality of cast-in cladding elements.

15. A method of installing the cladding system as defined in claim 13 or 14, the method comprising: installing a waterproofing membrane; securing the cladding bracket to the backing substrate, wherein an upstand of the waterproofing membrane extends up the gap between the cladding bracket and the backing substrate; and securing the cladding element to the cladding support arrangement of the cladding bracket.

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