Brick Siding for Homes: Durable and Timeless Exterior Upgrade

Selecting the right siding for the house can be a complicated journey for many homeowners. Wood siding is pretty, but it needs to be painted or is susceptible to damage from pests and moisture. Vinyl siding is cheap but can wear out and fade. It may crack or warp over time. Fiber cement siding is more durable, but not maintenance free. People therefore often search for a better choice.

Bricks have been used as a building material for thousands of years. Known for their strength and durability, they are valued not only for their sturdiness but also for their timeless beauty. Whereas some things come in and out of style, brick isn’t one of them with its timeless appearance; it graces houses that are traditional and modern. Aside from its good looks, brick siding is also long-lasting, fire-resistant, and adds value to a house. The type of brick the user selects is more than a style choice. It’s an investment in long-term safety, comfort, and curb appeal.

Choose the Right Brick Siding for Your Home

When people envision brick homes, they may picture houses constructed entirely of these heavy, thick blocks of material, one upon the other. That traditional process certainly does still exist, but now there are practical alternatives that look just as good and are much easier to put in and maintain. To learn the difference between brick veneer vs brick siding, it’s useful to consider the two primary types:

1. Solid Brick (Brick Masonry)

Solid bricks, often referred to as brick masonry, are the classic type of brick construction. In this construction system, full-size bricks with mortar are sometimes stacked together, sometimes in multiple layers.

• Strength and Durability: Solid brick structures are very solid and can last up to 200 years if maintained.
• Fire Resistance: Brick masonry provides the ultimate defense against fire, a bonus feature for safety in the home.
• Noise Reduction: Thick walls made of bricks can block sound, reducing noise and creating a quiet home.
• High Cost: Solid brick is costly to enact, as it requires a lot of material and labor.
• Labor-intensive Installation: Hiring a mason would increase the labor costs and time of completion for building.

2. Brick Veneer Systems

The modern replacement for solid brick construction is a brick veneer. The entire wall is not constructed with brick, just a thin brick veneer on the outside of the house. Behind the brick face, the house is generally of wood or steel construction, supporting the brick appearance on the outside. This technique provides the same timeless brick aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.

• Lightweight: Lighter than a solid brick, it is easy to handle and install
• Cost-effective: Requires fewer materials and less labor, reducing overall costs.
• Flexible design: Fits a variety of the most popular home styles.
• Better energy options: Improved insulated veneers now offer thermal performance, which can save energy for homes.

There are different types of brick veneer:

• Thin (sliced) brick: This is an actual brick that has been cut down to roughly 3/8 to 1 inch thick. It is much lighter than a full brick but keeps the same appearance.
• Lightweight insulated brick veneers: These are panels with thin brick and a layer of insulation. They both enhance the home's energy efficiency and make it easier for the homeowner to handle and install.

Why Brick Siding Remains a Top Choice

Homeowners now have a wide variety of siding options, including wood, vinyl and fiber cement. Still, brick siding remains one of the most dependable and appealing options. The strength, beauty, and practicality that few other materials can match have made it so appealing and long lasting.

1. Extreme Durability & Longevity

One of the largest reasons that people opt for brick siding is its life expectancy.

• Brick siding can easily last over 100 years with a correct installation and occasional maintenance.
• It doesn’t decay like wood; it doesn’t crack or warp like vinyl.
• Brick is also pest-resistant with no risk of a termite issue, and it holds up well in weather from lots of rain to excess heat.

3. Low Maintenance

Brick siding is also far easier to maintain compared to other siding materials out there.

• Wood siding, for instance, must be painted or sealed periodically in order to stay in decent condition.
• Vinyl siding might require regular cleaning to keep mold and discoloration away.

Brick, on the other hand:

• Simply rinse with water or a soapy water mixture as needed.
• It may need some mortar repairs every few decades, but these are small compared to the constant care other siding types demand.

4. Fire Resistance & Safety

Safety is also one of the great benefits of brick veneer.

• Brick is also inherently fire-retardant and has a Class A fire rating, the most protective rating.
• It resists high temperatures much more effectively than vinyl or wood, which can offer families a little extra peace of mind.

In areas prone to fire, for example, brick siding can serve as an added layer of protection, potentially with the added benefit of reducing insurance rates.

5. Aesthetic & Timeless Appeal

The beauty of brick is a further reason that it never falls out of style.

• It imparts homes with an ageless, elegant appearance that looks substantial and permanent.
• The material looks as good on old-fashioned homes like Colonials and Tudors as it does on new, modern ones.

The variety of colors and finishes also makes it versatile:

• Red brick, for a sense of warmth and tradition.
• Brown and tan hues for an organic, earthy look.
• Grey and neutral colors for a clean modern look.

6. Resale Value & Perceived Quality

Homes with brick siding often stand out in the real estate market.

• Buyers perceive brick to be a high-end feature due to its durability and long-lasting beauty.
• The brick lends the home a stately and elegant appearance that enhances the curb appeal.
• For a lot of homeowners, it can lead to being able to sell the property more easily at a higher price, just because it has a brick veneer.

7. Energy Efficiency & Thermal Comfort

Brick also provides superior energy efficiency.

• Thanks to its thermal mass, brick absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly, which helps to keep indoor temperatures stable.
• In warm climates, this helps drive down the cost of cooling, while on the other end, in cooler climates, this helps homes stay warmer for longer.
• Today’s insulated brick veneers keep homes comfortable by increasing R-value (which is a measure of the ability to resist heat flow) for even more energy efficiency and lower bills.

Design Styles & Combinations

There are plenty of design options with brick siding. Homeowners have the freedom to select from numerous colors, including other materials with brick and match it to a variety of architectural styles.

Popular Brick Colors & Pairings

• Red Brick: A classic favourite that warms the space and adds a timeless feel. It looks fantastic with gray, beige, or navy to make a striking contrast.
• Brown Brick: Warm and authentic, brown brick pairs nicely with tan, cream or stone accents.
• Gray Brick: A more contemporary option, gray brick offers homes a clean appearance and pairs well with white, charcoal or muted blue shades.
• Accents: White trim can give brick colors some punch, and a boldly painted front door like navy or red, adds personality and curb appeal.

Combining Brick with Other Materials

Brick can also be combined with other siding materials to divert attention, add interest and texture to a home’s exterior. For example, vinyl siding can offer an affordable contrast while fiber cement siding can resemble wood or stone to increase design options. Homeowners can use these combinations to give their homes a unique appearance along with the toughness of brick.

Cost Overview for Brick Siding

When homeowners think about having brick siding installed, cost is a definite factor. The brick siding cost per square foot depends on its type, the size of the wall and the construction process and material used.

Material and Installation Cost

• Brick veneer siding typically costs between $6 and $15 per square foot for materials. Labor aside, the total is usually in the neighborhood of $14 to $28 a square foot.
• Some estimates are slightly higher, ranging from $6.50 to $30.50 per square foot depending on region, contractors, and project complexity.
• In contrast, old-style full brick masonry is significantly more expensive due to the heavy weight of the material and extra labor for its construction.

Cost Savings from Veneer

Modern veneer systems help reduce costs. Thin-brick and insulated veneer panels are lighter and simpler to install, so there’s less labor and shipping cost. Insulated panels also help with energy performance, reducing heating and cooling costs over the long-term.

Long-Term Value

Brick siding is more expensive to install than vinyl or wood siding, but it offers a higher return on investment in the long term. Brick can last more than 100 years with hardly any maintenance and siding materials other than brick will need repairs or replacement every 20-40 years. With lower maintenance costs, better energy efficiency, and greater home resale value, brick siding is a smart investment for many homeowners.

Installation & Technical Considerations

If installed properly, it should last for decades. Homeowners should know the various techniques, the importance of moisture control and how to maintain the siding once it has been installed.

Installation Methods

There are two main ways users can install the best brick siding for houses:

• Anchored veneer is the traditional method. In this system, the brick is secured to the building with fasteners, and a small space is provided between the siding and the wall of the house. This gap plays an important role—it allows water that seeps through the brick to drain out instead of being trapped. It also improves insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures.
• Adhered veneer is faster and lighter than adhered veneer. Very thin brick pavers are glued or mortared directly to a substrate; no air space is left. Popular for feature walls, remodeling and outdoor applications.

Structural & Moisture Management

Moisture is the enemy of any siding, and brick is no different. The professionals use a number of tricks to keep the structure safe:

• The veneer is securely connected to the frame with brick ties.
• Flashing, installed in strategic locations such as above windows and doors helps water to shed away.
• Weep holes at the base of the wall allow water to drain out from behind the brick.
• A well-designed cavity system will prevent the buildup of water and protect the brick and the wall material beneath.

Mortar Selection & Color

The mortar bonding the bricks together provides not just strength but also character to the siding.

• Type N mortar is also the most used for homes and is strong enough for normal weather conditions.
• Type S mortar provides additional strength necessary for walls subject to intense wind or load conditions.
• Type O mortar is less strong and typically used for indoor applications or patchwork.

The color of the mortar can impact the overall appearance of the brick. Lighter mortar will emphasize the brick, while darker mortar will help it to blend in for a more homogenous look.

DIY vs Professional Installation

New systems, like panelized veneer and lightweight thin-brick panels, are a good fit for homeowners who wish to make it a DIY job. Still, in many cases professional installers will yield better long-term results. When it comes to preparations for walls, flashings and water drainage, though, experts have the knowledge and skills necessary to avoid damage later on.

Summary

Brick veneer is durable, fireproof, and doesn't need much in the way of care. It also possesses a timeless aesthetic that complements traditional and contemporary homes alike. New systems of brick veneer are making brickwork lighter and less expensive to install, allowing homeowners to capture the beauty of brick without the higher cost of solid masonry. Available in hues from traditional Tudor-wire brick to modern warehouse gray, brick siding can fit virtually any style.

Growcycle is the place for homeowners to discover the most modern information on siding types, design concepts, or home improvement tips. It offers how-to guides that assist people in making the right decisions for homes and investments.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.