What is Brick Veneer?

Veneer, sometimes called facing, is the name given to any surfacing material. Brick veneer is simply a veneer with a thin brick surface on the front. There are varieties produced for both indoor and outdoor applications, with installation varying greatly between the two. Some veneers look very similar to traditional red brick, while others opt for a more rustic appearance.  more

If solid masonry is so good, why is it that most brick houses built in the last 30 years are brick veneer construction? Firstly, we have to understand the difference between brick veneer and solid masonry. The biggest difference is that with solid masonry, the brick is holding up the house. With brick veneer, the house is holding up the brick! When we say brick veneer, we don't mean those little thin slices that you glue on your kitchen wall. We mean an honest to goodness brick. However, the wall is only one wythe thick. Behind the brick veneer is a wood frame wall which is actually holding up the house. The brick veneer is, in effect, siding! Insulation Brick veneer became the norm when building codes began to require insulation in the exterior walls. One of the best insulators is air. Most good insulation does nothing but trap air; that's why most insulations are light and fluffy. Brick is not exactly light and fluffy. Therefore it's not really a very good insulator. A brick veneer ...  more