What is Brick Siding?
Brick siding or brick veneer, is a exterior siding that can go up in place of more conventional vinyl siding. The primary difference between actual brick or masonry walls and brick veneer is that the brick walls are load bearing. This means that the foundation was poured and set with the intention of the exterior walls to be made of masonry and they support the weight of the house itself. Brick veneer, on the other hand is a cosmetic siding that increases the aesthetic appeal of the home but does not support the weight or load of the house.
There are multiple types of brick siding, the first one we will discuss is actual brick. Using real bricks on a home that was not intended to withstand the additional weight can be detrimental to the structural integrity of the home, that is why is is important to consult a structural engineer before this process is begun. If the additional weight can be supported, I recommend that you hire a licensed mason to conduct the work, as this can be a very difficult task for even the intermediate Do It Yourself person. If you decide to do the work yourself, the biggest concern is water absorption and dispersion. If water is absorbed (which it will) through the brick there has to be a vapor barrier between the brick and the wood of the exterior walls. If this is not installed, water will get absorbed through the exterior wall and will saturate the interior walls.
If this process seems to be too involved, I recommend installing a faux brick veneer. Faux brick has the same appeal as the real brick siding, but without the hassle. It can be installed by most accomplished homeowners and weighs about 5lbs per piece. Each section of faux siding comes pre cast at a nominal size of 3 1/2’W X 2’L, with a width of 3/4″. They are attached to the side of the house using a caulk that adheres them to the exterior panels. Each panel costs around 65$ USD and each one covers about 6.5sq’.
The biggest difference that a homeowner may find between the faux brick and actual brick siding is the longevity of the material itself. While the faux siding may be easier to install and maintain, real brick will invariably last longer as long as it is properly installed. So, if it is a project that you as a homeowner would like to tackle on your own, I recommend going with the faux siding it has the same look without the hassle, but if you want longevity and don’t mind hiring a mason, the real brick siding will last longer.
Brick siding is siding of a home or other type of building made out of brick. It is one of the most common siding materials available and offers a number of benefits. Its costs may dissuade some from using it as a first option, with builders instead looking at other choices such as vinyl siding or aluminum siding. Brick has a number of benefits. Many prefer the looks of brick siding, thinking it gives the home a classic look. Many who appreciate the colonial architecture of early America may especially be attracted to brick. In addition to looks, brick siding has a relatively low maintenance cost. It is also able to withstand strong winds with little or no damage. However, while these benefits should not be undervalued, there is a reason why it is not a more popular option. Brick siding can be prohibitively expensive when compared to other materials. Also, it can be difficult to change a home to brick siding if it were designed for another material. Therefore, most brick siding is a ch
