Brick veneer siding options

Richmond Va Siding - Brick Veneer

Brick Veneer Siding for Your Richmond Home

While masonry can add value to a home, it also comes with a rather large price tag. If you want the look of authentic brick without the significant costs, consider brick veneer. One of the biggest differences between traditional bricks and brick veneer is that it isn’t an actual structural element of your home. A true brick home is constructed block on block to hold up the construction of the home. However, brick veneer siding is just a single layer that is installed over the structure’s wooden framework. The veneer is usually only about 1 inch thick, making it much lighter than actual brick. There are manufacturers that use reclaimed bricks, cutting them to get several veneer bricks out of each one. Other manufacturers make them out of clay or concrete. There is also a faux brick made out of vinyl siding cut and shaped made to look like brick.

Each panel of brick veneer contains several rows of veneer bricks mounted onto a backing made of a fiberglass mesh. In an effort to make them look exactly like regular brick, the rows are staggered and offset from each other. It is nearly impossible to discern real brick from brick veneer when installed properly.

The actual installation involves the use of small metal ties and the faux “brickwork” is then secured to the home with these. This leaves a very small gap of air in between the new exterior facade and the original exterior wall.

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Pros and Cons of Brick Veneer

There are several benefits offered by brick veneer. For example, it is both fireproof and durable. As a result, it may help you save on home insurance costs. You also don’t have to stain, maintain, or paint your home’s exterior. Even better, it serves as a great source of insulation, protecting the interior of your home from extreme hot or cold, depending on the season and time of year.

Brick veneer can be bought in a variety of colors and styles that add beauty and elegance to any home. Brick is widely considered to be the gold standard in siding.

As with brick, veneers are extremely durable, lasting in excess of 50 years. They also give the framing a lot of protection.

They are easier and less expensive (by almost half) to install than than full brick.

Since veneers are mostly made from used or reclaimed brick, they are considered to be a green solution since the used brick would be discarded if not re-used.

There are a few drawbacks to brick veneers. Some are the same as full brick. The primary disadvantage they both share is their tendency to crack if there are vibrations caused by earth tremors or by nearby heavy equipment usage. This is not a common problem, but could be an issue depending on where you live.

While the veneers cost less than full brick, they are slightly more expensive than fiber cement (hardiplank) or wood, and significantly more expensive than vinyl.

Lastly, if you are in an area with heavy rainfall, it is possible that some moisture can get behind the veneer and cause rot to the home's wood framing.