What Is Brick Veneer Siding? Everything You Need to Know

At well over 9,000 years old, brick is one of the world's oldest construction materials. In fact, we still build solid brick buildings from time to time. However, the material also provides a more aesthetic function as a siding material in the form of brick veneer. So, what is brick veneer siding? Here's what you need to know about the available types and features of this versatile and durable ancient building block and how to incorporate it into your home.

What Is Brick Veneer Siding?

Brick veneer siding is a single layer of bricks, strips of bricks, or synthetic bricks to cover a wall and offer the appearance of a solid brick home without the higher cost.

Brick veneer siding is a type of house siding that serves as an overlay for hiding structures or adding appeal to the wall unit behind it. Other veneers include stone veneers, which may consist of actual rocks or a synthetic replication of them. 

In the case of brick veneer, the overlay may be standard full-sized bricks, slices of brick, or a synthetic material that looks like brick installed on the side of a building or home. The veneer may reach the full height of an exterior wall or only a lower portion, typically on the front of the house or building. 

While the construction of a solid brick building consists of several layers, or wythes, of brick, a brick veneer is limited to the thickness of the veneer material, which can be the width of traditional brick or a thinner version. 

Pros of Brick Veneer Siding

Adding a layer of brick veneer to an existing home's exterior has multiple benefits beyond its stylish aesthetics. Brick veneer falls into the category of cladding, meaning that it sits atop multiple layers of siding that encourage airflow, water resistance, and insulation. Here are some of the pros related to adding brick veneer:

• Brick veneer offers additional protection against moisture, leaks, and damage from mold.

• The additional layer increases the insulation, or R-value, or exterior walls.

• Brick veneer will not fade or warp like wood, vinyl, or other similar siding options.

• The veneer can last up to 100 years when properly maintained.

• Homeowners can increase their home's curb appeal without the cost of brick masonry.

Cons of Brick Veneer Siding

At the end of the day, brick veneer is not brick masonry; it will never have the same strength and longevity as a solid brick. Consult a local siding contractor to determine whether the brick veneer pros outweigh the cons for your home project. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering adding brick veneer to your home:

• Repairing cladding and veneer can be more complex and more expensive than masonry walls. Accessing the damaged layer takes time and specialized expertise.

• Brick veneer can mask underlying pest, moisture, or mold problems below.

• Homeowners in earthquake-prone areas are more likely to experience cracks in the mortar.

• Brick veneer is more costly than other siding varieties but for the materials and installation.

• Since brick and brick veneer holds moisture, water damage and rot can occur without property moisture barriers.

Types of Brick Veneer

Just as there are many types and styles of bricks, there are also several types, styles, and price points for brick veneer. All of them are highly durable and have unique aesthetic appeal. Often, choosing one comes down to labor and brick siding prices, appearance, and your budget for the cost of siding replacement. 

Face Brick Siding

Face brick veneer siding closely resembles a solid brick wall in that it uses whole, standard-sized bricks installed as if it were simply the outer wythe of a brick wall. Face brick siding is highly durable, and its thickness dramatically alters the overall thickness of the exterior wall. 

It's common to find face brick siding covering lower wall portions or continuing up the building's side to cover an entire wall surface. The material costs between $4 and $8 per square foot, plus labor and installation materials. 

Thin Brick Veneer Strips

Thin brick veneer strips are real bricks, just thinner. Thin brick veneer strips come as individual pieces that share similar features to wall tile. Installation involves a process similar to that of tile as well. However, finishing the look uses the same mortar for adhesive and as grout between pieces. Thin brick veneer materials cost between $3 and $10 per square foot. 

Faux Brick Veneer

Faux brick veneer can be a natural or synthetic product that resembles real brick in appearance but installs quite differently. Most commonly, this type of siding comes from high-density polyurethane—a lightweight polymer. Costing between $4 and $10 per square foot, faux brick veneer is typically available in strips that attach to the wall with mortar that also acts as grout between each strip of material. 

Faux Brick Panel Siding

Faux brick panel siding is just what you'd expect from the name and costs $6 to $10 per square foot for material. Consisting of polyurethane or other materials, faux brick panels come in sheets that adhere to the wall with adhesive and typically don't require grout as the panel edges create a seamless appearance. While faux brick panel siding generally has a higher material cost, labor costs are often less than other types because of the speed of installation.

Brick Veneer Siding vs. Solid Brick Walls

While a wall containing brick veneer siding can look quite similar to a solid brick wall, the differences outweigh the similarities when comparing brick veneer vs. brick.

• Brick is a poor insulating material. A solid brick wall will allow more heat transfer than a well-insulated stick-framed wall with a brick veneer. 

• Structurally, brick veneer offers no significant value to the strength of the building, while a brick wall is one of the strongest types of walls available. 

• Brick wall materials are generally inexpensive. However, the labor to build a brick wall is far more intense and costly than that of installing a brick veneer. 

• Brick walls don’t encourage insects because of their solid build. On the other hand, a brick veneer can hide an infestation in a wood-framed wall behind it for a long time. 

• As an outer covering only, a brick veneer does little to reduce the overall flammability of the wall materials it covers. A solid brick structure is far less affected by flames and high heat.

• You can often distinguish brick veneer siding from a solid brick wall from a distance, especially when the veneer doesn't cover every exterior wall surface. 

• Depending on the type of veneer, learning how to install a brick veneer is possible in a relatively short time, while masons spend years learning how to build flawless brick walls.

• Brick veneer adds one wythe—or a single layer of brick—as opposed to solid brick walls that include multiple wythes for strength. The single brick layer sits atop the home's stick or stone frame for added protection and enhanced look.

Brick Veneer Siding Maintenance

Brick veneer siding is a low-maintenance siding that stands up to the elements well. However, that's not to say you can install and forget it. Keeping brick veneer siding looking and performing its best requires occasional cleaning and sealing with a brick-and-mortar sealer and infrequent inspections and repairs by a nearby stone and brick veneer company. 

Protect your brick veneer siding by keeping sidewalk and driveway deicing salts and agents away from the wall, diverting rainwater from the brick with gutters and downspouts, and avoiding using a pressure washer when cleaning the material.

Other Popular Alternatives to Brick Veneer Siding

When it comes to choosing a siding for your home, the sky’s the limit. You have your fair share of brick veneer siding alternatives that can offer you the perfect style, ease of installation, and budget. Here are some of your options:

• Aluminum siding: This affordable alternative to brick veneer siding is a type of metal siding that’s easy to install, weather-resistant, pest-resistant, lightweight, and offers a modern aesthetic.

• Engineered wood siding: For homeowners who want the appearance of real wood without the intense upkeep, engineered wood uses layers of plywood and a wooden exterior to give homes a natural woodsy look without the weight or maintenance. 

• Fiber cement siding: Another durable siding material, fiber cement siding comes from a combination of sand, cement, water, cellulose, and other materials and can resemble other natural materials.

• Stone siding: Natural stone siding is available in materials like slate, granite, or basalt and offers a long life span and high ROI. 

• Stucco siding: Stucco siding is a traditional plaster made with materials like cement, sand, and water, which are applied to your home for a siding that can last up to 100 years.

• Wood siding: Wood siding is one of the most eco-friendly materials, depending on which type of wood you choose for your home. This siding is very versatile and can give your home a contemporary look when paired with strong accents and natural stone.

• Vinyl siding: For a low-maintenance siding material, vinyl siding is a budget-friendly option that comes from a plastic polymer that can mimic the appearance of wood or stone.