How Does a Brick Home Stack Up Against the Rest?
In the story of The Three Little Pigs, the big bad wolf is easily able to destroy the homes made of straw & sticks but has a little more trouble when it comes to the home made of bricks. We’re going to assume that since the story took place long ago & far away that the siding options were limited and that’s why brick reigned supreme. But in today’s world there are a lot of other siding options besides brick. So just how well does brick stack up against other siding options? Let’s find out!
PROS
Maintenance-Oftentimes, brick wins favor with homeowners because it requires very little maintenance; it does not need to painted or stained and does not rot.
Durability-Because of its makeup, brick will hold up much better than most siding types when it comes to hail, high winds, extreme temperatures and fire. Some insurance companies offer discounts because of this.
Added Home Value-When compared with other durable siding materials, having a brick home can increase the value of a home.
Timeless Look-Since brick is one of the oldest building materials available, choosing it for a home offers a traditional ambiance that will be functional for years to come.
Termite Resistant- In areas where termites are of a concern to homeowners, brick homes often prevail because termites do not disturb this type of home.
CONS
Cost-Laying brick is a labor intensive process that requires workers with extensive training. The brick itself is also a premium building material. Because of this, brick is one of the most expensive siding materials available.
Repair-In the event that your bricks become damaged, repairs can be costly. Bricks weather over time and it can be quite difficult to match the coloring of bricks when replacement ones are installed.
Water Absorbency-Brick can absorb moisture and transfer it indoors and causing the paint on your walls to peel and wood molding to shrink. For this reason, it’s important to keep gutters clog-free on brick homes.
Project Time Frame-If you’re considering a new brick home, it’s helpful to know that this type of construction take significantly longer because of the manpower needed. Brick also needs time to dry at various points during the construction which can also delay a project on a tight deadline. Unlike other forms of construction, brick cannot be installed at freezing temperatures or the building will not be structurally sound.
Additions-If you foresee adding onto your home, brick isn’t the wisest choice because it adds onto the project cost significantly. Furthermore, it may prove difficult to match the new brick and mortar with those already there.
