Consider the Qualities of Brick When Choosing a Home

Perhaps, as you’ve taken a leisurely drive or stroll through your city, you’ve glanced at some ancient-looking building, and it suddenly hits you – “that building has probably been standing for over two hundred years, and it still looks great!  How is that possible?” And, the answer:  it was built with bricks.

Arguably, homes with brick siding exude a classical, timeless elegance that no other type of house siding can equal.  On some level, owning a brick home conveys the feeling that, by virtue of owning one, you’ve “made it” in life.  In fact, as you glance at homes-for-sale listings, you will notice that the seller often stresses the fact that the home is of brick construction as a key selling point.

Although brick costs more than other commonly used siding materials – the benefits can easily outweigh the initial extra cost.  In fact, artificial stucco can cost about the same as brick, but will be more costly over the long run, due to required maintenance and less durability.  In actuality, if you stay in your home long enough, you should achieve cost savings if you’ve chosen brick. 

Brick boasts many advantages over other commonly used siding materials, such as stucco, vinyl, aluminum and wood.  As well, brick’s durability, low maintenance – and, again, aesthetic aspects -- outpace other siding choices, even concrete block.  In fact, bricks can be stronger and less porous than concrete blocks, depending on the manufacturer.

And, of particular interest, when it comes time to sell, is that brick homes have consistently outpaced comparable homes sided with other types of material when it comes to resale value -- six percent higher, on average.

Consider the advantages of brick:

• Maintenance factors – guess what?  There aren’t any!
• Fire resistant.
• It doesn’t need painting, although it can be painted, given the right preparations and precautions – check with the manufacturer.
• Patching is never necessary.
• It doesn’t chip or dent.
• It doesn’t warp or rot.
• It never fades, peels, or rusts.
• Termites hate it.
• Energy efficient – its density and consistency provide excellent insulation, resulting in lower utility charges.  Its insulating effect is due to its thermal mass properties, which translates into a heavy, dense material’s ability to store heat and slowly release it.  The other siding materials are not on par with brick is that area.  Lack of outside noise penetrating your home is also a side benefit.
• Durability – some brick manufacturers guarantee their brick products for not one, but two lifetimes.  It’s considered by many builders to be the best siding material available as far as providing protection from the elements.  It will definitely blow vinyl siding or stucco out of the water in that arena.  Test results determined that wind speeds approximating Category 3 and 4 hurricanes drove 2 x 4 boards completely through vinyl-sided walls, while a brick wall sustained no damage at all from such punishment.
• Aesthetics – a brick home will still look as good when you sell your home as the day you moved in.
• Wide variety of choices – A surprising number of options are available.  Textures ranging from smooth to rough can be found.  Color options also run the gamut – from almost white to deep brown.  In addition, some types have an antique quality, others are sharp or jagged-looking, while still others are formed into a rounded appearance.  Different patterns, shapes, and architectural accents such as arches and columns can, likewise, be achieved.  And when you factor in different mortar colors, the possibilities seem endless.
• Insurance – Brick has such a dominant reputation as a building material, that some insurance carriers will even offer you a discount on your homeowner’s policy if your home is of brick construction.