About Brick Veneer Siding

Brick veneer offers the look of real brick at a fraction of the cost. It can be used as home exterior siding, in gardens for paths and walls, and for patios, interior walls, fireplaces, floors and counters. Brick veneer has a classic look. It is durable and fireproof, providing natural insulation.

How It's Made

The bricks used in brick veneer are usually molded from clay or from clay mixed with cement or rock aggregates. Iron oxide gives it a distinctive red color. Some brick veneers are created with bricks salvaged from demolished buildings, while other types are made from polyurethane.

Installation

The molded brick or sliced brick is about 1 inch thick. These thin bricks can be mounted onto a lathe directly onto the surface where it is used, or the lathe and brick slices can be mounted onto plywood and then installed as one piece. Because brick is moisture-permeable, exterior brick siding should be installed with a vapor barrier paper between the wall and the bricks.

Mortar and Finishing

Whether the veneer is mounted onto plywood or directly onto a wall or floor, mortar often is used to adhere the bricks to the surface. A thick layer of mortar is spread onto the metal lathe, and the bricks are set into place. When the mortar has dried, a mortar grout can be applied between the bricks to give it the look of real masonry. Some designs don't use any grout, and the bricks are laid with no spaces in between. Because precision is required to maintain a regular surface pattern and accurately fill difficult areas around corners, electrical sockets, doors and windows, a qualified mason usually installs brick veneer.

Advantages

Part of the appeal of brick veneer is its cost. Real brick is expensive, so modern "brick" houses are rarely made from solid brick. Each molded brick in a veneer requires about one-quarter of the materials used for a full-sized brick, and the cost reflects this. Additionally, brick veneer is much lighter than real brick. While it is not strong enough to be used as a load-bearing material, it generally does not require a specially reinforced structure to bear its weight. Installation is generally cheaper as well. An experienced mason should install a veneer, but it does not require as much skill or time as solid brick masonry.

Maintenence

Brick veneer is almost as durable as real brick. It protects structures from heat, cold and even fire. Nonetheless, exterior brick veneer in cold climates should have a sealant to prevent flaking from frost damage. Surface stains caused by hard water or moss usually can be scrubbed off of brick. Because brick veneer is thinner than solid brick, it is vapor-permeable and care should be taken to follow building codes during installation to prevent water damage.

Resources

• Preventing water damage with brick veneer