Brick Veneer Vs. Face Brick
Homeowners select brick veneer and face brick because of its stately, substantial appearance. Usually a sign of quality construction, both add value to any home. According to the Brick Industry Institute, "on average, a brick exterior enhances the resale of your home by 6 percent." Both brick veneer and face brick are available in a variety of sizes, colors and textures, but brick veneer has the added appeal of being less expensive and easier to install.. Does this Spark an idea?
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Face Brick
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Not only is face brick produced for its pleasing visual appearance, but also for its structural endurance. It's available in many colors and textures, but the choices may be limited by what is produced in your locale. Due to the cost of hauling heavy brick, it is often impractical to transport it from a distant manufacturer.
Types of Face Brick
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Face brick standards relate to its uniformity of shape and size. FBX, or select brick, is the highest quality. Strict limits are enforced on its size and imperfections. It provides more of a contemporary look with its sharp edges. FBS, or standard brick, allows for slight differences in size. FBA, also known as architectural brick, has no limit on size differences, chips or cracks.
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Grading Face Brick
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Face brick is graded by its strength, water absorption and resistance to damage when exposed to freezing and thawing conditions. Grade SW (severe weathering) bricks are exceptional when exposed to saturation leading to freezing. Grade MW (moderate weathering) bricks work well where there is moisture, but no saturation. Grade NW (no weathering) bricks are for indoor use only.
Brick Veneer
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Although brick veneer has the same visual appearance as face brick, it costs less than face brick, due to the lesser cost of the veneer product itself. And it's less labor intensive, creating a quicker installation. It often works well in remodeling projects when changing siding. It is used frequently in the Eastern United States, but rarely in the Western states, particularly in earthquake-prone areas such as California.
Available in sizes ranging from 1/2 to 4 in. thick, brick veneer is offered in a large assortment of colors and textures.
Brick Veneer Installation
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Brick veneer does not bear any structural load. It only requires a ledge as the footing for the brick in front of the wall framing that is wide enough to support its width. As with face brick, don't consider the installation of brick veneer as a do-it-yourself project--it is difficult and time-consuming. Professional installation is recommended to achieve optimum results.
Maintenance
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Both face brick and brick veneer may require periodic maintenance such as tuck-pointing eroded mortar joints. Do not ignore this problem--it will lead to greater deterioration and higher repair costs. Seal it with a silicon-based sealer to protect it against future moisture and dirt.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Alex Brown
