Between stone, brick, wood, and vinyl, there are quite a few options to choose from when it comes to your home exterior. That’s why you need to know the benefits and disadvantages of each material so you’re able to pick the best exterior for your home.
Brick homes are an American staple. Brick is such a popular choice that according to the National Association of Home Builders, 34% of Americans consider it their top choice. Even more so, many people who responded to the survey claimed they would pay as much as an additional $7,500 for a brick exterior.
So what’s all the fuss about brick? It comes with numerous advantages for a homeowner to enjoy.
Brick Exteriors: The Pros
Brick is Eco-Friendly
What is brick made out of? Clay and shale, which happens to be some of the most practical and environmentally-friendly resources in the world. Brick can also be used for other projects, making it less likely to end up in a landfill. Bricks are recycled into new walkways or chipped into tiny pieces and used as permanent landscaping mulch. If you’re looking for a home exterior that’s not going to cause serious home to your environment, brick is the way to go.
Brick is Ideal for Extreme Weather
Thick brick walls give your house an extra layer of insulation. If a big storm is on the way, you won’t need to worry about your brick home. Brick exteriors are able to withstand high wind speeds and take a beating from debris that may be flying around. If you’re concerned about severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, or even a tornado, adding a brick exterior is an excellent way to protect your home.
Brick is Fire Resistant
Did you know that brick won’t combust in extreme heat? Instead, brick walls can actually deter a fire from spreading throughout your home. Brick is made from clay, which is a non-combustible material. Most brick walls earn between a one-hour and four-hour fire-resistance rating, which is ideal for your home.
Brick Leads to Lower Insurance
Since brick has so many safety features (weather resistant, fire safe, etc.) it’s common for insurance companies to offer lower insurance rates for brick homeowners. So not only is your home safer with brick walls, but your bills and expenses can be much lower when you pick brick.
Brick Exteriors: The Cons
Brick Can be Pricey
If you’re sticking with a tight budget, vinyl siding might be the better option. Since brick has so many advantages, it tends to be a pricier material to build with. It’s worth the initial expense, but some homeowners may need to save up before they can make the switch to brick.
Brick Has Limited Style
If you want to get creative with your home’s exterior, brick might not be what you’re looking for. Individual bricks come in standard colors. They can be painted to match the style you’re aiming for, but this can be tedious and mistakes are easy to make.
Brick Can Be Tough to Install
In order to lay brick, the weather needs to be in your favor. Rain and cold weather reduce the effectiveness of mortar, making your brick wall unstable. This means that building a brick wall could take longer as you wait for the weather to cooperate.
SHOULD YOU PICK BRICK?
Deciding what type of material is best for your home exterior can be challenging, which is why you need to do your research. There are advantages and disadvantages you need to be aware of and prepared to deal with.
Working with a qualified team of contractors can help you determine the best material for your home. Whether you’re thinking of brick, stone, wood, or vinyl, your home is in the best hands possible when you choose Eagle Construction.
