Brick and Stone Veneer Siding

Costs
Durability
Maintenance
Popular Siding Topics

Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References
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Interested in exploring your siding options? Brick and stone veneer add a richness and timelessness to any home. And better yet, they look so realistic that usually only experts can tell it’s not the real thing. Read on to learn more.

Costs

While brick and stone veneer siding is certainly less expensive than authentic material, you should still expect to pay $11 to $15 per square foot. This could vary depending on the materials used and the cost of installation in your area. Contact a local professional for specific cost estimates.

Pros

Approximately half the cost of natural stone.

Durable and fireproof, which can save you money on insurance premiums.

Provides even better insulation than regular solid brick.

No need to paint or stain your home.

Doesn’t require foundations or footings, eliminating time and money necessary for those supports.

Cons

Leaves a gap between the two exterior walls; moisture can get trapped.

Brick is porous, so rainwater can seep between the block and mortar, potentially damaging the home’s exterior.

More expensive than most other sidings.

Some stone veneers don’t look as authentic as regular stone.

Durability

Both brick and stone veneer are very durable siding options. They can withstand a fair amount of damage and will protect a home from fire better than other materials.

Maintenance

Brick and stone veneer are virtually maintenance-free siding options. Stone veneer might need an occasional spray of the hose to clear away any dirt, and brick veneer may eventually need to undergo “pointing,” or grinding out old cement and replacing it with new cement.

Common Questions and Answers

What is the difference between regular brick and brick veneer when it comes to installation?

While true brick homes are constructed block-upon-block to hold up the house, brick veneer siding is held up by the house itself, secured to the home using small metal ties that allow for a small gap of air between the pre-existing exterior wall and the new exterior facade.

How is stone veneer created?

Stone veneer consists of a mixture of natural ingredients, such as Portland cement, lightweight aggregates and iron-oxide pigments, which become integral to the stone during fabrication. The materials are then cast into molds taken from natural stone to produce realistic-looking siding that is lighter than natural stone.