Brick Veneer Siding

Apart from enhancing the architectural style and design of the house, siding serves various other purposes. It can protect the inner structures from adverse weather conditions like harsh sunlight, strong winds, torrential rains and frost. Some types of siding can act as an insulation against heat and light too. So, choosing house siding is very important. The right siding should be suitable for the local weather conditions, it must be durable with less maintenance, and above all, must fit into your budget. While brick, wood, stone, etc, are some of the traditional options, there are numerous new siding materials from which you can select the right one for your home. This article deals with brick veneer, which can be the perfect choice if you want a siding material with the looks of bricks.

What is Brick Veneer Siding

Bricks are among the oldest materials used for masonry construction. They are made of fired clay and are found to be durable and long-lasting. Solid bricks form the structural elements of a construction, as they have to support the load within the walls as well as of the roof. Usually, solid bricks, four to eight inches thick, are used in the construction of homes. Unlike such conventional bricks, brick veneer siding is a type of thin brick surface, that is used as a siding. It can be defined as a thin surface material that is applied on solid wall surfaces so as to attain the natural look of a brick wall. It can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces.

There are various types of brick veneer, that differ in size, thickness, and method of installation. While some types resemble typical red bricks, others have a more rustic look. However, these veneers are around ten to fifty millimeters in thickness, with the same length and breadth of a regular, traditional brick. They come in different colors, textures and finishes. The variations in color are due to difference in the chemical composition of the raw materials (shale or clay) and the intensity of firing. The texture difference is achieved by adopting various types of surface treatments. Thin ones are also available in different shapes, so as to facilitate their installation on sills and cornices.

Brick veneer siding is very popular due to its cheaper cost, as compared to regular, traditional bricks. Apart from that, it is easy to install and is beneficial in providing an insulation to the house. This siding is very widely used on both interior and exterior walls, pathways, patios, fireplaces and floors. Above all, this material is found to be durable and resists fire too.

How to Install Brick Veneer Siding

Installation of brick veneer as a siding, depends on its type and purpose. Thin and lightweight types are installed on surfaces in the same way as ceramic tiles are adhered to walls. Another method is to install a brick veneer wall, covering the exterior face of the frame building. In this case, such a wall is made on a separate foundation and a small gap is left between the veneer wall and the existing walls of the building. However, the outer wall will be connected to the frame building at some points. If you want to install thin type of brick veneer siding, you have to chip the existing wall surfaces, after cleaning them thoroughly. Remove the flakes from the surfaces and apply the adhesive mortar, as per the instructions of the manufacturer. In case of uneven wall surfaces, you have to level them first, by applying a scratch coat. Once the adhesive mortar is applied to a thickness of 10mm, level the mortar and comb it with a tooth trowel. Now, press the veneer firmly to the walls, so that the mortar sticks out through the sides. Use a brush to smooth the mortar that juts out through the sides. In case of larger surface areas, brick veneer are cast with concrete to form prefabricated panels that can be installed easily.

Brick veneer cost depends on the type and the method of installation. While this material is commonly used as a replacement for other siding types, brick veneer siding is also used in new constructions.