Understanding Brick Veneer

 

By Abraham X

Brick veneer is often misunderstood as a thin layer of brick fragments or an imitation of brick, but this is far from the truth. It actually consists of an authentic layer of brick masonry, known as a wythe, applied to the exterior of a building.

Image courtesy: Wikipedia

The key distinction between traditional brick and brick veneer lies in the construction behind the visible wythe. In brick veneer homes, there's a gap between the brick layer and the inner building structure, which is usually constructed from a different material, such as wood. This means the brick functions more like a siding, but the outer appearance is virtually indistinguishable from a full brick home. Over the last five decades, brick veneer has become increasingly popular for new brick homes, primarily due to evolving building codes that emphasize insulation.

Benefits of Using Brick Veneer

Brick veneer offers several notable advantages:

  1. Enhanced Insulation: Brick is naturally porous, which can result in moisture penetrating walls. Brick veneer addresses this by utilizing a cavity between the brick layer and the internal building structure, providing an insulating air buffer. This cavity can also be filled with extra insulation materials, increasing the insulating effect. This setup allows homeowners to benefit from more insulating materials without compromising the aesthetic appeal of a brick facade.

  2. Leakage Reduction: The cavity in brick veneer homes provides improved waterproofing. Although brick is generally resilient against the elements, it can be vulnerable to leaks. To counter this, brick veneer homes typically feature weep holes at the base of the cavity, helping drain water and promoting air circulation, reducing rain leakages.

  3. Energy Efficiency: Bricks have superior heat capacity, nearly twice that of wood. While this benefit can be offset in a traditional brick masonry home due to insufficient insulation and moisture leakage, brick veneer effectively captures this energy efficiency.

  4. Economic Savings: Constructing a brick veneer home is considerably less costly than a full brick masonry home. The cost for adding it to a 2,500 square foot home ranges between $20,000 and $70,000. If you have sufficient masonry experience (around 50 hours), it's possible to undertake this as a DIY project, though expert guidance is advisable.

Drawbacks of Brick Veneer

Despite its benefits, brick veneer has certain limitations compared to brick masonry:

  1. Vulnerability to Cracking: A single layer of brick veneer is less durable than full brick masonry and is more prone to cracking.

  2. Inadequate Protection Against Fire, Pests, or Rot: Although brick veneer offers various benefits, if the inner structure of the house is made of wood, it still faces risks from fire, pests, rot, and natural disasters.

  3. Demands Maintenance: Brick veneer homes require more maintenance than full brick masonry homes. Alongside routine mortar maintenance, the weep holes should be inspected and cleaned, the caulk joints connecting the veneer to the home need to be examined annually, and any invasive plant growth should be removed.

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