What are the pros and cons of brick and stone exterior facing?

In this multi-part segment of Ask MJ, we answer your questions on refurbishing the exterior of your home using some of the latest brick, rock or masonry facings. What are the advantages, disadvantages, costs and installation challenges.

Advantages

Timeless and refined, a brick or stone exterior is one of the best choices for your home. Either material creates a fire-resistant covering that will increase the value of your home. Research has shown that brick effectively lowers heating and cooling costs by as much as eight percent. It can withstand high winds and is not typically damaged by hail or other debris that may be blown around in windy conditions. Brick and stone exteriors are also extremely durable and can continue protecting your home well into the next century.

Disadvantages

Brick and stone cost more to install than other home exterior materials and their weight needs to be considered during construction. Once in place they are very solid and inflexible. This makes brick and stone a problematic choice in areas that are prone to earthquakes. Over time, brick and stone will also start to weather, changing their colors slightly. This can make it difficult to match the appearance if the home is later expanded or remodeled.

Installation

People mistakenly assume brick is waterproof. However, water can penetrate and seep through to the area behind it. It is important that a waterproof barrier be placed on the wall before the brick siding is installed.  Brick needs to be installed with a drainage plane or weep holes so any water has an easy escape route. The installation will cost a little more initially, but it will avoid countless problems down the road. You should also find out how the mason ensures that falling mortar won’t block this important drainage system. When brick or stone is added to an existing home originally designed for wood siding, the builder may need to add foundational support to carry the added weight.

In the next installment of this segment, we answer your questions about installation challenges and maintenance challenges and costs

Pace Realty’s Maintenance Team can help you with your yard and other home maintenance & renovation jobs. Call 250-562-6671 or email us at maintenance@pacerealty.ca today for a free, no-hassle quote.

Mary-Jean (MJ) Jacobson loves to talk real estate! She is passionate about helping clients increase the value of the assets. She is a Professional Property Manager, Strata Manager, Real Estate Sales Agent and Licensed Managing Broker. She writes a series of articles blogs and whitepapers about the real estate and property management industry at ASK MJ