I'm in Florida, and I have a client who wants to know the pros and cons of brick siding (veneer) compared to Hardie siding. I've always thought of brick as a timeless and reliable choice, but I'm starting to rethink that. During renovations, I've come across a lot of rotted exterior walls in homes with brick veneer. Also, I've noticed that more high-end custom builders are opting for Hardie, while entry-level homes stick with brick. Is Hardie becoming the new go-to option? Is modern brick not as effective against weather as it used to be? We do experience heavy rain and wind in Florida, which makes me wonder how well brick holds up now.
3 Answers
Brick veneer has its charm, but it's definitely not waterproof, and that’s a misconception. In older homes with better air movement, they dried out better when wet. But nowadays, you can’t rely solely on brick veneer or even Hardie for waterproofing. The walls need proper sealing, a waterproof layer underneath, and a rain screen. If that's not done right, you're asking for trouble, especially in a wet climate like Florida. So the installation method is key!
I think you’re missing the aesthetic angle—brick is more attractive than Hardie. Who wants a house that looks like a plastic cube? Brick gives a home a classic look!
That’s a fair point, but it’s not just about looks. Hardie is a cement composite that can mimic wood. Plus, I can show you plenty of brick houses that look terrible after years of weathering. When it comes to installation costs, there's not a huge difference between Hardie and brick. I believe many new homes are moving towards Hardie for durability.
You really have to look at how the brick was installed. Just having a fancy material doesn’t cut it if the installation was low quality. I’ve got EIFS siding, and people are scared of it due to past issues. But our problems mostly stem from adjacent installations, like poorly fitted windows. If someone cheaped out on the brick install, that could lead to problems later on. It’s all about the craftsmanship behind it!
Exactly! Good masons are getting hard to find these days. I've seen a lot of brickwork that looks rushed and sloppy. Quality matters more than the material!
Absolutely! I've noticed modern brick veneer with air gaps doesn’t perform well in humid areas, just trapping moisture and causing damage. It seems that unless you have a top-notch mason, brick might not be the best choice anymore. Hardie siding lets water escape more easily, so it's looking more appealing for new builds.