A Complete Guide to Brick Veneers

Brick veneers are a great alternative to solid brick when it comes to construction. However, while they might look and feel the same, they have different purposes. If you’re thinking about incorporating brick veneer in your property, it’s a good idea to know what to expect. In this article, we’ll define what brick veneers are, highlight their pros and cons and explain how to install and maintain them after installation.

What is brick veneer?

A brick veneer is a thin layer of brick, often placed on the surface of a building. While brick veneers have the same look and feel as regular brick, they don’t have the same construction requirements and weight. Unlike conventional brick walls, which hold up the building structure, if brick veneers were to be removed the building would remain standing, since the structure is what’s supporting the brick veneers. The veneers are just an added layer of thin brick for decorative purposes.

Where can you incorporate brick veneer in your home?

Brick veneer can be installed on almost any timber, steel or concrete surface of your home’s interior or exterior. Common places to install brick veneer include laundry rooms, sunrooms and bathrooms. Adding brick veneer to a corridor wall, a living room wall or on the exterior of a fireplace can add a classy touch to your home.

Pros and cons of brick veneers

The following are some pros of installing brick veneers on your property:

• Lightweight: Compared to double brick, brick veneers are very light, since they don’t have to bear weight. This makes them easier to manipulate and handle during installation.
• Great insulation: Brick veneers are good insulators, due to their lightweight cavity construction, which promotes airflow.
• Lower cost: Brick veneers are much more affordable than solid brick in all aspects, including maintenance, installation and cleaning.

The following are some cons of installing brick veneers on your property:

• Susceptible to water damage: Brick veneers tend to retain moisture, so it’s essential to watch out for constant exposure to rainfall or sprinkler water, which can lead to damage over time.
• Easily damaged: Being a siding material, brick veneer is prone to damage from natural calamities, such as earthquakes, which could cause the veneers to fall off or shift from the wall.

How to install brick veneer

Here is a step-by-step guide to installing brick veneers. However, if it’s your first time installing thin bricks, it can be helpful to consult a professional.

1. Prepare the wall for the brick veneer
   Drywall might require cement backer boards for reinforcement, but that won’t be necessary if the sheetrock wall is solid and there isn’t any peeling paint. When working with a plywood wall, first place a water-resistant surface to protect against mould and moisture build-up, which could rot out the wall. The cover will also provide a good surface for the brick veneers’ bonding.
2. Apply bonding agent on the wall
   Prepare the bonding agent in a paint tray. For better coverage, dilute the agent with some water, and apply it using a paint roller. You can then mix your mortar. For stability and to ensure the brick veneers don’t slide after being affixed to the wall, ensure the thin-set has a thicker consistency than what you would use for natural stone or any other tile. To improve overall performance, add a bit of white bonding additive.
3. Install brick veneer
   Once your mortar is set, it’s time to lay the brick veneers on the wall. After first applying the setting material either directly to the wall or on the brick itself, lightly press the brick veneers into the wall. It’s essential to have a guideline, such as a masonry string line, as you install the brick veneers.
4. Grout
   For the final step, you will need a grouting mortar. Once the consistency of the mortar is watery, mix in the colour of your choice. Fill up the joints between the brick veneers with the mortar and then, using a soft brush, lightly smooth the area. Finally, use a damp sponge to clean any haze from the thin brick veneers.

Maintenance of brick veneer

Although thin brick veneer doesn’t require much maintenance, some upkeep is necessary to maintain its beauty, depending on the location of your property and the elements to which the veneer is exposed.

Here are some things to watch out for:

• Cracked bricks
• Plant growth and moss
• Mould and mildew
• Moisture leakage (inside or behind the wall)

It’s also important to keep your gutters in good condition, which can help minimize harmful moisture leakage:

• Ensure rainwater is directed away from the house and doesn’t soak the walls
• Watch out for any splashing or sprinkling that might hit the walls

While exterior thin brick will do well without coating or sealing if checked and maintained annually, interior brick veneers need to be sealed to prevent contact with food or grease. If oil or food gets on the thin veneer, wipe the brick with a damp cloth.

Interior brick veneer surrounding a fireplace can get stained with smoke. Applying a sealer or coating on the thin brick in advance can make it easier to clean this area.

Are you looking to incorporate brick veneers in your home?

At Pacific Art Stone, we supply high-quality brick veneer to help bring your vision of a customized home to life. We have a variety of brick veneers in various shapes, textures and colours to meet your construction needs.

Call us at 604-590-5999 to learn more about products or visit our showroom today.