Solid Masonry vs Brick Veneer

Brick homes are timeless. They are some of the most attractive and sought after properties in real estate. Bricks are durable, low maintenance, strong, and more weather- and fire-resistant than other building materials. They can help to block out noise, are less susceptible to pests, and can increase the value of your property.

But are all brick houses made equal?

Solid Masonry

Solid masonry, also known as solid brick or double brick construction, consists of two layers of brick walls, or an inner wall of cinder or concrete blocks and an outer layer of brick. This double-wall is the skeleton and support of the structure. Each layer of block or brick construction is known as a wythe. Header bricks are installed every six rows to increase the strength and stability of the wall and to ensure the two wythes stay together. Header bricks lay perpendicular across the two layers forming a bridge. On the outside facing of the wall, header bricks blend and look like regular bricks, only shorter.

Brick Veneer

On the other hand, brick veneer construction, as the name suggests, is an overlay or facing of bricks. Unlike solid masonry that consists of two wythes, brick veneer installation only has one. The inner wall is made from other building materials, such as wood and steel, which are more cost-efficient. This wood and steel frame acts as the structural foundation and bears the weight of the construction. Once this is in place, an outer wythe is installed adjacent to the structure’s exterior, creating the appearance of a brick wall. This wall is decorative and has no load-bearing responsibilities.

Spot the Difference

Given both have an exterior facing of brick, how do you tell the difference between the two?

Brick Veneer:

• Brick veneers have to weep holes to prevent moisture from being trapped between the inner and exterior walls. After the construction of the foundation, waterproof materials are used to line the inner facing, and the brick wall is installed a few inches away. Weep holes allow air to circulate and any moisture within that space to drain out, preventing water damage. Weep holes are typically finger-sized holes drilled every 32 inches along the foundation walls and above doors and windows.
• With brick veneers, there are no header brick patterns.

Solid Masonry:

• The header bricks used in most solid masonry construction are identified as a row of shorter bricks in the facing of the wall. This is usually seen every sixth row of the brick pattern.
• To protect windows and doors from the weight of the bricks, horizontal support beams, known as lintels, are sometimes installed. Another support structure typically seen are masonry arches. These are parallel to the wall and usually consist of two rows of bricks in an arch.
• The door jams and windowsills of solid masonry constructions are usually very deep. Windows and doors will be set back almost one brick length, due to the structure having two wythes.

Pros and cons of brick veneers

Pros:

• Brick veneers can be installed at any time after construction and can be changed if desired.
• Brick veneers offer a more cost-effective way to get the look and feel of solid brick. The veneers are easier to install, minimizing labour and material costs.
• Weep holes allow wind to fill air cavities between the inner construction and the outer wythe.
• This helps to keep moisture out. The space between the layers also facilitates the option to add insulation if needed.

Cons:

• With only a single layer of brick, brick veneer constructions are not as durable as solid masonry. They are susceptible to termites, fires and decay.
• If not installed properly, brick veneers are susceptible to water damage.

Pros and cons of solid masonry

Pros:

• Solid masonry is long-lasting. However, material and labour costs per square foot can be high when compared to brick veneer installations.
• Solid masonry is resilient and near impervious to decay, pests, termites, and fires.

Cons:

• Because bricks form the foundation and walls of the building, the installation of solid masonry can only be done in the initial stages of construction.
• Since the walls are solid brick, they cannot be packed with insulation, which may result in higher utility costs. This also makes them less ideal for climates with extreme winters.

Brick veneers in Surrey

The choice between solid masonry and brick veneers is a matter of personal preference as both options have benefits and drawbacks.

If you prefer brick veneer installations, finding the right brick veneer supplier is key to the integrity of your next construction project. If you are searching for a brick veneer supplier in Surrey, contact us at Pacific Art Stone.

Pacific Art Stone is a premier brick supplier in Surrey BC that carries a great selection including the Royal Thin Brick, MetroBrick® and Summit Brick collections. You will find many options of beautiful, affordable, sustainable, and easy to install brick veneers. Visit our website and browse our brick collections or contact us today. Our team of experts can share more details about any of our products and schedule a meeting or a tour of our showroom.