Does your house need the regular brick look? Could you use brick alternatives instead? When it comes to building a home, it’s important to know what material works and looks best. Here’s how bricks compare to other building materials, and how they fare in cost, maintenance, and sustainability.
Brick vs. Vinyl Siding
Cost
Vinyl siding, a plastic sheeting made mostly from PVC, is a popular material. It’s also a very cost effective substitute for brick. Home Advisor’s price rating estimates an average cost of $5,645 – $14,190 for vinyl siding for a home. For a brick home, the site estimates an average cost of $15,000. The high cost of bricks may be off-putting but it can be a real lifesaver.
Maintenance
According to The Brick Industry Association (BIA), both materials are low maintenance; however, bricks have an average 100-year lifespan while vinyl siding averages at 25 years. On top of all that, bricks offer more protection from winds and fire than vinyl siding. A brick’s ability to provide more benefits with less maintenance gives it an edge over vinyl siding. With that being said, the production of brick is more environmentally friendly.
Recyclability
Bricks take the cake for being both low maintenance and environmentally friendly because they require minimal manufacturing. This means there are fewer emissions, and energy is reduced when producing bricks. Brick is also highly recyclable. Damaged bricks from construction sites can be used for fill-in when pouring concrete, DIY home projects, and even making new brick!
15 Creative Ways Old Bricks Can Be Turned Into Beautiful Decorations
Brick vs. Manufactured Stone
Cost
According to roofingcal.com, it can cost you anywhere from $27,000 to $80,000 to install manufactured stone for an average sized home. Brick takes the cake for the most budget-friendly, but each material has its own unique benefits.
Maintenance
Manufactured stone is very malleable, meaning it’s easy for customized design. This makes it a very easy material to install and perfect for getting creative with your home’s appearance. However, it does not provide the same level of protection as brick does. The BIA points out that manufactured stone does not provide fire protection and may be susceptible to water damage.
Recyclability
According to the BIA, the information on manufactured stone’s recyclability is limited due to it being a newer product.
Brick or Stone? Which One Should I Go For?
It’s important to know the benefits and drawbacks that come with each building material. No matter the material, each one provides its own level of sustainability and either can add a distinguished look to your home.
Can’t decide which one you like? Contact Champion Brick for more information!
