Brick is one of the oldest building materials in the world, with it being a staple in construction for centuries. It’s a classic look around the world that seems to be timeless, but what you may not be aware of is that there are a few ways to achieve this aesthetic look. What we’re building up to is that this article is going to compare double brick homes with brick veneer, comparing their pros and cons and giving you the details to make an informed decision.
What is a brick veneer?
Brick veneer is a thin outer layer that can be installed on the exterior wall of your home. Basically, it is made up of a single layer of brick against a wood or steel frame. Usually, it doesn’t include any internal walls or floors and is designed to be incorporated with other walling materials (such as a timber or steel frame).
What is double brick?
Double brick is a traditional construction method that uses two types of brick and mortar as the main components to create a foundation and structural support of the home. Unlike brick veneer, double brick will have two layers of brick, creating a thicker structure. It is one of the oldest building techniques still in use today, however, it can be expensive.
Double brick Homes – Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
Durability: Brick is renowned for its longevity and toughness against a wide range of conditions.
Increased Resale Value: Evidence shows that statistically, brick homes fetch a higher resale price on the market than timber frame homes.
Termite and pest-resistant: Termites aren’t going to want a bite of your brick home, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in extermination and repairs.
Less likely to experience moisture damage: No one wants mould in their home, not to mention wood rot or water damage, all of which timber is vulnerable to.
Low maintenance: Brick requires little upkeep and won’t need to be repaired as often as other building materials.
Cons:
More expensive: In terms of both material and labour, brick is one of the more expensive building materials available.
Longer construction process: Brick houses take longer to build than homes made with other materials, such as timber.
Vulnerable to erosion: The one weakness of brick is it is vulnerable to erosion and earthquakes, so if either of these is a potential issue, you may want to consider another material.
Brick veneer Homes – Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
More affordable: Brick veneer is a noticeably cheaper option than double brick (hence why it exists in the first place). It could be a great option for first-home buyers who want the brick look but don’t have the budget.
Quicker to install: Brick homes are notorious for taking longer to build, so using veneer will have your home completed quicker. This has the added benefit of cutting down on labour costs.
Easier to fix/replace: Though brick doesn’t need repairing often, it’s expensive when it does. Brick veneer in comparison is much cheaper to repair and replace.
Cons:
Vulnerable to damage: Brick veneer lacks the structural strength that comes with double brick structures.
Lacks insulation provided by brick: Without additional insulation, brick veneer won’t provide the same level of thermal insulation provided by double brick.
Won’t increase resale value as much: Brick veneer lacks the added resale value that comes with double brick.
Construction and Insulation Considerations
One advantage that brick veneer does have is the speed at which it can installed. Not only will this mean your home be completed quicker, but it’ll cut down on labour costs. However, while brick costs more, both for the material and labour, there are some definite long-term benefits. Double brick will provide superior noise and thermal insulation and will be more durable in the long run. There’s no getting around that double brick building projects take longer than most others to finish.
Maintenance and Longevity
A double brick house will be incredibly durable and likely have a long lifespan. They also require little maintenance. Brick veneer walls are also durable but not to the same extent as double brick walls.
Design and Aesthetic Considerations
The purpose of brick veneer is to create a double brick look at a fraction of the price. In purely aesthetical terms, brick veneer can look great when used well. Double brick has a distinct look that isn’t as versatile as say timber, but it’s a timeless look that appeals to many people.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
When it comes to energy efficiency, double brick will provide better overall insulation than brick veneer, meaning it will help cut down energy bills in the long run. A double brick building project can be fairly environmentally friendly, as all the materials used to make brick are readily available. Whether brick veneer is more eco-friendly depends on its manufacturing process.
Cost Considerations
The big appeal of brick veneer is it offers the look of brick at a cheaper price, costing between $4-10 per square metre. It also takes less time to install which means lower labour costs. While cheaper than double-brick, it’s still more expensive than cladding options and weatherboard. If your main goal is to keep costs to a minimum, then there are cheaper options on the market than brick veneer.
Regional and Climate Considerations
Brick is a popular material for its all-round insulation qualities, preventing heat loss in winter and keeping cool during the summer months. It is therefore ideal for areas that experience both scorching summers and freezing winters.
Resale Value and Market Trends
If you’re looking to resell your home in the future, building with brick will add a significant amount to your resale value. While well-installed brick veneer will add some value to your home, it’s unlikely to be the same as a house made of brick.
What should I choose?
The choice between brick veneer and double brick will come down to your budget, needs, and what you’re looking for from a building material. Brick veneer best suits those looking for an affordable option that offers the brick look with some of the benefits. Double brick suits those who want a durable house with strong insulation and a higher resale value.
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