Everything You Need To Know About Fake (Faux) Brick Siding – What Is The Price And Is It A Good Choice For Your House?

Brick siding is a great way to elevate the outside of your home, completely changing its look and feel. The best part, you don’t need to break the bank to do it. If you are looking to upgrade your home’s exterior on a budget, consider fake brick siding. You will get the appearance of real brick for a fraction of the cost. 

What is Fake  Brick Siding?

Fake or faux brick is siding that looks like real brick. It can be made of all sorts of things – high-density polyurethane (foam), cement, aluminum, vinyl, and more. No matter what it is made of, it is fashioned to look like real brick.

Fake brick is purely for cosmetic purposes, and that’s what it was made for. Exterior faux brick panels help you to achieve the look of real brick without the price tag. Keep in mind you won’t get the same benefits that you do with real brick, like structural support, durability, and weather resistance. Still, there are perks of using faux brick outside affordability.

How Much Will Brick Look Siding Cost?

The cost of your fake brick siding will depend on its size and the material you choose. On average, fake brick panels or veneers will cost between $9 to $15 per square foot, so estimate that you will be paying about $10,000 or more on your project. This will include installation, removing any existing siding, and materials.

Pros of Brick Look Siding

• Of course, one of the biggest perks of using fake brick siding is its price. It is much cheaper than real brick. It often comes in panels, so it is easier for the DIY person to install themselves, though it is recommended to use a professional.
• They are low maintenance, so they don’t need regular and consistent care to maintain their appearance. They are often more fade resistant than their real counterparts, and that is because of their composition. Because it is made of a composite of different materials, it can be more durable than traditional brick.
• Its synthetic composition also means that you can get it in more colors and styles than naturally occurs in nature, so you will be sure to find something that meets your project’s needs when you use fake brick siding.

Cons of Fake Brick Siding on Your House

• Fake brick doesn’t give you the same structural support that real brick does, so you will need to attach it to an existing wall. This may not be an issue if you are using it for external siding, but it can limit where you install it otherwise.
• Fake brick siding is purely for aesthetics, so it’s not going to be as strong as real brick. Depending on which type of fake brick you choose, it may be easier to damage because it is more lightweight. This includes being less resistant to extreme weather conditions, so you will want to make sure that you are selecting the best type for your environment.
• Even though you can install it at home, you will likely want to hire a professional. Even the smallest misstep can cause moisture to build up, which will cause long-term damage to your house.

Types of Brick Sidings and their definitions

The kind of siding you choose will determine the degree of protection against elements, amount of maintenance needed and the value of your home if you are thinking to put it up for sale in future. Basically, siding from brick materials has traditionally been used and is a good option if you are looking for durability and don’t mind its high value compared to other forms of sidings. Sidings in original brick are made from hardened clay which has good aesthetic look and lasting form. These are the most common types of brick sidings:

Vinyl brick siding

Vinyl brick siding is manufactured from plastic materials and comes in a variety of colors and designs. Vinyl is durable and resumes its usual form after impact. This form of siding is vermin resistant and needs minimal maintenance. You only need a garden hose or soft sponge to dust it clean unlike conventional siding where you have to do regular checks for cracks on mortars. Though brick appears tougher than vinyl siding, it’s more brittle. Vinyl siding is a cheaper option if you are looking for affordable wall siding than brick or stone siding.

The downside of vinyl brick siding is that it does not provide additional insulation and is damaged by heat from grills or barbecues. Fire damage needs replacement but it would not be expensive as natural siding solutions. Vinyl siding styles allows you to change it according to trending styles which may also add value to your home and attracts home buyers. Vinyl siding color will fade over time but it comes with a lifetime warranty. Vinyl siding design is made to last for 40 to 50 years. See how vinyl compares to real brick .

Brick Veener 

If you have your heart set on real brick siding, there is another alternative. You can get a brick veneer, which is a single layer of real brick that will be attached to existing walls. Much like fake brick siding, your brick veneer will not hold weight, so it is again, purely decorative.

It is installed much like real bricks, so you will get that mortar that helps attach the bricks. To clean, all you’ll need to do is wash the bricks down and they will look as good as new! It is a great, cost-efficient alternative if you are again looking to simply upgrade your home’s appearance. This masonry work lasts for many years if well installed and if the mortar needs replacement, it will be after a long time. Veneers come in a wide range of colors, texture and thickness. The brick style siding will age with the house and only requires an occasional wash with a hose.

How to Install  Faux Brick Siding 

Even though fake brick siding is easier to install, it is recommended to use a professional to ensure it is properly installed. Most companies will guarantee their work in the case of damage. If you would still like to try to install, here are some handy tips. Using this type of  siding on your exterior wall will improve the look of your house and increase its value if you are targeting potential buyers in future. Siding that is poorly done, looks unattractive and exposes your exterior wall to damage.

1. Measure your space

This will help you calculate how many panels (or bricks!) you will need to cover your wall.

2. Gather up your tools

In addition to your panels, you will need the following materials: Caulk (1 tube per 3 panels) and siding tools; level; circular saw; wire brush; drainage mat; and screws and screwdrivers.

3. Prepare your surfaces

Clean your surfaces using a wire brush, wiping down any walls and paneling to ensure proper adhesion. Draw a line at the top – make sure to keep it level! Lastly, install your drainage mat along with the wrap of our house.

4. Place your first panel

You may need to cut it to make it fit your wall, but the panels are designed to interlock so you may need to make continued adjustments. Apply the caulk four inches apart along the edges and the middle and apply the panel to your wall.

5. Secure with screws

You may want to secure the panels with screws to reinforce them. Use one screw per square foot.

6. Touch up adhesive

You may need to apply adhesive to touch up the panel, especially where the panels interlock.

7. Repeat

Repeat the process until your siding is complete.

How to Maintain ?

There are several ways that you can maintain your fake brick siding. You can power wash it, just make sure to not use too much pressure. If you can, you can scrub it with soap and water. Some brick siding is dirt resistant, so you can even use simple hose pressure. It just depends on what type of siding you have, but it will be very easy and relatively low maintenance.

Where to Buy ?

You can buy vinyl brick siding panels from Home Depot, Menards, Lowes – anywhere that DIY-ers shop! They have a great selection of fake brick panels or even real bricks for your veneer, and you will also be able to ask their qualified professionals if you have questions.

Is Brick Look Siding Worth It?

Many will say that real brick siding is the better choice, but there have been a lot of advances in construction that make fake brick siding a better choice for many. If you are looking for the brick look on a budget, it’s worth checking out.

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