Brick and vinyl are the most popular choices for siding. The two make a massive difference to stability, lifespan, as well as energy efficiency in your home: builders and homeowners like vinyl and brick siding for different reasons. However, choosing the best material for your new home or exterior renovation should be much based on the advantages and disadvantages of the product. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of vinyl siding vs. brick siding
Contents
Cost – Vinyl vs. brick
Brick homes are expensive to purchase and build compared to vinyl, and this is particularly true based on demand and location. In various regions, it is a bit costly to transport bricks to the island, given that they cannot be made on the site. Therefore, brick homes usually cost a premium.
Vinyl siding costs almost 400 percent less than brick, and it offers similar benefits, just like a brick at a lot more cost-effective rate. Besides, given that vinyl weighs very much less than brick, it will cost much less to transport it to the working site. This will make both the homeowners and the contractors more satisfied at long last. Also, Bricks requires to be installed by a bricklayer or a professional mason. This usually results in an added payment on the project compared to vinyl.
Popularity – Vinyl siding wins !
Since vinyl siding is much less costly than brick, which is among the priciest options available in the market, this is what makes vinyl a popular choice for most people, especially if you are on a budget. Vinyl costs only around $2 per square foot, whereas brick can cost anyplace from $4 to $10 per square foot. Even the cheapest brick option is usually twice the price for the vinyl. Brick is typically regarded as a luxury thing. Vinyl is not just a less costly material, but it is less costly to install as well. Vinyl is very easy to move, and it is easier to build too.
Installation
Installing vinyl is much easier and quicker than installing brick. This easier and faster installation means that you will have reduced trouble getting a contractor who can carry out the work, and the installation will also cost significantly less.
Energy Efficiency – Brick siding wins !
Brick typically takes in the cold and hot weather outside and also avert it from getting inside. This means that you will not require using your cooling and heating more often as you will with vinyl. As a result, this will save you some amount of money on your energy bills. Keep in mind; however, that brick siding is just around 2 percent more energy efficient than vinyl. Therefore, it won’t make a big difference.
Is brick siding easier to maintain ?
Brick needs very slight maintenance. You will never require painting, and it doesn’t dent or rot. Brick is regarded to be pest resistant and fire-resistant. On the other hand, vinyl requires a lot of maintenance. It needs to be washed with a mixture of water and detergent to get rid of mold and grime. It naturally fades in around 10 to 15 years and has to be painted or replaced. It is not resistant to fire and also a slow-burning product. Even though it might get scratches or dents, the vinyl color goes off entirely through, and as a result, the blemishes are not always noticeable.
Durability and Protection (insulation)
Brick is much more longer-lasting than vinyl. When it comes to structural durability, vinyl cannot beat brick. Tornado damage to a vinyl-sided house can be much more extreme than to a brick house because bricks are weather resistance. Vinyl is not long-lasting as brick, and it does not have the capacity to withstand well to an impact. The children or landscaper might cause damage to the vinyl by banging it with toys or tools. Hail, Rocks, and branches can make holes in the vinyl after a severe storm. It also does not maintain its strength in harsh and cruel climates. The scorching sun and cold temperatures may weaken it and make it fragile and vulnerable to cracks. Generally, vinyl lasts about 20 to 25 years, while brick can last up to 100 years.
Appearance- Vinyl vs. brick
Vinyl usually comes in a huge number of diverse colors that can perfectly go with your house. However, if your desire is on the rustic brick appearance, the brick will be the only way to provide you the real appearance that you would like. The majority of the companies have a vinyl alternative that looks like a brick, although it is not real.
Renovation and Repair
Brick homes are much more complex to repair compared to vinyl. It is a challenging job to repair petite affected parts without taking out the brick sections. Masons will require to chisel the bricks away, clean the part, lay the mortar, insert the new bricks, and fill in those spaces with added mortar to repair an area.
FAQ
Can vinyl be replaced with a brick?
Vinyl can be removed and then replaced with brick. However, before proceeding to do so, homeowners are supposed to think about the costs, the lifespan of the vinyl, and its environmental impact, among other factors.
Vinyl vs. brick vs. stucco siding – What is the difference?
Bricks are typically prepared from natural materials like clay, ash shale, or lime. Vinyl is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride resin), which is a kind of plastic. Stucco is a cement-kind of a mixture made of Portland, sand, lime, cement, and water. Since brick, vinyl, and wood siding are very different materials, the three make a very big difference in house stability, lifespan, and energy efficiency, among others.
What is the difference when it comes to brick vs. wood siding?
Both brick and wood can increase the home value just for their price and attractiveness. A wood home is, however, much more versatile and also a less expensive choice than a brick house.
Pros of brick siding
- Extremely durable
- Fire-resistant
- Weather-resistance
- Low maintenance
- Eco-friendly building material.
Cons of brick siding
- Very expensive
- Limited variety of styles and colors
Pros of vinyl siding
- Cost-effective
- Easy installation
- Movable
Cons of vinyl siding
- Can result in other maintenance issues often
- Can lower the value of your home
- Health concerns related to PVC production
Vinyl vs. Brick Summary
At the end of the day, both brick and vinyl are wonderful choices for your home. However, there are several things that are supposed to be taken into consideration. Even though vinyl comes in various colors, there are some people who would really like the look of brick, and it is pretty beautiful after all. The beautiful look of the bricks might, However, not be worth the value to you. Therefore, if you are on a budget, you can consider vinyl. Lastly, vinyl is considered favorable to the environment, and in the present industrial world, even the little thing we do can be of great help. You can also consider this summary on vinyl siding vs. brick:
- For increased value on your property, do with brick
- For friendly budget and exterior walls with low-maintenance, choose vinyl.
- For energy-efficiency, take brick since it is the best, though Energy Star-rated vinyl will also do well.
There are many great choices for all these materials; therefore, you can consult your contractor to know the best for your house, your region, as well as your budget.
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