When you’re making decisions about your dream house, the exterior is a major consideration. Brick houses have been a popular choice for centuries and for good reason. It’s the superior choice in home building for a variety of different reasons. BrickImaging is here to guide you through the pros and cons of a brick house and how our exclusive Stayntech® brick staining can keep it looking immaculate.
What is Brick Made Of?
Brick made from clay and shale is among the most abundant and natural materials on earth. It’s then fired through a kiln at 2,000 degrees. During this process, the clay particles fuse together. It also has a wide range of color and shade options that won’t fade as much as other brick. Combining this with Stayntech™ ensures it will withstand the elements and hold its color for a very long time!
Benefits of a Brick House
From curb appeal to durability and longevity, there are so many benefits of having a brick house. Updating the look of your brick house is also easier than having to redo your exterior siding, etc. Brick staining vs painting your house is a major factor, as well, as staining brick can endure the harsh elements and weather Colorado is known for. To get the most out of your brick, we also recommend staining vs painting the brick.
Longevity of Brick
One of the benefits of a brick house is that it lasts a long time. Brick homes have been around for over 5,000 years for a good reason! It was essential in protecting people from the elements or enemy attacks while also establishing a home base. Great castles and fortresses are made out of brick and some of them still stand today. Some things never go out of style as it’s now the most popular material to build with for good reason. It’s durable, long-lasting, and looks great especially if you use our brick staining process. Stayntech™ adds a protective coating that fuses with the naturally porous surface of brick to form a protective bond against the elements.
The Durability of Brick in Harsh Elements
Speaking of the elements, brick can withstand even the most violent storms that wood and vinyl cannot. It also has natural moisture control. Brick wall systems minimize wood rot, insect infestations, and mold growth. It also has a built-in moisture control system.
“Shelter from the Storm: New study finds that homes built with brick provide better protection from wind-blown debris”-The Brick Industry Association
A brick house can withstand a wide variety of debris that hit your house during hurricanes or tornados. The study was conducted by The Wind Science and Engineering Research Center which was established after a crushing tornado in Lubbock, Texas. During these tests, they found that homes made with brick have more than enough impact resistance required for high-velocity hurricane zones in Florida. If you have a brick house in Florida, you’re in much better shape during a storm than if you had vinyl or a wood frame house. A big enough piece of debris during a storm can cause a massive amount of damage to your home.
- Less upkeep: Rarely needs to be cleaned.
- Pest resistance: Termites and other pests are not a concern.
- Weather resistance: Holds up well in severe weather conditions.
Fire Protection
Brick clay is non-combustible material that is fired at 2000 F. It can both resist and confine fires preventing a small issue from becoming a massive disaster. So-called “advanced” materials such as vinyl are engulfed within minutes.
Low Maintenance
It doesn’t dent, rot, or get eaten by bugs. Most of the most beautiful buildings in the world were made of brick and some of them still stand to this day. Because of this, you won’t have to spend as much money maintaining it. While you won’t live to be centuries old, your brick house just may, especially if you use Stayntech™ to stain it.
Brick is Energy Efficient
With the ability to store heat, brick slowly releases it because brick has excellent “thermal mass.” Because of this, your home stays nice and cool during the hottest summer months. Brick also stores heat and radiates it back to you during the winter. You’ll save lots of money on energy by going with a brick home.
- Stay warmer in the winter.
- Stay cooler in the summer.
- Can help reduce your energy bills.
Brick is Sustainable
Brick is made mostly from clay and shale. Both are among the most abundant materials on the face of the earth. There are a never-ending amount of options to recycle and salvage it. You can use it as landscaping mulch and crushed brick can be used for sub-base materials. Because Brick lasts for so long, you don’t need to waste energy to remake it. There are still buildings present that were made centuries ago. Now with new brick staining technology, your brick home will last longer than ever before!
Brick Can Lower Your Insurance Cost
Homes that have brick typically cost less to insure than a wood-framed house. Why? For the reasons we discussed above, such as wind resistance, fire resistance, and less damage from termites. Yes, brick may be more expensive upfront than vinyl or wood, but when it comes to your house, it’s best to consider the long-term and costs/investments you might put into your house 20+ years from now.
Brick Homes Have Better Resale value
Have you ever noticed that people list brick as a primary selling point? It’s more practical and brick homes often keep their beauty for much longer. Our brick staining process can also help hold the value of your home while also increasing its potential to sell much faster.
Brick Houses Have a Wide Variety of Color Options
Brick is made from a mix of clay and water. When it’s “fired” in a kiln until hardened, it can produce different colors depending on the type of clay. Sand and limestone can also be added to the firing process which can also change colors, textures, effects, and finishes. In other words, you have a wide variety of different color options for brick. Once your colors begin to fade, you can choose what color you want from our Stayntech™ process.
Disadvantages of a Brick House
Yes, there are just a few disadvantages of having a brick house, even though the pros outweigh the cons. Here are some of the cons:
Upfront Costs
Brick can be significantly more expensive than other materials. This includes not only the cost of the bricks but the labor involved in construction.
Limited Insulation
While brick does offer some insulation due to its density, it’s not as insulated as some modern materials.
Difficulty in Installation
Brick houses require a skilled mason for proper installation. This can add to both the cost and the amount of time required to build.
Difficulty in Making Changes
Once a brick house is built, it’s difficult to make structural changes. So, it’s crucial to be sure of what you want before building begins.
Weight
Brick is heavy. This means that the underlying foundation must be sturdier (and more expensive) to support the weight of the brick.
Making the Most of a Brick House with Stayntech®
One of the challenges of brick is that it can lose its luster over time. This is where BrickImaging steps in with Stayntech®!
Why Brick Stain is Superior to Paint
- Breathability: Brick needs to breathe. Unlike paint, our Stayntech® brick stains won’t peel or trap moisture.
- Customization: You can choose from a wide array of colors, and even change the color of your brick entirely.
- Durability: Brick staining lasts longer than painting. It’s a one-time investment that keeps your brick looking great for years.
The BrickImaging Advantage
Here’s why BrickImaging is your go-to for keeping your brick house in peak condition:
- Experience: We’ve been in the masonry and staining industry for over 40 years.
- Exclusive Technology: Our Stayntech® brick stains aren’t available anywhere else.
- Customer Service: Our professional staff is here to guide you through the entire process.
The benefits of a brick house are great reasons to keep brick around rather than replacing it with wood or vinyl. However, staining your brick will help keep it looking its best for as long as possible.
Contact BrickImaging to get a free estimate today!
