Understanding Brick/Stone Veneer

Are you familiar with brick/stone veneer, known as “brick stone veneer” or “stone veneer siding” in English? This technique has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in North America, in recent years due to its aesthetic qualities and excellent value. This construction method involves installing, adhering, and/or mechanically fastening brick or stone units to an existing structure, typically a wood-frame wall. The technique dates back decades. In the 1930s, brick veneer gained popularity in Europe, especially on timber-frame buildings. Its success in North America continues to grow, partly due to its variety of shapes and colors, notably its trendy stone appearance. Discover what you need to know about this advantageous construction technique.

What is Brick/Stone Veneer?

Within the brick/stone cladding family, veneer is used to cover building façades (most common application) or interior walls with brick or stone units without traditional masonry construction. Brick veneer is often installed for decorative purposes, with units attached to an existing structure using mortar, specialized adhesive, or support systems like metal lath.

Brick Veneer versus Traditional Masonry

The key difference between brick/stone veneer and traditional masonry lies in their structural role:

Traditional masonry:

  • Consists of stacked brick units assembled with mortar and requires a foundation to support the brick weight.

Brick/stone veneer:

  • Non-load bearing.
  • Thinner, lighter units attached to an existing wall.

Different Types of Brick/Stone Veneer

Construction professionals can choose from various installation techniques. Each method has specific advantages, with selection based on project requirements:

  • Metal Lath System for Brick/Stone Veneer

This process requires metal lath for unit installation. A skilled veneer installer completes this in two stages:

  • First step involves applying an initial mortar coat on the metal lath and allowing it to cure.
  • Second step involves adhering the brick or stone units with mortar
  • Joints are then filled with mortar.

This method works for both interior and exterior applications. However, exterior projects require a proper drainage system. This process involves significant curing time.

  • Mechanically Fastened Brick/Stone Veneer

This innovative technique uses interlocking units designed to be mechanically fastened (screwed and/or adhered) directly to the building structure.

The wall surface receiving the brick or stone units requires careful preparation. Wood furring strips are installed vertically on the wall structure to support the units. These furring strips must be securely fastened to wall studs using corrosion-resistant screws.

Once furring is installed, a starter strip secures to the wall base, ensuring proper installation of the first course of brick or stone. During first course installation, units are pre-drilled and fastened with two screws per unit. Subsequent courses install with staggered joints (half-unit offset), similar to traditional brick laying, using a rubber mallet for proper alignment.

Note: NovaBRIK pioneers this innovative technique. Units mechanically fasten to vertical furring strips using screws. Installation requires no mortar, enabling rapid work in any season without advanced masonry expertise. This self-supporting system eliminates foundation support requirements, reducing foundation width. The system is also waterproof and requires no mortar joints between units.

  • Other Alternatives

Flexible synthetic brick or thin brick tiles offer another wall cladding option mimicking traditional brick appearance. They combine natural material like modified clay with synthetic material similar to rubber, providing flexibility.

Their key feature is their ability to conform to curved surfaces. They enable curved wall cladding with traditional brick aesthetics. Direct adhesion to existing substrate simplifies installation.

However, synthetic material longevity remains uncertain compared to traditional brick’s proven durability.

Installation Process

Notable differences exist between installing traditional brick/stone veneer and the NovaBRIK system:

  • Traditional Brick/Stone Veneer Installation

This process requires precision and specific expertise. After foundation preparation and weatherproofing over metal lath, veneer installation begins with a mortar bed. Each unit carefully aligns and presses into mortar for optimal adhesion. Joints fill with mortar and tool for uniform finish. Metal flashings install above openings for weather protection. This installation type is complex and time-consuming.

  • Installing Mortarless Mechanical Veneer like NovaBRIK

NovaBRIK’s system revolutionizes veneer installation with a fast, clean, efficient method. After wall preparation and air barrier installation, wood furring creates a drainage cavity. Units mechanically fasten to furring using corrosion-resistant screws. This attachment system offers great flexibility and easy implementation. Mortarless design significantly reduces installation time and prevents cracking risks. Various NovaBRIK components, including corner blocks, window sills, and wainscot caps, enable precise, customized finishing.

Advantages of Brick/Stone Veneer

Choosing brick/stone veneer makes sense for numerous aesthetic, economic, and practical reasons:

  • Brick represents a traditional building material providing classic, timeless appearance. It harmoniously integrates with various architectural styles and can enhance overall property appearance. Veneer units replicate full-masonry aesthetics while offering additional benefits;
  • Installing brick/stone veneer, especially with a system like NovaBRIK, proceeds faster than full masonry construction. Veneer units weigh less and attach directly to building structure using screws or metal fasteners, eliminating mortar needs. This advantage significantly reduces construction time and labor costs;
  • Brick/stone veneer can increase property value compared to alternatives like vinyl or fiber cement siding. Brick/stone’s aesthetic appeal and durability attract potential buyers. Brick also provides good sound insulation, improving occupant comfort.

Design Considerations

Selection criteria for brick/stone veneer extend beyond simple color or texture choice. Various aesthetic and technical factors influence decisions. Choosing between stretcher bond and flemish bond masonry techniques, two distinct laying patterns significantly affecting façade appearance, allows customization to preference.

Brick colors, ranging from natural tones to vibrant shades, enable varied atmospheres. Texture options include smooth or rough finishes. The structure type receiving veneer, whether house or chimney, influences veneer selection regarding thickness, durability, and aesthetics.

Aesthetically, stone-effect veneer units compete with natural stone, a popular North American building material. While offering clear advantages like lighter weight and more accessible cost compared to stone, they install more easily than natural stone. NovaBRIK units feature split-face texture, perfectly replicating natural stone appearance.

Maintenance and Durability

Both traditional and NovaBRIK veneer systems are known for longevity. Like all exterior cladding, they require regular maintenance to preserve appearance and integrity. Common issues include unit cracks, deteriorating mortar joints, efflorescence, and mold. Proper ventilation behind veneer remains crucial to prevent condensation and mold formation.

The mortarless NovaBRIK system, with its 50-year limited warranty, features design elements minimizing building movement issues. For optimal maintenance, annual inspection is recommended, including regular cleaning with appropriate products and prompt repair of any damage.

Traditional brick requires special attention to mortar joints, which can crack (allowing water infiltration) or deteriorate over time.

Comparison with Other Cladding Options

Brick/stone veneer offers numerous advantages over alternatives like fiber cement, vinyl, and stucco, a cement, sand, and lime mixture also called stuc. While fiber cement and vinyl cost less and maintain easily, they have shorter lifespans and may appear less authentic. Stucco can crack easily, shows weather sensitivity, and needs frequent maintenance. Brick, however, has legendary durability, enhanced weather resistance, and timeless appearance. Thus, brick/stone veneer represents a wise long-term investment.

Costs and Return on Investment

Compared to alternatives like fiber cement or vinyl siding, brick/stone veneer represents a higher initial investment. Material costs and skilled labor requirements justify this price difference. However, brick/stone veneer offers excellent long-term return on investment. Its exceptional durability reduces maintenance and repair needs. Brick’s unmatched, prestigious appearance increases perceived property value, particularly advantageous for resale. Brick’s natural thermal properties can also improve home energy efficiency, generating savings on heating and cooling bills.

Conclusion

Whether traditional or using the innovative NovaBRIK system, brick/stone veneer offers multiple advantages. Technique selection depends on various factors, including desired architectural style and budget. Compare available options for your project and consult with NovaBRIK manufacturer. Their team considers all your construction specifics and provides answers to achieve your goals.