Thin brick can be an ideal building material, largely as a result of how it is made. There are also several benefits you will enjoy when you use this type of brick. Installing this material is a bit easier to do than with standard brick. Generally, brick veneer can also be easier to manage and maintain in comparison to other materials on the market.
Brick veneer is very different than normal bricks. Essentially these bricks are made from clay and other components, like gravel and cement. Polyurethane is also a common item used to make this brick type. The bricks can be created from recycled and salvaged materials found in old, destroyed buildings.
Advantages of Faux Brick
There are several enjoyable benefits that come from using this construction material. The first is its price. Compared to standard bricks, these bricks are much cheaper. Their price is generally lower, primarily as a result of their composition. Since they only use roughly twenty five percent of the materials utilized in typical bricks, their cost is not nearly as high. The material is also fireproof, durable, and acts as a great insulator against heat and cold.
The installation price tag is cheaper, too. If you can, it is much better to have a professional mason install the brick, but it is not absolutely necessary. When comparing the installation process of typical brick, this brick type does not require nearly the same level of time, effort, or skill. Being lightweight makes this building material very easy to manage, as well. Remember, though, that brick veneer is too light to be sustained as a load bearing material.
If possible, it is better to have a professional install your brick veneer. However, if you decide to do so yourself, remember to keep the following points in mind. The bricks are roughly an inch thick. As such, there are two methods for installation. You can either mount the brick on plywood and install it as one cohesive piece, or adhere it straight to the desired surface.
If you are going to use this material as an external covering, such as for outdoor siding, keep in mind that it is a porous compound. As such, water and air can penetrate the brick. This can lead to serious problems, such as water damage. To avoid this simply remember to install the bricks with a vapor barrier that will separate the wall from the veneer panels.
Sealants should always be used in cooler climate zones. Once exposed to frost these bricks will begin flaking if a sealant is not utilized. Stains might also make an appearance on the brick’s surface. Mildew, moss, and hard water have the tendency to build up on the surface over time. After a simple wash and scrubbing, these stains are generally easily removed.
Veneer brick can be a beautiful and financially practical material to use for most aesthetic purposes. It can be utilized in a large variety of ways, such as on walkways, in gardens, and around fireplaces. The material also has practical uses as well, such as for floors and counter tops. There are many advantages to this material. The brick veneer wall has the classic and elegant look of brick without the cost.