Apart
from enhancing the architectural style and design of the house, siding servers
various other purpose. It can protect the inner structures from adverse weather
conditions like harsh sunlight, strong winds, torrential rains and frost. Some
type of siding can act as an insulation against heat and light too. So,
choosing house siding is very important. The right siding should be suitable
for the local weather conditions, it must be durable with less maintenance, and
above all, must fir into your budget. While brick, wood, stone, etc, are some
of the traditional options, there are numerous new siding materials from witch
you can select the right one for your home. This article deals with brick
veneer, which can be the perfect choice if you want a siding material with the
looking of bricks.
What is Brick Veneer
Siding
Brick
are among the oldest materials used for masonry construction. They are made of
fired clay and are found to be durable and long lasting. Solid bricks from the
structural elements of a construction, as they have to support the load within
the walls as well as of the roof. Usually, solid bricks, four to eight inches
thick, are used in the construction of homes. Unlike such conventional bricks,
brick veneer siding is a type of thin brick surface, that is used as a siding.
It can be defined as a thin surface material that is applied on solid wall
surfaces so as to attain the natural look of a brick wall. It can be used on
both interior and exterior surfaces.
There
are various type of brick veneer, that differ in size, thickness, and method of
installation. While some types resemble typical red bricks, others have a more
rustic look. However, these veneers are around ten to fifty millimeters in
thickness, with the same length and breadth of a regular, traditional brick.
They come in different colors, textures and finishes. The variations in color
are due to difference in the chemical composition of the raw materials (shale
or clay) and the intensity of firing. The texture difference is achieved by
adopting various type of surface treatments. Thin ones are also available in
different shapes, so as to facilitate their installation on sills and cornices.
Brick
Veneer siding is very popular due to its cheaper cost, as compared to regular,
traditional bricks. Apart from that, it is easy to install and is beneficial in
providing an insulation to the house. This siding is very widely used on both
interior and exterior walls, pathways, patios, fireplaces and floors. Above
all, this material id found to be durable and resists fire too.
How to Install Brick
Veneer Siding
Installation
of brick veneer as a siding, depends on its type and purpose. Thin and
lightweight types are installed on surfaces in the same way as ceramic tiles
are adhered to walls. Another method is to install a brick veneer wall,
covering the exterior face of the frame building. In this case, such a wall is
made on a separate foundation and a small gap is left between the veneer wall
and the existing walls of the building. However, the outer wall will be
connected to the frame building at some points. If you want to install thin
type of brick veneer siding, you have to chip the existing wall surfaces, after
cleaning them thoroughly. Remove the flakes from the surface and apply the
adhesive mortar, as per the instructions of the manufacturer. In case of uneven
wall surfaces, you have to level them first, by applying a scratch coat. Once
the adhesive mortar is applied to a thickness of 10mm, level the mortar and
comb it with a tooth trowel. Now, press the veneer firmly to the walls, so that
the mortar sticks out through the sides. Use a brush to smooth the mortar that
just out through the sides. Use a brush to smooth the mortar that just out
through the sides. In case of larger surface areas, brick veneer are cast with
concrete to form prefabricated panels that can be installed easily.
Brick
veneer cost depends on the type and the method of installation. While this
material is commonly used as a replacement for other siding types, brick veneer
siding is also used in new constructions.