When choosing an exterior for your home, the decision between siding and brick is significant. Both materials offer distinct advantages, but they vary in durability, cost, maintenance, and long term value. Homeowners should consider their climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences when making this choice.
This article compares siding and brick in terms of durability, cost, and overall effectiveness to help you make the best decision for your home.
Durability: Which Option Lasts Longer?
Brick: A Long Lasting Choice
Brick is known for its longevity and resistance to extreme weather conditions. Homes built with brick can last over 100 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Brick resists fire and pests, making it non combustible and unattractive to termites, rodents, and other wood damaging pests. It withstands high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures without deteriorating. Unlike some siding materials, brick does not rot, warp, or suffer from moisture related problems.
While brick is highly durable, the mortar between bricks can deteriorate over time and may require repointing after several decades.
Siding: Built for Modern Needs
Siding materials such as vinyl, fiber cement, or engineered wood offer good durability but require different levels of maintenance.
Vinyl siding is resistant to moisture and insects but can crack in extreme cold and fade over time. Its lifespan is typically 20-40 years. Fiber cement siding is a mix of cement and cellulose fibers, making it highly durable against weather and pests, with a lifespan of over 50 years. Engineered wood siding is stronger than traditional wood siding but requires sealing and maintenance, lasting over 30 years.
While siding is durable, it may need repainting, caulking, or panel replacement over time, depending on the material.
Winner in Durability: Brick
Brick is more resistant to fire, pests, and severe weather compared to most siding options. If longevity is your top priority, brick is the better choice.
Cost Effectiveness: Upfront vs. Long Term Savings
Initial Costs
Brick is significantly more expensive than most siding materials.
Brick costs $8-15 per square foot, including installation. Vinyl siding costs $3-7 per square foot. Fiber cement siding ranges from $5-12 per square foot, and engineered wood siding costs $4-9 per square foot.
Brick requires higher material and labor costs, making it a costly option upfront. Siding, especially vinyl, is far more budget friendly during installation.
Maintenance Costs
Brick requires minimal upkeep, while siding may need regular maintenance.
Brick rarely needs repairs, with occasional repointing of mortar joints. Vinyl siding may crack, warp, or fade over time and needs power washing. Fiber cement siding requires occasional repainting but is highly durable. Engineered wood siding needs periodic sealing and repainting to prevent moisture damage.
Energy Efficiency
Brick has natural insulating properties, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Siding often requires added insulation, such as foam backed vinyl or insulated fiber cement, to match brick’s efficiency.
Resale Value
Brick homes tend to hold their value longer and can boost property value due to their classic appeal and durability. Siding offers good resale value, especially high end fiber cement, but may not be as long lasting in appeal as brick.
Winner in Cost Effectiveness: Siding
If you are looking for an affordable upfront investment, siding, especially vinyl or fiber cement, is the better option. However, if you are considering long term savings and higher resale value, brick is a better investment.
Aesthetic Appeal: Modern vs. Traditional
Both brick and siding offer unique aesthetic advantages.
Brick is classic, timeless, and luxurious, available in different colors and textures. Vinyl siding offers various styles, including wood look finishes at a lower cost. Fiber cement can mimic the look of wood, stucco, or stone for a high end appearance. Engineered wood provides a natural wood like finish with better durability than real wood.
Siding allows for more color and style customization, while brick offers a traditional and high end look.
Climate Considerations: Which Is Best for Your Region?
Hot and humid climates benefit from brick since it resists moisture and insects better than wood based siding. In cold climates, fiber cement and vinyl siding perform well, while brick can absorb moisture and may need sealing. In storm prone areas, brick withstands high winds and hail better than siding, though fiber cement is also a strong choice.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose brick if you want a long lasting, fire resistant, and low maintenance option with high resale value. Choose siding if you are looking for an affordable, customizable, and energy efficient solution with modern appeal.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, climate, and long term home goals. Both siding and brick have their advantages, and whether you prioritize cost effectiveness or durability will determine which material is best for your home.
If you need expert guidance on choosing and installing siding in Boise, Boise Siding is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation on the best materials for your home.
