What is used to cover the outside of your house can determine how attractive it looks from the road. Homeowners are not restricted when it comes to options of house covers which makes it difficult when making a choice. Among factors that should be considered include appearance, durability, maintenance and cost. Therefore, although many homeowners may think about brick as an option because it is attractive and durable, they must also take into account fiber cement siding. Brick Siding!

Appearance

Brick Siding

Tuscan Style Home

However, this kind of house covering does not have universal appeal even though for many homeowners the look is important. Bricks have a unique look that appeals to many homeowners in them but unfortunately such house covers aren’t liked universally.

Fiber cement siding is lot more versatile. It comes in either shakes or planks and can be painted with any color and repainted if desired. This gives it more universal appeal especially because fiber cement sidings are created in a mold with real wood giving them a natural wood look. Fiber cement siding can therefore match a variety of different architectural styles while brick only goes along with a few of them.

Durability – Brick Siding

Fiber Cement Homes

Fiber Cement Homes

The reason why some people may consider having bricks on their homes as the best idea is because they last longer than most types of sidings do. Unlike wood sidings, bricks are resistant to insects naturally as well as moisture too. Notwithstanding, the mortar holding the bricks might not always take up for long like bricks themselves typically would do since over time mortar joints can have need for re-pointing but such instance will rarely arise if the brick setup was done correctly.

Similarly to brick however, fiber cement siding is also resistant to insects and moisture by nature. Moreover independent studies indicate that fiber-cement siding could last longer than most people will own their homes with little maintenance required from them (Cement Board vs Brick Siding). Though some brick homes will require extensive periodic maintenance throughout their life in order to keep them in good condition unlike for example fiber cement siding which only needs occasional cleaning.

Installation – Brick Siding

Easy Installation

Easy Installation

Most of the time, brick is installed as a veneer over the existing surface of the house just like fiber cement siding. However, as a veneer, it is still heavy and therefore hard to install, time-consuming and expensive if done properly. If brick is being used on remodeling project this will add a lot of time and money to the overall project.

In contrast, fiber cement siding is much easier to make use of especially during installation than any other material. It goes up as easy as wood siding can be put up in relatively short order; hence fiber cement sidings are an ideal choice for remodeling or homes that need updated exteriors within specific durations such as before onset of severe climatic conditions.

Cost – Brick Siding

Hand holds a canvas bag full of money.

Hand holds a canvas bag full of money

The final thing you need to consider when selecting your home’s exterior material is cost. The cost for brick veneer siding usually ranges between $7-12 per square foot (installed). Prices may vary based on factors such as insulation type, thickness of the veneer and installation method employed.

Fiber cement siding costs lower in range between $5.00 and $7.00 per square foot with variations such as insulation, brand and location of installation of the sidings. This could mean huge savings depending on the size or high quality products used in either situation. Moreover, fiber cement sidings have lesser chances for adding other extra installation expenses that are time consuming making it a more affordable option for your house.