When considering exterior home finishes, two popular choices often come to mind: vinyl siding and brick. Both have their unique advantages and distinguishable aesthetic appeal, making the choice between the two a matter of personal preference, budget and maintenance considerations.
This article provides a thorough comparison and suggests the idea of integrating both options into your home.
Vinyl siding is a budget-friendly choice, with an average cost of $3 to $12 per square foot, including installation.
Brick tends to be pricier, ranging from $9 to $28 per square foot, including installation.
Vinyl siding, although less expensive initially, may require replacement or repair after 20 to 30 years. On the contrary, brick, despite its higher upfront cost, is a long-lasting material that can easily endure for a century with proper maintenance.
Vinyl siding is durable and resistant to moisture and insects, but it can be susceptible to impact damage and fading over time. In contrast, brick provides superior durability, weather resistance and longevity, which makes it a long-lasting choice for facades.
Vinyl siding is easy to maintain with regular cleaning, but damaged areas may need replacement. Brick requires less frequent maintenance but should be checked for weathering and may need occasional repointing. Overall, both options are relatively low-maintenance choices:
Durability/Maintenance | Vinyl Siding | Brick |
|---|---|---|
Initial Cost | Low | High |
Long-Term Cost | Moderate | Low |
Durability | Moderate | High |
Maintenance Needs | Low | High |
Vinyl siding is highly versatile in design that offers a wide range of colors, textures and profiles. Homeowners can personalize their look to match their style and home's architecture. Once installed, however, altering the color of vinyl siding will likely void the siding’s warranty — which limits design options.
Brick has a timeless appeal that can increase your house's value and curb appeal.
Bricks come in different sizes, colors and textures for a unique and distinctive look. Unlike vinyl, brick can be painted to give homeowners the flexibility to change their home's appearance in the future.
Aesthetics/Designs | Vinyl | Brick |
|---|---|---|
Design Flexibility | High | Moderate |
Aesthetic Appeal | Versatile | Classic |
Future Color Alterations | Usually No | Possible with Paint |
Vinyl siding is a great way to boost energy efficiency with its thermal insulation properties. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of insulation depends on its quality.
To maximize energy savings, consider using insulated vinyl siding, which includes a layer of expanded polystyrene foam. It not only limits heat transfer to keep your home cozy in winter and cool in summer, but it can also help lower the energy bills.
Brick, with its substantial mass, possesses remarkable thermal properties that allow it to store and gradually release heat—a quality referred to as thermal mass. This translates to a cooler home during summer days and longer heat retention in the winter. While brick may not insulate as effectively as insulated vinyl, a brick home with proper internal insulation can still achieve high energy efficiency.
Vinyl siding, with proper care, lasts around 20 to 40 years. However, climate and severe weather can affect its durability. Well-maintained vinyl siding adds value to a home, as it requires minimal upkeep and offers endless design possibilities. It's low-maintenance and design flexibility lets you get creative with your home's appearance.
Brick, known for its exceptional durability, can endure for more than a century, often surpassing the lifespan of the house itself. This long-lasting quality can be a compelling selling point that potentially boosts the resale value of the home. Buyers often view brick homes as high-quality, low-maintenance and timeless, which can positively impact their resale value.
Installing vinyl siding typically involves measuring, cutting and fitting the vinyl to your home's exterior. This process requires specialized tools and knowledge, so it's usually best left to professionals. However, if done properly, it can be completed in a relatively short period of time.
On the flip side, brick installation is a labor-intensive process that demands meticulous attention. Each brick must be carefully laid and secured with mortar, requiring skill and experience to achieve a secure and visually appealing outcome. Consequently, brick installation tends to incur higher labor costs and longer timelines.
Installation Process | Vinyl | Brick |
|---|---|---|
Time | Short | Long |
Expertise Required | High | Very High |
It's worth noting that you don't necessarily have to choose between vinyl siding and brick; combining the two can yield a visually striking home exterior that reaps the benefits of both materials. This fusion of textures and styles can create a unique aesthetic appeal while also providing the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl and the enduring durability of brick.
For instance, you may choose to use brick for the lower portion of your home exterior to capitalize on its robustness and longevity while vinyl can be used for the upper levels where lightweight material is advantageous. Or, you could use brick to accentuate particular architectural features, such as a porch or bay window with vinyl siding covering the remaining areas.
When combining these two materials, it's essential to consider color coordination and the transition between the two. Using brick and vinyl of complementary colors can unify the overall look while neat and precise transitions can prevent an abrupt or mismatched appearance.
Vinyl Siding | Brick | Vinyl Siding and Brick | |
|---|---|---|---|
Design Flexibility | High | Moderate | Very High |
Aesthetic Appeal | Versatile | Classic | Unique |
Longevity | 20-40 years | 100+ years | Depends on mix |
Installation Complexity | High | Very High | Highest |
In essence, the combined use of vinyl siding and brick is the best of both worlds as it allows for a greater degree of creativity and design flexibility while still maintaining the practical benefits of each material. As always, it's recommended to discuss your ideas with a professional installer to ensure a successful outcome.
Ready to enhance the charm and functionality of your home? Rollex vinyl siding is here to provide the perfect balance of style and durability. Don't compromise between aesthetic appeal and practicality — enjoy both! Whether you're planning a new construction or a home makeover, our experts are ready to guide you through the entire process, from selection to installation.
Contact us today to start your journey towards a more beautiful and lasting home exterior!