Brick Sidingin Maryland

Brick Siding: A Durable, Low-Maintenance, and Energy-Efficient Choice

If you’re looking for a durable and timeless exterior siding option for your home in Edgewater, Maryland, brick siding is an excellent choice. Brick has been used as a building material for centuries and has proven to be a reliable and attractive option. At Thunder Bay Roofing, we offer exterior siding options to customers across Edgewater and surrounding areas.

Our lead Edgewater roofing contractors bring years of experience to ensure your brick exterior siding is installed with precision and care. Call our Anne Arundel County roofing company at 410-956-7663 for your free, no-obligation consultation.

What Is Brick Siding?

Brick siding, also known as brick veneer, is a popular exterior finishing option that gives homes the classic, timeless look of brick without the full thickness and weight of traditional brick construction. Unlike structural brick walls, which are several layers thick and support the weight of the building, brick exterior siding is a single layer of brick that’s attached to the exterior of a home’s wooden frame structure.

Benefits of Brick Siding

Durability

Brick is one of the most durable building materials available. It’s resistant to fire, pests, and weathering, making it an excellent choice for areas with extreme temperatures or high moisture levels like Edgewater, MD, where the Chesapeake Bay climate can be challenging for other materials.

Low Maintenance

Unlike other siding materials, brick requires very little maintenance. It doesn’t need to be painted or stained, and it won’t rot or warp over time. A simple cleaning with a power washer or mild detergent is all that’s needed to keep it looking great, even in the face of Maryland’s varied weather conditions.

Energy Efficiency

Brick is a natural insulator, which means it can help keep the interior of your home cool in the hot Maryland summers and warm in the chilly winters. This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor living space year-round.

Increased Home Value

Brick siding is a popular choice among homeowners in Edgewater and can increase the value of your property. It’s a timeless look that never goes out of style, making it a smart investment for your Maryland home.

Disadvantages of Brick Siding

Cost

Brick exterior siding tends to be more expensive than other types of siding materials like vinyl or wood. This is because the material itself is costly, and the installation process can also be more labor-intensive. However, at Thunder Bay Roofing, we strive to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

Weight

Brick is a heavy material, so it requires a sturdy foundation and support system to be properly laid and installed. This can add to the overall cost of the project and may limit the options for where brick siding can be installed, especially in older Edgewater homes.

Limited Design Options

While brick can be painted or stained, it generally has a more limited range of design options than some other types of siding. However, our experts at Thunder Bay Roofing can help you explore various brick colors and patterns to achieve the desired look for your Edgewater home.

Maintenance

While brick is a durable material, it still requires some maintenance over time. This can include things like repointing (filling in gaps in between bricks with mortar), cleaning, and occasional repairs. Our team can guide you on the proper maintenance to ensure your brick exterior siding lasts for decades.

Types of Brick Siding

Traditional Brick Veneer

Traditional brick veneer is the most common type of brick exterior siding and involves applying full-sized bricks to the exterior of a home. Traditional brick veneer offers the house a timeless and classic look that’s popular in Edgewater and is known for its durability and longevity.

Brick Panels

Brick panels are pre-made panels that mimic the look of traditional brick veneer siding but are thinner and lighter. These are a cost-effective and convenient option for Edgewater homeowners looking to achieve the look of brick siding without the weight and expense of full-sized bricks.

Brick Slips

Brick slips are thin slices of brick that can be used to create a decorative veneer or accent wall. We offer our exterior brick veneer slips in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes, making them a versatile option for homeowners looking to add a touch of brick to their home’s exterior.

Thin Brick

Thin brick is a lightweight option that can be applied directly to an existing surface, such as concrete or as drywall, using adhesive. This option offers the look of traditional brick siding with the added benefit of being lightweight and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many of our Edgewater clients.

Brick Siding Installation

Installing brick siding involves several steps, and at Thunder Bay Roofing, our experienced team ensures a meticulous installation process:

1. First, we thoroughly clean and inspect the existing exterior surface for any damage or issues that may affect the installation.
2. Then, we apply a layer of weather-resistant barrier to the surface to provide additional protection against moisture, which is crucial in Edgewater’s climate.
3. After that, our skilled masons lay the bricks in a predetermined pattern using high-quality mortar, and the joints are finished with precision using a pointing tool.
4. Finally, we allow the siding to dry and cure before applying any additional finishing touches.

Brick Siding Maintenance

Maintaining brick exterior siding is relatively easy, but it’s important to keep up with it to ensure your Edgewater home looks great for years to come. Here’s what Thunder Bay Roofing recommends:

• Regularly inspect the siding for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips, and repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
• Clean the siding periodically to remove dirt, debris, and stains. A mixture of water and mild detergent can be used to clean the surface, and a soft-bristled brush can be used to scrub away any stubborn stains.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as they can damage the surface of the brick.
• Keep any vegetation away from the siding, as roots and vines can damage the mortar and lead to moisture issues. This is particularly important in Edgewater’s lush environment.

Factors that Influence Brick Siding Cost

When considering brick exterior siding for your Edgewater home, keep these cost factors in mind:

• Type of Brick: Standard clay bricks are generally less expensive than specialty bricks such as glazed or textured bricks.
• Size of the Project: Larger projects often have a lower cost per square foot due to increased efficiency.
• Installation Method: Traditional brick exterior siding requires a more complex installation process than thin brick veneer, which can lead to higher labor costs.
• Location: Prices can vary depending on local market conditions in Edgewater and surrounding areas.
• Additional Features: Custom detailing or unique mortar colors can increase costs.
• Maintenance Costs: Consider long-term maintenance when budgeting for your brick-siding project.

Homes Best Suited For Brick Siding

Brick exterior siding is often best suited to the following types of homes in Edgewater and surrounding areas:

• Classic or Traditional Style Homes: Many older-style homes in Edgewater, such as Colonial or Georgian styles, look stunning with brick exterior siding.
• Ranch-Style or Modern Homes: Depending on the overall design and aesthetic, brick can add a touch of warmth to modern homes.
• Homes In Harsh Weather Regions: Edgewater’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay means homes here can benefit from brick’s durability against moisture and temperature fluctuations.
• Homes Located in Fire-Prone Areas: While not a major concern in Edgewater, brick’s fire-resistant properties can provide peace of mind.
• Homes with High Energy Uses: Brick’s insulating properties can benefit larger homes or those with many residents.

Frequently Asked Questions