Are you familiar with the story of the Three Little Pigs? If you recall, there’s a reason the third little pig built his house out of brick. And the same benefits afforded to him are available to you with this versatile, time-tested material.
If you’re looking for a way to transform the interior or exterior of your home, brick masonry construction is a solid choice with solid results.
Here’s why building with brick is still a top contender for both homes and businesses.
5 Benefits of Brick
Brick masonry is simply the art of using bricks and mortar in order to create designs, buildings, etc. Experts in bricklaying are able to create both beautiful and functional projects that upgrade any home. But before we look at some of its many uses, let’s discuss the top advantages of using brick as your building material of choice.
Strength
Brick has been used as a building material for hundreds of years, if not longer. So, it’s safe to say that its strength has passed the test of time. The durable material can withstand harsh conditions like wind or regular rain better than alternatives. By investing in a strong material now, you’re also going to save yourself money in the long term.
Maintenance
Clients also love that brick is a low-maintenance building material. Unlike vinyl or concrete siding, you won’t have to repaint every few years as brick will maintain its natural appearance. Of course, if you choose to paint the brick, that can look great too.
Other than a simple pressure wash on occasion, there’s no need to regularly tend to your brick, which is appealing for busy homeowners.
Environmentally Friendly
Bricks are made of natural materials such as clay that occur in great quantities, so a scarce resource is not being overutilized. Additionally, in many cases unused or damaged brick can be recycled, further adding to its eco-friendly profile.
Further, because of brick’s durability, it requires less replacement or rebuilding, which equates to less material used overall.
Sound & Energy Efficiency
Brick’s composition makes it both naturally soundproof as well as more energy efficient than other materials. When it comes to sound, brick will absorb the waves, meaning loud noises coming from other parts of the house can be quieted by brick walls.
Additionally, this composition makes it easier for brick’s to retain heat, making them an energy efficient choice, particularly in colder climates.
Fireproof
While wood is a highly flammable material, brick can actually serve as a way to slow the progression of a fire because of its inability to burn. This trait is one reason it’s a great choice for fireplaces and fire pits, as we’ll discuss below.
Many homeowners who live in areas prone to wildfires elect to build brick homes as a way to hopefully combat any disaster that might break out.
Outdoor Use
Bricks have a multitude of outdoor uses other than simply serving as the walls of the home. For example, porches, patios, and walkways can be constructed with brick as opposed to simple concrete for a more luxurious, unique finish.
Bricks can also be used as an alternative to (or covering for) cinder blocks in traditional retaining walls. This gives an elegant look to a practical purpose, rather than an eyesore you despise having on your property.
As mentioned above, brick can withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice for block walls, fire pits or surrounding outdoor grills and kitchens. Alternatively, brick can be used as a way to emphasize the outline of a garden bed, as well as help keep grass from invading the space. Finally, you can consider lining columns with brick to give it a strong look.
Indoor Design
Brick is not only a strong material; it’s a versatile one. While most people think of brick as an outdoor material, it actually has a variety of indoor uses, too. For example, a recent trend is for kitchen backsplashes to be brick as opposed to tile.
Other homeowners are electing to use brick as an accent wall somewhere in the home. In both choices, the brick provides a rustic, industrial aesthetic that’s unique from the typical drywall we see in traditional homes.
Similar to outdoor fire pits, brick is a great choice for indoor fireplaces. It can be left in its natural state, or painted to better match the decor of the home. It can also be used as an accent to trim, such as on archways or encased openings between rooms.
Build Better with Brick
Brick has always been, and will continue to be, a popular building material. And it’s easy to see why. With its strength, low-maintenance needs, eco-friendly properties, efficiency, and fireproof benefits, brick will not disappoint on your next design.
Southeast Michigan’s Brick Masonry and Construction Experts
When it comes to construction and brickwork, Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills is the name to trust. From brick repair and block walls to foundations and custom brick masonry services, our decades of hard work and dedication have made our builds solid, stunning and long lasting. Schedule your Free Estimate for your construction project today!