Choosing between brick vinyl siding and brick for your home comes down to a list of pros and cons. The devil is in the details, and this list can help you make a decision between the two.
Brick or brick vinyl siding: 5 questions to ask
There are several good questions to ask when deciding between the two materials for your home. Here are a 5 major ones to ponder:
- What is the initial cost? According to the Masonry Advisory Council, installed brick cost $19.71 per square foot in 2010. Cost Helper estimates the cost of installed vinyl siding at up to $7 per square foot. Brick might cost more in the short-term, but what about the long term?
- How long does my investment last? Vinyl siding, though very sturdy and durable, has a limited lifespan of 15-20 years, depending upon your climate and other environmental factors. Properly installed brick can last for centuries.
- How much maintenance is required? Both vinyl siding and brick are virtually maintenance-free, save the occasional cleaning. Neither materials needs to be painted, and both are resistant to insects and rot.
- Which one is most energy efficient? The jury is still out on this one: Though brick has more thermal mass than vinyl siding does, vinyl siding can offer significant insulation, making it highly energy-efficient. No matter the choice in materials, the insulation inside your home can make the biggest difference in utility costs.
- What about resale value? Also a tie: New vinyl siding can make your home stand out and can slightly increase your resale value, but a home with brick can offer a higher resale value as well.
Always do in-depth research before making a decision on materials. No matter which material you choose to use, both brick and brick vinyl siding lead to easy maintenance, longevity and beauty.
