I get why solid brick feels reassuring, but veneer isn't always a ticking time bomb. Helped renovate a client's veneer-clad house last year—proper flashing, moisture barriers, and good drainage channels made all the difference. Just gotta be thorough with prep and detailing...
Solid points there. I've worked with both solid brick and veneer extensively, and honestly, veneer gets a bad rap mostly because of poor installation practices. Like you said, proper detailing is key—flashing, drainage planes, and moisture barriers aren't just optional extras; they're essential. I've seen veneer installations from 20+ years ago still looking pristine because someone took the time to get the details right.
On the flip side, I've also had to fix some nightmare scenarios where shortcuts were taken—think moldy insulation and rotted framing behind what looked like perfectly good brick veneer. Not fun at all... But that's not really veneer's fault; it's more about workmanship and attention to detail.
Real brick walls have their charm and durability for sure, but they're not immune to issues either (ever dealt with efflorescence or mortar deterioration?). Bottom line: whichever route you choose, don't skimp on prep work and detailing. That's where the real difference lies.
"Real brick walls have their charm and durability for sure, but they're not immune to issues either (ever dealt with efflorescence or mortar deterioration?)."
Totally agree with this. I've seen some beautiful old brick buildings that needed serious TLC because of mortar breakdown. From a sustainability standpoint, veneer can actually be a solid option if done right—less material, lighter structure, and easier insulation upgrades. Curious though, anyone here tried combining brick veneer with other green building practices like rain screens or breathable membranes? Would love to hear experiences on that front...
I've seen brick veneer paired with breathable membranes a couple times, and it can work pretty well if the detailing is spot-on. But honestly, rain screens with brick veneer... seems like overkill to me. Has anyone actually found that worth the extra complexity?
I've wondered about this too, but isn't the rain screen more about long-term durability? I mean, sure, it adds complexity upfront, but maybe it saves headaches down the road with moisture issues or repairs. Have you considered if the climate or local weather patterns might make it more worthwhile? I'm budget-conscious myself, but sometimes spending a bit extra initially can actually save money later... Curious if anyone's had experience with that trade-off.
