"Is veneer really that durable long-term?"
Good question—I've been researching this myself lately. From what I've seen, brick veneer can actually hold up surprisingly well if installed properly. A friend of mine went with veneer about 10 years ago, and honestly, it still looks pretty sharp today. Of course, solid brick has that reassuring heft and longevity, but if you're budget-conscious (like me), veneer might actually be worth considering...especially if you're careful choosing the installer.
I've seen veneer hold up decently too, but one thing to keep in mind is moisture. Brick veneer relies heavily on proper drainage and flashing behind it—if that's not done right, you could be looking at water damage or mold issues down the line. Solid brick walls tend to handle moisture better because they're thicker and breathe differently. So yeah, veneer can be fine...but make sure whoever installs it really knows their stuff.
Good points—especially about moisture management. I've seen brick veneer work beautifully on a number of projects, but honestly, it all boils down to installation quality. Had a townhouse development a few years back where the contractors skimped on flashing details...let's just say the repairs weren't cheap. But when done right, veneer can be solid and reliable.
Real brick walls are great, no doubt—they've got that durability and classic feel—but they're also heavier, pricier, and more labor-intensive. Veneer can give you similar aesthetics without breaking the bank, as long as you're picky about who's doing the job. Your focus on drainage is spot-on; that's usually where problems start if corners get cut.
Bottom line: you're thinking about this exactly right. Whichever route you pick, don't compromise on workmanship or materials—it'll save you headaches later.
"Had a townhouse development a few years back where the contractors skimped on flashing details...let's just say the repairs weren't cheap."
I've seen similar issues myself—flashing and drainage details really make or break veneer installations. Curious, have you found certain flashing materials or methods particularly effective in your projects?
I've actually found that even with good flashing, if the drainage plane behind isn't done right, you're still asking for trouble. Had a project where we used copper flashing—expensive stuff—but moisture still got trapped because the builder overlooked proper weep holes...lesson learned the hard way.
