Interesting perspective—though in my experience, the rainscreen itself doesn't usually boost insulation significantly. It's more about moisture control and protecting your insulation from getting damp (which definitely helps efficiency indirectly). If you noticed a big difference, maybe your previous setup had hidden moisture issues? Either way, you're right about mold...I've seen enough renovation nightmares to know it's worth the extra step.
We went brick veneer on our first custom build, and honestly, zero regrets. A friend chose solid brick walls and had moisture issues pop up later—real headache. The rainscreen might not boost insulation directly, but keeping things dry definitely helps long-term efficiency.
Totally agree with your take on moisture control—brick veneer definitely has the edge there. I've seen a few solid brick builds that looked amazing at first, but after a couple of wet seasons... not so much. Moisture management is one of those things people underestimate until they're dealing with mold or structural issues.
That said, I wouldn't completely write off solid brick walls. If they're done right—with proper drainage and ventilation—they can be incredibly durable and energy-efficient. The key is meticulous detailing during construction, which unfortunately isn't always the norm. Brick veneer simplifies things by design, giving you that built-in rainscreen gap without extra hassle.
Personally, I'd lean toward veneer for most residential projects, especially if you're looking to avoid headaches down the road. But I'm curious if anyone here has had success with solid brick walls long-term—maybe there's a trick or two we're missing?
"The key is meticulous detailing during construction, which unfortunately isn't always the norm."
Exactly this. Solid brick walls can definitely hold up long-term—I’ve seen century-old buildings still going strong—but it all comes down to craftsmanship and attention to drainage details. Sadly, that's becoming pretty rare these days...
True, solid brick can last generations, but veneer isn't necessarily inferior if done right. I've seen veneer walls perform exceptionally well—key is proper moisture barriers and flashing. Good detailing makes all the difference, regardless of the method used.
