I've noticed similar issues with veneer, even in high-end homes. The key seems to be meticulous detailing around flashing and drainage planes—any shortcuts there, and you're asking for trouble down the line. Real brick walls naturally breathe better, reducing moisture buildup. Veneer can work, but it demands precision installation and regular checks. Personally, I'd lean toward solid brick if budget allows; peace of mind is worth the extra upfront cost...
Have you actually seen a big difference in moisture issues between veneer and solid brick, though? I've had veneer on my place for about 12 years now, and honestly, haven't had any major problems yet. But I do agree—installation quality is everything. My neighbor down the street had a nightmare situation with poorly installed veneer; water got behind it, mold everywhere... total mess.
I wonder if the real issue isn't so much veneer itself but rather how careful your contractor is with flashing and drainage details. If you're meticulous about installation and stay on top of maintenance, maybe veneer can be just as reliable? Solid brick definitely has its perks (durability, less worry about moisture), but it's also heavier and pricier. Is the peace of mind worth the extra cost? Probably depends on your local climate and how long you plan to stay in the house.
Not saying you're wrong—just curious if anyone's seen solid evidence that solid brick significantly outperforms well-installed veneer over time.
"I wonder if the real issue isn't so much veneer itself but rather how careful your contractor is with flashing and drainage details."
This is spot-on. I've seen plenty of luxury homes with brick veneer that have held up beautifully for decades—no moisture issues at all. Solid brick definitely has its charm and durability, but honestly, meticulous installation and regular maintenance seem to level the playing field quite a bit. Sounds like you've done your homework, so you're probably in good shape either way.
Interesting points here, but I wonder if we're maybe glossing over the longer-term differences between veneer and solid brick? Sure, meticulous installation and good drainage are key—no argument there—but isn't there still a fundamental difference in how these two wall types age over time?
I've noticed that even well-installed brick veneer can sometimes develop minor cracks or separations after a decade or two, especially around windows or door frames. Nothing catastrophic usually, but enough to require some attention. Solid brick walls, on the other hand, seem to handle structural shifts and settling differently—maybe because they're load-bearing and have more mass? I'm not an engineer, obviously, but I've toured older luxury homes (think 50+ years) and noticed that solid brick walls often have fewer visible signs of movement or cracking compared to veneer.
Also, what about insulation and energy efficiency? Brick veneer typically has space behind it for insulation and moisture barriers, which is great for modern building standards. But does anyone know if solid brick walls can match that performance without extensive retrofitting? I've heard mixed opinions on this from contractors—some say solid brick naturally regulates temperature better due to thermal mass, others say it's outdated and inefficient without additional insulation layers.
I guess my point is: even with perfect flashing and drainage details, could there still be subtle long-term differences worth considering? Maybe it's not just about moisture management, but also about structural integrity, insulation performance, and overall aging characteristics. Curious what others who've lived in or renovated older brick homes think about this...
You're definitely onto something with the long-term differences. I've worked on a few older brick homes, and solid brick walls do seem to handle settling better—probably because they're structurally integrated rather than just a facade. Veneer walls, even when done right, rely heavily on ties and anchors, which can loosen slightly over time due to minor shifts or thermal expansion.
As for insulation, you're right that veneer setups have an advantage with modern insulation methods behind the brick. Solid brick walls can be tricky—yes, they have thermal mass, but in colder climates, that's often not enough. I've seen people add interior insulation layers during renovations, but that can get complicated (and pricey) fast. On the flip side, solid brick does feel more stable temperature-wise once it's warmed up or cooled down.
Bottom line: if you're building new and energy efficiency is a priority, veneer might be easier. But if you're renovating an older home and value structural longevity and character...solid brick still has its merits.
