"Turns out the contractor hadn't properly accounted for drainage and ventilation behind the brickwork. Moisture was getting trapped between the brick and insulation layers, and mold started creeping in."
Yeah, that's exactly the kind of headache I've seen before. Had a similar issue myself when we bought our current place—older home, real brick walls, looked amazing at first glance. But after a particularly rainy spring, we noticed some damp spots appearing inside. Turns out previous owners had painted over the brick exterior with some kind of sealant that didn't breathe at all. Moisture got trapped behind it, and we ended up with peeling paint and moldy patches inside.
We ended up having to sandblast the entire exterior to remove that coating, then repoint sections of mortar and add proper drainage channels. Definitely wasn't cheap or quick, but it solved the problem long-term. Now it's been about five years without any issues, even through some pretty wet seasons.
I agree brick veneer is easier to manage moisture-wise because of that built-in air gap. But honestly, if you're careful about detailing—like you said, proper weep holes, drainage planes, and breathable materials—real brick can still be a solid choice. It just takes more upfront planning and attention to detail.
One thing I'd add from experience: choosing the right mortar mix matters a lot too. Some older homes used softer lime-based mortars that actually allowed moisture to evaporate more easily. Modern cement-based mortars can trap moisture if not done right. Learned that one the hard way...
Curious if anyone here has experience using breathable sealants or coatings on brick? I've heard mixed things—some swear by them, others say they're just another moisture trap waiting to happen.
I've seen breathable sealants work pretty well, actually. We used one on a restoration project downtown—historic brick building, couldn't change much structurally. The breathable coating let moisture evaporate without trapping it behind the brick. But honestly, prep work was key...had to thoroughly clean and repoint first. Wonder if anyone's tried combining breathable coatings with lime-based mortar? Seems like that could be a solid combo for older buildings.
I've actually seen lime-based mortar paired with breathable sealants on a couple older builds—worked out great. You're spot-on, though, prep is everything. If you cut corners there, no coating's gonna save you down the line...
Interesting points, especially about lime mortar and breathable sealants. Have you noticed any significant difference in how the coating ages or wears compared to standard mortar setups? I've always wondered if the breathable options might need more frequent maintenance or touch-ups over time.
Personally, I lean towards real brick walls whenever possible—yeah, it's definitely more hassle upfront (and let's be honest, the cost isn't exactly pocket change either), but there's just something about the authenticity and durability of genuine brickwork. Plus, the thermal mass benefits are pretty substantial if you're into energy efficiency.
That said, brick veneer has come a long way. I've seen some newer installations that fooled me from a few feet away until I got up close. But I do wonder about longevity—like, how well does veneer hold up over decades compared to real brick? Especially in climates with harsh winters or lots of moisture, I'd be curious if anyone's seen veneer installations that genuinely stood the test of time.
Also, since prep was mentioned—totally agree there. I remember a neighbor who skimped on prep work for his veneer siding; after just a couple of years, moisture got behind it, and he ended up having to redo the whole thing...ouch. It really reinforced for me that no matter what route you take, prep work is non-negotiable.
Has anyone here directly compared the energy efficiency or indoor humidity regulation between brick veneer and solid brick walls? I'd imagine solid brick might offer better moisture buffering, but I'm not 100% sure if the difference is noticeable enough to justify the extra effort and expense.
Great points raised here. I've worked on several projects involving both solid brick and veneer, and from an interior design perspective, each has its strengths. Solid brick definitely offers that authentic feel you mentioned, and I agree—the thermal mass can make a noticeable difference in energy efficiency. Clients often report feeling more comfortable indoors year-round, especially in climates with big temperature swings.
On the other hand, I've seen some very well-executed brick veneer installations that have aged gracefully over the years. The key, as you've pointed out, is meticulous prep and proper moisture barriers. When done right, veneer can hold up impressively even in harsh climates. But when corners are cut...yeah, I've witnessed a few unfortunate cases myself.
Regarding indoor humidity regulation, solid brick walls do have an edge due to their breathability and moisture buffering properties. However, in my experience, the practical difference isn't always dramatic enough to justify the extra expense for everyone. It really depends on your local climate conditions and how sensitive you (or your clients) are to indoor humidity fluctuations.
Ultimately, either option can be great—just depends on priorities and budget considerations.
