Definitely agree with you on the flashing details—seen that issue pop up more than once. A few other things I've noticed:
- Brick veneer itself isn't usually the villain; it's almost always about the installation. I've seen jobs where the mortar joints weren't properly tooled, allowing water to seep back behind the veneer.
- Also, air gaps are crucial. Had a project once where the contractor skimped on the gap between the veneer and sheathing, thinking it didn't matter much. Guess what? Moisture built up behind there and caused some nasty rot.
- Real brick walls can be great for durability and thermal mass, but honestly, they're not immune to moisture issues either. Proper drainage and ventilation matter just as much there.
Seems like no matter which way you go, attention to detail at installation is key. Curious if anyone's had experience with drainage mats behind veneers—heard mixed opinions on whether they're worth it or just an extra expense...
You're spot-on about installation details making or breaking brick veneer. Had a similar experience with a renovation—contractor skipped the drainage mat, thinking it was just marketing fluff. Fast forward two years, and we were tearing out sections due to moisture buildup. Lesson learned: drainage mats might seem like an extra expense upfront, but they can save you headaches (and wallet aches) down the road...
Had a similar issue myself—contractor insisted drainage mats were just upselling gimmicks. I pushed back, glad I did. Couple quick points from experience:
- Drainage mats aren't fluff; they're critical for moisture control behind veneers.
- Proper flashing and weep holes matter just as much—don't skimp there either.
- Real brick walls can be great, but veneer done right is usually enough (and cheaper).
Bottom line: installation details aren't the place to cut corners.
Good points overall, but I'd add a couple things from my own experience. Drainage mats definitely aren't gimmicks, but they're also not magic. I've seen jobs where people slap them up carelessly and think they're good to go—nope. You gotta make sure they're installed correctly, seams overlapped properly, and secured well. Otherwise, you're just creating expensive wallpaper behind your bricks.
Also, real brick walls do have their perks beyond aesthetics. They offer better thermal mass and can help regulate indoor temperatures if done right. But honestly, for most residential projects, veneer is plenty good enough—IF you nail the details like flashing and weep holes (like you mentioned). I've seen some pretty sketchy veneer installs that ended up causing moisture nightmares down the road...not fun.
Bottom line: whichever route you choose, don't trust blindly that your contractor knows best. Ask questions, double-check their work, and don't be afraid to push back a little. It's your house after all.
"Otherwise, you're just creating expensive wallpaper behind your bricks."
Haha, couldn't agree more with this. I've seen way too many jobs where folks thought drainage mats alone would magically solve everything. Honestly, brick veneer done right is solid enough for most homes—just pay attention to flashing details and weep holes. Real brick walls are nice, sure, but the extra cost and hassle usually aren't justified unless you're going for something pretty specific or custom...
