The most obvious difference between weatherboard and brick homes is the price tag. Bricks are more expensive to buy and take longer to lay, meaning you pay more upfront in both materials and labour. However, once built, the maintenance and upkeep for brick is much lower.
Should you choose brick or weatherboards for your home?
If your home is in a hot sunny region, weatherboards are more likely to split and require additional maintenance. Bricks need less maintenance, but will hold the heat longer and keep your house hot. But brick is a good choice for homes close to the beach. It last longer in the salty wind and rain, requiring less maintenance than weatherboards.
How much does it cost to lay a brick wall?
A brick costs about $1.50 to lay. Now weatherboard, which I dont like to use, is cheaper to buy, fit and paint than bricks. Now maintenance is another thing. Painting every 7-10 years, no thanks, not with a brush on weatherboard anyway.
Is cladding more expensive than brick?
Expensive: When it comes to cladding vs. brick in terms of cost, cladding can be an expensive option, depending on the type of material you choose. Even though the upfront cost is high, it can provide benefits in the long run.
When did they start using weatherboard and brick together?
From around the 1960’s homes started using a combination of brick and weatherboard together, mainly for aesthetic looks. Are all bricks and weatherboards made equal? Bricks are usually made from clay or concrete.

Are brick or wood houses more expensive?
While wood is more affordable than brick, according to a 2017 study conducted by RSMeans and the Brick Industry Association, the national average total construction cost of a clay brick-sided home is only two percent more than wood and fiber cement. So it's cheaper, but not by much.
Is a brick house more expensive?
Bricks Are Expensive There's no way around it: brick homes are more expensive. This is due in part to the fact that people want brick homes, and with increased demand comes increased prices. However, brick homes tend to be less expensive to insure because of their durability.
Are brick houses better than wood?
A brick home lasts longer than concrete and is more durable than wood. While wood has many benefits, it is not as reliable as using brick. Wood has a tendency of attracting different types of pests and may require treatment. Termites or other insects are not a threat to brick or concrete.
Are brick homes cheaper?
Brick homes are more expensive than stick-built homes. On average, brick exteriors also cost around 6%–7% more than vinyl siding. While that might not seem like a big difference, the costs can add up fast depending on the total size of the home.
What are the disadvantages of a brick house?
The ConsExpense – Though durable, brick is more expensive than many other building materials, and a brick home may cost 6 to 7 percent more than one with vinyl siding.Deterioration – Porous brick can be vulnerable to mold in damp conditions, and It can also be damaged by plant growth, such as ivy.
What are the disadvantages of bricks?
Disadvantages of BricksTime consuming construction.Cannot be used in high seismic zones.Since bricks absorb water easily, therefore, it causes fluorescence when not exposed to air.Very Less tensile strength.Rough surfaces of bricks may cause mold growth if not properly cleaned.Cleaning brick surfaces is a hard job.More items...
Does brick add value to a home?
When you compare equally sized homes in the same area, a brick home can see an immediate increase in value by about 8% over a home with wood, vinyl or fiber cement siding. For example a $500,000 home with vinyl siding would appraise for around $540,000 just by adding brick siding.
Do brick houses get hotter?
Warmth: Brick buildings have excellent thermal mass. Thermal mass is the ability of a heavy, dense material to store heat and then slowly release it. This means it is cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Why are there no brick houses in America?
The shift away from structural brick began after World War II. Mid-century consumers wanted suburban homes that looked distinct from their urban counterparts and newer building codes no longer required brick. That, meant less demand for both the material and the masons needed to install it.
Is it cheaper to build a brick house or wood house?
Wood houses are considered more economical than brick houses. They are made from natural materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, and considered ecological. Houses made of wood are fast and easy to build, budget-friendly, and energy-efficient.
Are brick houses more soundproof?
Sound insulation Keep a quieter home when you keep the outside noises outside. Houses make with brick as the siding material are quieter than houses made with other siding materials.
How long will a brick house last?
100 yearsAccording to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (IACHI), brick buildings are built to last 100 years or more. Of course, that only happens with proper maintenance and normal wear and tear.
Does brick add value to a home?
When you compare equally sized homes in the same area, a brick home can see an immediate increase in value by about 8% over a home with wood, vinyl or fiber cement siding. For example a $500,000 home with vinyl siding would appraise for around $540,000 just by adding brick siding.
Why are there no brick houses in America?
The shift away from structural brick began after World War II. Mid-century consumers wanted suburban homes that looked distinct from their urban counterparts and newer building codes no longer required brick. That, meant less demand for both the material and the masons needed to install it.
Are brick houses colder in winter?
Brick buildings have excellent thermal mass. Thermal mass is the ability of a heavy, dense material to store heat and then slowly release it. This means it is cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Is a brick home better than siding?
Brick is sometimes considered as an alternative to other types of siding such as wood, because it's much more durable and longer-lasting, with less maintenance. And while these attributes are true, this doesn't necessarily make brick the best choice for a home's primary cladding.
Why are weatherboards better than brick?
They have a lower initial cost of construction as compared to brick houses. This is because weatherboards are easily available, and for low costs. They can also be made using reclaimed wood, making it an environmentally friendly option. Weatherboards offer good insulation in case of extreme weather conditions.
Why are weatherboards so unfavorable?
Very unfavorable for constructing complicated high-rise buildings such as skyscrapers, due to their lack of sturdiness. Timber weatherboards surprisingly require a lot more maintenance over time as compared to brick houses, due to their lack of durability.
What are the two main materials used in building a house?
The two main materials for house construction are brick and weatherboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two is dependent on the homeowner decision, and also depends on other external factors such as the cost and general climate of the area. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of using each of the above, ...
Why use brick in house?
This is mostly because of its perceived strength and general tolerance to the external factors such as climate. Below are the pros and cons of using brick as a construction material:
Why are brick walls dry?
Brick walls are always dry, and in the event of rain, the water is absorbed, leaving the house looking dry. Due to the strength and sturdiness, it’s possible to build big buildings such as skyscrapers using brick.
What is weatherboard construction?
Weatherboards are a material for house construction with two boards side by side forming a wall, with air trapped in between. It has its advantages over other materials, and also disadvantages, as discussed below.
Do weatherboards need maintenance?
Timber weatherboards surprisingly require a lot more maintenance over time as compared to brick houses, due to their lack of durability
What is Cladding?
Cladding is the term given to the material used for covering your home’s exterior, examples of cladding materials include brick, weatherboard and insulated brick. There are a number of reasons you may choose one cladding type over another, price, durability and maintenance all play a role in your decision.
Weatherboard vs Brick Pros and Cons
So here are the big points to consider when choosing either brick veneer or timber weatherboards for your home.
Weatherboard vs Brick House
Before you go out and buy your bricks for the exterior there are other factors to consider, especially if you want to build a weatherboard home versus a brick weatherboard home.
Brick vs Weatherboard Advantages and Disadvantages
If you want a beautiful iconic Australian home, brick is the way to go with its traditional red colour. For more modern styles including contemporary and modern, weatherboard is the way to go as it captures that light-filled open-plan look that makes such a huge difference in terms of space and airflow.
How to Deal with Termites?
If you’re new to Australia and renting your new home it’s important that you learn about termite control, particularly if they are common in your area.
Maintenance Weatherboard vs Brick
If you’re looking for something that may add value to your property, look at investing in a beautiful heritage brick house. Bricks are aesthetically pleasing while retaining the benefits of insulated homes like weatherboard houses, however, it is important to maintain them with regular repointing and cleaning.
Conclusion – Weatherboard Cladding or Bricks
If you’re looking for something that may add value to your property, look at investing in a beautiful heritage brick home. Bricks are aesthetically pleasing while retaining the benefits of insulated homes like weatherboard houses, however, it is important to maintain them with regular repointing and cleaning.
What is the difference between concrete and clay bricks?
Concrete bricks have the advantage of being able to be made anywhere, while clay bricks need a local clay source. Both concrete and clay bricks are available in a wide range of colours and textures. Weatherboards are manufactured in three different types: timber, fibre-cement and UPVC.
What type of cladding is used in New Zealand?
History of cladding in NZ. New Zealand homes traditionally used weatherboard or brick cladding depending during the 1900’s. Bungalows came out of the villa movement, with large wide verandas and external walls covered with weatherboard. These can be found throughout the country.
Do weatherboards need to be maintained?
If your home is in a hot sunny region, weatherboards are more likely to split and require additional maintenance. Bricks need less maintenance, but will hold the heat longer and keep your house hot. But brick is a good choice for homes close to the beach.
Can you paint weatherboards to make them watertight?
Fibre-cement weatherboards are very absorbent, so must be painted to become watertight. UVPC or plastic weatherboards are not as popular, but clip together rather than needing nailing. Bricks require a larger cavity space between the wall and the brick.
Can you clad a brick home?
Choosing cladding based on your location. Technically you can clad your home in whatever cladding your local authority permits. But some locations are more suited to brick veneer, while others suit weatherboard better. If your home is in a hot sunny region, weatherboards are more likely to split and require additional maintenance.
Are all bricks and weatherboards made equal?
Bricks are usually made from clay or concrete. Clay bricks measured either 225 long x 108 wide x 75 mm high for the NZ standard brick or 300 long x 95 wide x 50 mm high for the roman brick. Concrete bricks in comparison tended to be 397 mm long x 92 mm wide x 92 mm high and were smooth, except for a rough front surface. Half and three quarter sized concrete bricks were also made, but were not as common. Concrete bricks have the advantage of being able to be made anywhere, while clay bricks need a local clay source. Both concrete and clay bricks are available in a wide range of colours and textures.
Advantages of brick construction
Bricks are a traditional material that has been tried and tested for centuries. Brick houses are ultra-solid, and bricks are highly regarded and trusted as a building material. You can separate brick construction into brick veneer vs solid brick.
Disadvantages of brick construction
Because brick veneer isn’t attached to the exterior wall of your house, it doesn’t add any structural support compared to brick masonry. This construction style is essential to note if structural support is necessary for the region you live.
Advantages of weatherboard construction
Readily available and inexpensive, weatherboards come at a low cost. Reclaimed wood is also a great alternative for weatherboards. Recycling materials make it an environmentally friendly option for those who prefer to repurpose materials.
Disadvantages of weatherboard construction
Prepare yourself for ongoing maintenance if you opt for a weatherboard house. Maintenance includes tasks such as checking nails, replacing warped and rotten weatherboards and painting the home. Weatherboard will require a TLC to keep the weatherboard protected from the elements.
Why are weatherboard homes cheaper than brick?
Weatherboard homes are cheaper than others like double brick, and can still be appealing to the eye and comfortable to live in . A main contributor to the lower costs is the wider availability of weatherboards with price ranges to fit almost any budget.
Why are weatherboard houses so popular?
Weatherboard houses have maintained popularity due to their ability to be eco-friendly, withstand changing ground conditions, and prevent high costs during the initial construction or renovation . They do, however, fall short when it comes to long term maintenance, proper insulation, and wood damage.
What are the enemies of weatherboard?
There is one natural enemy of wood that can wreak havoc on any property: termites. These destructive critters are especially a concern for weatherboard homes because they are constructed out of mostly timber. This makes them a prime target for termites which can bring about high costs for exterminators and general repairs. Make sure you have the right protective gear on, such as safety glasses, masks, and a type 6 hazmat suit, when dealing with this problem.
Is weatherboard a good material?
So modern homeowners are looking for options that provide great living experiences without taking a toll on the natural surroundings and environment. Weatherboard houses are a good material because of their unique options that reduce the impact they have on the environment. For example, they can be constructed using reclaimed wood that isn’t made up of harmful chemicals or materials.
Can weatherboards affect your energy bill?
This issue can disrupt the comfortability of your home and have an impact on your monthly energy bill . Weatherboard homes built prior to the 90s are especially prone to these inconsistencies. Because of these factors, those who live in these homes usually need to complete renovations to improve insulation. But with the right quality cutting tools, these renovations become a lot easier.
Can weatherboards rot?
Along with termites, weatherboard homes come with the risk of wood rotting. This problem generally occurs when water has been left to sit on unprotected wood for long periods of time. This rotting can be seen on the roof, decking and verandas, in window frames and areas with regular water use like the bathroom or kitchen. Rotting can create long term structural damage that can be a hassle to deal with even if caught early on.
What are the pros and cons of brick?
Pros of Brick. Versatile: Bricks are a versatile option for your exterior walls as they are available in different finishes, textures, and colors. Whether you want the traditional bricks for an elegant look or a sophisticated design for a modern look, you can easily avail of all the options. Eco-Friendly: Made up of the natural clay ...
How long do bricks last?
Low Maintenance: Bricks require even lower maintenance as compared to the claddings. They are a maintenance-free solution and can last for about 50 years.
What is the easiest process to protect the exterior walls of a building?
Easy Process: Cladding is one of the easiest processes to protect the exterior walls of your building. It will take you much less time to install the cladding in a hassle-free manner.
Why do we need cladding on exterior walls?
It offers an extra protective layer to your building and helps it fight against the adverse external hazards.
What is rendering in home?
Rendering. Rendering is gradually becoming a popular way of giving a new look to the exterior walls of your home. The ability to provide an attractive look at an affordable cost is one of the main reasons for its growing popularity.
Do rendered walls fade?
High Maintenance: Rendered walls can get stained or fade much faster. In order to preserve the look of your exterior walls, you would require high maintenance. Now that you know all the important factors choosing between cladding vs. rendering or cladding vs. brick becomes easy. Evaluate each of the options from all the important aspects ...
Is cladding more expensive than brick?
Expensive: When it comes to cladding vs. brick in terms of cost, cladding can be an expensive option, depending on the type of material you choose. Even though the upfront cost is high, it can provide benefits in the long run.
