If you’re looking to give your home a fresh new look, adding siding over your existing brick exterior might be an option you should consider. Brick walls are known for their durability and charm, but sometimes, they may not match the vision you have for your home’s style.
Siding can offer you a more modern appearance, a broader range of colors and textures, and even add a layer of insulation. However, deciding to install siding over brick is a choice that requires some careful thought and planning.
Not all brick surfaces are ideal for this type of upgrade, and there are several steps involved to ensure that the siding holds up over time. You might be wondering if it’s even possible or practical to put siding over brick. The answer is yes but with some conditions.
Can Siding Go Over Brick?
Brick homes have a charm of their own, but siding can give you more control over the style and color. If you’re looking for a fresh, updated appearance without tearing down the brick, adding siding could be the right move.
However, as appealing as it sounds, there are some factors to consider before moving forward with this project. Knowing if your home’s structure can handle siding over brick is an essential first step.
This approach works best when your brick walls are in good condition and meet a few key requirements for siding installation. Brick can handle a lot, but its surface and the wall’s overall structure will determine whether the siding can be securely installed.
Why You Might Consider Siding Over Brick
Siding allows you to choose different colors, textures, and styles that brick alone might not offer, letting you tailor the exterior to match your personal taste. This can give your home an entirely new look while still benefiting from the stability of the brick underneath.
Besides appearance, siding can also add a layer of protection, helping to shield your home from weather exposure. With more insulation, you might notice lower heating and cooling costs, making the investment in siding more practical over time.
When Siding Over Brick Works and When It Doesn’t
While siding over brick can be a straightforward project, it isn’t always an option for every home. For siding to securely attach, the brick needs to be in stable condition.
Cracks, chips, or uneven sections in the brick can cause complications, as they make it difficult to properly install the necessary framing and insulation. Inspecting your brick walls carefully will help you avoid issues with the siding later on.
In some cases, local building codes may also affect your decision. Codes vary based on location and structure type, and they sometimes specify conditions for exterior changes, including siding.
Benefits of Adding Siding Over Brick
Giving your brick home a new look with siding can offer more than just a style upgrade. Beyond just appearance, adding siding over brick offers practical benefits that make it a worthwhile consideration.
Adding siding over brick can also improve the functionality of your home in ways you might not expect.
1. Improved Curb Appeal and Style Choices
With siding, you get to enjoy more creative freedom than with brick alone. Siding opens up possibilities for new colors, patterns, and textures that might not be achievable with brick.
This flexibility gives your home a distinct, refreshed appearance that boosts curb appeal and can increase your property’s marketability. Adding siding also provides an opportunity to update the home’s exterior without costly brick renovations.
Instead of dealing with painting or treating brick, siding offers a straightforward solution to achieve the look you want, all while keeping the brick structure intact underneath.
2. Added Insulation and Energy Efficiency
A significant benefit of siding over brick is the extra layer of insulation it provides. With siding, you can add insulating materials between the brick and the new exterior layer, helping to maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.
This added insulation can reduce heat loss in the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer, which translates to savings on your energy bills over time. Improved insulation not only enhances comfort but can also have a noticeable impact on your home’s environmental footprint.
3. Easier Maintenance and Long-Term Durability
While brick needs occasional cleaning and can suffer from cracks or chips, siding tends to be more resilient against weathering. Quality siding materials, especially vinyl or fiber cement, often require less upkeep and provide a cleaner, low-maintenance finish.
Siding also adds a protective barrier that shields your home from the elements, extending the life of the brick underneath. This layer protects against water damage, which can be especially helpful if your brick is prone to absorbing moisture.
Challenges to Consider Before Installing Siding Over Brick
Not every brick surface is ideal for siding, and knowing the possible hurdles can help you prepare for a smooth project. Siding installation over brick requires a careful approach, especially if you want the final result to look and perform well over time.
Installing siding over an uneven or damaged brick surface can lead to issues down the road.
1. Surface Irregularities and Adhesion
Brick walls often have irregular surfaces that can complicate the installation process. Since siding relies on a relatively smooth and even base, any bumps, cracks, or uneven areas in the brick could prevent the siding from adhering correctly.
Without a stable, flat foundation, your siding may develop gaps, misalignments, or areas that don’t sit properly. This not only affects the look but can lead to functional problems over time, such as warping or detachment.
To address this, additional preparation may be necessary to create a suitable surface. Adding a layer of furring strips, which are thin strips of wood or metal, can create a level frame for the siding.
2. Moisture Trapping and Ventilation Concerns
Brick is a porous material, meaning it can absorb and release moisture depending on the conditions. When you add siding on top, you run the risk of creating a barrier that prevents moisture from escaping, which can lead to mold, mildew, or even structural damage if left unchecked.
To counter this, proper ventilation and moisture barriers are essential to prevent any buildup. Installing a vapor barrier between the brick and siding can help to control moisture levels, but it requires careful application to be effective.
3. Code Compliance and Structural Requirements
Some areas have specific regulations about exterior modifications, especially if your home is part of a historic district or has architectural features that could be altered by adding siding. Checking with your local building authority is a necessary step to avoid any compliance issues that could lead to fines or required modifications later.
The extra weight of the siding and framing materials may require an assessment of your home’s structure. While brick walls are generally sturdy, the added load could potentially stress the foundation if not carefully evaluated.
Common Types of Siding That Work Well Over Brick
Not all siding materials work equally well over brick, so understanding the options available can help you decide. Each siding material comes with its own set of benefits and considerations, particularly when it comes to installation over brick.
Some are lightweight and easy to install, while others offer extra durability or specific aesthetic qualities.
1. Vinyl Siding
When placed over brick, vinyl siding requires fewer adjustments compared to heavier materials, making it an efficient option. With vinyl, you have access to a wide range of colors and styles, from smooth finishes to textured designs that mimic wood grain.
Vinyl is relatively low maintenance, as it resists fading, peeling, and insect damage. Its durability can be a benefit for homeowners looking for a hassle-free solution that stands up to various weather conditions.
2. Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding combines cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, creating a strong and visually appealing finish. It is heavier than vinyl, but it brings a sturdy, solid feel to the exterior, often emulating the look of wood or masonry.
In terms of durability, fiber cement resists rot, insects, and fire, making it a long-lasting option. However, due to its weight, it may require additional framing support when installing over brick.
3. Wood and Composite Siding
Wood siding comes in various types, including cedar and redwood, each providing a distinct texture and color. This type of siding works particularly well if you want your home to blend into a more natural setting.
Although wood requires regular maintenance to protect it from moisture and pests, many homeowners find the look worth the upkeep. Composite siding, a manufactured product made from wood fibers and resin, offers a similar appearance to wood but with greater resistance to decay and pests.
It can provide a natural look with reduced maintenance compared to traditional wood siding. Both wood and composite options bring a unique character to a home and pair well with brick for a layered, textured effect.
4. Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding combines wood fibers and binding materials to create a siding that mimics the appearance of natural wood but with enhanced durability. This siding option is less prone to warping and cracking compared to traditional wood, and it can handle temperature and humidity changes more effectively.
Its lighter weight compared to fiber cement makes installation over brick simpler while still providing a wood-like finish. Engineered wood siding is often pre-treated to resist termites and fungal decay, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
The Installation Process Made Simple
Once you’ve chosen the right siding to go over your brick, next is the installation process. This preparation ensures that the new siding not only looks great but also performs well over time.
Installing siding over the brick is slightly different than a standard siding job. It involves several additional steps to create a strong foundation and ensure a secure attachment.
1. Preparing the Brick Wall for Siding
The first step in the installation process is to prepare the brick surface. This involves cleaning the wall to remove any dirt, dust, or loose debris that could interfere with adhesion.
If the brick has any cracks, chips, or structural issues, these should be repaired before proceeding to ensure a stable base. In some cases, a layer of furring strips or a frame may be added to create a smooth surface for the siding to attach.
With a clean and properly prepared wall, the siding has a better chance of staying secure and looking flawless once installed.
2. Applying the Framework and Siding Materials
Once the brick surface is prepped, the next step is to install a framework that will support the siding. Furring strips, thin wooden or metal strips, are typically added vertically to create a flat surface for the siding panels.
These strips not only provide a level base but also create space for insulation or a moisture barrier if needed. The furring strips must be securely attached to the brick to prevent movement and ensure the siding stays in place.
After the framework is in place, the siding panels are attached to the strips, starting from the bottom and working upwards. Each panel is carefully aligned to create a seamless appearance and to maintain a weatherproof seal.
3. Sealing and Finishing Touches to Ensure Longevity
The final stage of the installation process involves sealing the edges and adding finishing touches to enhance the siding’s durability and appearance. Weatherproofing seals are applied along the edges and any joints to prevent moisture from getting behind the siding.
This helps protect the brick and the siding from potential water damage, which can be especially important in humid or rainy climates. Once sealed, any additional trim or molding can be added to complete the look.
This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides extra protection around windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas.
Choosing the Best Type of Siding for Extreme Weather
Adding siding over brick can be a rewarding project that gives your home a fresh look and provides added protection, but it’s important to go in with a clear plan. Choosing the best siding type becomes even more important if you live in an area prone to extreme weather.
Some siding materials naturally handle weather changes better than others, making them ideal for homes in regions with heavy rain, high winds, or intense sunlight. When you pair the strength of brick with a strong siding choice, you create a double layer of protection.
Insulated vinyl or fiber cement, for instance, offers added resilience against temperature fluctuations, helping to protect both your interior comfort and your long-term investment.
