New Brick Comparisons Bust Common Myths On Home Exteriors

Cite Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding, Concrete Masonry, EIFS, Fiber Cement Siding, Manufactured Stone

(HIT) - New consumer fact sheets from the Brick Industry Association at www.gobrick.com seek to expel the common myths and latest misinformation about genuine clay brick as compared with five, primary exteriors—including their major differences in sustainability features. The two-page format for home buyers and home builders offers frank pros and cons of brick versus vinyl siding, concrete masonry, manufactured stone, fiber cement siding and Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), otherwise known as synthetic stucco.

“Especially in this economy and housing market, it’s necessary to offer a competitive picture of how clay brick stacks up to other exteriors in terms of its growing role in green building design, cost, durability, longevity, maintenance, lasting colors, enduring beauty and curb appeal,” said Gregg Borchelt, P.E., FASTM, FCSI, BIA’s president and CEO. “Glossy brochures with gorgeous photography but little facts aren’t enough to offer a real narrative on brick,” he said.

Fact sheets include:

The Facts: Brick vs. Vinyl Siding
The Facts: Brick vs. Fiber Cement Siding
The Facts: Brick vs. Manufactured Stone
The Facts: Brick vs. EIFS
The Facts: Brick vs. Concrete Masonry Veneer

Eliminating technical jargon, content areas for each product include major myths, strengths and weaknesses in all areas (aesthetics, initial cost, design flexibility, installation, maintenance and repairs, water management, color fading, fire resistance, wind damage, moisture resistance, insect infestation, damage resistance, environmental concerns, insurance issues); physical properties and construction basics; cross-section diagrams; the differences between brick and each product; sustainability comparisons and product performance.

Link to all fact sheets:

Link to BIA’s homeowner resources including how to choose brick, publications and Do-it-Yourself guides:

Link to BIA’s home builder resources including research, education and publications:

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

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