The three most popular masonry options are new brick, slump stone and manufactured alternatives.
Bricks
Brick is made from fired clay and can be found in many different colors. Brick is considered the best exterior wall finish and has many benefits.
Brick is a durable building material that can be found almost anywhere, with many varieties available. Brick mason in Greater Seattle is durable and should last for 100 years. The first 25 years are maintenance-free.
Brick won’t catch on fire, rot, or be eaten alive by termites.
Brick can be expensive, but it is a popular exterior finish.
Stone
Another attractive, durable, and expensive option is stone. Stone is an antique form of masonry that will last a lifetime. Take a look at all the Roman and Greek monuments that still stand today.
Stone is not as readily available as brick and not all stones are suitable for masonry work. Some stones are too soft while others are too porous. Stone exteriors work best when they are installed using old-fashioned methods.
Stone masonry’s greatest enemy is water, as freeze-thaw cycles could cause cracks. Stone masonry that is properly sealed can prevent problems.
Each year, inspect your building’s exterior masonry four hours after heavy rains. If you see dark spots on the wall, it is likely that water has soaked through the surface. This is a problem that will require fixing in the future.
Manufactured Stone and Brick
Brick and stone can be replaced by a third option, which offers all the same benefits at a lower price.
Many times what appears to be stone or brick on a house is actually a lightweight concrete-manufactured stone veneer or cultured stone.
Molds made of real stones are filled with Portland cement, natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigments. This result is available in a wide range of styles and colors.
Another attractive and virtually indestructible option is architectural blocks. They are similar to conventional concrete blocks but look more like polished granite and have decorative finishes.
Concrete block masonry is used more often in industrial buildings. Concrete block masonry should last between 50 and 80 years. After 25 years, you will need to repair the joints.
Concrete blocks are not waterproof, unlike brick. A water seal should be applied every ten years.
Silane and siloxane are the best water seals. They can be applied by spray and soak into the wall like a stain.
