Tag: brick mason

Most home improvements depreciate. A new roof, fresh paint, updated appliances. They wear out, go out of style, or get replaced by the next owner. Brick masonry works differently. It holds its value over decades, requires almost no maintenance compared to wood or vinyl, and signals a level of quality that buyers and appraisers notice immediately. If you’re weighing where to put money into your home, brick masonry is one of the few investments that keeps paying back.

Brick Masonry vs. Brick Veneer: Why the Difference Matters

A lot of homeowners assume all brick exteriors are the same. They’re not.

Full brick masonry means the brick is structural. It carries load, forms the actual wall, and ties into the foundation. Brick veneer is a single layer of brick attached to a wood or steel frame behind it. It looks similar from the outside but behaves completely differently over time.

Full brick masonry homes have compressive strength measured in thousands of pounds per square inch. They resist wind, moisture and fire better than frame construction with veneer. They also last longer without requiring the same level of upkeep.

When an appraiser or buyer sees a true brick masonry home, the valuation reflects that. Veneer is valued differently, and experienced buyers know the difference.

What Appraisers Actually Look For

Appraisers don’t give blanket value increases for brick. What they look for is condition, craftsmanship and longevity.

Clean mortar joints in good repair signal that the masonry has been maintained. Tight, consistent coursing with no cracking tells an appraiser the work was done correctly. Brick that shows no staining, spalling or efflorescence reads as low maintenance and high quality.

Poorly done brick masonry, or brick that has been patched with mismatched mortar, actually works against value. The material isn’t what matters most. The quality of the installation and the condition of the existing work does.

That’s why choosing a qualified mason matters as much as choosing brick in the first place.

Which Brick Masonry Projects Return the Most Value

Some brick masonry projects add more value than others. The ones with the strongest return share a common trait: they’re visible, durable, and tied to the structure of the home.

Exterior brick walls and facades consistently top the list. A full brick exterior can add 6 to 10 percent to a home’s appraised value, according to estimates from real estate and appraisal industry data. In markets where brick homes are common, the absence of brick can actually lower a home’s perceived value relative to comparable properties.

Brick columns and entry features add strong curb appeal. They frame the entrance, signal quality before a buyer ever steps inside, and require almost no maintenance over the life of the home.

Brick garden walls and raised planting beds read as permanent improvements rather than decorative additions. They add structure to the yard, define outdoor spaces, and hold up through decades of weather without rotting, warping or fading.

Brick walkways and steps tend to age better than poured concrete. They can be individually replaced if a unit gets damaged, and the natural variation in brick color holds up visually even as the surface weathers.

How Brick Masonry Affects Insurance and Maintenance Costs

This is the part most homeowners don’t think about until they get their insurance quote.

Brick masonry is non-combustible. Insurance carriers rate masonry construction lower for fire risk than wood frame construction. Depending on your insurer and location, a brick masonry home can carry meaningfully lower premiums than a comparable frame home. That difference compounds over years.

Maintenance costs are lower too. Brick doesn’t need painting. It doesn’t rot, warp, or get damaged by insects. The main maintenance task for a brick masonry exterior is periodic inspection of mortar joints and repointing when needed, typically every 25 to 30 years for a well-built wall. Compare that to wood siding, which needs repainting every five to seven years, or fiber cement, which requires caulking and sealing on a regular cycle.

Over a 30-year period, the total maintenance cost of a brick masonry exterior is substantially lower than most alternative materials. That savings is real money, and buyers who understand construction factor it into what they’re willing to pay.

What to Ask a Mason Before Starting Any Brick Masonry Project

Not every mason produces work that holds its value. A few questions upfront separate qualified contractors from ones who cut corners.

Ask about mortar type. Exterior brick masonry requires Type S mortar for most residential applications. A mason who uses standard interior mortar outdoors is setting up a repair job within a few years.

Ask about coursing and foundation prep. The base matters more than the brick. A mason who rushes the footing or skips proper leveling on the first course produces work that shows problems as the structure settles.

Ask to see completed projects, not just photos. Seeing work in person after two or three years of weathering tells you more than a fresh installation photo ever will. Look at the mortar joints, the alignment of courses, and whether any cracking or efflorescence is visible.

Ask about the warranty on labor. Materials carry manufacturer warranties. The installation is what you’re paying the mason for, and a contractor who stands behind their work should be willing to say so in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does brick masonry increase home value? 

Yes. A full brick masonry exterior can add 6 to 10 percent to a home’s appraised value. The actual figure depends on your market, the condition of the brick, and the quality of the installation. Well-maintained brick masonry in good repair consistently outperforms other exterior materials on long-term value retention.

How long does brick masonry last?

A properly built brick masonry structure can last 100 years or more. The Brick Industry Association has documented clay brick walls and structures still in service after a century of use. The mortar joints are the first component to show wear, typically needing repointing every 25 to 30 years.

Does brick masonry require a lot of maintenance? 

No. Brick masonry requires significantly less maintenance than wood, vinyl or fiber cement. It doesn’t need painting, doesn’t rot, and doesn’t warp. The main maintenance task is inspecting and repointing mortar joints when they show wear, which for a well-built wall happens on a very long cycle.

What is the difference between brick masonry and brick veneer? 

Brick masonry refers to structural brick that forms the actual wall and carries load. Brick veneer is a single decorative layer of brick attached to a separate structural frame. Both use brick, but they perform differently over time. Full brick masonry is more durable, better insulated, and valued differently by appraisers.

Which brick masonry projects add the most value? 

Exterior brick facades, entry columns, brick walkways and garden walls consistently return the most value. Projects that are visible, structural and tied to the long-term condition of the property hold their value best. Decorative-only brick additions in less visible areas return less.