Homeowners often search for ways to modernize their home’s exterior without the hassle of demolition. Covering brick with siding seems like a perfect shortcut—an instant facelift with minimal mess. But before you grab the nearest siding catalog, consider this: what seems like a simple solution could lead to hidden costs, structural challenges, and long-term headaches.

Let’s break down the realities of installing siding over brick and why it’s crucial to weigh your options carefully.

Can You Put Siding Over Brick? Well yes, but…

At first, the idea of placing siding over brick might seem appealing. It offers a quick transformation of your home’s exterior without the mess of demolition. You might think it’s a more cost-effective solution or a way to improve insulation. However, while it is technically possible, it’s rarely the best idea. Here’s why:

1. Cost Implications: While you might assume that covering brick with siding would be less expensive than removing the brick, it’s often the opposite. Installing siding over brick can be a complex and costly process. Specialized fasteners and tools are required to properly attach the siding to the brick surface. These materials and tools don’t come cheap, and the labor costs can be significant. In many cases, it’s actually cheaper to remove the brick first and then install the siding.
2. Structural Concerns: Adding siding over brick adds extra layers to your exterior walls, which can create problems with your home’s structure. For example, your windows and doors may become recessed, leading to potential issues with air and moisture infiltration. This can compromise the integrity of your home’s exterior, leading to more significant problems down the road.
3. Moisture Issues: Brick, while durable, isn’t the best material for breathability. Covering it with siding can trap moisture between the brick and the new siding. Over time, this trapped moisture can cause mold, mildew, and even structural damage. Stucco presents similar challenges, where finding studs through the existing material becomes difficult, leading to improper installation and future moisture problems.

The Real Costs: Removing Brick vs. Installing Siding Over It

When evaluating the best approach for updating your home’s exterior, removing the brick is usually more cost-effective than installing siding over it. Here’s why:

• Labor and Material Costs: The tools required to install siding over brick are expensive. The fasteners alone can add hundreds of dollars to your project. When you factor in the added labor costs, the overall expense of installing siding over brick often exceeds the cost of brick removal.
• Avoiding Future Repairs: By removing the brick first, you ensure that your siding is properly installed on a flat, stable surface. This reduces the risk of future problems like water infiltration or structural damage, saving you money on potential repairs.

The Structural Impact of Siding Over Brick

Beyond the financial considerations, adding siding over brick can affect the structure of your home:

• Increased Wall Thickness: Installing siding over brick increases the thickness of your walls, which can make your windows and doors appear recessed. This not only affects the aesthetics of your home but also creates potential entry points for water and moisture, which can lead to damage over time.
• Grout and Sealant Concerns: Brick is typically held in place by grout, which, like the grout in your bathroom, can deteriorate over time. Even if you seal your windows and doors tightly, the inevitable breakdown of grout can create gaps that allow water to seep in, leading to significant damage.

Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home

When it comes to selecting the right siding for your home, most homeowners want something that looks great, is durable, and fits within their budget. James Hardie fiber cement siding is a popular choice across the country, particularly in areas like Johnson County and Kansas City, due to its durability and minimal maintenance requirements.

However, before you choose siding, it’s crucial to assess your current exterior. If you have brick, removing it before installing new siding is usually the best approach to ensure a long-lasting, trouble-free exterior.

In Summary

While it is technically possible to put siding over brick, it’s rarely advisable. The process is more expensive, can lead to structural issues, and may cause moisture problems down the line. Instead, removing the brick and starting with a clean surface for your new siding is often the better, more cost-effective choice.

If you’re considering a home exterior renovation, we recommend contacting us to discuss the best options for your specific situation. We’re here to help you make the right choice for your home.