Brick Vs. Vinyl Siding
- According to a 2008 article on CalFinder.com, a nationwide clearinghouse for certified contractors, vinyl siding can be expected to run $2 to $3 per square foot, installed. Real brick costs two to four times as much, averaging $6 to $12 per square foot.
- Brick siding is the woolen pea coat of the siding world, mixing classic, understated elegance with durable utilitarianism. It looks appropriate in almost every setting, and will probably outlast its owner. Vinyl siding is more like a good spring jacket, available in a wide array of colors and styles, and inexpensive enough to replace as styles and preferences change.
- Vinyl siding's durability comes from its ability to bounce-back after impact, and the fact that vermin find it unappetizing. Brick is tougher, but more brittle. Brick stand up better to windstorms and wildfires, but may be more likely to show dings from hard impact.
- Vinyl siding is made to be virtually maintenance-free. Surface dirt can be rinsed off with a garden hose, or scrubbed off with a soft brush or sponge. Brick should be inspected for cracks or missing mortar annually, but it would be unusual to find these problems within the first 25 years. Brick can be pressure washed, and cracks can be filled with concrete caulk or mortar.
- Vinyl siding is often offered with a lifetime warranty. In reality, vinyl is designed to last for 40 to 50 years, and the color will usually fade over time. Brick siding can last for centuries if properly maintained.
