The building processes are very different for solid brick and brick veneer. If you are building a new home or purchasing an existing home, solid brick construction may be a consideration. But if you’re considering a facelift or new siding on an existing home, you will be talking about brick veneer. Both uses of brick have their pros and cons. It just depends on what is most important to you. 

What is solid brick construction?

There are many solid brick homes in the Philadelphia region. Also called solid masonry, double brick, or brick and block, solid brick building consists of two layers called wythes. The outer layer is, of course, brick. The inner layer could also be brick, but since it’s not visible, it’s more common to use concrete or cinder blocks. When constructing a solid brick building, every few layers some bricks are laid sideways, straddling across the two wythes, in order to keep them together. This is called the course header. 

Solid brick construction has been around for hundreds of years, though the actual construction methods have changed over time. In solid brick construction, the brick (or brick/block combo) is what holds the house up. 

What is brick veneer?

Notice it’s not “brick veneer construction” because with veneer, the building is constructed with a normal wood or steel frame. The veneer is an exterior treatment, like siding, but it is installed differently. 

Brick veneer is true brick, not a skinny fake slab or little pieces stuck onto the house. It’s essentially just the outer wythe of the solid brick. However, it is installed with a cavity separating it from the framing and sheathing, and often with a layer of moisture barrier on the sheathing. Brick veneer also requires weep holes to allow moisture to drain. 

Telling them apart

If you’re looking at an existing home with brick and you’re wondering if it’s solid or veneer, look for the tell-tale row that has some short bricks that look about half the width. This is the course header, keeping the interior and exterior wythes together. If the whole house is constructed like this, it’s probably solid brick.

If you see weep holes in the brick, or if the front of the house is brick and the rest of the house is siding or stucco, you are looking at brick veneer. 

Pros and Cons of solid brick

Solid brick will last for hundreds of years. It’s essentially pest-free (no issues with termites or other nasties) and does not decay as wood construction can. Bricks do not break down for a long, long time if they are kept clean and free of plant growth. Solid brick is low maintenance and completely fireproof. It is also very eco-friendly since it does not require the use of wood. 

However, solid brick is extremely expensive, both due to the quantity of materials and the labor. And it is a poor insulator because it is highly porous. With no barrier between you and the outside except porous brick, the house can be chilly without a layer of insulation behind the interior walls. 

Pros and Cons of brick veneer

Brick veneer is significantly less expensive than solid brick and practically indistinguishable in appearance. Because of the air pocket behind the single layer, veneer is much more insulating than solid brick. It can also be added to an already existing wood-framed home if you want to change the look of your exterior.

Brick veneer, however, is not as maintenance-free. You will have to keep the weep holes clear of debris to avoid moisture buildup behind the wall, which can lead to mold or rot. It is not fireproof because of the wood, and it is not as long-lasting because the single layer, which has essentially no support behind it, is more likely to crack over time. 

Common issues with either

Whichever brick you have, you need to keep it free of plant growth. Although ivy growing on the side of a brick home looks very aesthetic (and from this image the “ivy league” colleges got their name) it is devastating to brick and mortar. Get it off as soon as possible because the little roots dig into the bricks and mortar and tear them apart. 

Mold, moss, and mildew can also grow on brick, especially near the base and on brick veneer if the weep holes become clogged. Just as with ivy, it’s imperative to remove these growing things.

Water can creep up your brick or brick veneer walls – more so on brick veneer. This is common where rainwater pounds the ground and splashes up on your brick wall. Because brick is absorbent, moisture creeps up the wall. You can see how high up it has traveled by the whitish layer, like a bathtub ring of crystalline salts left behind. 

Brick upkeep and repair

Homeowners should power wash their brick homes at least once a year. If you have an area that gets significant splash-back from rain, clean that area more often. If plants, mold, mildew, or moss are within reach of a low ladder, you can scrub with a mold and mildew cleaner. 

For bigger jobs or for repair of mortar or brick, we encourage you to leave the job to experts. Please don’t try to get up on a high ladder to clean your bricks or other siding. We have special ladders and the right tools to accomplish the job safely. We also have skilled masons who can repair and replace damaged bricks and mortar to save your wall and lengthen the life of your home.

At M&K Renovations, we have over 40 years of experience in the construction and remodeling industry and service Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Call us today at our Main Line office, (610) 353-2895, to arrange a consultation. Whether you need your existing brick repaired or you’re considering changing the look of your exterior with brick, we have the expertise to serve you.

Selling a home in the Philadelphia area nowadays requires the homeowner to really think critically and plan ahead. Some questions you should ask are: What are homebuyers looking for currently? How can I get my house to catch their attention online, where most buyers look first? How can I make my house so appealing that buyers will pay what I ask? At M&K Renovations, we can help you answer many of these questions. 

Curb appeal used to mean just making your house look great from the road. Now it means making it look great online, too. Many buyers search through websites with thousands of houses on the market. You need to make your house look good in the picture so people will click to learn more.

The exterior includes things like the roof, siding, windows, garage door, front door, landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor lighting. Some improvements may be simple, like power washing your siding if it’s fairly new and in good repair. Others may require financial investment and professional help. Consider any of these changes you may need:

Roof: If your roof was installed correctly, an asphalt shingle roof should last between 15 and 30 years. Metal roofs last even longer. But all roofs need regular maintenance. Have it inspected by a trusted roofing company, one with testimonies of many happy customers in the area. A disreputable company could recommend improvements you don’t need. At M&K, as homeowners ourselves, we treat our customers as we would want to be treated and give fair and honest free consultations. A new roof is definitely a big selling point, but if your roof is still in great condition, you may be better off spending the money in another area.

Windows: Modern windows have a 15-30 year lifespan as well, but they also need some upkeep. If you are experiencing drafts near your windows, if you’ve had water damage, or if you have trouble opening and closing windows, at least some need to be replaced, but it’s usually better to do them all at once. If they are functioning well, you may only need to paint the trim and maybe add shutters. Shutters or contrasting color trim around windows really catch the eye and improve curb appeal.

Siding: Clean your siding and check for any damage or warping. You could even consider replacing a portion of siding with stone veneer. This upgrade has a great return on investment. If your siding has signs of aging, consider new siding which also has great ROI.

Hardscapes: Buyers like to see smooth driveways and attractive, functional walkways. You can create a powerful look with a walkway and landscaping combination that complements your home. If you have an old farmhouse-style home, a meandering walkway through a cottage garden would look fabulous. If you have a conservative brick home, a straight walkway with boxwood bushes complements the traditional look.

Front door, garage: Your front door needs to be truly inviting. A new door is a small investment with a big return. A new garage door in an appealing color also has great ROI, because it’s a large feature whose color and design greatly affect the look of the house.

 Lighting: Create inviting lighting that adds safety when approaching the door at night, including lighting on the walkway. Good lighting around the house and driveway also makes homeowners feel safer, deterring possible prowlers.

These are the major exterior upgrades you should consider when you’re looking to add value to your home in order to help your house sell quickly and at a great price. For a checklist of things you can do that are divided into easy and free, modest cost, and bigger projects, read A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell. For interior projects that add value, read Interior Renovations that Add Value to Your Home.  

Contact us at M&K Renovations at (610) 353-2895 for a consultation to discuss what exterior projects might make the most impact. Our professionals will examine your exterior and evaluate what repairs or upgrades may be best, then collaborate with you, our designers, and our building experts to develop a plan to help you get the most value out of your renovations.

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular sidings for homes. It’s low maintenance, can last decades, and comes in various price points. But it also comes in various degrees of quality. 

Vinyl can vary in thickness and flexibility, which determines how well it withstands impact and the effects of the weather. But eventually, most vinyl siding will experience a dink, crack, or hole that will need to be repaired. Quick action on your part can prevent bigger and more expensive problems later. 

What causes damage?

As mentioned, quality plays an important role in how well your vinyl siding holds up, with thicker and sturdier siding withstanding more stress. Nonetheless, problems can occur. 

An impact is often the cause of damage. Philadelphia and nearby areas can experience some pretty harsh weather that can beat on your siding. Higher quality and newer siding can often withstand the assault of Mother Nature, but debris from high winds or a falling limb may be too much to ask from any siding. Sometimes a rock thrown by a lawnmower or a misdirected baseball can cause a nasty dink. 

The changing seasons also take their toll. Strong sunlight can weaken and fade siding, but around here the bigger culprit is the cold. When the temperatures drop below freezing, vinyl gets brittle, and it takes much less to cause it to crack and break. 

Problems can also occur with your home or installation. The shifting and settling of your home can cause your vinyl siding to shift and possibly crack, and poor installation causes all sorts of problems. Finally, it could just be that your siding is getting old and it’s time for it to be replaced.

Can I repair it?

Many homeowners can save themselves money and future problems by quickly addressing small dinks or damage to siding. It’s critical to act quickly, though. Your siding’s job is to keep your home watertight, warm, and safe. Openings of any kind in your siding or around windows or doors invite in a host of problems, including mold, mildew, leaks that can damage the house’s structure, and pests that can do serious damage. 

If you see a small crack or dink in your siding, or if you notice when it happens, you can fix it yourself if you’re handy. You can fill a small hole with caulk or repair a larger hole with a spare piece of siding. To patch a broken area using extra siding, cut a piece of matching siding larger than the hole or dink. Apply caulk all the way around the damaged area as well as to the back of the patch. Carefully cover the broken siding with the patch and apply pressure to ensure a good seal. 

If you don’t know how long the hole or crack has been there, or if you see several damaged areas, it may be best to carefully remove the damaged sheet of siding and look for signs of moisture or damage underneath, which would indicate a larger problem. 

When should I get professional help?

If you’re handy and the problem is small and new, you should be able to patch the damage yourself. However, if you don’t know how long the damage has been there, the damage is extensive, or you have reason to believe moisture has seeped into your home, it is best to call us for a free consultation. We will determine how extensive the problem is. A small repair job is not very expensive, and you will have peace of mind knowing that it was done right and there is no further concern. However, if we do find additional problems, you’ll know that we have the expertise to fix them and prevent further damage to your home. Call us here at M&K Renovations, (610) 353-2895, for all your siding and home repair or renovation needs.

Home siding in the Greater Philadelphia area can take a beating year-round. Whether your existing siding needs replacement or you’re planning a major addition, you have many siding options. Each has its pros and cons, including energy efficiency, costs, durability, and maintenance. Vinyl siding is currently the most popular option for many valid reasons, but for your particular house or your particular dreams, other siding options are available. 

Vinyl

Why is vinyl siding so popular? Because it has so many pros and few cons. Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable types of siding, coming in many styles and seemingly endless colors. It has a lifespan of 20-30 years, requires little maintenance besides occasional scrubbing with soap and water, scores relatively high in energy efficiency, and can include insulation to further increase energy savings. It is resistant to moisture and pests, and it installs quickly. 

The few downsides to vinyl siding are that it can crack or break upon impact and can bow or buckle over time. For long walls, sometimes seams between vinyl sheets can show, but our expert contractors work very hard to minimize or eliminate obvious vinyl sheet junctures. 

Metal

Metal siding, whether aluminum or steel, is more expensive than vinyl (everything is) but offers a unique, modern, sleek look that many homeowners love. It can be installed vertically or horizontally, with a variety of formulations to create a smooth look or a more rustic design. Very energy-efficient, it also reflects the rays of the sun, keeping the house cooler in the summer. It’s surprisingly durable, resisting dings, dents, and more, and requires very little maintenance.

Fiber cement siding

Fiber cement siding is made of water, cement, sand, and fibers, and is pressed into a variety of siding styles. It costs less than some other siding options (except vinyl) and can be painted to meet your aesthetic goals. It is quite durable, long-lasting, fire-resistant, and very low maintenance, though not very energy efficient. 

Wood or fabricated wood

Natural wood siding is stunning. Wood offers a classic, rustic look for the homeowner and is extremely energy efficient, being a natural insulator. Cost can vary dramatically, depending on the style of wood siding you choose, and it requires regular maintenance. Sealing the wood every 3-5 years will give it some protection from pests and elements.   

Fabricated or engineered wood gives the look of real wood with fewer drawbacks. It comes in more styles, is less expensive, and more resistant to damage and pests. 

Brick and stone veneer

Brick and stone veneer, whether real stone or imitation, are also great options. Brick creates a formal, traditional look, while the effect of stone can vary widely, depending on the type and color you choose. You can create a formal, manor home look or a rustic farmhouse look, depending on your vision. Brick and stone are not very energy efficient and can be costly, but are extremely durable, free from pests, and require very little maintenance.

Considerations and questions

When choosing your siding, it helps to have a clear vision of the style or message you want to convey. What effect do you want? What do you want people to think or feel when they look at your home? Most importantly, what do YOU want to think or feel when you look at it? Our designers will go through the options with you and offer you a few choices to consider. 

Once you know which options will help you reach your goals, consider cost, maintenance, durability, and resale value. If there is a type of siding you love but it’s not in your budget, consider maybe using it as an accent. Depending on the shape of your house, you could do a front section in stone or in wood shingles, for instance, and the rest in another siding that will complement it. 

Whatever you choose, our experienced, insured contractors will install your siding quickly and efficiently so that your dream home becomes a reality. Call us today to get started.

Over the past 20 years, many homes in the Greater Philadelphia area have been built with stucco on at least a portion of the exterior. Unfortunately, many of these installations have been defective. Serious problems can occur when stucco is not applied correctly, not sealed correctly around exterior fixtures, or not properly sealed where the stucco meets with a different material. You want to take care of stucco problems long before you go to sell your house and see a “stucco failure” on an inspection report.  

Stucco is a cement plaster exterior siding and is one of the oldest exteriors still in use. Stucco is even seen in ancient Greek architecture. It is quick, versatile, fire-resistant, and cost-efficient. However, in wet and humid regions such as ours, water damage and shifting of soil and foundation can wreak havoc on stucco exteriors, because it is a stiff and inflexible cement-based material. And because stucco is sometimes applied incorrectly, the chance of problems increases. Because of this, some realtors are hesitant to show stucco homes, and many sellers are required to pay for a costly stucco inspection and possibly a repair job. 

Signs of stucco problems

When water gets under stucco, it can crack, crumble, or bulge. The moisture can create mold, possibly in places you can’t see. Stucco can also be easily stained. The color from your shutters or windows may bleed, and ironwork can leave rust stains on adjacent stucco. Mildew can leave unsightly black spots. It’s important to inspect your stucco yearly to catch problems early before they cause significant damage. 

Signs that moisture may have gotten under your stucco:

• Hairline cracks, bald spots, bulging
• Stucco “gives” when you press on it
• Caulking around windows and doors is missing or has shrunk
• Transitions between stucco and other materials are not properly sealed
• Staining or discoloration, mold or mildew
• Rot or poor sealing around exterior fixtures: light fixtures, electrical outlets, pipes, meter box, deck, chimney 

Stucco Solutions

If you notice any of the problems listed above, you should act quickly to correct the problem. Options include an expert remediation service to repair and protect your current stucco, replacement stucco, or a new exterior. Contact us at 610-353-2895 for a free consultation with one of our exterior experts to find out what the best option is for your home.