Do you drive into your driveway day after day, wishing you could update the exterior of your brick home?
Maybe you want to change your brick exterior because:
- It’s worn out because of harsh weather
- It looks outdated; or
- You’re ready for an update.
You want to know if installing siding over brick is a viable option.
In this article, you’ll not only learn if it’s possible, but you’ll also learn about the:
- Different types of siding available
- Steps of installing siding over brick
- Costs involved; and
- Pros and cons of the different siding materials.
Table of Contents
- Is it Possible to Put Siding Over Brick?
- Putting Vinyl Siding Over Brick
- Putting Wood Siding Over Brick
- Putting Fiber Cement Siding Over Brick
- Putting Metal Siding Over Brick
- 5 Steps to Installing Siding Over Brick
- How Much Does It Cost To Put Siding Over Brick?
- How Much Does It Cost To Put Vinyl Siding Over Brick?
- How Much Does It Cost To Put Wood Siding Over Brick?
- How Much Does It Cost To Put Fiber Cement Siding Over Brick?
- How Much Does It Cost To Put Metal Siding Over Brick?
- Elite Home Exteriors Can Help Make Your Siding Dreams Come True
Is it Possible to Put Siding Over Brick?
If your brick is old, dingy, or just outdated, you may want to update it with siding.
Perhaps looking at some Google images of “siding over brick before and after” will give you an idea if it’s the look you are hoping for.
But, can siding be installed over brick? The short answer is yes.
The longer answer is yes, it can be done, but it can be challenging and it’s not usually recommended.
Why is that?
Brick does not provide the smooth surface necessary for the installation, so most contractors usually recommend removing the brick first and starting with a clean slate. Placing siding on uneven surfaces can result in bowing or rippling.
Even though it may be more difficult and require more work, siding can be placed over brick as long as another smooth and watertight material (sheathing) is first placed over the brick.
If you have questions about applying any type of siding over your current brick exterior, one of our team members would be happy to consult with you about the options available.
Contact us today.
Putting Vinyl Siding Over Brick
Vinyl siding alone is not intended to form a barrier that is completely watertight, and that’s why it must be installed over a smooth and even surface.
Sheathing, either made of plywood or OSB, is commonly used to create a level surface to apply the vinyl siding to.
Once the sheathing is in place, installing the vinyl is relatively simple and straightforward.
Even so, it’s recommended to have a professional install the siding to avoid common mistakes that may end up costing you a lot of money to repair or replace.
Pros of Using Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a common and much-used material, and for good reason.
The pros of using vinyl siding include:
- Easy installation – Vinyl siding is lightweight and easy to move. Installation is easy because it comes with predrilled holes — saving you time and money.
- Durability – Vinyl siding holds up under all kinds of weather and moisture. It is also rust and warp-resistant and often comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Affordability – Not only is vinyl siding inexpensive to maintain, but it is also the cheapest type of siding to install. It can also save you money on your utilities. Well insulated vinyl siding prevents the loss of heat through thermal bridging.
Cons of Using Vinyl Siding
Even with so many advantages, vinyl siding has a few downsides.
Cons of using vinyl siding include:
- Moisture issues – If the siding is not installed and caulked correctly, moisture can leak under the siding or get trapped in the insulation.
- Questionable durability – If you live in an area with severe weather or extreme temperatures, vinyl siding may not last as long as the supplier advertises.
- Installation mistakes – Installation can be tricky if you are unskilled, and mistakes may result in cracking or bulging. It’s best to stick with an experienced contractor.
Elite Home Exteriors has experience and expertise in vinyl installation in the Pacific Northwest where weather can be a real issue.
Locally owned, we are committed to meeting individual needs while creating a stylish and durable finished product.
Putting Wood Siding Over Brick
Wood siding can offer a warm, comfortable, and rustic update to your brick home.
As with vinyl siding, you will need to attach the wood siding to another material.
Furring strips securely attached to the brick are usually used to apply the wood siding. Wood siding should also be covered with an all-weather wood finish to protect it from various weather conditions.
Pros of Using Wood Siding
Wood siding has various advantages:
- Eco-friendly – Wood is biodegradable, renewable, and doesn’t cause pollution when it’s manufactured.
- Variety – Wood siding comes in all kinds of styles and types of wood:
- Pine
- Cedar
- Shingle
- Tongue and groove
- Bevel
- Durability – If wood siding is maintained correctly, it can last for decades.
- Added value – Since wood siding is a high-end option, it can add current and resale value to your home.
Cons of Using Wood Siding
Some disadvantage of using wood siding include:
- Cost – Wood siding can be costly to purchase compared to other options.
- Maintenance – Wood siding is costly and labor-intensive to maintain. Paints and stains need to be reapplied every two to five years, and repairs need to be taken care of immediately to avoid water damage.
- Fire-resistance – Check the fire rating on shingles and try to find those with a Class A rating. Those with poor ratings may increase home insurance costs.
Putting Fiber Cement Siding Over Brick
Fiber cement siding is made with a mixture of cement, sand, clay, and wood fibers. It’s a popular siding choice because it is made to look like other materials like:
- Brick
- Wood
- Stucco
The material that fiber cement siding is composed of allows it to expand and contract, making it ideal for areas with high humidity or severe changes in temperature.
Like other siding options, installing fiber cement siding to brick requires some special preparation, and because it’s heavy, it’s best to find an experienced contractor to do the work.
Pros of Using Fiber Cement Siding
Consider using fiber cement siding for the following reasons:
- It is extremely durable and resists rotting, warping, and cracking. It also holds up to extreme weather as well as termites and woodpeckers.
- Warranties last up to 50 years because of the exceptional service life of this type of siding. Depending on how it’s back coated, it may last up to 75 years.
- Fiber cement siding is the safest when it comes to fire safety ratings having a Class 1(A) rating.
Cons of Using Fiber Cement Siding
Also, consider some of the drawbacks with fiber cement siding:
- The insulation value of fiber cement siding may be less than other options.
- The cost for fiber cement siding can be expensive depending on the square footage of your home.
- Because fiber cement is so heavy — about 300 pounds per 100 square feet — an experienced crew with the proper tools is necessary for installation. And this crew can come with a hefty price tag.
Putting Metal Siding Over Brick
Metal siding is becoming increasingly popular because of its:
- Durability
- Low maintenance; and
- Longevity.
But just as with the other types of siding mentioned earlier, taking special care and preparation is necessary when using metal siding over brick.
Pros of Using Metal Siding
People may choose metal siding because of the following pros:
- Strength and durability – Metal is a tough material that resists damage and denting from weather conditions.
- Low maintenance – Unlike vinyl siding, which needs an annual washing, metal siding usually just needs an annual inspection. Moisture retention and mold and fungus growth also are not issues with metal siding.
- Energy-efficient – Because metal reflects the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them, metal siding can help lower your utility costs.
Cons of Using Metal Siding
If you are considering metal siding, you should be aware of the following cons:
- Cost – Metal can be another one of the more expensive siding choices.
- Installation and replacement – If a portion of the siding is damaged, you’ll need to replace the whole panel. Additionally, installation can be tricky, so you should seek out an experienced professional.
5 Steps to Installing Siding Over Brick
Installing siding over brick is generally the same process regardless of the type of siding used.
You’ll need some particular materials like:
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Furring strips
- Weatherproof nails
- Sheathing
- Power drill with masonry bits
- Carpenter’s level
- Insulation – if necessary
Though some companies recommend removing brick first, others may be okay with applying directly over brick. If you go that route, they will use some form of the process below.
# 1: Clean the Brick
Before adhering anything to the brick, it should be cleaned.
Cleaning solutions for different kinds of brick can be easily found at hardware stores. But if you’d prefer a more natural solution, bricks can be cleaned with a vinegar and water mixture.
# 2: Mark the Brick
Carefully mark where you will place each furring strip, which should correspond with each panel joint.
It’s imperative that the furring strips be straight, so the carpenter’s level will come in handy for this step.
# 3: Attach Furring Strips
After you’ve marked the location for the furring strips, the next step is to attach them to the brick.
Furring strips should be placed between 12 and 16 inches apart. Drill guide holes into the strips and attach them to the brick using ring-shanked nails or masonry screws.
# 4: Apply Appropriate Barrier
Sheathing material is necessary to provide a level surface for installing the siding as well as a barrier for insulation.
Rigid foam sheathing is secured to the furring strips usually with cap nails.
# 5: Install the Siding to the Brick
Attaching the siding to the sheathing can be done with a hammer and weatherproof nails.
If this process sounds a little overwhelming and you’re wondering whether you have what it takes to get it right, our crew and Elite Home Exteriors is experienced and skilled and will give you the finished product you’re looking for.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Siding Over Brick?
In general, the costs of installing siding over brick can range anywhere between $6 to $30 per square foot. If the brick exterior needs to be removed, it can cost between $4 to $6 per square foot.
The cost of installing siding over brick will vary depending on several factors including:
- The type of siding your choose
- The size of your home; and
- The work needed to prepare or remove the brick.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Vinyl Siding Over Brick?
All price estimates included below are only averages, and prices may vary based on multiple factors. Remember that labor costs will also need to be considered.
Vinyl siding is generally the least expensive option with an average cost of $4 per square foot. A higher-quality vinyl siding may be as much as $7 per square foot.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Wood Siding Over Brick?
There are many types and styles of wood siding which will determine the final cost.
Wood siding costs can fall anywhere between $1 to $30 per square foot making it one of the more expensive options.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Fiber Cement Siding Over Brick?
Fiber cement siding is a middle-of-the-road option costing between $6 and $11 per square foot.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Metal Siding Over Brick?
Depending on the type of metal, from tin to copper, metal siding ranges from $1 to $30.
Common types of metal like steel and aluminum are more affordable at $2 to $6 per square foot.
Elite Home Exteriors Can Help Make Your Siding Dreams Come True
If you are considering resurfacing your northwest home or completing a new exterior with siding, Elite Home Exteriors is the best siding contractor in the Pacific Northwest.
Siding is our specialty, and because we are a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, you can rest assured that we comply with James Hardie best practices and your product will be installed properly.
In addition to installing siding, we offer repair and replacement services including:
- Painting and priming
- Window and door installation; and
- Roof replacement and repair.
As a family-owned company, we strive to create a personal relationship with our customers so we can assist you and meet your unique needs. We deliver service with honesty and transparency.
Know that we will go above and beyond to guarantee quality work and customer satisfaction.