Key takeaways
- Veneer is one layer of brick over a backing wall
- Flashing, gaps and weeps keep it dry
- Solid brick walls need different repair care
- A mason can tell which you have
What each one is
Solid brick walls are two or more layers of brick bonded together, which hold up the building. Brick veneer is a single layer of brick tied to a wood or metal frame or a block wall, with a gap and flashing behind it.
Most brick homes built in recent decades are veneer. Many older homes have solid brick walls.
Why the details matter
A veneer wall is meant to get wet and dry out. The brick is not waterproof, so the gap, the flashing and the weep holes carry water out. Without them, moisture can get into the frame and cause rot.
Metal ties hold the veneer to the wall, and they need to be corrosion-resistant and set at the right spacing.
Choosing for a project
For a new home or addition, veneer is usually the practical and affordable way to get the look of brick. For an old solid brick house, repairs need care, because the wall carries load and breathes differently.
A mason can tell you which kind of wall you have by looking at the bond pattern, the brick ends and the thickness of the wall.
Related services
Quick answers
How can I tell if my house is solid brick or veneer?
Look at the wall pattern and the window depth. Solid brick often shows header bricks turned end-on in some courses, and the walls are thicker. Veneer shows only long faces, with a shallow window setback.
Is veneer less durable than solid brick?
A well-built veneer wall with proper flashing and weeps can last for generations. Poor details, not the brick itself, are what cause problems.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.