Would you be more satisfied in a wooden or brick house? This is the question you need to ask yourself when buying or building your next home. The truth is, both materials offer advantages. So, what are the pros and cons of each?
More than 90% of new homes have wooden frames. Here’s a closer look at why wood is such a popular building material.
Wooden Houses
Advantages:
If you’re building a new home, wood is a faster and usually more affordable option compared to brick.
Wooden houses grow faster than brick houses because wood is lighter and easier to work with. Once the frame construction is completed, the ability of wood to dry quickly means that electricians, plumbers, and other craftsmen can complete each step much faster.
Wood is also a good thermal insulator. It is especially excellent in colder climates because wood absorbs heat. Wood also offers decent moisture absorption and soundproofing qualities.
Finally, wood offers great flexibility in terms of style. The look of your wooden house is easily customizable, and you won’t feel limited in your choices.
Disadvantages:
Compared to other building materials, wood may not be as resistant to natural disasters such as fires, floods, strong winds, and severe storms. Wooden houses can also be more vulnerable to problems like rotting and mold than other types of homes.
You might also find that pest control is more demanding in a wooden house. Common pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and borers can easily damage parts of wooden houses if not detected early. Of course, this can be avoided if you maintain the house regularly.
Brick Houses
Who doesn’t want a majestic brick home? Prestigious historical neighborhoods around the world look incredibly appealing.
Advantages:
Brick houses offer excellent insulation. While brick’s ability to retain heat is beneficial in cold climates, it can also help cool the interior of your house during hot summer months. Brick excellently absorbs moisture, keeping your home dry.
Although building with brick can cost more initially, brick houses are often a good investment because their value is typically higher than other types of properties.
Disadvantages:
While the aesthetics of brick are appreciated, brick offers much less flexibility in terms of style compared to wood.
Maintaining brickwork may involve tasks such as refurbishing the exterior, and it is generally more expensive than the maintenance required for materials like vinyl siding commonly used on wooden houses. You also need to watch for plant growth near your brick house. What might seem like a beautiful climbing ivy on the side of your house could actually damage the brick.
Finally, if you live in certain parts of the country, you may be restricted in your desire for a brick house. Brick is known to be unstable in earthquakes and can be destroyed by erosion, which is common in mountain areas, valleys, and around lakes.
Should You Choose a Wooden or Brick House?
Which style will lead to the right home? When deciding between wood and brick, you need to consider several factors, including:
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Appearance
This depends on personal preferences. Wooden houses offer more style options, and you can even use stronger colors for siding. On the other hand, brick is appreciated for its rich and historic appearance. -
Durability
It’s hard to say which material is more durable. However, brick offers protection against rot and mold, which can cause problems in a wooden house. Remember, any foundational issues in a brick house are usually more expensive to fix than in a wooden house.
Most Durable: Brick houses are generally more durable against weather conditions, unless you live in an earthquake zone or an area known for erosion. -
Cost
Brick houses are typically more expensive than wooden ones, but they also tend to have a higher resale value. Homeowners and people with a limited budget can get closer to homeownership by opting for wood. -
Maintenance
Brick houses will eventually need to be re-examined and have their joints redone. This is complicated work that typically requires expert knowledge. However, every house requires regular maintenance. -
Lifespan
Wooden houses are expected to last from 100 to 150 years. On the other hand, a brick house can last up to 500 years with proper maintenance.
Which Houses Are More Environmentally Friendly?
While both wooden and brick houses are relatively green due to modern building methods, wooden houses are more environmentally friendly due to sustainable forestry practices. The production and transport of brick require more energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
Still on the fence? Contact us, and we will gladly help you out.
