If you are trying to decide whether or not to buy or build a house using vinyl or brick siding, the decision may be based mainly on the cost differences between the two. Many attributes make brick an attractive choice over vinyl siding, but those same pluses can be considerably more costly than vinyl.
Determining Cost Differences
One of the most common ways to determine the costs of a façade is by measuring the square footage of the surface you're covering. In addition to the costs of the material, the cost of labor must also factor into the equation. Once you've figured out how much square footage you want to cover with your façade, you can determine the costs.
Brick Costs Substantially More
When you factor in the cost of the materials and supplies, as well as the labor, brick facades can cost substantially more than vinyl siding. Brick facades can range from $6 to $12 per square foot, as of June 2011, which includes the costs for buying the brick and installing it. Vinyl siding ranges from roughly $2 to $4 per square foot. These are ranges that can vary dramatically, depending on a host of variables, so builders and suppliers are hesitant to give exact figures about how much more brick can be than vinyl. Therefore, ask the builder of your home or the supplier of the siding how he calculates the costs.
Brick Facades Are More Durable
Vinyl facades can be two to three times less expensive than brick facades for a number of reasons. Brick is a favorite because of its durability and its aesthetics. Over time, a structure with a brick façade can lead to lower heating and air conditioning costs. While the purchaser may pay more upfront for the material, she may pay less over time in terms of maintenance costs. The cost difference between brick facades and vinyl facades can stem from several issues. If you are building or renovating a house in an area where there is no supplier of brick, you will pay more to have the brick shipped to your location.
Long-term Economic Life
A long-term economic benefit comes with homes that have brick facades versus those that have vinyl facades. Brick is stronger, sturdier and requires less upkeep. Homeowners who have vinyl siding can find themselves having to replace pieces that loosen because they are laid on wood. Wood can become warped over time, which can cause vinyl siding to buckle and even crack. Also, while brick siding does cost more to install, it will increase the value of your home by as much as 6 percent, according to Mutual Materials.