1. Similar in appearance to natural bricks

Years ago, the contrast between brick veneer and traditional concrete or clay bricks was jarring.  You could easily distinguish which was veneer and which was natural.

Not anymore.

Today’s modern brick veneers are made from clay and shale. This ensures that the look and feel/texture of veneer is virtually identical to regular bricks.

In fact, the only noticeable difference comes in thickness:

• Veneer brick panels are approximately 1” thick
• Natural bricks are around 3”- 4” thick

Which leads us to…

2. Veneer is very lightweight

Because veneer is lightweight compared to natural bricks:

• They’re much easier to handle and manipulate during installation
• The surface underneath brick veneer doesn’t need to have excessive weight-bearing element
• They can be installed on most residential walls

3. Lower monetary and time costs compared to natural bricks

Perhaps the most appealing advantage of brick veneer is that they’re much more affordable versus natural stone bricks – in all aspects:

• Unit costs
• Construction and/or installation costs (when measured by the square foot compared to conventional bricks)
• Time spent during installation and maintenance
• Cleaning and/or care costs

And because today’s brick veneer is just as strong as conventional bricks, they’ll last an exceptionally long time without requiring high maintenance costs.

4. Ease of installation for DIY’ers

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, it’s much easier to install and keep brick veneer vs. full bed brick.

Here’s are a few reasons why

• Usually only one layer of masonry should do the trick
• Brick veneer requires a very simple support system, compared to solid brick which needs a heavier (and more expensive) foundation
• Veneer doesn’t require much maintenance once it’s installed
• It is very easy to paint or stain brick veneer in the colour of your choice

View our gallery to get some design inspiration for your next veneer project

5. Great insulation

Most brick veneer is graded and sold based upon their insulation capacity. This is known as R-Values.

When installed properly, homeowners can take advantage of the veneer’s high insulation capacity.

This also means they can use brick veneer just about anywhere in the home to create the perfect level of insulation, comfort and style

• • • Fireplaces
    • Walls
    • Siding
    • Kitchen backsplash

Want to know more about brick veneer? Just ask

Many people have already made it a priority to visit any of our 4 locations to learn more about brick veneer. And if you’re interesting in experiencing the benefits of brick veneer, you should too. Of course, you can always request more information or a FREE quote when it comes to our veneer products.

The post Five Key Advantages of Brick Veneer appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

As Beautiful as Full-size Brick

Considering the aesthetics, durability and affordability of brick veneer siding as compared to real brick, veneer siding is often a winner.

In terms of appearance, anyone would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between full-size brick and brick veneer once installed and pointed with mortar. Also,

It lasts as long as brick when installed correctly, and offers significant savings.

At Grand River Natural Stone Ltd. we offer a beautiful selection of both Brick Veneers and Full Size Brick. Come in and allow us to show you what we have. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help you.

Use an Experienced Installer

Correct installation, however, is vital if brick veneer is to stand the test of time. Shortcuts may lead to problems from moisture ingress or thermal flexing throughout the seasons. Although installing brick veneer requires less skill than bricklaying, insist on an installer who has significant experience with the product.

If you will be doing the installing, be certain that you follow the directions provided, carefully.

Step 1: Stripping Off the Old Siding

Unless the exterior of your house is concrete (or this is a new construction home), siding must be removed in order to expose the sub-siding, which is usually OSB or plywood sheathing. On top of the sub-siding, there should be an existing moisture barrier.

In modern construction, a high-density polyethylene sheet is used for the moisture barrier, but older homes may be wrapped with asphalt-impregnated paper. Whatever the material is, as long as it is in good condition, it can remain in place. If there is no barrier, one must be added.

Before continuing with additional layers, stainless steel flashing is installed at the bottom edge of the sub-siding. It is placed under the moisture barrier. The bottom of the flashing must have a clearance of 2 inches if it is above pavement or 4 inches if above soil.

Step 2: Preparing the Remaining Layers beneath the Veneer

If you desire to increase the amount of insulation in your home’s exterior walls, a layer of closed-cell foam insulation can be attached to the sub-siding at this point. This step is optional, but very common.

Whether or not you add insulation, the next layer must be a special mesh material called a drainage mat or weep. The drainage mat provides an escape channel for any moisture that penetrates the veneer, adhesive and lath layers.

The next layer outward from the drainage mat is a metal mesh with diamond-shaped holes, called lath, to which the first coat of mortar will be applied. The mesh should be galvanized to prevent rusting. It is critical that it be fastened securely to the wall studs beneath the sub-siding, not to only the sheathing. Depending on whether the wall studs are wood or metal, barbed nails or metal-cutting screws hold the mesh in place.

Step 3: The Parge Coat

Once the metal mesh is in place, the next step is to add a parge coat of mortar on top of it. After that coat is set, another thinner layer of mortar is applied. It is this layer to which the brick veneer adheres. Special mortar additives can increase adhesion, but these are optional.

Estimating Costs

The fundamental cost of replacing siding with brick veneer will be based on the number of square feet to cover. After that, there are several variables that enter into the equation.

For instance, some types of siding may cost more to remove and dispose of. Labour costs will be higher for multistory homes. Material waste and labour varies depending on the number of corners, doors and windows that must be worked around.

Come into Grand River Natural Stone Ltd. or give us a call. We are happy to help you put together a materials list and give you a quotation.

Contact Us

The post Your Complete Guide to Installing Brick Veneer appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Ledgestone veneer offers a cost-effective and attractive option, both indoors and outdoors. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when choosing ledgestone for your project, explore common applications, and provide tips for maintaining your ledgestone features.

How to Choose Ledgestone Veneer

When choosing a product for your project, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the stones, as well as the colour and texture. You should also consider the specific use of the product, such as whether it will be exposed to the elements or used in a high-traffic area.  

For even better results, consider these additional factors as well: 

• Assess the purpose of your project—is it purely decorative or functional?  
• Consider whether it will be indoors or outdoors 
• Choose a texture that suits your aesthetic (smooth, natural-top, varied, etc.) 
• Look for a reputable stone supplier that carries high-quality, durable products  
• Consider cost and budget – you can purchase both natural stone ledgestone and concrete veneers made to look like the real thing 
• Ensure product availability in the necessary quantity 

By taking these factors into account, you can make a more informed decision for your project and ensure that the end result is exactly what you want. 

Common Applications of Ledgestone 

Ledgestone style veneers can be used for a variety of projects, both indoors and outdoors. Here are some of the most common placements: 

Outdoor Features: 

• Outdoor kitchens and barbecues 
• Retaining walls 
• Fire pits and fireplaces 

Indoor Features: 

• Kitchen backsplashes 
• Fireplace surrounds 
• Accent walls 
• Bathroom and shower surrounds 

Ready to build your new ledgestone feature? Read our guide on building stunning features with ledgestone!

How to Properly Maintain Your Ledgestone

To ensure your ledgestone features remain beautiful and durable for years to come, it’s important to follow proper maintenance practices:

Regular Cleaning:

• Use a soft brush and mild detergent to clean the surface periodically.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the stone’s texture and colour.

Sealing:

• Apply a high-quality stone sealer to protect against moisture and stains.
• Reapply the sealer as recommended by the manufacturer, typically every 1-2 years for outdoor applications and every 3-5 years for indoor uses.

Inspect for Damage:

• Regularly check for any cracks or loose stones, especially after extreme weather conditions.
• Promptly repair any damage to prevent further deterioration.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your ledgestone looking its best and ensure its longevity in your project.

Get the Best Building Materials at Grand River Natural Stone  

Choosing the right type of ledgerock for your home improvement project can completely elevate its look and ensure your upgrades last for years to come. For a wide selection of high-quality ledgestone & stone veneer products, visit Grand River Natural Stone. Our team is always on hand to help you choose the right building supplies for your needs and provide expert advice. 

Contact Us

The post How Do I Choose The Right Ledgestone Veneer Product For My Project? appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Natural stone veneer has a rough yet elegant beauty to it and does wonders for transforming your home. Available in a wide variety of colours and textures, natural stone veneer fireplaces are the perfect accent to any space, providing an opportunity to add an earthy element to both your interior and your outdoor environments. Many homeowners use them to create a sense of symmetry and bring their surroundings together in a natural way.

The holiday season is the perfect time to try out some new fireplace ideas and make your home cozy for the cold months ahead. Read on for a few style ideas and ways to spruce up your mantle.

3 Veneer Fireplace Style Ideas

1. A Real Natural Element

Create the ultimate cozy nook in your living space with a contrasting veneer fireplace. Use a colour darker than your walls for greater impact, or take the stone from the floor to the ceiling to make an exceptionally grand eye-catching feature.
Using various additional textures and materials such as wood panels, logs, and concrete furnishings will also help you play with different elements and boost the overall organic look of your natural haven. Don’t forget warm blankets and fluffy throw pillows to add some softness and provide the ultimate in relaxation.
Why not try: Rustic Wilderness/Timber Ledge.

2. Minimum and Modern

Let your fireplace do the talking with a sleek, modern minimalist feel. Keep your room colours and design quite simple and neutral to allow your fireplace to be the bold statement piece. Go for a striking stone with a lot of texture and take the design across the full wall.
Why not try: Quartzite Ledge/Quick Fit.

3. Simple Spruce Up

Transform your much-loved fireplace and take it to the next level with the simple addition of a stone veneer surround.
Play around with different colours and designs, add a contrasting wood mantle, go bold with marble, or keep everything stone veneer for the ultimate in sleekness.
Why not try: Tuscan Fieldstone/Rustic Rubble.

With your fireplace in check, why not add some decorations to get it holiday-ready?

Simple Holiday Decoration Ideas for Your Fireplace

• Wreaths: The more embellishments, bells and bows, the better! Try one centralized wreath or a few smaller wreaths for a cohesive look
• Plain or decorated garlands can add both grandeur and style
• Add some festive rustic or modern style stockings
• Experiment with baubles arranged in glass jars, hanging from your mantle, or simply placed in piles along the top of the mantle or around flameless candles. This is a very modern take sure to add some flair
• Twinkling lights are the epitome of the season and will make your fireplace even more cozy and inviting
  Whether you prefer natural stone or faux brick veneer, if you’re looking to install a new fireplace, let the professionals at Grand River Natural Stone help.

Find Fireplace Veneer Products at GRNS

Choose from a wide variety of styles and designs to create the fireplace of your dreams this holiday season. Contact us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Stone Veneer Fireplace Ideas That Will Enhance Any Space appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

For any homebuyer, one of the hardest things to predict is whether a home upgrade will go out of style after a decade or two. Instead of dreaming about a white picket fence, you may want to think about modern trends and how they will age. Currently, lavish exterior stone veneers and interior stone accent walls and kitchen backsplashes are all the rage.  

These veneers come in two varieties: natural stone and faux stone. Deciding which to use for your home isn’t always easy. Read this guide to learn more about the benefits of each.  

The Pros and Cons of Natural and Faux Stone Veneers 

Natural stone veneers are made of stone that has been mined from the earth. Faux stone veneers are made of stone that is manufactured. A typical manufactured stone is made of a blend of concrete and iron ore. This will imitate the texture and appearance of natural stone.  

Manufactured stone costs roughly one-third of natural stone but is generally not as durable a product. Faux stone veneers are also generally easier to swap out when you want an upgrade. 

Determining which is best depends on whether it is used for exterior or interior walls and whether you prefer to go for a timeless look that will never go out of style.  

Exterior Stonework and Faux Stone Panels  

When dealing with exterior walls and panels, think about durability. Generally, the iron ore concrete blend used in faux veneers is more porous than stone, which means it will decay after repeated exposure to rain or pool water. Also, constant exposure to sunlight will fade the colour on the stone’s exterior, making it look all the more unremarkable. 

There is a great deal of variation in the quality and durability of faux stone veneers. A lower-quality one might decay and fade after five years, while a higher-end one might still look good after 20 years. Some will weigh the costs of these against the cost of natural stone. Others prefer to go budget friendly and update their veneers every five years to stay within the modern style.    

Stone Veneers for Interior Walls   

For interior fixtures, natural stone can be difficult to match with the rest of the room. Faux selections can be customized in accordance with colour, shape, pattern and layout. Natural stone, on the other hand, is solely at the mercy of what comes out of the mines that year. As a result, some people end up with faux veneers because they don’t like the natural stone selections available at the time of their build.    

Consult with an Expert  

As you continue on your home improvement journey, keep an open mind. The best retailers are the ones like Grand River Natural Stone because we offer large selections of both natural and faux stones. Who knows, you may be surprised by what you find.  

Contact our team of experts today to find the perfect stone product for your needs.  

Contact Us

The post Natural Stone vs Faux Stone Veneer: What to Know Before Buying appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

If you spot cracks in your brick veneer it can be a little disturbing. It might seem your home is doomed to experience leaks due to poor installation. Usually, the cause of cracked brick veneer is that your installer didn’t use expansion joints, or they didn’t apply enough moisture to allow the mortar to cure. Over time foundation settling also leads to inevitable cracks in your brick veneer.

Since cracking is common, you might find it necessary to make superficial foundation repairs, depending on where the brick veneer is located. However, it is possible to repair the exterior brick veneer on your own. Here are 10 easy steps to repair the exterior brick veneer.

Step 1

First, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tools and materials. This includes:

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Type N mortar mix
• Spray bottle with water
• Trowel
• Jointer tool

Step 2

Take a look at the brick veneer to spot loose mortar pieces. If they are removable, pick them out with your chisel. For pieces that are loose, but don’t want to give, gently use a hammer and chisel to chisel out the mortar to about a centimeter deep or so. You can then remove all the mortar holding the loose brick veneer in place. Depending on how loose it is, you might be able to wriggle out the brick. However, it usually takes a little more chiseling to fully loosen everything. Just don’t chisel into the brick itself as you’ll need to reuse it to get a uniform look.

Step 3

Chisel off any mortar left on the wall.

Step 4

Follow the instructions to prepare the type N mortar mix. You want to get the consistency of mashed potatoes. The best way to avoid getting the consistency too thin is to add the water in small amounts until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 5

Use your spray bottle to mist the area where you are replacing the brick, as well as the back of the brick to help prepare it so the mortar adheres better.

Step 6

Use a trowel to apply enough mortar to the empty spot so it is even with the existing mortar on the wall. Take your brick veneer piece and press it into the mortar.

Are you spotting cracks in your exterior brick veneers? Call the industry specialists at Grand River Natural Stone today to get expert advice.

Contact Us

Step 7

Use the trowel to fill the surrounding area with more mortar trying to match the look of the mortar on the wall. This will help keep a more consistent appearance, so your repairs aren’t as obvious.

Step 8

Allow the mortar to dry to the point where you can barely make out your thumbprint when you press on the mortar.

Step 9

Use your jointer tool to perfect the appearance of the mortar to get as much of a match to the surrounding joints as possible. Scrape off any extra mortar from the brick face with a clean trowel.

Step 10

As the finishing touch, you’ll need to continue to spray the joints with water for four days, so the mortar has time to cure and dry properly. As mentioned above, one of the reasons your mortar might crack, or crumble is because the mortar wasn’t allowed to cure long enough. You don’t want that to happen again! You can also use these steps to repair stone veneer and faux stone veneer.

Are you looking to get your exterior brick veneer repaired this spring? Call the experts at Grand River Stone today for the best available solutions.

_Sources:

_{https://homeguides.sfgate.com/fix-loose-brick-veneer-32126.html}

_{https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-repair-exterior-brick-veneer}

_{https://jadeengineering.biz/the-real-truth-about-brick-veneer-cracks/}

_{https://inspectapedia.com/structure/Brick_Veneer_Wall_Loose.php}

The post How to Repair Exterior Brick Veneer appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Stone is the in-vogue material for many interior décor styles right now, but what do you do if you have a pre-existing brick fireplace? Don’t worry, you won’t have to rip it out and start fresh. Instead, you can install a stone veneer right over top of the brick, getting the look you want without the mess of a total rebuild. Here’s how to install a stone veneer over a brick fireplace.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Some of the tools and materials you may need include:

• Stone veneer of your choice
• Trowel
• Pointing tools and grout bags
• Clean container for your mortar
• Metal Lath or Concrete Board
• Thin set mortar mix

Interested in a different look for your fireplace? No problem! Contact our professionals at Grand River Natural Stone to learn more about stone veneer and fireplaces.

How to Install Stone Veneer Over a Brick Fireplace

• Step One: Going over an existing fireplace requires one of two options. A polyurethane or urethane adhesive in tubes, or a thin set mortar mix. At Grand River Natural Stone, we recommend the thin set mortar, which is specifically designed for this type of application, and already includes epoxy adhesive binders.
• Step Two: Prior to installing your stone, you should ensure that the existing fireplace bricks are uniform, clean, and free of loose paint or particles. This will make installing the stone easier. If your brick is particularly porous, you will want to install metal lath or concrete board over it before following the next steps.
  • If using metal lath, apply it horizontally, overlapping the edges, with the rough ‘cups’ pointing upwards (like a cheese grater).
• Step Three: Apply a scratch coat of mortar directly to the brick (or lath, or concrete board), ensuring that it is wet enough to form a proper bond. Also, be sure to apply enough pressure to the mortar to aid with adhesion.
• Step Four: Before adhering the veneer, you should create a plan for where each stone will go in the overall design, which will help you get a look you’ll be happy with. When selecting your veneer in the first place, try to avoid overly large or small stones. These can ruin the illusion that the stone is really holding up the fireplace. Once you have laid out your pieces, you can begin adding stone to the wall.
• Step Five: Apply a separate layer of mortar to the back of each stone. The layer should be a half-inch thick at a minimum. Adding more mortar at the edges is also useful as it can help the stone adhere.
• Step Six: Next, press each stone into place, keeping the joints a uniform thickness. Make sure to work from the corners inwards and alternating the long and short pieces on the corners. Install from the top down to prevent mortar from dripping onto your already adhered stones. However, if you’re dry stacking your veneer (no visible mortar joints) you can work from the bottom up.
• Step Seven: Depending on the style of stone that you have chosen you may need to fill the joints with mortar. You can pipe this in with a grout bag, and then as a finishing touch, strike the grout once firm to clean up the lines.

There are many more tricks you can learn to cut and place the stones more efficiently. Of course, you should be sure to follow the specific instructions from your stone manufacturer or supplier.

A fireplace is the center of your home in the winter. Update your brick fireplace with a stone veneer overlay to make it a more magical centerpiece. Find the materials and information you need to complete this project this winter. Contact us today.

_Sources:

_{http://www.masonalstone.com/uploads/files/Masonal_Thin_Veneer_Guide.pdf}

_{https://canyonstonecanada.com/Installation/Manuals}

The post Installing Stone Veneer Over a Brick Fireplace appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

A common question that we hear all the time is: “What is the difference between brick and brick veneer?” Brick (also known as full bed veneer) and thin brick veneer often look identical. However, there are key differences.

Mainly, thin veneer products are not real stone or brick. Instead, they are often cement-based and shaped in moulds made from real stone and brick. This makes them affordable, and just as beautiful as the real thing. However, this also makes them thinner, less durable, and more prone to moisture absorption.

Brick veneer is all about wedding aesthetic to functionality. Whether you want rustic stone, traditional red brick, or smooth modern brick, brick veneer is lighter, easier to install and more affordable than full bed veneer brick.

Styles of Thin Stone Veneer

You may be surprised at the style options available when you choose thin brick or stone veneer. Forget the thin plastic sheet you may have seen in the past. Grand River Natural Stone’s veneer is real stone, that looks and feels just as you’d expect.

Style options include:

• Fieldstone: Rounded, uniquely shaped fieldstones give outdoor monuments, landscaping, and home exteriors a rustic feel.
• Classic brick: The red, uniform brick look has been a staple for years for a reason. This veneer is especially popular in interior restoration projects because it doesn’t take up much space.
• Large strips: You can achieve a very modern, or even minimalist look with brick veneer. Our large strips come in neutral colours and create dramatic shadows.

The Advantages of Brick Veneer Over Brick

The style options aren’t the only reason to choose brick veneer over brick. Brick veneer is lighter, thinner and less time-consuming to install than real brick, (though it still requires expert installation), which means it has lower costs.

Once the brick veneer is installed, you may also notice that it takes up a lot less room in your space than full bed brick veneer would have.

Brick veneer is a great choice to keep your living space large, especially in older historic houses that are much smaller, to begin with. You can get the look of an original historic home but get a bit more space with brick veneer.

If you’re curious about the looks you can achieve with brick veneer, take a peek at our brick veneer catalogue. You’re sure to find a style that’s right for your home or project, and you’ll be saving money and space by choosing brick veneer over brick. Contact us today to get your project started.

The post What is the Difference Between Brick and Brick Veneer? appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

If there’s one type of project most do it yourself homeowners can’t take on, it’s brick. Bricklaying is a special skill and even if you completed multiple home renovations over the years, you probably never did it yourself.

No big deal. You can still get the brick look you want at home without hiring a contractor.

DIY junkies choose real or faux brick veneer because:

1. The look is indistinguishable from full depth brick when installed.
2. It’s lightweight, so projects rarely require any reinforcing.
3. It’s easy to install, with multiple installation options.

Find the right brick veneer product with the best installation option for your family today and give your home the look you want this weekend.

Installed brick veneer looks just like full depth brick

When the job is done, nobody will see the difference.

Natural brick veneer is natural brick.

Faux brick and faux stone veneers aren’t the flimsy, obvious reproductions they once were. If you walked by a faux installation in a friend’s house, you wouldn’t even know.

Even when you put your hands on a real or faux veneer, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference.

Lightweight veneer doesn’t need any sort of structural reinforcement

Brick or stone veneer is a lightweight product (relatively speaking). Lifting and installing generally isn’t a problem, unless you want your infant children in on the job.

The craftsmanship and longevity of traditional brick masonry construction will always have an appeal, but there are lots of times when full depth just isn’t an option. If you want to get the look and charm of interior brick walls without the hassle of reinforcing the floors, rebuilding the walls, and losing space, brick veneer is the solution. If you want to remove that vinyl siding, brick veneer is the solution.

Brick veneer is easy to install, with multiple options

Brick veneer comes in a range of installation options, including:

• Panels.
• Screw-on.
• Individual stones.

Brick veneer panels are pretty self-explanatory. Brick or faux brick sections of wall come preassembled, and the homeowner sticks them to the wall in interlocking poster-paper sized sections.

Some stone veneer comes in screw-on pieces, where individual stones are attached to brackets, which you screw directly to the wall. No mortar required.

Of course, you can also get individual veneer stones to attach with mortar, one at a time. This is the most work-heavy installation method.

Review the main benefits

Brick veneer looks and performs like the real thing.

It’s lightweight and doesn’t require any special reinforcing or substantial muscles to install.

It’s easy to install and you can choose the best option for your skills.

Value you can’t ignore

Brick veneer is a superb choice for a rich appearance and some easy DIY installation.

Get the same products the pros use, but install it yourself over the weekend.

Contact us for pricing on a few brick veneer products today.

The post Do It Yourself! Why Most DIY Homeowners Choose Brick Veneer appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Firstly, everyone at the four Grand River Natural Stone locations (Kitchener, Stoney Creek, London & Fergus) would like to wish you all the best for the New Year.

Speaking of the New Year, January has always been a popular time to install brick veneer.

That’s because of its five key advantages which homeowners and contractors alike find very appealing:

1. 1. Similar in appearance to natural bricks
2. 2. Veneer is very lightweight
3. 3. Easy to install for do-it-yourselfers
4. 4. Provides great insulation (especially those made from waterproof composite material)
5. 5. Cost savings compared to natural bricks

Our first blog of 2017 takes a closer look at the benefits of brick veneer products vs. siding, concrete bricks or clay bricks.

Veneer delivers the benefits of full-size brick…

Incredibly versatile and durable, brick veneer can be used to replace a variety of outdoor siding materials for your home:

• Wood
• Metal
• Vinyl siding

Not to mention that brick veneer is perfect for your indoor or outdoor fireplace too.

And if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can smartly install them yourself without having to pull out your calculator and figure out the costs of using skilled bricklayers.

And that’s not to mention the additional price of having a foundation to support heavy, full-sized bricks as well.

…With the same ease of installation as siding

In 2017, there are modern, mechanically fastened brick veneer installation options.

And these are great for DIY’ers.

Here (in a nutshell) is how they work.

(Keep in mind that not all modern brick veneer panels are designed in this particular manner):

Front side of the panel

• Has the brick veneer stone on it
• That’s the side that will be outward facing from your home

Back side of the panel

• Has metal fasteners built into them
• Like a puzzle, these fasteners lock into each other
• When they’re in place, you simply bolt or screw them into the frame of your home.

Assuming your home already has framed walls, then brick veneer supplies all the advantages of real brick or siding when properly installed.

Additionally, your home’s resale value immediately rises and will continue to do so especially when compared to less expensive siding options.

More brick veneer benefits

Brick veneer is designed to look and act like the real thing.

And they’re designed to be incredibly easy to install too.

That said, there are other additional benefits to using brick veneer in and around your home:

• Lightweight, yet strong: Most veneer bricks are approximately 1” thick (compared to 3”-4” for conventional bricks). This lighter weight makes them easy to handle and install upon a majority of residential walls.

• Superior insulation & customization choices: Brick veneer panels are graded on their insulation levels (otherwise known as R-value).This give you the ability to customize the degree of insulation in different parts of the house where you choose to install it.

• Affordability: The costs of brick veneer construction and installation projects tend to be lower than those of traditional brick walls. Additionally, brick veneer tends to be easier to take care of, which means lower maintenance costs over many years.

Value that pays for itself

Considering the many advantages that brick veneer holds over other siding choices, such as:

• Ease of installation
• Accommodation of additional insulation
• Fireproofing
• Easy maintenance

Brick veneer wins easily.

Lastly, when it comes to appearance and aesthetics, it would take an expert to know that your veneer wall or fireplace is not actually made from brick.

We have the brick veneer you want at a cost you’ll love

Brick veneer is a superb choice for a rich appearance at a reasonable cost.

And as a homeowner – that’s all you can really ask for.

As we said off the top, January is a very popular time for brick veneer installation projects.  So we’re ready to help you with yours.

All you have to do is contact us with your questions or ask for a FREE quote on the brick veneer you’re interested in.

The post Benefits of Stone Veneer Installation Brick & Siding appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.