Brick
First, let’s take a look at the pros of brick:
- Energy efficient: Superior rating means lower cooling and heating bills
- Lack of maintenance: Brick doesn’t need repair, cleaning or repainting
- Durable: No fading, rotting, warping or peeling
- Strong resale value: Durability pays off when it’s time to sell
- Lower insurance premiums: Brick has markedly better resistance to fire, storms and pests
- Vast number of choices: Brick can suit any design taste, from modern to traditional
- Long-term affordability: Savings on utility bills, maintenance costs, repairs and insurance
- Environmental: Brick is a green product, being 100% recyclable
Now, the cons of brick:
- Higher initial cost: Depending on the region of the country, brick may cost about 90 cents to $2.80 more per square foot, according to data from RSMeans/The Gordian Group. As stated above, however, this higher cost is made up down the road with all of the cost savings you get with brick.
Fiber Cement Board (Hardy Plank)
Here are some of the pros of fiber cement board:
- It has a wide color selection
- Lower initial cost, as detailed above
- There is no need for structural support for installation
Now, let’s look at the cons of fiber cement board:
- Installation guidelines frequently change, which can cause a host of problems including warranty negation, moisture issues around doors and windows, warping, water damage to the house
- Mediocre thermal resistance compared to brick
- Needs to be repainted over time
- There have been class action lawsuits reporting fading and spotting of the material’s color and finish
Boxley Hardscapes has a large selection of brick choices for both residential and commercial purposes. Contact us for assistance in selecting the right material for your project.