Brick Veneer

brick veneer sidingBrick veneer is a surfacing material. This type of structure is built around the exterior or interior face of a wall to create a beautiful traditional masonry appearance. Exterior veneer made of bricks is a free-standing structure that is supported by brick ties to the wall. As a free-standing structure, the veneer does not in any way support the structural framing of the building. However, it improves the building’s insulation, weatherproofing, and protects the inner wall from damage.

Brick veneer is not as easy to construct as it looks. While there are many DIY guidelines that can aid homeowners in constructing veneer walls, they do not quite provide the assurance that experienced contractors can deliver. Veneer walls made of brick are usually susceptible to a number of structural problems that can become catastrophic and expensive to repair or replace. This is why when constructing a veneer wall, the builder must execute it accurately the first time to avoid further issues.

Building a masonry veneer wall includes proper installation of all its component parts, including the brick wall, brick ties, a cavity or airspace to hold sheathing and flashing, thermal insulation, and a drainage plane to direct water outside of the walls. To ensure that your brick veneer is durable and performs correctly, look for an experienced brick contractor.

Finding a brick contractor

A brick contractor must have a license to prove their familiarity and understanding of the construction of veneers. A reliable brick contractor must also be insured. Contractors that have insurance coverage can address issues with construction and workmanship, holding them liable for any errors or omissions on their part. If a contractor is covered, customers are also assured that the company meets industry standards and is recognized.

To look for a reliable brick contractor, research is important. A lot of homeowners fall for promises and good deals at the beginning, only to end up with cheap and low-quality structures that easily fail. Homeowners also end up paying double or more to repair and replace damaged structures.

Reliable brick contractors must be able to provide documents that attest to their experience and expertise. Looking for references is a great way to begin looking for a good contractor. Contractors naturally paint a good picture of themselves to boost their clientele. Homeowners must practice good judgment, and trust in the testimonies of the company’s past clients to truly know the kind of workmanship the company provides.

Homeowners can try looking at the company’s webpages for these testimonies. If there aren’t any, customer and reviews by organizations can give homeowners more information regarding the company. Trust only in reliable sites as many companies nowadays also use the internet to improve their online image. Before hiring a contractor, know all their responsibilities and document all their actions by demanding for receipts.

When a hired contractor begins to show signs of untrustworthiness, like charging beyond the budget, swapping for cheaper materials, neglecting to clean up, displaying zero professionalism, and others, then firing the contractor is a solution. Filing a complaint also keeps the contractor from getting more business.

Stone Veneer

stone veneer sidingStone veneer is used for decorating the interior and exterior side of the wall. It is a decorative building material which gives a natural stone look to the walls. Stone veneer can be made from natural as well as artificial stones. Stone veneer is prepared in a form that will make it look like real stone.

First developed in the 19th century, stone veneer is used by many people for household and commercial purposes. Natural and artificial stone veneers are used along with other material to provide the required look on the walls. Good quality stone veneer is produced from locally quarried natural stone. They come in various colors which make it look like natural stones. Not all contractors provide stone veneer services hence a proper search should be made regarding the availability of the stones and the services of contractors.

Natural stones cost more than artificial stones which are fabricated to give them a natural look. Architects also advice on stone veneer contractors. When you choose a stone veneer for your house, you should be able to decide the stone and the texture which you want. Only then you can assign the job to a stone veneer contractor. With the increasing awareness of stone veneers, many people prefer it for their house and offices. If you are tight on budget, you can invest little by little and get your house decorated at regular intervals of time. It will give you a wider option to choose from and you will not have to compromise on the quality or design that you have planned for.

Types of stone available

Various kinds of stones are available in the market and there is a huge variety to choose from between the natural and artificial stones. Depending on the interior and exterior requirements you may make a choice of the kind of stone you need and the quantity that may be required. Veneers do not require a lot of maintenance and provide an attractive look to the walls. There are a few contractors who provide only stone veneer services, you may contact them and ask them for a free quotation. It is important for you to measure the area that needs to be worked upon and the stone that you may require for it. Explain your needs to the contractor and if his quotation fits right, you may appoint him to do the work. Otherwise you may need to look for other contractors who provide the services at the rates you have budgeted.

Another important part of stone veneer is that there should not be any gaps left between the stones, they should be arranged in such a manner so as to leave no space unoccupied. This depends on the labor that is assigned to the work. Before finalizing a contractor for the work, always make sure you see his previous professional works so as to gain a clear understanding of his work and experience with stone veneer.