If you are planning to start constructing your house or any other project, then you might get confused about which material to choose. This applies heavily to the wall construction method.
You can find that wood construction is a popular choice in parts of the world but keep in mind there are two different options that are very common in Australia: double brick (also known as solid brick and solid masonry) and brick veneer and you must know all the pros and cons associated with them.
both brick veener and double brick share some similar construction materials but differs from each other regarding construction techniques. Let’s have a look in to both and then decide which one to choose.
What’s Brick Veneer?
Brick veneer is a wall construction method where the outside face of the wall is brick and the internal is stud frame in either steel or wood.
A term and common building method you often hear in most states of Australia except WA is Brick Veneer. It can also be called masonry veneer. The house that makes use of brick veneer usually has a steel or timber frame as the inner structure. Header bricks or metal ties frame the support of the house. In other words, we can say that the house supports the bricks whereas, in the case of double bricks, they support the house structure.
Construction
Construction is quite simple; it is a brick layer that is mainly used for waterproofing that is connected to the internal stud frame with ties which makes up the strength of the house. Typically, two main components are involved in Brick veneer house construction.
- The Frame – It is the core structural component of the building and provides support to the house roof. Steel or timber material is used to make up the frame.
- Brick– Even though the name suggests that it is solid, but it only supports itself and makes use of ties to keep the frame stabilised. It acts as a weatherproof skin and protects the building.
Pros
Let’s have a look at the advantages of building a brick veneer house.
- In terms of cost, brick veneer is generally less expensive compared to double brick
- A wall that is made of brick veneer is lightweight and thereby reduces the cost of structural foundation requirements.
- It is easier to make alterations and renovations to internal walls.
- The cavity between the veneer and frame makes adding insulation very easy.
- They brick exterior allows the house to have a solid aesthetic look
Cons
There are also some disadvantages of brick veneers that are mentioned below.
- Brick veneer does not provide the best level of thermal transmission.
- If you make use of a timber frame, then there is a higher chance of termite attack.
- Brick veneer can be quite noisy and has a hollow sound when touching internal walls
What’s Double Brick?
In Australia and especially Western Australia, one of the most common methods of construction is double brick. Double brick houses make use of bricks in a self-explanatory way: It creates double-brick walls.
The two brick walls possess an air gap or cavity between them which reduces heat transfer and prevents the penetration of moisture from the outside walls to the interior of the house. In some more energy efficient houses, the cavity can have an insulation to further reduce heat transfer.
Construction
In the construction of a double brick wall, two walls are built that are joined with brick ties. These ties can either be of steel or any other strong material to strengthen the structure of the walls.
- The inner walls are usually made of brick or concrete blocks that are coated or plastered with a lining board. The thickness of the inner walls is 90mm
- The thickness of the outer wall could be around 110mm.
- The cavity between both walls is 50mm.
- These parameters make up the double brick wall of thickness around 250mm.
One important point you should know is that double brick not only creates a style but also is an integral part of the dynamic structure.
Pros
Let’s have a look at the advantages of building a double brick home.
- Double bricks are extremely durable and require very little maintenance.
- In the case of a natural disaster such as earthquake, violent storm, flood or tsunami, the double brick provides a much more stable structure.
- They act as an insulator and keep your home cooler and warmer in summer and winter respectively.
- The cavity or air gap between double brick walls not only reduces the thermal transmission, avoids moisture penetration but also acts as a barrier to lessen outdoor noise pollution.
- Home with a double brick wall construction does not include any wood frame, therefore there is less probability of pest attack such as termites.
Cons
Along with benefits, homes that have been constructed with double bricks have some disadvantages as well. Let’s have a look at them.
- Double brick construction is generally more expensive compared to other methods including brick veneer.
- Apart from acting as an insulator, double brick homes may have low energy quality and retain the heat, therefore homes take a long time to become cool in summer.
- Due to the nature of double brick, home remodelling and extensions can be a bit difficult.
What Should You Choose: Double brick or Brick Veneer?
The best method for constructing your new house is dependent on mutiple factors such as the location of your land area or block of land. If you block is in a cyclonic region, double brick might not be the most viable option as a steel stud structure will be more suitable.
Other than that, it depends on your selection criteria. If you are purchasing a new house, you should also keep these factors in mind. Both, double brick and brick veneers have their benefits as well as drawbacks as well. In this article, we have provided you with all the relevant information that you must know before planning. We are confident that this article will help you make a better and informed decision.