By Kevin Gladd and Fabiola Mayer, Architectural & Residential Sales, Potomac Valley Brick
Building structures with brick and stone have been popular for thousands of years, as seen among ancient sites still standing around the world. These products have remained fashionable even to this day, and can be turned into beautiful, timeless buildings. But no need to choose between the two; combining these products offers even more benefits.
Photo by Maxine Schnitzer
- Endless Combinations
When combining brick and stone one can create endless combinations. Both products come in numerous styles, sizes, textures and countless colors. These multiple options give the Designer the ability to create focal points and accents with either material. It can be as simple as stone entry piers on a brick home or as detailed as one would like it to be. The trick is to marry the combinations together. If the brick you choose is fairly monotone then you are better off choosing a stone that has a range and has some of the color tones of the brick in it and vice versa. If you are looking for a more traditional look you would combine a larger profile stone with brick. If the look was more modern or contemporary one would combine brick with a ledge or stack style stone. With brick coming in almost every color including a metallic look finish, the combinations are truly endless.
- Remains Solid over Time
Brick and stone have been used in construction for thousands of years. There is a reason why some of the oldest structures in the world are built with brick and stone. The Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall were built using brick or stone. They are long standing examples of the products durability. Both products are fire resistant, long lasting, and withstand harsh weather and damaging insects. Originally used for their durability and convenience as local/regional building materials, today they are used for their timeless beauty and versatility. Whether it is Old Town Alexandria VA, New York City, or Boston Massachusetts, there are centuries old buildings still standing displaying the materials’ durability and timeless beauty.
- Long-term Cost Savings; Increased Value
Brick and stone require little, if any maintenance in the first 50 to 75 years of a structure’s life. Think of the time and money saved compared to other building materials—whether it’s washing your siding every couple of years or repainting every five to seven years. Maintenance is just one of the examples of how brick and stone pay for themselves over time. Additional savings and value can be found in the thermal mass properties, for example, the savings in heating and cooling of the structure. The resale value of the home also improves—typically homes built with brick or stone sell faster and for more money than other cladded homes. Due to the durability of brick and stone, there is typically a savings in insurance as well. If you live in the home or own a commercial building long enough you will make countless changes and upgrades, but the one thing you are unlikely to change is your brick and stone cladding; choose wisely!
For so many reasons, pairing brick and natural stone for your home or commercial building project will help ensure a solid structure that withstands time and the elements while adding value and saving money. With so many beautiful combinations among these two types of materials, there are enough options to fit the criteria of any architect’s vision.
