For those who are not familiar with brick veneer, it is a non-structural layer of brick that is often used as a surface finish for decorative purposes.
Brick veneers are often installed on a property with a wooden or steel frame as an exterior layer. Today, we’re going to see if brick veneer can be installed over the cinder block.
I’ll be discussing how you can approach this installation process and a couple of tips you need to keep in mind.
Transforming Cinder Blocks: Can You Use Brick Veneer for a Stunning Upgrade?
Yes, you can install brick veneer over the cinder block. But for these two materials to bond, you must make use of additional construction materials such as a metal lath and mortar.
The main reason why people install brick veneer over cinder blocks is to improve the aesthetics of a property’s exterior. It’s no secret that cinder block walls look lifeless.
Installing brick veneers over cinder blocks breathes life into your walls, especially when you consider the fact that today, brick veneers come in a wide range of colors and designs.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Brick Veneer Over Cinder Blocks
Step 1: Gather essential materials
For this project, you’re going to need mortar, a metal lath, a scratcher, a trowel, corrosion-resistant screws, a leveler, grout, and brick veneer.
Step 2: Install a water barrier over the cinder block
Did you know that all bricks are porous? Therefore, you just can’t go straight to putting them over a cinder block without first adding a water barrier. This will prevent moisture from seeping into your walls and causing significant damage.
Choose your favorite water barrier and install it over the cinder blocks according to manufacturer instructions. My favorite water barriers are liquid membranes like RedGard because they are effective, easy to apply, and adhere well to mortar.
Step 3: Install a metal lath
The brick veneer is very different from a double brick construction. In the latter, the bricks can support themselves.
But with brick veneer, the pieces of brick are so thin and they are just like tiles which can’t structurally support one another. This is where a metal lath comes in handy.
A metal lath reinforces the bond between the brick veneer and the cinder block. So, fasten a metal lath over the wall with the help of long screws.
Step 4: Apply the first coat of mortar over the metal lath and cinder block beneath
What follows is a scratch coat of mortar. Mix mortar and then spread it over the metal lath and cinder block. Before it dries, grab a scratcher and make lines over the mortar. Then let the scratch coat dry for about 24 hours.
Step 5: Start installing the brick veneer
On the next day, you’re going to prepare some mortar and apply it on the bricks as you press them against the wall.
Do not let go of the brick veneer until you feel that it has firmly been secured to the scratch coat mentioned above.
Make sure that you use a leveler to ensure the bricks are installed uniformly and upright. Repeat this step throughout the entire cinder block wall.
Step 6: Grout the spaces between the brick veneer
Remember when I told you that this process is very similar to tiling? Before you finish up the installation, mix grout and start spreading it in the spaces between brick veneer. Ensure that the grout goes as deep as possible in between these spaces.
And that’s how you install brick veneer over cinder blocks.
Beyond Brick: Exploring Other Options for Covering Cinder Blocks
Brick veneer isn’t the only material you can use to spice up the exterior look of your cinder blocks. There are plenty of other alternatives such as stone veneer, siding, and even stucco.
All these alternatives have their pros and cons. For instance, siding is much easier to install, and as for stone veneer, it’s way cheaper.
So, before settling for brick veneer as a finish for a cinder block, make sure that you also evaluate other options and the benefits they come with.
Uncovering the Advantages: Benefits of Using Brick Veneer Over Cinder Blocks
Above, I have talked about the many alternatives you can use to cover cinder blocks. But going back to brick veneer, what makes it such a great choice for covering cinder blocks? Allow me to take you through the benefits of brick veneer;
• Brick veneer significantly improves the aesthetic appeal of cinder blocks. Today, you can get brick veneer in many colors and patterns.
• Unlike other materials, brick veneer is quite affordable. So, it’s a great choice if you are on a budget.
• It’s also worth mentioning that if installed correctly, a brick veneer can improve the insulation of the cinder block wall. It won’t just insulate heat, but it’ll reduce sound transmission.
• Beauty aside, brick veneer is quite durable when compared to other coverings like vinyl siding.
• Because brick is non-combustible, it will increase the fire rating of your property.
• With brick, the maintenance needed is minimal. All you need to do is clean them occasionally.
Brick Veneer Over Cinder Blocks: Any Downsides to Consider?
Like all other construction projects, there are both pros and cons of installing brick veneer over cinder blocks. Also, this review would be incomplete if I only talked about the good and not the bad.
• The biggest challenge in installing brick veneer over cinder blocks is moisture management. Brick, as mentioned earlier, it is porous. Therefore, if you forget to deal with moisture, you’re brewing a recipe for disaster.
• The installation process is more complex than it seems. If you’re not a DIY enthusiast, there is a huge chance of making costly mistakes.
• Brick veneers add weight to cinder block walls. So, you need to examine if your walls can withstand the extra load.
• The amount of insulation added by brick veneer is very minimal.
Before you embark on the process of installing brick veneer over the cinder block, take a step back and evaluate the above drawbacks. It’s only then that you can decide if it’s the right wall covering for your property.
Caring for Your Brick Veneer: Essential Maintenance Tips for Longevity
If you’re going to install brick veneer on cinder blocks, then you need to know how to take care proper care of it. I have rounded up some maintenance tips that will ensure this system looks great and serves you for longer.
• Make time to clean brick veneer as frequently as possible. This prevents the buildup of dirt and stains. But please stay away from cleaners with harsh chemicals.
• Check for any signs of damage and repair them as soon as possible. I’m talking about cracks or dents on the brick veneer.
• If you could occasionally apply a masonry sealer then that would help prevent moisture intrusion.
• Every once in a while, you could repaint the brick veneer to improve its appearance. Don’t forget that brick veneer is also susceptible to fading.
• Keep your eyes out for pest infestations, especially at the bottom of the wall.
Enduring Elegance: How Long Can Your Brick Veneer Last Over Cinder Blocks?
Provided you install it correctly according to the instructions I have shared above, with proper maintenance brick veneer can last for 50 to 100 years over cinder block.
This doesn’t come as a surprise because typical brick walls can last for up to 500 years. This is one of the remarkable features of brick veneer.
So, you don’t have to worry about durability if you’re considering using brick veneer as a cylinder block covering.