Brick is one of the most durable siding materials. It doesn't need to be painted, doesn't rot, doesn't fade, and weathers handsomely. Brick-veneer siding is usually applied to a wood frame wall over building paper. Bricks can be laid in many patterns and come in many sizes, textures, and colors. Brick also provides excellent insulation for your house.

Bricks are held in place with mortar, which is a mixture of cement, sand, lime, and water. The mortar that holds the bricks together can be finished, or "tooled," in a number of ways. It can be:

* Concave
* Flush with the bricks
* Extruded between them
* Raked
* V-joined

Solid mortar and properly tooled joints are the key to keeping your house weathertight. And although bricks and mortar are solid, they are porous.

If you live in a very rainy climate, you may want to consider a clear water-repellent coating for your brick building to preserve the brick, especially if you have several spells of freezing and thawing during the winter.

Sometimes what appears to be a stone and brick wall on a house may actually be a lightweight concrete manufactured-stone veneer.

A mixture of portland cement, natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigments is poured into molds made from real stones. The result, available in a broad palette of colors and styles, looks incredibly realistic.

Installed prices vary widely, depending upon the cost of labor; the national average is about $8 per square foot.

The retail average per square foot for materials runs from about $2.25 to $4 per square foot

Types and Characteristics: Thin bricks, stones or cultured synthetic masonry materials 1/2 inch to 4 inches thick. Sold in individual units or panelized. Applied over wood framing.

Durability: Life of structure.

Maintenance: Hose off annually.

Installation: Professionals only. (Get free bids on brick siding installation).

Advantages and Disadvantages: Fireproof, durable, and very solid. Professional installation is expensive.