Brick is a popular home exterior finish in Indiana because of its rustic, traditional look. However, bricks, like any other material, deteriorate over time. As it ages, brick experiences problems with:

Crumbling
Patching
Flaking
Spalling

To avoid such issues, some people update their old brick facade by installing vinyl siding. But is that really a good idea? Can you put vinyl siding over brick without causing future problems?

This guide covers the answer to this common question and discusses the best options available to you as an Indiana homeowner.

Can You Put Vinyl Siding over a Brick House?

Vinyl remains one of the most widely-used siding materials on the market because of its durability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. This material can be applied to almost any exterior surface as long as it is smooth and level. If your home has a brick exterior, putting vinyl over it might seem logical. But can you put vinyl siding over brick? The answer is complex, but siding experts generally won’t recommend it.

While vinyl siding can be installed on many different surfaces, bricks can be particularly challenging to work with. Brick exteriors are not flat or smooth, which is essential for installing vinyl siding correctly. Vinyl siding isn’t designed to form a watertight barrier without extra precautions, so installing it over an appropriate surface is crucial.

Installing vinyl siding over brick walls can lead to the following:

Installation Errors: Due to its uneven surface, installing vinyl over a brick exterior is more challenging. Installation mistakes can lead to cracking or bulging, affecting your siding’s durability in the long run.
Moisture Issues: If not correctly installed and sealed, vinyl siding over brick walls can allow moisture to penetrate the siding or get trapped in the insulation.
Durability Concerns: Severe temperatures can make vinyl over brick more susceptible to damage. This siding combination may not last long in Indiana, where summers are humid, and winters are frigid.

While we don’t advise installing siding over brick, it is possible. If a homeowner wants vinyl on the outside of their brick home, they will need furring strips to attach a layer of sheathing to the brick. This will provide an even surface for the vinyl to adhere to.

The homeowner would also need to invest in weatherproofing, as vinyl isn’t airtight. Caulking and flashing potential problem areas can reduce water leaks and damage.

For the best results, experts recommend removing the brick and starting with a clean slate to create the flat surface required for vinyl siding. Indiana homeowners can trust DMG Exteriors to recommend and install the most suitable siding material.

Can You Put Vinyl Siding over a Brick Chimney?

Bricks are also used for residential chimneys. They give robust structural support and provide a classic appearance. But over time, chimneys can show signs of wear and tear that hurt the look of your home. A total replacement can be expensive, so cladding a chimney with new siding material is an attractive alternative.

But the same problem arises: Vinyl siding should only be installed on smooth and level surfaces. Installing vinyl siding for your chimney requires layering it with wood furring to serve as the base. The key is to use high-quality fastening systems to secure the furring strips to the brick so they lie flat. Unfortunately, this can be difficult if the bricks are damaged or have gaps. While the job is possible, it requires hiring an experienced contractor to ensure the quality of the work.

This option should only be considered if there is sufficient clearance between the furnace and the chimney’s exterior to prevent fire hazards.

Why Choose Vinyl Siding?

The functionality of the materials you choose for your home’s exterior will impact its durability and value. If you are on the verge of replacing or renovating your Indiana home’s siding, vinyl is worth considering for the following reasons:

Durable & Weather Resistant: Modern vinyl is resistant to harsh weather conditions such as wind, hail, and rain. There are available brands engineered to resist winds up to 200 miles per hour.
Beautiful & Versatile: Vinyl siding comes in varying colors, designs, and textures, allowing homeowners to style their homes based on their unique preferences.
Low-Maintenance: Compared to other siding options, vinyl requires little maintenance—rinsing it with water and cleaning off the dust is enough. It also won’t require repainting, as the coloring and texture permeate the material.
Easy to Install: Vinyl planks are lightweight and easy to install. This translates to reduced labor costs for homeowners.
Affordable: Other materials, such as brick and wood siding, cost much more than vinyl. If you are looking for a high-quality yet cost-effective option, vinyl is an excellent investment.

Other Siding Options

Although we generally like vinyl to withstand the Indiana weather, it’s always a good idea to compare your alternatives before making a final decision. After all, choosing the right material impacts your home’s durability and curb appeal.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of the different siding options in Indiana so you can make the most of your investment.

Hardie Board Siding: The material combines cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This siding is durable and can withstand hail, high winds, snow, and other harsh weather conditions. However, it requires a higher financial investment than vinyl and a longer installation process.
Composite Siding: This siding is made from scrap wood (such as pine and cedar) compressed and bonded with resins. Composite siding is durable and can mimic the look of natural wood. This can be an excellent option for homeowners looking for that aesthetic.
Natural Wood: This material features a distinct, timeless look and is one of the oldest alternatives available. While attractive, natural wood requires significant investment and maintenance efforts.
Manufactured Wood Siding: This siding features a combination of resins, wood fiber, and wood chips bonded together to create durable boards. They are often treated with chemicals to reduce the risk of pest infestation and improve material longevity.
Metal Siding: Metal is durable, requires little maintenance, and is resistant to pests, but it’s not cheap. Metal siding is also susceptible to dents and rust.
Fiber Cement Siding: This material comprises cement, silica, and natural cellulose fibers molded into planks or shingles. It’s pest- and weather-resistant but requires a higher investment for the material and installation.
Brick Siding: Brick exteriors are durable, eco-friendly, and low maintenance. They are also weather- and fire-resistant. However, they are expensive and difficult to maintain in the long run.
Stone veneer: This siding has the appearance of natural stone, created by combining Portland cement, natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigments. While it’s more affordable than natural stone, it is still substantially more expensive than vinyl and other alternatives. This siding can be susceptible to moisture problems if installed incorrectly.

Ready for a Siding Replacement? DMG Exteriors Can Help!

What type of siding is best for your home? Rely on the expertise of the DMG Exteriors team for guidance in making this crucial choice.

For over ten years, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Indiana with home renovation projects. We offer siding, roofing, and other exterior remodeling services. Reach out today to speak to a professional and get a free estimate!