08/19/2026
They may look the same from the outside, but the way brick is used in a home can be quite different. 🧱
🏠Solid Brick Construction
Often associated with older homes, solid brick construction typically uses two or more layers of brick in the exterior wall. The brickwork forms an important part of the wall itself, rather than simply being a decorative exterior finish. This type of construction can be durable, but the condition of the brick and mortar is important to keep an eye on as a home ages.
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🏡 Brick Veneer
Brick veneer is a single layer of brick installed on the outside of a wood or steel-framed home. The brick creates the exterior finish and helps protect the wall from the elements, while the framing behind it provides the home's primary structural support. Brick veneer became increasingly common in residential construction because it provides the traditional appearance of brick without requiring the entire wall to be made of masonry. It began to be more commonly used in Canada in the 1950's.
Why does it matter?
Knowing what type of brick construction a home has can help you better understand its structure and what certain cracks, mortar problems or signs of movement could mean.
And remember, not every crack is cause for concern, but masonry issues are worth having properly assessed, particularly when buying an older home
