Homes in Texas come in a wide variety of styles and materials. It’s even popular today to have a metal roof. Brick is one of the most popular choices in exterior building material for homes in Texas. But did you know Texans prefer a brick exterior?
Homes in Texas are made of brick because there is a lack of earthquakes, and you are more likely to encounter tornadoes or hurricanes, making brick a safe and sustainable choice. Brick is also robust and easier to repair.
In this article, you’ll learn why so many homes in Texas are made of brick. In addition, you’ll find out more about some of the potential risks and rewards of a brick home in Texas. Read on to learn more!
Why Homes are Made of Brick
Houses come in all shapes and sizes, from quaint one-bedroom white vinyl houses to grand eight bedroom homes blended with brick and stone. 20% of homes today are built using brick – and its tradition.
There are a few reasons homes are made of brick: durability, aesthetics, weather, tradition, and security. Let’s get into why homes in Texas are made of brick.
5 Reasons Texas Homes are Made of Brick
Brick looks good on about any exterior. But it’s more than just looks. Some of the reasons Texas homes are made of bricks are:
- Durability
- Aesthetics
- Weather
- Tradition
- Security
Durability
It’s believed that brick is more durable than other building materials, and it certainly is more durable than vinyl. Some materials just cannot hold their own against the elements. Brick material holds its own against invaders like termites and rats, who can’t eat into the brick. Houses with a brick exterior also stand against consistent weather patterns over many years, even generations.
Aesthetics
Most associate wooden structures with dog houses or sheds, so brick and stone are preferred in residential buildings. Brick has a more difficult time decaying or denting – meaning your brick will stand the test of time without looking shabby. It also can be completely customizable. Red is not the only option.
Weather
While the argument can be made that brick is not better than other exteriors, it has to be said that brick does stand up against wind, fire, and water. Can it collapse? Can it be damaged? Yes, of course.
Any home can be damaged in a severe weather event. However, your chances of severe structural damage over five decades of standard weather patterns with a brick house is very low, and if any minor damage occurs, it is easier to repair a brick home.
Tradition
The most important reason Texas homes are made of brick has to be tradition. In states like Texas, bricks have been used for many years. So it’s a familiar material that appeals to people living in Texas.
Security
Brick provides a sense of security to the homeowner – it looks tough and strong. It increases the value of the home, too. That means you have financial security. If you ever decide to sell your home, your home will be marketable. For some, that’s security enough.
Wood Houses vs. Brick Houses
In places like the United States, wood is abundant. It is readily available, less expensive, easier to transport, and quicker to build with. Pair this with the classic wooden home we know and love, and wood is a contender against brick.
Wooden homes are prone to fire damage and cannot stand on their own against a hurricane. However, wooden houses are typically safer during an earthquake. Brick homes pose better protection against fire but can still be knocked over with high winds.
It comes down to building codes in your specific location – and Texas does not have any against brick or wooden homes.
Some Risks with Brick
Did you know that most homes actually have a wooden or steel infrastructure while the exterior may be vinyl, brick, or stone? A wooden or steel infrastructure provides stability and security to your home but does pose risks. Some disasters to cover are:
Fire
For instance, a brick house may look like it provides security from a fire – but if your home has a wooden infrastructure, your house is still susceptible to fires.
Also, fire can damage the integrity of a building to such an extent that the brick will invariably crumble. It all depends on the severity of the damage and the structural build of the home.
Earthquakes
In some states, like California, brick buildings are a code violation because of the constant threat of earthquakes. Earthquakes are natural disasters that occur when the Earth’s tectonic plates shift, causing the ground to shake and structures to shift.
Brick buildings can rip apart and crumble with ease during an earthquake. Brick is not reliable in locations where the earth shifts.
Conclusion
As you can see, brick homes are made in Texas because of their popularity and durability. Brick homes pose protection from the elements, as any structure can, but are not necessarily the end-all-be-all within construction. This means that bricks can crumble and fade just like other homes.
