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World of Concrete 2026 Competition Results ↗

Comparing the pros and cons of exterior competitors to brick

Words: Dan KamysA video and fact sheets from the Brick Industry Association (BIA) compares bricks with other home exteriors, debunking the common myths about genuine clay brick versus its competitors. With frank pros and cons on the latest in sustainability features, maintenance needs, costs, fire and safety, the package stacks bricks against the top alternatives: vinyl siding, concrete masonry, manufactured stone, fiber cement siding and Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) — otherwise known as synthetic stucco.

BIA's booklets include:
  • The Facts: Brick vs. Vinyl Siding
  • The Facts: Brick vs. Fiber Cement Siding
  • The Facts: Brick vs. Manufactured Stone
  • The Facts: Brick vs. EIFS
  • The Facts: Brick vs. Concrete Masonry Veneer
Eliminating technical jargon, content areas for each product include major myths, strengths and weaknesses in all areas (aesthetics, initial cost, design flexibility, installation, maintenance and repairs, water management, color fading, fire resistance, wind damage, moisture resistance, insect infestation, damage resistance, environmental concerns, insurance issues); physical properties and construction basics; cross-section diagrams; the differences between brick and each product; sustainability comparisons and product performance.

You can view all fact guides at www.gobrick.com.
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