White Brick House

Many of our clients love the look of brick veneer but they hate the color. A red brick house is a beautiful look but it isn’t for everyone. If your one of those people then consider a white brick house instead.

Did you know there are two ways to get the look of white brick. Real bricks and thin brick veneer both come in white. Siding your home with white bricks creates a more natural look because you still retain the color of the mortar. If you want more white then the mortar can be colored to be as white as you want it. Your second option is painted brick. It’s a fantastic way to deal with a brick homes color but has a more synthetic look because the bricks and grout lines will all be the exact same color. Painted brick is a wonderful design choice for remodeling older brick homes that badly need a style update. Either option is a great choice if you want a white home and like the look of brick siding.

In this article we’ll go over the pros and cons of real brick, brick veneer and painted brick siding as well answer all your most frequently asked questions with lots of example pics. Hopefully by the end you’ll have all the info you need to decide if a white brick house is right for you.

The Benefits Of A White Brick Home

Homes with brick siding have been a popular choice for centuries.

Around 32 percent of homeowners ranked brick as their top home siding choice, especially among higher end homes. Vinyl siding comes in at around 20 percent. Stone at 12 percent, stucco at 10 percent, wood at 6 percent, fiber cement at 5 percent and other / combination at 15 percent. That’s a big lead for brick when compared with other popular home siding choices. And not only is brick a popular choice, but it holds it’s value and returns the most money at resale compared to other siding choice. This is due not only because of the beauty of brick but also it’s durability, long lasting appeal and low maintenance.

What’s great about white brick is how popular white homes are. When you combine the popularity of brick siding with the appeal of a white home what you get is a great exterior design. A white brick house combines the best of home siding materials and color choices.

Painted white brick home with country style front porch and swing seat. Real wood soffit and stained wood front door.

White Brick Is A Low Maintenance Siding Material

Unlike other siding materials brick requires practically no maintenance other than cleaning. Because a brick’s color is baked all the way through the entire brick, the color is permanent and doesn’t fade like vinyl siding does. Of all the home siding options brick has the lowest maintenance to keep it’s beautiful look.

But there’s more to maintenance than just keeping your siding looking pretty. Brick’s won’t rot and aren’t easily damaged from impacts or storms. You also won’t have to worry about termites, carpenter ants or other pests gnawing at your siding. Just clean the bricks from time to time and make repairs if they’re ever needed.

And bricks don’t need to be sealed like stone veneer does to keep it’s color bright.

However if you have painted brick then you do have to re-paint eventually.

Painted brick is different than other painted surfaces because of how the paint absorbs into the wall. It lasts a lot longer than painted wood or fiber cement siding.

How To Keep Your White Brick House Clean

While brick homes are low maintenance and last for generations, regular cleanings are important if you want them looking their best.

No matter what shade, style or size brick you’ve got, if the bricks and mortar are dirty or have green mold growing all over them, eventually you’ll have to clean them.

Brick and mortar both suffer from some of the same issues when it comes to cleaning. They’re both porous and prone to collecting dirt which leads to issues with mold growth. Especially on the sides of the house that don’t get much sun. Below, we’ll give you some links to our favorite cleaning products.

Keep in mind these cleaning products are safe to use on both real white brick veneer or painted brick.

Brick And Mortar Cleaning Tips

• Clean your brick siding by spraying its surface with a regular garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle. A pressure washer isn’t recommended unless you turn the power way down. High water pressure can damage older brick and mortar joints. If the water pressure is uncomfortable to put your hand into then it’s set too high.
• Remove efflorescence, chalk like stains that develop on brick exposed to high levels of moisture and humidity, with full strength white vinegar. Spray the stains, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse with plain water from the hose.
• Use a good quality brick and mortar cleaner. They do a great job of cleaning the bricks and are easy to use. Just be sure to read the directions carefully.
• Scrubbing hard to clean areas of the brick is important and easy to do. Make sure to use a a brush with soft bristles as hard scrubbing can damage brittle brick or mortar. Scrub gently.

Our Top Brick And Mortar Cleaning Products

Brick Homes Are Weather And Fire Resistant

Bricks are naturally flame retardant and noncombustible which means they won’t catch fire. This can be a huge benefit if you’ve got brick walls inside the home because they act as a fire stop to help contain or slow the spread of fire. This is one of the main reasons brick is such a great material for building a fireplace or chimney. There also one less thing that can potentially catch fire like wood siding can. And in the case of a house fire that doesn’t completely destroy the home, bricks generally remain undamaged. Whereas most other types of siding are destroyed with even small fires.

Bricks are very strong and add an extra layer of exterior home protection in a storm. Brick homes can withstand an impact from flying debris at much higher wind speeds than most other siding materials can. It’s a huge benefit, especially when compared with vinyl or wood siding that’s easily cracked from impacts. And bricks pull lose and won’t fly off from high winds like nailed on siding can.

Remember the 3 little pigs, the strongest house was made from brick. Because of these additional safety features, many insurance companies offer lower homeowners insurance rates for homes with brick exteriors.

Brick Homes Have Better Soundproofing

Bricks provide soundproofing to the home because of how thick and dense they are. Other types of home siding like wood, stucco, vinyl and fiber cement don’t do nearly as much. If you’ve ever been in a brick building you’ll know how much quieter the inside is compared with a standard home.

And the soundproofing doesn’t just keep street noise out but also helps keep inside noise in. If your having a loud party and don’t want to disturb the neighbors then a brick exterior can help.

Home soundproofing benefits not only light sleepers but also people who just like their privacy.

Large estate home with real white brick veneer siding.

Bricks Are More Energy Efficient

Bricks are a thick, dense material that offers a bit more insulation than most siding types. A 4″ brick has a .80 R-value which may not sound like much but it’s a bit more than what’s offered by vinyl, wood, stucco and fiber cement siding. And some brick installation =s include a layer of rigid foam insulation behind the brick which adds even more insulation.

And energy efficiency isn’t all about R-values. Bricks absorb and store heat which can be a big benefit in winter if some of those exterior bricks extend into the home.

Bricks can help stabilize temperatures inside the home because a thicker exterior wall delays the movement of heat through the wall. In summer, the heat stays outside, and in winter the heat stays inside. This can save you some money in the long term, because as we all know, heating and cooling a home is expensive.

White Brick Homes Have Better Resale Value

Even though brick is a more expensive material to side a home with than most other materials, they have better resale value and save homeowners money on maintenance costs. When customers ask us if a brick home is worth the money, the answer is generally yes. How much do you save by not having to paint the home every 3-5 years like you do with wood or fiber cement siding? How much will you save on repairs if you live in an area prone to bad storms? And how much will you save by never having to reside the house?

Brick is a rich look that typically brings up the curb appeal and value of the home, especially at the high end of real estate values. But brick should be used in the right neighborhood where the look and extra up front costs make sense. It’s not a one size fits all solution but in most cases a brick exterior is worth the money.

Pair that with the additional advantages of white siding. White is a very popular choice that also rates at the top in terms of resale value. So with a white brick house you get the benefits of both.

Is White Brick More expensive?

Brick is one of the more expensive materials to side a home with. The good news is that additional cost generally translates into a more expensive home. On larger custom homes, brick will add value to the home and help maximize your resale value. A white brick house typically holds value much better than homes sided with other materials that require more maintenance. Buyers like the idea of having a siding that doesn’t require regular maintenance and won’t need to be replaced in the future. Not to mention white brick is a beautiful exterior finish.

However these types of questions are all about location and price point. In some markets and on some homes white brick won’t return a premium. Brick siding in general is best when used on mid to high end homes if you want a good return on investment.

In terms of material costs, a white brick or white brick veneer is about the same as an equivalent red brick.

If you plan on painting your brick then of course you would have to add the additional cost of a paint job.

Painted white brick house with black framed windows and doors. Transitional home design.

Is Painting A Brick House White A Good Idea?

Painting your brick siding white can be an easy way to give your home a fresh look, increase curb appeal and boost your resale value. Especially if your bricks are old and in need of a refresh. A coat of white paint can make your home look brand new, it’s one of the benefits of paint.

There are plenty of reasons why homeowners choose to paint brick houses white, but is it a good idea to paint brick? While it may be a good choice for many reason, there are still pros and cons to painting exterior brick that you should keep in mind before starting any work.

Benefits of Painting Exterior Brick White

If your home has an old brick exterior your not crazy about then painting it white can provide a few advantages.

• White brick boosts curb appeal. Painting your bricks white is a great way to increase curb appeal and your home’s resale value. White is a popular, trendy color. Especially when paired with black framed windows and doors.
• White brick provides protection from the elements. Brick of any color provides great protection from the elements if it’s installed correctly. And if you add paint it creates an additional sealant that protects your home from moisture. Paint also reduces fading and deterioration of the bricks because it’s an extra layer of protection.
• White brick is easy to clean. Brick is naturally porous so the only maintenance you have to worry about is cleaning. Painted white brick provides a smooth surface that’s even easier to clean than bare brick. And with a white brick house it’s easy to see any dirt that may accumulate.

Cons of Painting Your Brick House White

Painting your brick veneer white has quite a few benefits, but there are definitely a few negatives you should consider.

• Painting your bricks white is permanent. After you paint your brick house white, you can’t go back to its original color. Once brick is painted that’s it, it stays painted forever. Brick is a porous material so paint seeps into the brick. You can remove some of the surface paint but you’ll never get it all. The good news is that you can change the color whenever you want.
• Moisture can cause paint to chip. This is true for any painted surface which include brick. A good quality paint and an experienced painter are a must whenever you paint any masonry product. The bricks have to be super dry and clean when you paint them and you must use a paint that can breath.
• White brick needs more cleaning than red. While white brick is just as easy to clean as other kinds of brick, dirt and mildew are more visible on a white surface. Because of this you’ll probably need to clean the bricks more often.

White Brick Exterior Walls

Over the last few years white houses have become a very popular design trend. Transitional homes with white siding and black framed windows and doors are some of the most sought after home designs on the market. If you have a traditional brick home that seams a little out of date then consider painting the bricks white. Or if your remodeling or building a new home then consider using white brick. Either way, a white brick house is a fantastic choice.

The general opinion of many home buyers is that a white brick wall looks better than a red one. Designers have been painting red brick inside the home white for years so it’s no surprise the trend has moved to the exterior. Ahead we’ll look at beautiful white brick homes that use real brick and painted brick.

White Brick Houses

Brick is a timeless siding material that when paired with white, which happens to be one of the most popular house color choices, can have fantastic results. Below are 10 white brick homes built using real bricks.

White brick house with black framed window and doors. Transitional home design. Black shingled roof with black metal accents. Real wood timber columns with black metal railings.

Beautiful white brick house with red brick front porch, steps and walkway. Detached white brick garage. Blue shutters and matching garage doors. Arched top wood front door.

Covered back porch with white brick walls and blue stone patio flooring. Black wicker furniture with white cushions. Red white and black throw pillows.

White brick home entry door with black frame. Double french style door surrounded by porch plants in large black pots and brass pendant lights.

Transitional home design featuring white brick siding and black framed windows and doors. Lots of glass. Black shingled roofing with black gutters. Concrete driveway. Lots of green andscaping looks fantastic against a white brick home.

One of the best things about a white brick home is how great other exterior elements look along side it. Any other color pops when next to or in front of white. That’s why black and white homes have always been so popular which is what we see here.

White brick veneer siding with black roof and railings. Dark brown real wood columns and siding accents and a dark brown stained real wood doors. All the darker colors really shine through, which includes the landscaping.

White brick homes have a sophisticated look, especially when paired with a transitional design. Include black framed windows and doors with a modern, sleek frame. Black metal roofing accents are also a really nice choice.

White brick siding even looks fantastic on large estate homes like the one you see here. it’s such a rich, timeless look. Throw in some color and natural materials like the stained real wood front door and landscaping.

White brick siding with sleek black framed windows and doors. These folding patio doors create a great outdoor indoor space. Blue stone patios are nice because the color really stands out and doesn’t clash with the black metal finishes or white brick. Carry the look throughout the exterior design by including furniture with thin black frames to match the windows.

Painted White Brick Homes

Brick is a versatile siding material that when painted, gives a home both a traditional and a modern look. But how can you know if its right for your home?

Painting your bricks white is a great way to freshen up your homes look without having to do a major renovation. If you’ve got a red brick house that needs an update then consider painting it white. Just keep in mind that once you start painting, there’s no going back. And don’t forget that painting your bricks with the wrong type of paint can trap in moisture and prevent the bricks from breathing. This could potentially cause damage to the paint and  bricks.

Beautiful painted white brick home with a traditional style. real wood stained front door with black iron railings.

One of the main reasons to paint brick is to give your home’s exterior a fresh, modern look without replacing the brick. With just a fresh coat of paint your house can look brand new. This home features white painted brick with black shutters, roof, railings and gutters. Dark stained real wood front door and a red brick front porch.

Painting your brick house is an easy way to give your brick house a new look. Removing the brick and residing the home is an expensive job so consider giving your brick a paint job instead. Painting your brick house white will add a uniform, clean look that other types of siding can’t match.

If you decide to paint the brick on your house, make sure to use a breathable paint such as silicate or mineral based to help prevent peeling.

Painting brick can trap moisture which can cause damage to the paint. And in colder climates, moisture inside the brick can freeze which can potentially cause cracks in the bricks and mortar. It’s so important to use the right paint that allows the bricks to breathe.

Here we see a beautiful transitional home with painted white brick and black paneling. Black framed windows, doors and railings.

Transitional home design with a white and black exterior look fantastic with painted white brick. The bricks provide more texture than the standard horizontal lap siding and they’re far more durable. Plus bricks won’t need to replaced after 25-30 years like vinyl siding will.

Even if your painting your brick walls white you can still leave a little of the red. This Painted white brick home still has the original red brick front porch. A transitional white and black home design looks great with a little color and red brick is the perfect material to add it.

A lot of the older brick homes built in the 90’s and older have smaller windows, and less of them, than what we typically use today. By painting the bricks white it creates the illusion of having larger windows. White siding totally changes the look and feel of a much darker red brick home.

Does your home feature some colorful trim or stone accents around your windows and doors? When siding materials, trim, plants, decorations and even the doors have beautiful colors are put along side a brick house, they don’t stand out nearly as much as when their against white. By painting your brick white, all the other exterior colors can really stand out and shine.

This fantastic front porch features painted white brick, real stone veneer and window accents. Black gutters with a black shingled roof. Huge french style dark brown entry door with arched top featuring glass and real wood.

White brick homes looks great with natural materials like wood. This homes features painted white brick veneer siding with real wood deck stained a light brown. Brown wicker furniture with light brown cushions.

White Brick House With Stone

White brick looks great with other natural materials like stone veneer. Since the bricks are white, the other exterior colors really stand out.

White brick home with real stone veneer  and gray shutters. Dark shingled roof with black gutters. Stained real wood front door.

One of he hardest parts about having a painted white brick house is the amount of new maintenance that’ll be needed. Generally brick is a very low maintenance siding material that only needs cleaning but once you paint the brick then you’ll have to maintain it just like any other painted surface. That means touch ups and repainting every so often.

The above custom home has white painted brick siding with real stone veneer. Black shutters with a black front door. White columns and garage doors.

White Brick House With Siding

Whether you use real white brick or paint your existing walls, white brick homes are one of the only type that can be modern and traditional at the same time. Some of the best examples include vinyl siding which adds more interest and variety into the design.

White brick with black window and door frames is one of my favorite exterior design trends. It’s a timeless look that feels both fresh and modern yet traditional at the same time. I really like the way brick can transform what’s generally considered an old fashioned design into something fresh and modern. Throw in some vinyl cedar shake veneer to add a little more interest and variety to the design.

This beautiful home features painted white brick walls with gray shutters and a stained real wood front door.A mid of vertical and horizontal vinyl siding accents add some additional design elements along with the metal accent roofing.

When your building a new home with painted white brick, you can save some money by using a more affordable brick since you’ll be painting them anyway. How a brick is made and fired changes the look and price. If you’re planning on painting the bricks white then there’s no need to use a brick that has an expensive finish. Make sure to use a good quality brick but get a deal on an unpopular color. It doesn’t matter if the bricks you use are orange or purple since you’ll be painting them white.

Since you’ll be saving money on the bricks then spend it on top quality paint and vinyl siding. Here we see white vertical wall paneling which isn’t easy or cheap to build.

This home features a very nice mix of siding materials. Painted white brick along side white vinyl siding with red brick veneer base and front porch. Light gray shutters with a gray shingled roof. Color enters the design with a beautiful shade of brown stain on the front door and impeccable landscaping.

White and black transitional home design. Painted white brick with black shutters and vertical siding accents. Real wood front door.

Large home featuring painted white brick with gray shutter and black metal roofing accents. Brown stained real wood front door. Red brick veneer base.

Transitional white and black home design. White brick with vertical vinyl siding. Real wood front door and columns.

White Brick House With Stucco

White brick has a lot of texture so including some flat, smooth areas is a nice contrast.

New custom home with white brick walls and white stucco. Black framed windows and doors with a black shingled roof.

White brick house with stucco. White and black exterior design with gray garage doors. Black shingled roof with black metal accents. Black gutters.

Traditional styled white brick house with stucco accents and trim. Gray shingled roof with brown metal accents. Huge front columns. Blue window and doors frames with a blue front door.

Summary: White Brick Homes. Are They Worth It?

Whether your home has real white brick siding or painted brick, a white brick house is a beautiful look. Brick is a versatile siding material that fits a wide variety of home sizes and styles, and white is a very popular exterior color choice. Turn your outdated red brick home into something fresh and modern with a few gallons of white paint. It’s a cheap and easy way to transform the look of any brick home. Or if your building a new home consider white brick as a siding option. Brick homes have been proven to do very well in terms of resale value. They’re durable, look great and have very low maintenance requirements.

We hope the white brick home ideas and pics shown above will help you with your design.

If you have any questions or comments e-mail us any time.