Living in the gorgeous state of Georgia, as well as other Southeastern states such as Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida, comes with a unique climate full of radiant sunny months and warm temperatures, perfect for plenty of outdoor fun! However, homeowners and builders in this highly desired region must also be prepared for the substantial rainfall and moisture, high heat and extreme humidity, as well as potential hurricanes and severe weather patterns that are a threat every year.
Brick homes not only provide a traditional, classic aesthetic that suits these states well, but can also easily be designed to lend contemporary, modern, and farmhouse appeal as well. The full line of North Georgia Brick options offers the ideal, durable materials to handle the climate, environmental conditions, and regional characteristics for true peace of mind. From weather and heat resistance to superior insulation and minimal maintenance, here are some of the benefits of building with brick in the Southeast:
- Weather Resistance – Prized for its durability and ability to withstand various weather conditions, brick gives homes better resistance to wind and rain damage compared to other materials. Hurricanes and tropical storms are incredibly common in the Southeast, creating high winds, flying debris, and falling branches. Even flying debris with windspeeds of 60 miles per hour cannot penetrate a brick wall! Also, brick is a non-combustible material and provides a high level of fire resistance. If a hurricane or storm causes an electrical fire, brick homes will add another level of protection for the inhabitants inside.
- Sunlight Resistance – It goes without saying that homes in the Southeast must deal with the incredibly high temperatures that occur during the warmest months. Thankfully, brick is highly efficient against general weathering and these brick exteriors won’t fade or peel in these sizzling conditions. By comparison, vinyl siding can actually melt from reflective sunlight! In fact, vinyl siding can fade in as little as 10 years after installation just from sun exposure and if a fire ever occurs, vinyl burns in less than 20 minutes.
*Based on the national average of total construction costs to build a brick home versus building a vinyl home, homeowners who build with brick end up paying less than $50 more per month over a 30-year mortgage thanks to lower insurance premiums, energy cost savings, little to no maintenance, and high resale values.
- Insulation Properties – Speaking of handling the heat, the superior thermal mass properties of brick provide excellent insulation properties to homes in the Southeast. Having good thermal mass equates to good energy efficiency, meaning brick can absorb and store heat better. With these insulation properties, brick homes will stay cooler in the scorching, humid Southeastern summers and warmer in the mild winters. Less energy needed for heating and cooling will produce long-term savings on utility bills for homeowners and property managers!
- Low Maintenance: In addition to brick enhancing the curb appeal of a property and increasing its resale value over time, brick is an extremely low- to no-maintenance material for its 100-year lifespan. You can paint brick for an exterior design refresh, but brick does not require painting and is resistant to rot, decay, mold, and mildew. Even in the Southeast where termite activity is relatively high, brick is not susceptible to termite damage. The lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan of brick lead to greater savings and less hassle overall.
So, here’s to building more incredible brick homes and properties throughout the Southeast in 2024! The experts in our Cumming, Cartersville, Newnan, or Lovejoy locations are ready to assist your next project or build from start to finish.
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