Vinyl Siding Vs Brick Cost: A Detailed Comparison Of Installation, Maintenance, And Value 2025

Choosing between vinyl siding and brick for your home involves more than just aesthetics—cost, durability, energy efficiency, and long-term value all play crucial roles. This guide provides a detailed, up-to-date comparison of the costs and benefits of vinyl siding versus brick, helping homeowners make an informed decision based on budget, climate, and personal needs.

Factor	Vinyl Siding	Brick
Average Installation Cost (per sq. ft.)	$4 – $10	$10 – $30
Maintenance Cost (Annual)	Low ($100–$200)	Very Low (<$100)
Lifespan	20–40 Years	75–100+ Years
Resale Value Added (%)	Medium	High
Energy Efficiency	Moderate	High
Fire Resistance	Low	Excellent

Vinyl Siding Vs Brick: A Cost Overview

Homeowners often compare vinyl siding vs brick cost because these are two of the most durable and visually different exterior materials. The relative cost of each option depends on several variables, including local labor markets, home size, product grade, and installation complexity. On average, vinyl siding offers a significantly lower initial investment, while brick provides unparalleled durability and curb appeal for a higher upfront price.

Installation Cost Comparison

Vinyl Siding Installation Costs

Vinyl siding is popular for its affordability and straightforward installation process. On average, the cost of installing vinyl siding in the U.S. ranges from $4 to $10 per square foot, including labor and materials. This means that cladding a typical 2,500-square-foot home costs between $10,000 and $25,000.

• Standard Vinyl Siding: $4 – $7 per sq. ft.
• Insulated Vinyl Siding: $7 – $10 per sq. ft.
• Customization (colors, styles): May increase total by 10%–15%

Factors impacting cost include the home’s shape (complex architecture increases labor), removal of existing siding, and geographic location.

Brick Siding Installation Costs

Brick is a premium cladding material with a much higher upfront cost. Nationally, the average cost to install brick veneer (not solid brick masonry) is $10 to $30 per square foot. For a 2,500-square-foot home, this totals $25,000 to $75,000.

• Standard Brick Veneer: $10 – $20 per sq. ft.
• Custom Brick (colors, patterns): $20 – $30+ per sq. ft.
• Solid Brick Masonry: Even higher, less common for new construction

Labor, foundation support, and removal of previous materials play major roles in final pricing. Brick siding installation is more labor-intensive, explaining much of the cost difference compared to vinyl.

Installation Factor	Vinyl Siding	Brick
Materials	$1.50 – $4.00/sq. ft.	$4.00 – $10.00/sq. ft.
Labor	$2.50 – $6.00/sq. ft.	$6.00 – $20.00/sq. ft.
Total Installed Cost	$4–$10/sq. ft.	$10–$30/sq. ft.

Maintenance And Long-Term Costs

Vinyl Siding Maintenance Costs

Vinyl siding requires minimal maintenance, typically just periodic washing with a garden hose or pressure washer. There’s no need for painting or sealing, but repairs may be necessary if panels crack or warp. Annually, maintenance costs usually range from $100 to $200 if any repairs or thorough cleanings are needed.

• Washing: $70–$150 per year (DIY costs much less)
• Panel Repairs: $200–$600 for damaged sections

Brick Maintenance Costs

One of brick’s biggest appeals is its exceptionally low maintenance. Brick does not rot, warp, or require painting. Occasional pressure washing or spot repointing (renewal of mortar joints) may be needed, but these are rare. Yearly maintenance is typically under $100.

• Cleaning: $50–$100 per year
• Mortar Repointing: $500–$2,500 (but only every 20–30 years)

Long-Term Maintenance Item	Vinyl Siding Cost	Brick Cost
Regular Cleaning (Annual)	$100–$200	$50–$100
Repair/Replacement (As Needed)	$200–$600	$500–$2,500 (every 20–30 yrs)
Painting/Sealing	Not required	Not required

Lifespan And Durability

Vinyl Siding Longevity

Most vinyl siding products last 20 to 40 years, with modern formulations lasting towards the higher end. Factors like climate, sunlight exposure, and maintenance influence its longevity. Vinyl can be prone to fading and can crack under severe impacts or extreme temperature swings.

Brick Longevity

Brick is often chosen for its century-long lifespan. Properly installed brick siding can last 75 to 100 years or more with almost no structural deterioration. Historical brick homes over a hundred years old are not uncommon in the U.S., illustrating brick’s timeless durability.

Lifespan Factor	Vinyl Siding	Brick
Expected Lifespan	20–40 Years	75–100+ Years
Warranty	20–40 Years (varies)	50+ Years (limited warranties)
Common Failure Points	Cracking, fading, impact damage	Mortar joint wear (repoint)

Insulation, Energy Efficiency, And Climate Impact

How Vinyl Siding Performs

Vinyl siding alone offers limited insulation, with an R-value (thermal resistance) typically under 1. Opting for insulated vinyl siding raises this value to R-2–R-3, helping reduce heating and cooling demands. This upgrade often adds $2–$3 per square foot to installation costs.

• Standard Vinyl: R-0.6 – R-1
• Insulated: R-2 – R-3

Brick’s Thermal Benefits

Brick is naturally energy efficient due to its thermal mass, which helps stabilize indoor temperatures by absorbing and slowly releasing heat. Standard brick veneer with an insulated wall assembly delivers an R-value of R-4–R-8, depending on the backup wall and insulation.

This effect is especially beneficial in climates with large temperature swings, reducing overall energy bills and adding to the long-term value of brick.

Energy Efficiency Metric	Vinyl Siding	Brick
R-Value (Standard)	0.6–1	4–8 (with wall assembly)
Insulated Option	R-2–3	N/A (built-in mass and added insulation)

Resale Value And Curb Appeal

The Impact Of Vinyl Siding On Resale Value

Vinyl siding is a cost-effective way to update a home’s exterior, but its impact on resale value is moderate. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value report, vinyl siding recoups roughly 80% of investment at resale, depending on region and market conditions.

Durability, style variety, and low maintenance are its key selling points, making it especially appealing in entry and mid-level home markets.

The Impact Of Brick On Resale Value

Brick is regarded as a premium exterior finish in most markets. It adds instant curb appeal and is often linked to higher resale values, sometimes exceeding the cost premium versus vinyl siding. Brick is highly attractive to prospective buyers due to its historic charm, resistance to fire and pests, and minimal upkeep.

According to industry studies, brick homes in sought-after neighborhoods can command 6–12% more in sale price versus similar vinyl-clad homes. This is especially true in regions where brick is seen as a ‘status’ material.

• Vinyl Siding: Recoups ~80% at resale
• Brick Siding: Recoups 90–100%+ at resale, depending on market

Fire, Pest, And Weather Resistance

How Vinyl Stands Up

Vinyl siding is combustible and can melt or warp when exposed to high temperatures, such as nearby fires or grill heat. It provides modest moisture resistance but is vulnerable to damage from hail, windblown debris, or persistent sun exposure. Vinyl is impervious to most pests but can be damaged by birds or insects nesting behind panels.

Brick’s Resistance Factors

Brick is naturally fireproof and pest-resistant, providing superior safety and peace of mind. It withstands heavy storms, high winds, and impacts far better than vinyl. Brick also resists rot, mold, and insect intrusion, making it a low-risk, durable solution for decades.

• Vinyl Siding: Fire risk, moderate weather resistance
• Brick: Fireproof, highly weather- and pest-resistant

Environmental Impact And Sustainability

Vinyl Siding Environmental Considerations

Vinyl siding is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a plastic derived from petroleum. While it can be recycled, there are concerns about dioxin emissions during manufacturing and end-of-life disposal. Production is energy-intensive but ongoing advancements are improving vinyl’s environmental profile with recycled content and eco-friendly processes.

Brick’s Green Credentials

Brick is made from natural clay and shale, making it highly sustainable and long-lasting. Older bricks can be reclaimed and reused, and brick production has a relatively low carbon footprint over the material’s lifespan. Brick’s longevity and low maintenance further boost its environmental credentials.

Environmental Consideration	Vinyl Siding	Brick
Material Source	PVC (petroleum-based)	Natural clay & shale
Recyclability	Recyclable, but not always accepted	Highly recyclable & reusable
Carbon Footprint	Moderate (due to manufacturing)	Low over lifetime

Regional Cost Variations

Both vinyl siding and brick costs vary regionally across the U.S. Influential factors include labor market rates, material shipping costs, climate, and local design trends. In the Midwest and Southern U.S., brick is more common and sometimes priced more competitively due to abundant materials and experienced masons. Coastal and northern regions may have higher brick costs and favor vinyl for its cost efficiency and ease of installation.

Climate also affects long-term cost: humid and termite-prone areas may favor brick, while areas with frequent hail or tornadoes may see higher vinyl maintenance costs.

Cost By Home Size And Complexity

Home Size	Vinyl Siding Estimate	Brick Siding Estimate
Single-Story (1,800 sq. ft.)	$7,200 – $18,000	$18,000 – $54,000
Average Two-Story (2,500 sq. ft.)	$10,000 – $25,000	$25,000 – $75,000
Large Home (3,500+ sq. ft.)	$14,000 – $35,000	$35,000 – $105,000

Homes with complex shapes (turrets, dormers, multiple gables) will see a proportionally higher cost for both vinyl and brick, as labor hours increase significantly.

Homeowner Association (HOA) And Permit Considerations

Some neighborhoods or historic districts have restrictions on exterior materials. Brick is often required in upscale or historically significant areas, while vinyl siding might be restricted for aesthetic reasons. Permitting requirements may be stricter for brick installs due to structural demands. Always check local codes or consult your HOA before deciding.

Final Cost Perspective: Which Material Fits Your Budget?

Here’s a summary table that considers initial investment, lifetime cost (including maintenance), and probable resale value impact for a typical 2,500-square-foot American home:

Cost Perspective	Vinyl Siding	Brick
Initial Material & Installation	$10,000 – $25,000	$25,000 – $75,000
20-Year Maintenance/Repairs	$3,000 – $5,000	$1,000 – $3,000
Total Investment Over 20 Years	$13,000 – $30,000	$26,000 – $78,000
Estimated Resale Value Added	+Medium (recoup ~80%)	+High (recoup 90–100%)

Vinyl siding delivers the lowest initial cost and fast installation, making it a practical option for budget-conscious homeowners. Brick requires greater upfront investment but rewards with longevity, low maintenance, superior energy efficiency, and top-tier curb appeal.