Can You Install Siding Over Brick?
Yes, you can install siding over brick, but it’s not always the right solution. Learn more about the challenges and feasibility factors for this type of project.

Yes, you can install siding over brick, but it’s not always the right solution. Learn more about the challenges and feasibility factors for this type of project.
Homeowners often wonder whether they can install siding over brick and block. While the short answer is “yes,” this type of upgrade is not a DIY project. Unless you have a blueprint or moved into a new construction house, just knowing the type of brick requires an expert.
This blog explores some of the limitations and challenges of an over-brick or block installation, factors experts consider before undertaking this type of project, and a comparison of different siding options homeowners could choose from.
When materials are improperly attached to the exterior of a home, even the slightest gap allows moisture to accumulate between the siding and the original façade.
Water penetrations pose the greatest threat to a building’s infrastructure. Trapped rainwater can soak into beams, wooden sills, and exterior walls, leading to rot. The same moisture can spur hazardous mold growths, negatively impacting the health of occupants. Ultimately, either situation results in property owners spending thousands of dollars for remediation and repairs. These are critical challenges that must be addressed to install siding over a brick exterior successfully.
Brick surfaces are not perfectly smooth. The challenge is that traditional siding needs a smooth surface to ensure proper adherence. Contractors will use either OSB sheathing or furring strips, which are thin strips of lumber, to create a flat surface. L&S Home Improvements uses furring strips because they are far superior to OSB. Furring strips offer improved moisture drainage and enhanced thermal performance. They’re also more efficient because fewer fasteners and materials are needed.
Regardless of which option (OSB or furring strips) is chosen, the point is that an additional preparation step is still required, adding to the overall project cost. If the preparation work is skipped, homeowners risk moisture intrusion (leading to potential rot and structural issues), poor energy efficiency, and aesthetic issues. In many cases, the fasteners will also fail over time due to masonry movement.
Most homeowners don’t know if they have actual brick or thin brick. Standard bricks run between 2.5 and 3 inches. As long as they can hold fasteners, sheathing or furring strips and siding can be attached. However, thin bricks are usually only about half an inch thick, so they must be removed before installing sheathing/furring strips and siding.
Power-actuated fasteners are commonly used in most high-volume installations. These fasteners use explosive charges to drive hardened pins into the brick. Needless to say, the holes created from this process will stay there forever. If you were to detach the existing siding, you would be left with hole-abundant bricks, which is both an aesthetic and functional issue. When you install siding over brick, it’s a permanent decision, so really consider if it’s something that you actually want to do.
Certain challenges can be overcome, but in some situations, over-brick or over-block installations are simply not feasible. To determine the feasibility of a project, contractors will consider:
There are pros and cons to the type of siding you could select. While the majority can be used on brick structures, it’s important to consider the differences:
Adding siding over brick or block is a major home improvement that requires a substantial initial investment. There are benefits, though. Siding, especially vinyl, will reduce utility bills, improve curbside appeal, and deliver a strong return on investment.
What’s important to remember is that this isn’t a project you can undertake on your own. If you’re seriously considering installing siding over your brick home, get help from L&S Home Improvements.
Our team has over 75 years of combined industry experience installing siding, including over-brick and over-block installations, on homes throughout Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. We exclusively use CertainTeed vinyl products to give homeowners peace of mind. CertainTeed products are guaranteed to maintain their beauty, are available in numerous styles, textures, and colors—including products that mimic the natural look of wood or Hardie board, and are designed to provide the best weather protection.
If you’re ready to start this project, contact us today to schedule your free assessment!