After the third most active storm season on record, tests continue to show that genuine clay brick outperforms other home exteriors in severe weather conditions, according to the Brick Industry Association (BIA). As homeowners head into peak home fire season in December and January, brick also reportedly offers a one-hour fire rating by itself—unlike other exteriors that need to incorporate fire-resistant materials in their wall systems. In cumulative studies, genuine clay brick beats competitive exteriors in wind resistance, moisture resistance, earthquake resistance and protection from wind-blown debris. 

“As a sustainable building product made from natural abundant resources, genuine clay brick exteriors can also help reduce property damage and increase survival odds,” said Gregg Borchelt, president and CEO of the BIA. “Combined with proper design, installation and maintenance, brick is an essential element of strong, safe homes.”

A 2010 study by the NAHB Research Center comparing moisture resistance among typical residential exteriors evaluated genuine clay brick veneer as the highest in moisture resistance and dryness. Of the eight wall systems tested—accounting for approximately 90% of the cladding systems used today—brick veneer wall assemblies performed the best overall in controlling moisture. In 2009, a brick seismic study funded by the National Science Foundation showed that buildings built with genuine clay brick veneer can resist earthquakes above the Maximum Considered Earthquake for Seismic Design Category D without collapse.

For additional information, visit www.gobrick.com.