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Superior Masonry Cary installs high quality brick veneers in Cary, NC to refresh outdated exteriors or add character to new construction. We provide thin brick systems, accent walls, and full facade cladding that mimic full brick at a lighter weight and cost.
Superior Masonry Cary provides professional brick veneers throughout Cary, NC, North Carolina and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call (919) 246-5945 or request your free quote.
Brick veneers for Cary homes and businesses
If you like the look of solid brick but not the weight or cost, brick veneers are usually the smartest way to get that traditional masonry appearance in Cary. Superior Masonry Cary installs real clay brick veneer and high quality manufactured options on homes, townhomes, and small commercial buildings throughout Wake County.
Brick veneer is a single layer of brick that is attached to a wall instead of being the structural wall itself. You still get the depth, texture, and shadow lines of real brick, but with less load on the foundation and more flexibility in design. In newer Cary neighborhoods like Amberly, Carpenter Village, and West Cary subdivisions, veneer is often installed over framed walls with sheathing, house wrap, and insulation already in place. On older brick or block homes closer to downtown Cary, it can be added as an exterior facelift or as an interior accent.
Our team starts every brick veneer installation with a walk around the property to look at existing siding, window and door trims, weep details, and drainage. We talk through where veneer makes the most sense, how it will tie into existing materials like fiber cement or stone, and any HOA requirements that might affect color or pattern. From there, we put together a detailed scope and transparent price so you know exactly what is included before any work starts.
How brick veneer installation actually works
A quality brick veneer job is more than just sticking bricks on a wall. At Superior Masonry Cary, the process follows a clear sequence so the veneer looks good and holds up in our humid North Carolina climate.
1) Substrate inspection and prep. We check that the framing or masonry behind the veneer is solid, plumb, and dry. On framed walls, we make sure the sheathing is properly fastened and repair any soft or damaged areas. On concrete block or existing brick, we test for loose spots and remove failing material.
2) Moisture barrier and flashing. Cary gets heavy summer storms, so water management is critical. We install or confirm a continuous weather resistive barrier (WRB) such as house wrap or building paper, then integrate metal or flexible flashing at window heads, sills, doors, deck ledgers, roof tie ins, and along the base of the wall. This directs any water that gets behind the veneer back to the outside instead of into your framing.
3) Lath or anchor system. For framed walls with adhered brick veneers, we typically install galvanized expanded metal lath over the WRB, fastened into studs on the correct spacing. For anchored brick veneer (full depth units), we use corrosion resistant brick ties or anchors installed into the framing or masonry substrate at code required spacing so the brick layer is mechanically tied to the structure.
4) Mortar and brick laying. We mix mortar appropriate for veneer, usually a Type N or S depending on the application, and match color if needed. Bricks are laid with consistent mortar joint thickness, usually 3/8 inch, and we strike or tool the joints once they start to firm up so they shed water. We pay attention to bond pattern, corner returns, and window edges so the veneer looks intentional, not patched together.
5) Weep details and ventilation. We leave weep holes or use weep vents at the base course and above window and door openings on anchored veneers. This allows moisture to escape the cavity. In our humid region, skipping this step is a common cause of hidden rot, so we are strict about including it where the design calls for a drained cavity.
6) Cleanup and punch list. At the end, we acid wash or use appropriate masonry cleaners to remove mortar smears, then walk the job with you to catch any touch ups around joints, caulking, and transitions to other materials.
Design and material options for your brick veneers
Cary neighborhoods have a mix of traditional red brick, lighter coastal tones, and more modern grays. Superior Masonry Cary helps you pick brick veneer options that fit your house style, HOA rules, and long term maintenance goals, not just what looks good in a catalog.
Real clay brick veneer: These are thin cut faces of actual brick or full depth bricks used as veneer. They offer the most authentic look, last for decades, and weather naturally. Colors range from classic Carolina reds to tumbled tan blends, charcoal accents, and handmade textures. For many Cary clients, we pull samples that coordinate with existing brick on front porches or chimneys so additions do not look mismatched.
Manufactured brick veneer: Concrete based “brick look” pieces can be lighter and sometimes more cost effective. Modern brands have improved color stability compared to older products, but they still behave differently from real clay brick. We explain where they make sense, such as interior accent walls or covered outdoor kitchens, and where real brick is still the better investment.
Joint styles and patterns: Joint color and tooling can change the look dramatically. A light mortar with a recessed joint gives deep shadows. A flush or slightly overfilled joint looks more contemporary and hides minor brick size variations. Patterns like running bond, Flemish, soldier courses at window heads, and rowlock sills above foundation lines can add interest without a big cost jump.
Blending with other materials: Many Cary homes combine brick veneer with fiber cement siding, stone, or stucco. We plan the veneer layout around these transitions so vertical lines line up, sill heights are consistent, and no skinny cuts end up in obvious spots. This is especially important on front elevations where garage doors, porch columns, and entry steps all meet.
Cost factors and common issues with brick veneer in Cary
Costs for brick veneers in Cary vary mainly based on the type of veneer, wall complexity, and prep work. Superior Masonry Cary walks you through these details so bids from different contractors are easier to compare.
Major cost drivers:
• Material choice. Real clay thin brick or full brick veneer usually costs more than standard manufactured veneer, but it can pay off in durability and resale value. Specialty colors, handmade textures, and custom blends add to material cost.
• Substrate condition. If we discover rotten sheathing from past leaks, failing house wrap, or poorly flashed windows, we will recommend repairs before installing veneer. Fixing issues up front is cheaper than tearing off new veneer later.
• Wall design. Straight, wide runs are faster to lay than walls with many inside and outside corners, small returns, arches, or lots of cut work around windows, hose bibs, lights, and vents. Taller walls may require scaffolding and added safety measures.
Common local issues we see include: veneer installed directly over OSB with no proper WRB, which traps moisture in the wall; no weep system at the base course, which causes water buildup and efflorescence; and mortar mixes that are too strong for the brick, leading to cracking rather than slight movement. On interior fireplaces and accent walls, DIY adhesive jobs are a frequent problem, where bricks loosen or fall when heat and humidity change.
When we evaluate an existing brick veneer, we look for bulging areas, stair step cracks in mortar joints, staining from poor flashing, and gaps where veneer meets siding or trim. If you already have veneer and are not sure whether it is safe to build onto, we can tell you if it should be repaired, partially removed, or replaced before adding more weight or height.
For new projects, we help you balance budget and quality. Sometimes changing the veneer layout to reduce cuts or simplifying one elevation can keep costs in line without giving up the look you want on the front of the house.
What to expect when you hire Superior Masonry Cary
Working with a local masonry crew matters, especially for brick veneers that have to function in Cary’s humidity, clay soils, and HOA environment. Superior Masonry Cary is based here, so we are used to coordinating with local builders, inspectors, and neighborhood associations.
Consultation and estimate: We start with an on site visit, measurements, and photos. You get a written estimate that lists materials, substrate prep, flashing approach, approximate schedule, and any recommended repairs. If you are comparing quotes, we can explain the differences in scope so you are not just picking the lowest line item number.
Scheduling and site setup: Once you approve, we schedule around weather and your household routine. For exterior work, we protect landscaping, AC units, driveways, and walkways. For interior veneers like fireplaces or kitchen walls, we use plastic barriers and floor protection to control dust and debris.
Installation and communication: You will know who your point of contact is, when crews are arriving, and what sections of wall are being worked on each day. If we uncover hidden issues such as water intrusion or framing damage, we pause and show you the problem before changing the scope or cost.
Finishing touches and care: At the end, we handle cleanup, haul away debris, and review how to maintain your new veneer. For most exterior brick veneers in Cary, this means occasional low pressure washing, checking caulk joints where brick meets trim, and not applying non breathable sealers that can trap moisture. We also go over what to watch for after the first season of weather so you can call us early if something does not look right.
If you are planning a new build, a front elevation upgrade, or an interior feature wall and want brick veneers that look like they have always been part of the home, Superior Masonry Cary can help you design and install a system that works for both appearance and performance in our North Carolina climate.
