Mortarless Brick Veneer vs. Other Cladding: Cost & Long-Term Value

Looking for durable, low-maintenance cladding for your exterior walls? Mortarless brick veneer systems like Novabrik offer major advantages over traditional options like brick masonry, vinyl, and fiber cement.

Unlike glued or mortared systems, Novabrik’s mechanically fastened design speeds up installation, lowers labor costs, and ensures long-term performance.


Cladding Cost Comparison (per sq. ft.):

Compare material and labor costs across top siding choices, including:

• Mortarless interlocking brick veneer
• Vinyl siding
• Fiber cement panels
• Traditional brick masonry

This guide breaks down real costs, curb appeal, maintenance, and durability—so you can make the right long-term investment.

CLADDING TYPE

Traditional Brick Masonry
Lath & Mortar Brick/Stone Veneer
Vinyl Siding
Fiber Cement Siding
NOVABRIK

Pro Tip: Choosing a no mortar brick siding like Novabrik helps reduce both material waste and installation complexity—perfect for both DIY brick veneer projects and large-scale renovations.

CLADDING TYPE

Traditional Brick Masonry
Lath & Mortar Brick/Stone Veneer
Vinyl or Fiber Cement
NOVABRIK

MATERIAL COST (per sq. ft.)

$6.00 - $12.00
$8.00 - $18.00
$3.00 - $7.00
$4.50 - $8.50
$8.00 - $10.00

Installation Costs: What to Expect

Installation is often where significant cost differences emerge. Traditional brick masonry requires specialized masons and heavy labor, while mechanical brick veneer systems can be installed by general contractors or even skilled homeowners.

LABOR COST (per sq. ft.)

$25 - $35
$18 - $25
$12 - $15
$6 - $9

TOTAL COST (per sq. ft.)

$33 - $50
$28 - $47
$24 - $30
$10.50 - $19

A glued veneer typically takes 50% more time to install than a screwed, interlocking brick siding system like Novabrik.


This means lower labor costs and faster project completion—especially helpful for cold weather or tight timelines.

Lifespan and Maintenance: What’s the Best Long-Term Choice?

Durability impacts the true cost of exterior cladding. Here’s how the options compare:

  • Traditional Brick Masonry: Can last 100 years or more with occasional mortar joint repointing every 30–40 years.

  • Vinyl Siding: Lasts 20–40 years with limited resistance to fading and cracking.

  • Fiber Cement Siding: Also 20–40 years, but requires periodic painting and sealing.

  • NOVABRIK - Mortarless brick veneer: Up to 50 years with minimal maintenance. NOVABRIK’s self-ventilated brick veneer also helps prevent moisture buildup, protecting your investment.

Why Choose Novabrik?

Novabrik’s mechanically fastened brick veneer delivers:

Easy brick installation with no mortar or adhesives

✅ A patented interlocking brick siding system that speeds up installs

Energy-efficient brick siding with built-in ventilation

✅ Ideal for DIY or professional use

✅ All-weather, all-season install capabilities

With maintenance-free performance, rich aesthetic textures, and long-term savings, Novabrik is the smart cladding solution for modern construction.