Brick: The Ideal Choice for Extreme Climates

Words: Tim Leese

In the past decade, extreme weather events have not only increased but also intensified, impacting communities across the globe. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. experienced an unprecedented 28 total billion-dollar disasters, surpassing the 22 events in 2020. This included severe weather, hail events, floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, winter storms, heat waves and wildfires—all of which caused a total cost of $92.9 billion.

Why Brick is the Ideal Choice for Extreme Climate Conditions
This reality is reshaping how we think about the materials used in building and construction, especially in areas that are most vulnerable to extreme climates. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly important to find climate-resistant building solutions that can offer long-term durability, safety and resilience against nature’s forces, helping to reduce maintenance or repair costs, offering peace of mind, and contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

Fortunately, there is one durable building material that has stood the test of time—brick. According to Glen-Gery’s 2024 national survey, “Trends in Design and Renovation: A Comparative Study Among Homeowners and Architects,” brick remains a popular choice with 67 percent of architects and 49 percent of homeowners responding that it is important for a home’s exterior to be brick.

This preference is well-founded as brick not only offers design flexibility and aesthetic appeal but also significant performance benefits to help combat climate extremes. 

Wind Resistance: How Brick Protects Buildings from High-Speed Winds
Extreme weather events, like hurricanes, can bring high-speed winds that can cause serious damage and widespread destruction. When it comes to wind-resistant building solutions, studies have found that brick veneer can withstand winds of higher speed compared to vinyl siding or fiber-cement siding. This is likely due to brick’s inherent weight and strength, as well as bricks' interlocking pattern that enhances the stability of a building, making them less likely to disintegrate under pressure.

Known for their violent, unpredictable nature, tornadoes can pose an even greater threat. Tornado winds are a danger when building materials become loose and blow into other structures. Thanks to their solid construction, bricks can provide a higher level of protection, resisting impact from flying debris, absorbing energy and providing support to buildings in high-risk areas.

Water Regulation: Keeping Structures Dry in Flood-Prone Areas 
Whether caused by rain, ice, snow or floods, water can be a major threat to building materials. Due to its dense structure, brick is only mildly porous, enhancing its ability to resist and repel moisture more effectively than many other building materials. This ability to regulate moisture means that brick also helps to minimize mold growth and infestation by insects, maintaining the structural integrity of a building over time.

Fire Resistance: Brick’s Natural Defense Against Wildfires 
Since bricks are made by firing clay in a kiln at around 2000°F, they are a fire-resistant building material that can naturally withstand high temperatures without combusting. While bricks alone won’t fireproof a building, they do not spread fire like wood or plastic and do not shatter like glass. Genuine clay bricks normally don’t suffer any structural damage after a fire and can even be reused as load-bearing walls. This makes them ideal for buildings that need to meet strict fire safety standards or structures in areas that are prone to wildfires.

Thermal Control: Reducing Energy Costs with Brick 
Due to its thermal mass, brick is an energy-efficient building material with the ability to regulate indoor temperatures, keeping buildings cooler in hot weather and warmer in colder climates. This type of temperature control reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced energy bills. As an added bonus, brick has the ability to absorb some humidity which can improve indoor air quality.

Sustainability and Longevity: The Eco-Friendly Advantages of Brick 
There continues to be a high demand for eco-friendly materials that are long-lasting and low maintenance. According to Glen-Gery’s national survey, sustainability remains a prominent focus with 78 percent of architects expressing concern about sustainability in new project design or renovation, while 58 percent of homeowners shared similar concerns regarding home decor and renovation.

In addition to their energy efficiency, bricks are made from abundant, organic materials like shale and clay. Their natural durability can also extend the lifespan of buildings, providing significant economic and environmental benefits. Structures built with brick tend to stay in the same condition for many years, typically requiring less maintenance and fewer resources for upkeep or repair. Moreover, bricks are 100 percent recyclable, which continues their life cycle and helps to minimize waste.

Choosing the Right Brand: Glen-Gery’s High-Quality Brick Products 
When using bricks to combat climate extremes, masons, builders and contractors should carefully consider the brands they choose. Glen-Gery has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality bricks that meet the most demanding design and construction challenges. As a part of Brickworks North America, Glen-Gery produces more than 400 genuine clay brick products from eight manufacturing facilities, selling them at 26 company-owned Brickworks Supply Centers and across a vast distributor network nationwide. Glen-Gery also offers additional guidance and inspiration through three Brickworks Design Studios. Located in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City, these are modern, collaborative spaces to consult on product choices and designs, and attend special events and educational programming.

In an era of unpredictable weather patterns, resilient, high-performance materials are more important than ever. Brick’s natural defense against wind, water, fire and temperature changes, coupled with its longevity, makes it a leading choice for climate-resistant construction. Not only does brick offer a durable, low-maintenance solution, but it also supports the long-term sustainability of the built environment. No matter the climate challenges, brick is ready to meet the evolving needs and demands of those impacted, and provide masons, builders and contractors with a timeless material that is truly built to last.

Brick: The Ideal Choice for Extreme Climates

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