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We install durable, attractive brick veneers in Lansing, MI for siding, accent walls, and facades. Our team ensures proper moisture control, clean detailing, and a realistic full brick look that boosts curb appeal.
Superior Masonry Lansing provides professional brick veneers throughout Lansing, MI, Michigan and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call (517) 289-4333 or request your free quote.
Brick Veneers for Lansing Homes and Businesses
Brick veneers give Lansing property owners the look of full brick without the weight, demolition, or cost of rebuilding walls. A veneer is a thin brick or brick-like facing installed over an existing surface such as framed walls, block, or concrete. It still uses mortar joints and real masonry techniques, so it looks like a traditional brick wall from the curb.
Superior Masonry Lansing works all over the Lansing area, from older homes near Eastside and Westside neighborhoods to newer construction in Delta Township and Holt. We pay close attention to the existing structure, insulation needs, and local weather patterns. Our goal is to install brick veneers that handle Michigan freeze-thaw cycles, wind-driven rain, and winter salts without cracking or pulling away from the wall.
If you like the idea of updating faded siding, covering damaged block, or giving a concrete porch or garage a more finished look, brick veneers are often the most efficient way to get there. You keep the structure you already paid for and invest in a long lasting finish that adds value and curb appeal.
How Our Brick Veneer Installation Process Works
A successful brick veneer project starts with prep, not mortar. We first inspect the wall or surface, checking for moisture intrusion, failing paint, loose siding, or movement. On wood-framed walls we verify that sheathing and framing are sound and that there is a moisture barrier and flashing where needed. On poured concrete or block, we look for cracks and any signs of efflorescence that could indicate moisture migration.
Once the substrate checks out, we install or upgrade weather-resistant barriers if the veneer is going over framed walls. This might include housewrap, flashing around windows and doors, and metal or PVC weep screeds near the base so water can exit. Over wood or foam sheathing we install corrosion-resistant lath or a suitable brick veneer support system. On concrete foundations or porch walls we may mechanically fasten metal lath, use specialized masonry anchors, or prepare the surface for adhered veneer with bonding agents.
We then snap lines to keep courses straight and level and plan out corners, window returns, and transitions. For thin brick veneers, we typically butter the backs of the bricks and press them into place following our layout lines, maintaining consistent joint widths. For anchored veneer systems, bricks are supported from a ledge or angle iron and tied to the framing with brick ties.
After the bricks are set and cured enough to hold, we tool mortar joints, clean the surface without etching the brick, and check for proper drainage openings. Before we leave, we walk the project with you, point out weep locations, and discuss how the veneer and flashing work together to protect your home in Lansing’s wet springs and icy winters.
Brick Veneer Options, Styles, and Local Design Tips
Lansing properties range from mid-century ranch homes near Groesbeck to newer two-story homes in suburban developments, and brick veneer choices should fit each style. Superior Masonry Lansing sources thin brick veneers and modular brick veneers in a wide range of colors, from classic red and brown blends to modern charcoal and cream.
You can choose between clay thin brick, which is cut or manufactured to standard brick face sizes, and concrete-based veneer products that mimic brick textures. Clay thin brick tends to hold color longer since the color is fired through the material, while some concrete products offer more custom textures and price flexibility. We explain these differences on site so you can choose a material that matches both your budget and desired look.
Mortar color and joint style matter just as much as the brick. A light gray or buff mortar can make reds feel softer, which pairs well with Lansing’s older tree-lined streets, while darker mortar can give a more industrial look suited to commercial storefronts downtown. Joint profiles like concave, flush, or raked change the shadow lines on sunny days and can either highlight or quiet the brick pattern.
We often help Lansing homeowners use brick veneers strategically: full walls on the front elevation for resale value, accent panels around entryways, or column wraps on porch posts. This approach keeps costs under control while still making a noticeable impact from the street.
Costs, Estimates, and What Affects Brick Veneer Pricing
Brick veneer pricing in the Lansing area depends more on preparation and details than just the square footage. When Superior Masonry Lansing prepares an estimate, we account for several factors that directly affect your final cost so there are no surprises halfway through the project.
Access and height are big drivers. A single-story front elevation with clear ground access is faster and cheaper than a three-story gable that requires scaffolding or lift equipment. Areas around stoops, basement egress windows, or tight side yards in older Lansing neighborhoods may need extra labor to stage materials and keep the site safe.
Existing conditions matter just as much. If your current siding must be removed, if OSB sheathing is rotted from past leaks, or if your foundation wall is out of plumb, we will outline the additional work needed. Fixing these issues before installing brick veneers prevents movement and moisture problems later, which saves money in the long run.
Material choices influence cost too. Premium clay thin brick, custom colors, or specialized corner pieces cost more than standard blends. Decorative details, such as soldier courses above windows or recessed brick panels, add labor but also give your project a higher-end look that often pays off when it is time to sell.
We provide written proposals that break down surface preparation, materials, installation, and any flashing or framing work that may be required. This way you can compare our bid to any others based on real scope instead of a single line price per square foot.
Local Weather, Common Issues, and How We Prevent Them
Mid-Michigan weather is hard on masonry. Freeze-thaw cycles around Lansing can cause veneers that were not detailed correctly to crack, spall, or separate from the wall. At Superior Masonry Lansing, we build specific protections into our brick veneer installations to handle this climate.
We include proper weep systems and ventilation spaces behind veneers over framed walls so wind-blown rain that gets in can drain and dry out instead of staying trapped. On foundation applications we pay close attention to grading and splashback from driveways and sidewalks, which is a common issue in older Lansing homes where concrete slopes toward the house.
Salt from winter de-icing is another local concern, especially on porch steps and low walls. We recommend appropriate brick and mortar types for high-exposure areas, and in some cases we suggest breathable sealers applied after the mortar has cured fully. These sealers add a level of protection against salt while still allowing moisture to escape.
When we are called to repair failed brick veneers installed by others, we often see missing flashing above windows and doors, mortar smeared over weep holes, or veneers installed directly to sheathing without a proper drainage plane. We use these real examples to explain to our customers what we are doing differently on their project so the same problems will not show up again in five years.
Brick Veneers vs Full Brick or Other Exterior Materials
Many Lansing homeowners compare brick veneers to full brick, vinyl siding, or fiber cement before deciding. Full brick requires foundations or ledges strong enough to support a structural wythe, which many existing homes in the area do not have without major structural changes. Brick veneers give a similar visual result using a fraction of the weight and without rebuilding the foundation.
Compared to vinyl or aluminum siding, brick veneers resist impact, sunlight, and day-to-day wear much better. They are less likely to fade or crack from hail or lawn equipment. In our local market, homes with visible brick accents or full veneer fronts typically stand out in listings, which can translate into stronger offers when selling.
Against fiber cement, brick veneers hold an advantage in long-term maintenance and perceived value, though fiber cement sometimes offers a lower initial cost. Brick veneers need occasional inspection of joints and caulking at transitions, but they are not likely to need full replacement in a few decades. Many Lansing customers choose to mix materials, such as brick veneers on the lower level and fiber cement or vinyl in gables, to balance budget and durability.
Inside the home, brick veneers are also popular as fireplace surrounds, kitchen backsplashes, and accent walls. Interior installations do not face Lansing weather, but we still account for building movement, proper bonding, and clean, low-dust cuts, especially in finished homes where families are living through the work.
What to Expect When You Hire Superior Masonry Lansing
We know masonry work can be disruptive if it is not planned well. When you hire Superior Masonry Lansing for brick veneers, we schedule work in a way that respects your time, your neighbors, and Michigan’s unpredictable weather.
Before we start, we meet at your property, talk through your goals, take measurements, and examine existing materials. We bring sample boards or photos of similar projects completed in the Lansing area so you can see how particular brick and mortar combinations actually look. You receive a clear proposal that lists scope, materials, estimated start date, and projected timeline.
On site, we protect landscaping and concrete with coverings where practical, and we keep a tidy work area. During installation a lead mason remains your main point of contact, updating you on progress and any hidden conditions we may uncover, such as sheathing damage behind old siding. We do not change materials or alter details without discussing it with you first.
Once the veneer is installed, we perform a detailed clean-up, wash or brush the brick as appropriate, and check each wall for consistent joints and alignment. We walk the job with you, answer questions about maintenance, and point out where weep holes and flashing are located. Our goal is that years from now, when you drive through Lansing and see other brick veneers, you can still say that your project looks and performs better than most because it was installed correctly from the start.
