> The only real advantage to brick, aside from aesthetics, is that its a great insulator.
No it isn’t, the R value of wood is much higher. Imho the real advantage is longevity (doesn’t apply to earthquake areas tho) also when there isn’t wood available
A common 4-inch brick has an R-value of about 0.8, which is just slightly more than 1/2 inch plywood sheeting by itself. Depending on insulation choice, a wall built with 2x4 studs will have an R-value from 13 to 25.
Edit: I see someone else beat me to it. I'm a slow typer today...
A brick wall has less insulating value than a wood framed home with vinyl siding and drywall without any in-wall insulation. 4” of brick has an r value of 0.8, while drywall alone is at 0.5 before you add the 1-3.0 of the siding.
Nobody builds a house with 4 inches of brick though.
Have you ever been to a very hot country and wondered why they build with stone? Because it insulates.
Also half the comments in this thread are talking about how environmentally friendly wood houses are... and the other half are pointing out that a 'wood' house in the US is really vinyl.
