If you're building a new house and you've wondered about brick for your exterior, Super Handyman Al Carrell has some input for you. He says there's a lot more to consider than you might think... when it comes to brick.

One of the most popular surfaces for the outside of the house is brick. It really is a beautiful way to finish out your house. Now you may wonder why you've got a space inbetween here. The brick is not going to support the house. It's actually called brick veneer. It's going to be attached to the house by these brick ties. The metal ties secure the brick veneer, or facade, to the house, giving it strength. The space between the brick and the house allows the house to breath from any moisture that builds up.

Did you know that on an average day in the USA, bricklayers lay almost 23 million bricks. It's an extremely popular siding. A brick home gives it a traditional look. A look that never goes out of style. Brick may be a little more expensive than other types of siding, but today, there are over 10,000 shapes, sizes and textures to choose from, not to mention all sorts of colors as well. And the best part of owning a brick house, there's virtually no maintenance. If it ever gets dirty, you simply wash it down.

One of the many decorative ways to use brick is with this protrusion, called a coin. Not only does it look good, but it also makes the house look bigger. Like anything else though, it doesn't support the house. The rest of the wall, everything here is just a veneer.

I'm Super Handyman Al Carrell, About The House.