This city has a large number of brick homes that are reaching the end of their life cycle. While brick is a great siding material by most standards, it fundamentally lacks in two primary areas: design flexibility and insulating ability. This company is providing a suitable alternative to brick, one that boasts many benefits and is aesthetically pleasing.As brick-clad homes reach their 50 to 70-year mark, they begin to flake and the mortar separates, which is unsightly and becomes progressively worse as the seasons roll on.We spoke with Dolores Ursini, vice-president of DuROCK Alfacing International Ltd., about an alternative: an exterior insulated finish system called Pressure-Utilized Compartmented Cavity System (PUCCS), manufactured by DuROCK.
What about the bricks on my home?
This low-maintenance, Canadian-made system can be applied directly overtop of the old brick, says Ursini. PUCCS is relatively lightweight and made of components that effectively seal and protect the old brick. Restoring the bricks on your home is a huge expense in itself. Retrofitting them using a system like PUCCS is a superior solution to re-cladding with brick from both a financial and environmental perspective, says Ursini.
Here’s a before and after shot of a home improvement project completed by DuROCK using the PUCC System.
What’s the catch?
You’re going to have design your home to your suit your personal tastes, says Ursini. What a problem to have, right? PUCCS is available in a limitless combination of textures and colours with decorative elements like window trims, sills, keystones, columns and cornices. DuROCK’s PUCCS can accommodate nearly any architectural style and home design. You’ll be able to flex your creative muscles when choosing the style you like.
Here’s a breakdown of how much a PUCC System will cost in comparison to brick.
| Material | Estimated Cost Per Square Foot | Estimated Cost for 2,000 Square Foot Home |
|---|---|---|
| PUCCS | $10 | $20,000 |
| Bricks | $3 - $6 | $6,000 to $12,000 |
Remember: This is just an estimate!
How do I make that money back?
Possibly the biggest benefit that PUCCS has over brick is that it insulates your home better. This system incorporates a layer of insulation that drastically reduces the flow of heat from the inside to outside, or vice-versa, and can be installed directly over existing brick with a cement-based adhesive, says Ursini.
The increased insulation reduces the chance of heat loss in the winter and cool air in the summer months. Your furnace and air conditioner have less work to do, consuming less fuel and electricity to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. The cost of a PUCC System will pay for itself over time with the savings you get from reduced energy costs. PUCCS are designed to transform the look of your home, adding a great deal of value to it and increasing curb appeal, says Ursini.
The only question that remains is: What are you waiting for?
If you’re looking to change the face of your home, consider DuROCK Alfacing International Ltd. Visit their profile on our website for a gallery of images and videos that discuss exterior building systems.
