So, you’re thinking about building or renovating a double brick house? Nice choice, my friend. These beauties are like the tanks of the housing world—sturdy, timeless, and built to outlive your grandkids’ grandkids. But here’s the thing: double brick construction isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. There are rules. Break them, and you might end up with a house that’s more “leaning tower of Pisa” than “forever home.”
Let me guess—you’ve already fallen down a Google rabbit hole of conflicting advice. One site says double brick is low-maintenance; another warns it’s a termite buffet. Who’s right? Spoiler: They’re both kinda right. But don’t panic. I’ve spent years geeking out over bricks (and even more years fixing other people’s mistakes at The Brick Pitt). Consider this your no-BS guide to nailing your double brick project.
Double Brick 101: Why It’s Not Just “Two Layers of Bricks”
First off, let’s clear up the basics. A double brick house isn’t just slapping two bricks together and calling it a day. Nope. It’s two separate brick walls with a gap (we call it a cavity) between them. Think of it like a brick sandwich—except the filling is air, insulation, or sometimes even your hopes of finishing this project on budget.
Why go double brick?
- Durability: These houses laugh at storms, heatwaves, and your neighbor’s kid’s drum solos.
- Thermal mass: Bricks soak up heat during the day and release it at night. Translation: lower energy bills and fewer arguments over the thermostat.
- Resale value: Buyers love ’em. It’s like the housing equivalent of a luxury sedan.
But here’s the kicker: Double brick isn’t idiot-proof. I’ve seen folks skip critical steps (looking at you, DIYers who think YouTube tutorials > hiring pros). Let’s avoid that.
The Do’s: How to Make Your Double Brick House a Flex
DO: Invest in Quality Materials (No, Cheap Bricks Aren’t a “Hack”)
Double brick is a long-term relationship. You wouldn’t propose on the first date with a dollar-store ring, right? Same logic applies here. Cheap bricks crack. Weak mortar crumbles. And suddenly, your dream home looks like a post-apocalyptic prop.
At The Brick Pitt, we’ve salvaged too many projects where clients tried to cut corners. Trust me: splurge on high-grade bricks and mortar. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you.
DO: Waterproof That Cavity Like Your Sanity Depends on It
Water is the enemy. If moisture gets into the cavity, you’ll get mold, mildew, and a smell that’ll make your guests ghost you. Install a proper damp-proof course (DPC) and use weep holes to let water escape. And for the love of all things holy, don’t block those weep holes during landscaping.
DO: Insulate Like You’re Prepping for the Ice Age
Double brick’s thermal mass is great, but without insulation, you’re basically living in a kiln. Stuff that cavity with rigid foam or batt insulation. Pro tip: Ask your builder about acoustic insulation if you hate hearing your neighbor’s dog bark at 3 a.m.
The Don’ts: Mistakes That’ll Haunt You (and Your Bank Account)
DON’T: Ignore Expansion Joints
Bricks expand and contract with temperature changes. Skip expansion joints, and your walls will crack faster than a dad joke at a comedy club. Place joints every 12 meters—or consult the pros at The Brick Pitt to nail the spacing.
DON’T: Treat Mortar Like Glue Stick
Mortar isn’t just “brick glue.” Use the wrong mix, and your walls will crumble like a cookie in a toddler’s fist. Too sandy? Weak. Too thick? No flexibility. Follow local standards, or better yet, let a pro handle it. FYI, we’ve seen enough DIY mortar disasters to fill a Netflix documentary.
DON’T: Forget About Termites
“But bricks aren’t edible!” Sure, but termites will happily munch on wooden frames, insulation, and that cute porch swing you added. Regular inspections are non-negotiable. IMO, it’s worth scheduling a checkup with The Brick Pitt—we’ve got X-ray eyes for hidden critters.
Maintenance: Yes, You Actually Have to Do It
Double brick might be tough, but it’s not invincible. Here’s your cheat sheet:
- Check for cracks annually: Hairline cracks? Easy fix. Gap wide enough to hide your car keys? Panic (then call us).
- Clean weep holes seasonally: A clogged weep hole is like a blocked artery. Not ideal.
- Repoint mortar every 15–20 years: Mortar ages faster than avocado on a hot day. Keep it fresh.
Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Call a Brick Whisperer
Look, I get it—building or fixing a double brick house feels like running a marathon in flip-flops. It’s doable, but why not make it easier? Whether you’re battling moisture, termites, or your own ambition, The Brick Pitt has your back. We’ve been solving brick-related crises since before “brick” was a TikTok aesthetic.
So, ready to turn your double brick dream into a reality? Or just need someone to stop your walls from impersonating Swiss cheese? Hit us up. We’re here to help—no judgment, no jargon, just really good brickwork.
And hey, if you ignore all this advice? Well… we’ll be here to fix it anyway.
