Masonry is usually a poor insulator. Won’t adding a masonry veneer actually increase the energy used to heat or cool a home or business?
A. No. In fact, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE),[4] masonry construction requires less insulation than other building systems because of its thermal mass. Because of its heavy weight, brick is slow to absorb or lose heat, reducing peak loads on heating and cooling systems. Low-mass walls, such as those with wood framing and wood siding, are unable to store energy in the wall. That leads to rapid temperature changes inside the home, and the need for additional heat or air conditioning. Simply put, masonry homes keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Simple passive solar concepts can be used with masonry materials to greatly reduce energy requirements in residential constructions.
