A full masonry veneer system replaces or covers your entire exterior in brick or stone — one of the most significant property value investments available to residential and commercial owners.
A full masonry veneer installation changes everything about how a building presents itself. The difference between a home with vinyl siding and the same home with a full brick or stone veneer exterior is not subtle — it is a categorical shift in perceived quality and market value that buyers and appraisers respond to immediately. In the Chicagoland market, quality masonry veneer consistently adds more dollar value than the installation cost, making it one of the few home improvements with a positive ROI at resale.
The technical distinction between a full masonry veneer and a thin veneer system matters enormously for long-term performance. Full-bed brick veneer (approximately 3.75 inches thick) provides the thermal mass, freeze-thaw resistance, and longevity of structural brick. It requires proper wall tie attachment to the substrate, a continuous drainage plane, and weep holes at the base course — all elements that add cost but are not optional in Illinois's climate.
Thin stone and brick veneer systems (under 1 inch thick) offer a lower upfront cost but require meticulous substrate preparation and a correctly specified mortar/adhesive system to perform. The failure rate of thin veneer systems installed without proper moisture management is significant in Chicago's climate — we see veneer pop-offs and moisture infiltration regularly on buildings less than 10 years old where the substrate work was inadequate.
AMS has completed full masonry veneer projects on single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and commercial properties across Chicagoland. Before any veneer project begins, we assess the existing exterior, address any moisture infiltration at the substrate level, and provide a written system specification. Contact us for a site evaluation — understanding what is behind the existing exterior is the first step to a veneer that performs for 40 years.
