What is brick veneer?

Brick veneer is a method of construction where a property of either a wooden or steel frame is concealed with a single layer of bricks as the exterior layer.

It offers the same look as double brick, however if the bricks were to be removed the structure of the house would still stand. This means that rather than the brick holding up the property, the property is holding up the brick. Double brick construction is where the structure is two layers of bricks.

How to check if your property is brick veneer

There are a few things you can do to try and determine whether your property is double brick or brick veneer.

• Check when it was built – brick veneer is much more common from the 1950s onwards. If your property was built before then it is more likely to be double brick.
• Tap an inside wall – if it sounds hollow it is likely brick veneer.
• Check the depth of windows and doorpost (or doorjamb). The features are likely to be deeper on a double brick house because the walls are two bricks thick.

Why do insurers ask about brick veneer?

Insurers ask about the construction of your property because it impacts the resistance to things like fire, strong winds and pests. Double brick homes are usually more durable (there are exceptions), while brick veneer homes are typically cheaper to build.

Remember, it's important to be accurate when providing details of your home as any misinformation can result in your claims being denied.