What grout for brick veneer to use: a practical guide
Discover how to choose the right grout for brick veneer, including cementitious and epoxy options, exterior performance, and maintenance. Practical tips for homeowners and DIYers from Grout Maintenance.
What grout for brick veneer is a cementitious or polymer-modified grout used to fill joints in brick veneer assemblies, selected for exterior moisture resistance and durability.
Understanding brick veneer joints and grout roles
Brick veneer joints are not load-bearing like full masonry, but they still move with temperature and moisture. The grout in brick veneer serves to seal joints, prevent water intrusion, and help stabilize trim profiles around openings. When people ask what grout for brick veneer, the typical answer is a polymer-modified cementitious grout or, in some cases, an epoxy grout for high durability. For most residential brick veneer installations, polymer-modified cementitious grout is recommended because it offers good adhesion, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Epoxy grout can be used in areas with very low movement or where chemical resistance is critical, but it comes with higher material cost and more complex installation. The Grout Maintenance team notes that exterior grout selection should prioritize moisture resistance, frost durability, and compatibility with brick and backing materials. Choosing the right grout also depends on joint width, brick size, and the expected movement from freeze–thaw cycles and seasonal swelling.
Materials: cementitious vs epoxy vs polymer-modified
There are three broad families of grout used with brick veneer: cementitious grout (often sanded or unsanded), polymer-modified cementitious grout, and epoxy grout. Cementitious grout is the traditional option and comes in quick-setting formulas designed for exterior use. It is easy to apply and typically less expensive, but may be less forgiving with movement and temperature swings. Polymer-modified cementitious grout adds latex or other polymers to improve adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance. This is the most common choice for brick veneer because it balances cost, performance, and workability. Epoxy grout is highly durable and stain resistant; it excels in wet environments and areas with high exposure to staining agents or chemicals. However, epoxy grout can be harder to mix, requires precise installation, and is more expensive. For brick veneer, epoxy is usually reserved for specialty projects or areas with strict chemical exposure or heavy traffic. Finally, consider whether the joint width and brick profile demand a specific product; always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and surface compatibility.
Exterior considerations: weather and moisture management
Exterior brick veneer sits in a harsh environment. Exposure to rain, sun, freezing temperatures, and humidity can stress grout joints over time. The grout you choose should tolerate expansion and contraction without cracking, resist water intrusion, and be compatible with the mortar and brick veneer backing. In addition to the grout itself, the installation method matters: proper backer materials, flashing, and weep system integration help manage moisture. If a wall is prone to heavy rainfall or salt spray, you may prefer a more impermeable or slightly more dense grout mix, but you should avoid overly rigid formulations that can crack with freeze-thaw cycles. Grout maintenance routines, including periodic inspection and cleaning, reduce moisture-related issues. The Grout Maintenance team emphasizes testing a small area first and verifying color stability in sun exposure before full application, to prevent mismatched appearance after weathering.
Color, texture, and matching with brick veneer
Joints contribute to overall aesthetics as much as the brick color itself. Choosing a grout color that blends with the brick or creates a deliberate contrast can change the look dramatically. Keep in mind that grout can haze if not cleaned promptly and that some colors may fade with UV exposure. For brick veneer, most homeowners opt for a mid-range gray or sand tone that complements common brick hues; very dark or very bright colors can emphasize dirt or efflorescence. Texture is also important: sanded grout resists shrinking better in wide joints, while unsanded grout is smoother and better for narrow joints, but brick veneers often use moderate joints where sanded grout is common. Samples and mockups help ensure you like the final result before full installation. The Grout Maintenance team notes that color consistency across batches is critical for exterior walls with large surface areas.
Installation tips and best practices
Prepare the surface by cleaning the bricks and joints, remove any old material, and ensure the substrate is sound. Mix grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and use a margin trowel to pack joints firmly without leaving air pockets. Work in small sections to maintain consistency and ensure joints are clean and finished before grout begins to set. Use a grout float at a 45-degree angle to press grout into joints and then wipe away excess material with a damp sponge. For brick veneer, it is important to consider control joints or movement joints to accommodate expansion and contraction; failing to include proper joints is a frequent cause of cracking. After curing, sealers may be used if the grout product recommends it for exterior use. If in doubt, consult a professional for technique and timing.
Maintenance and long term care
Maintaining brick veneer grout involves regular cleaning, prompt stain removal, and periodic checks for cracks or gaps at corners and around penetrations. Avoid harsh acids that can damage grout or underlying masonry; instead, use pH-balanced cleaners and brushes or scrubbing pads. If staining occurs, treat promptly to avoid setting. Sealing grout can be beneficial in high-moisture zones, but many modern polymer-modified grouts are designed to resist moisture without sealing. Over time, you may need to regrout or touch up joints; this requires removing old grout, ensuring a clean joint, and applying fresh material to maintain a uniform appearance. Keep movement joints intact and re-check flashing and backer materials after heavy weather events. The Grout Maintenance team recommends documenting wall sections to plan maintenance and track color consistency across seasons.
Got Questions?
What grout types are best for brick veneer exterior applications?
For exterior brick veneer, polymer-modified cementitious grout is typically the best balance of performance and cost. Epoxy grout can be used in areas with strict chemical exposure or heavy staining, but it is more expensive and harder to install. Always follow manufacturer guidance and consider movement, climate, and brick backing materials.
For brick veneer exteriors, polymer-modified cementitious grout is usually the best choice, with epoxy as a specialty option. Follow manufacturer guidance for your climate and brick backing.
Is epoxy grout suitable for brick veneer exterior walls?
Epoxy grout offers excellent durability and stain resistance but is less forgiving on movement and can be costly. It is generally reserved for areas with minimal movement or heavy chemical exposure. For most brick veneer projects, polymer-modified cementitious grout is preferred.
Epoxy grout is very durable but harder to install and expensive. It’s usually not necessary for exterior brick veneer unless you have special performance needs.
Should I seal grout on brick veneer?
Sealing grout can reduce staining and moisture penetration in some exterior applications, but many modern polymer-modified grouts are formulated to resist moisture without sealing. Check your product’s instructions and local climate needs.
Sealing can help in damp climates, but many grouts resist moisture on their own. Always follow the product guidance.
What maintenance is required for brick veneer grout?
Regular cleaning and prompt stain removal are key. Schedule periodic inspections for cracks or gaps, and reapply grout or sealant as needed. Avoid harsh acids and follow manufacturer care guidelines to preserve color and durability.
Keep grout clean with gentle cleaners, fix cracks promptly, and follow the product care guide to keep it looking good.
Can I regrout brick veneer myself, or should I hire a pro?
Regrouting is doable for DIYers with basic tile work experience, but it can be labor-intensive and messy. It requires removing old grout, cleaning joints, and applying new material evenly. If joints are large or movement is significant, hiring a pro improves results.
Yes, you can regrout brick veneer yourself if you have basic tile experience, but for large projects or big movement, a pro is recommended.
How do I choose grout color for brick veneer?
Color decisions depend on the desired look. Matching the brick tone creates a seamless appearance, while a contrasting grout highlights the joints. Always test color samples on-site to account for UV exposure and weathering.
Pick a color that either blends in or stands out, and test samples on-site to see how it looks with sun exposure.
The Essentials
- Choose grout with exterior durability and movement tolerance.
- Polymer-modified cementitious grout fits most brick veneer needs.
- Epoxy grout is optional for exterior brick veneer scenarios.
- Match grout color to brick for best aesthetics and hide staining.
- Regular inspection and cleaning extend grout life.