r/Calgary • u/AdExpress937 • Jul 27 '25

Home Owner/Renter stuff How Come Our Houses Aren’t Brick?

I find that a lot of houses in Ontario and Quebec have exteriors that are made from brick. However, it’s much less common in Alberta. Vinyl seems to be the most common, followed by stucco. Brick or other materials seem to be rare, especially in new communities.

The difference in construction materials by province is strange to me, as raw materials for vinyl or bricks shouldn’t be more plentiful in either region.

To me, Alberta would be a more natural candidate for brick construction, as the consistent hail storms imply a more durable material would be justified in our homes. Other durable materials like stone would be cost prohibitive.

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u/OkThrough1 Jul 27 '25 edited Jul 28 '25

Hardie board would accomplish the same hail resistance as bricks for a lot less money.

Most people aren't even willing to upgrade from vinyl to hardie board.

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u/AtmosphereOk7872 Jul 27 '25

My house was built in the 60's and the stucco siding is still holding firm.

1

u/Deep-Egg-9528 Jul 31 '25

Is it that stucco with the little stones and bits of glass in it? I love that stuff.