Save Your Energy

As a building material, masonry saves energy. Masonry’s mass prevents extreme outside temperatures from affecting temperatures on the inside. This process is sometimes referred to as “thermal lag.” Compared to other materials, an insulated masonry cavity wall resists heat gain more than 50 times better than double-reflective glass, and nine times better than an insulated metal sandwich panel wall.
Also, because it is a natural material, masonry does not expel any toxic substances or volatile organic compounds into the air. Nor does it ever require the application of any potentially toxic paints or coatings during its lifetime.
Perhaps masonry’s greatest contribution to the environment, however, is its durability. The life span of a masonry structure can be over a thousand years if designed and constructed properly. Even the most conservative estimates of masonry's life expectancy is 60 years or more. Because of its longevity, masonry is typically the last material in a building to require recycling.
In comparison, newer building materials like synthetic stucco, also known as EIFS, have a poor durability record. These can encounter problems like moisture intrusion, which rots the wood sheathing, and frequent damage from golf balls, woodpeckers, and even fists. That means more of these new materials will find their way to the landfills in our lifetime.