Resilient Building Materials for Extreme Weather
Why Architects and Builders Can Rely on Brick
By: Tim Leese, director of marketing at Glen-Gery
Brick is a timeless, sustainable and high-performance building material that offers exceptional resilience against extreme weather. (Credit: Glen-Gery)
Over the past decade, extreme weather events have become more frequent and destructive, impacting communities across the globe. In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced 27 individual billion-dollar disasters, including severe weather, hail events, floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, winter storms, heat waves, and wildfires, resulting in a staggering $182.7 billion in damages.
With forecasters already predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2025, the need for resilient building solutions has never been more pressing. Architects, builders, and homeowners are paying close attention to construction materials, especially in regions prone to harsh weather. Durable, climate-resistant materials are essential not only for long-term safety and reduced maintenance costs, but also for providing peace of mind and supporting a more sustainable built environment.
Why Brick Endures: The Ideal Material for Design and Climate Resilience
One building material that has stood the test of time, despite evolving climate challenges, is brick. According to Glen-Gery’s 2024 national survey, “Trends in Design and Renovation: A Comparative Study Among Homeowners and Architects,” brick remains a popular choice, with 67% of architects and 49% of homeowners responding that it is important for a home’s exterior to be brick. And it’s easy to see why—brick not only offers timeless aesthetic appeal but also significant performance benefits to help stand up against whatever nature throws its way.
Wind Resistance: Why Brick Outperforms Under Pressure
Extreme weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes bring unpredictable, high-speed winds that can quickly turn destructive. In these conditions, architects need to consider how materials perform under high stress.
A wind-blown debris study by Texas Tech University found that brick veneer outperformed other tested claddings. Brick’s natural weight and density contribute to its strength, while the interlocking bond patterns often used in brick construction help reinforce the building envelope.
In tornado-prone areas, flying debris like loose building materials can become a serious hazard, blowing into other structures. Brick offers an added layer of protection. Its solid construction helps resist impact and breakage, maintaining the integrity of a building.
Water Regulation: How Brick Keeps Buildings Dry and Durable
Whether from rain, snow, ice, or flooding, water can take a toll on a building over time. Since brick is dense and only mildly porous, it naturally maintains better against moisture than many other building materials. This moisture resistance helps protect against issues like mold, mildew, and insect damage, supporting a building’s structure long-term with minimal upkeep.
(Credit: Glen-Gery)
Fire Resistance: How Brick’s Natural Strength Defends Against Wildfires
Since brick is made by firing clay at extremely high temperatures—around 2,000°F—it’s naturally fire-resistant. It won’t ignite, melt, or spread flames like some other materials, and it won’t shatter under intense heat. In many cases, genuine clay bricks don’t suffer any structural damage after a fire and can even be reused as load-bearing walls. That kind of performance makes brick an ideal choice for meeting strict fire codes or building in areas prone to wildfires.
Thermal Control: How Brick Keeps Buildings Comfortable and Efficient
Brick’s natural thermal mass helps keep buildings comfortable year-round. It absorbs and stores heat, keeping spaces cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This reduces the need for constant heating or cooling, potentially saving energy and lowering utility bills. On top of that, brick can absorb some humidity, which can make indoor air feel fresher.
(Credit: Glen-Gery)
Sustainability Meets Durability: Why Brick Is the Eco-Friendly, Long-Lasting Choice
More than ever, there’s growing demand for building materials that are not just eco-friendly but also long-lasting and low maintenance. According to Glen-Gery’s national survey, sustainability is top of mind for 78% of architects working on new builds or renovations, and homeowners are right there with them, with 58% expressing similar concerns for their own spaces.
Made from abundant, organic materials like shale and clay, brick fits this need. It is incredibly durable, often lasting for decades with very little upkeep. That kind of longevity doesn’t just save time and money; it also reduces the need for future resources. And because bricks are 100% recyclable, they can keep working long after their first use, helping minimize construction waste and support a greener environment.
When designing for climate resilience, material choice matters. Glen-Gery is trusted by architects and builders alike for its ability to deliver beautiful, high-performance brick products that stand up to both design expectations and environmental demands. As part of Brickworks North America, Glen-Gery offers more than 500 genuine clay brick products, produced across eight manufacturing facilities and available through an extensive network of 26 company-owned Brickworks Supply Centers. For architects looking for inspiration, Glen-Gery’s Brickworks Design Studios located in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City offers hands-on collaboration. These modern spaces provide opportunities to explore products, consult on projects, and engage in industry events and educational programming.
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