What is a main advantage of masonry exterior walls over wood-framed walls?

Masonry exterior walls boast greater strength advantages compared to wood-framed walls due to the inherent properties of the materials used in masonry construction, such as brick, stone, or concrete blocks. These materials are recognized for their durability and load-bearing capabilities, allowing masonry walls to support significant weight and withstand adverse weather conditions, including high winds and extreme temperatures.

The structural integrity of masonry not only enhances its strength but also provides superior resistance to fire, pests, and decay. This makes masonry an ideal choice for long-term durability and stability in building design. Moreover, while advancements in wood treatment and engineering have improved the strength of wood-framed construction, masonry still maintains a distinct advantage, particularly in terms of its ability to perform well over time under various environmental stresses.

In contrast, options such as cost, aesthetic variety, and maintenance do not elevate masonry walls to the same strength levels, making the strength aspects the most compelling benefit over wood framing.