The masonry veneer is a commonly used exterior material in residential and commercial buildings. It has the appearance of solid masonry without the associated weight and cost, thanks to the use of thin brick or stone pieces.
Commercial, industrial and residential structures have all benefited from using masonry veneer walls, and they are now widely utilized across the globe.
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What is Masonry Veneer?
By definition, masonry veneer walls (typically made of brick) are outer masonry cladding separated from the structural framework by an air cavity. Additionally, it essentially functions as a skin over the structure.
Traditional construction methods in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand use wood and light steel stud walls or structural masonry, while reinforced concrete masonry infilled frames are used in Europe. The veneer wall is attached to the backup system through steel ties, which transfer out-of-plane loads to the structure.
With its ability to stand on its own, the stone veneer does not cause any trouble to the building’s structure. The masonry veneer walls are decorative and protect the buildings from moisture and wind penetration, but they do not add to their structural strength. Masonry veneer normally houses thermal insulation.
Masonry veneer walls are non-structural and can only bear their own weight in an earthquake or a strong wind. Hence, wall ties transfer any out-of-plane loads to the backup structural system.
The seismic behavior of masonry veneers is influenced by the interaction among the wall system elements, including the tie spacing, strength and stiffness, the relative stiffness between the veneer and the backing system, and the support conditions of the brick.
2 basic methods of constructing walls using masonry veneer
Anchored System
The anchored system utilizes anchors the veneer wall to the structural framing of the building using brick ties and angle brackets.
Adhered system
This method eliminates brick ties by attaching the veneer to the building with a thin coating of mortar. Each of these technologies can be employed only if the building’s design and risk of high winds or other weather-related conditions allow it.
This method eliminates brick ties by attaching the veneer to the building with a thin coating of mortar. Each of these technologies can be employed only if the building’s design and risk of high winds or other weather-related conditions allow it.
Installation of masonry veneers
It is common to use on-site mortar mixes when laying masonry veneers, which can have a wide range of quality and performance characteristics. Installing metal lath over a concrete or masonry substrate can lead to water infiltration and veneer delamination since metal lath is an ineffective weather barrier.
Masonry veneer walls come in a variety of styles. The veneer wythe comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. An anchored veneer uses 3 to 5 inches (7.6 cm) thick masonry pieces. Units are available in face sizes ranging from 2 in. (5 cm) to 24 in (61 cm). Fieldstones can be irregularly shaped or rectangular.
What is the difference between masonry veneer and frame?
Construction class is not changed by brick-faced or metal clad. A frame is cheap to make but rapidly burns. It features hidden areas where fire can burn.
What is the cost to install a veneer brick wall?
It costs $12.00 per square foot to install a basic veneer brick wall, with a range of $9.58 to $14.00 per square foot in national average costs. However, to ensure that the pricing is customized to address your specific needs, it will be best if you contact a trusted masonry veneer service provider for a quote.
Get in touch with a professional
If you are looking for a trusted masonry veneer contractor to help with your home, contact Paragon Remodeling today.
We have experience with these projects and know how to do them properly. Whenever you have questions or concerns about our services, we are happy to answer them and estimate the cost. Contact us at 703-426-5555 now!
