Brick veneer installation involves creating a durable, aesthetically pleasing exterior façade using a single layer of bricks, which are non-load-bearing and attached to a structural wall behind them. Unlike solid brick masonry, brick veneer serves primarily as a protective and decorative skin.
The process is meticulously planned to ensure proper drainage, structural stability, and longevity.
Key Components of a Brick Veneer System
Before diving into the installation steps, it's essential to understand the primary components that make up a brick veneer wall:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Foundation/Footing | Provides a stable base for the wall system. |
| Angle Iron (Ledge) | Supports the first course of bricks, transferring weight to the foundation. |
| Structural Wall | The inner wall (wood or steel studs, concrete masonry units) that supports the building's load. |
| Weather Barrier (WRB) | A membrane (e.g., house wrap) applied to the structural wall to prevent moisture penetration. |
| Air Gap/Cavity | A space (typically 1-2 inches) between the brick veneer and the weather barrier, allowing for drainage and air circulation. |
| Brick Ties | Metal fasteners that connect the brick veneer to the structural wall, providing lateral stability. |
| Bricks | The primary material, laid in a single wythe (layer). |
| Mortar | A mixture of cement, sand, and water used to bond bricks together. |
| Flashing | Waterproof membranes installed at critical points (e.g., base, windows, doors) to direct water out of the wall cavity. |
| Weep Holes | Small openings in the mortar joints at the base and above flashing, allowing moisture to escape the air gap. |
| Expansion Joints | Vertical or horizontal gaps filled with flexible material to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the brick. |
The Installation Process Explained
Installing brick veneer is a multi-step process that requires precision and adherence to building codes to ensure a robust and weather-tight system.
1. Foundation Preparation and Base Course Support
The installation begins by ensuring a solid foundation. The base course (or row) of the brick veneer is supported by an angle iron (also known as a brick ledge angle), which is securely fastened to the foundation. This angle iron provides a continuous, stable ledge for the first layer of bricks, transferring their weight directly to the building's foundation.
2. Weather Barrier and Air Gap
Before any bricks are laid, a weather-resistive barrier (WRB), often a synthetic house wrap or asphalt-saturated felt, is applied over the structural sheathing of the building. This barrier acts as the primary defense against moisture that might penetrate the brick veneer. A crucial aspect is maintaining an air gap (or cavity), typically 1 to 2 inches wide, between the back of the brick veneer and the weather barrier. This gap allows any water that gets behind the brick to drain downwards and away, and it also facilitates ventilation, helping the wall dry out.
3. Laying the Bricks with Mortar
Bricks are laid in a single layer, with mortar applied between each brick to bond them together. The mason carefully spreads a bed of mortar for each brick, ensuring full coverage for strong adhesion. Levels and plumb lines are consistently used to ensure each brick course is straight, level, and plumb. Joints are tooled to compact the mortar and create a consistent appearance.
4. Securing with Brick Ties
To provide lateral stability and prevent the veneer from detaching from the structural wall, corrugated brick ties are used. These metal ties are fastened to the studs of the structural wall and embedded in the mortar joints of the brick veneer. Typically, they are installed every five courses up, ensuring adequate support for the non-load-bearing brick skin. The ties allow for some differential movement between the veneer and the structural frame while holding the veneer securely in place.
5. Flashing and Weep Holes
Flashing is a critical component for moisture management. It is installed at the base of the wall, above window and door openings, and wherever the brick veneer terminates. Flashing directs any water that enters the air cavity outwards, preventing it from penetrating the building's interior. In conjunction with flashing, weep holes are created in the mortar joints just above the flashing. These small openings allow accumulated water to drain out of the wall cavity, preventing moisture buildup and potential damage. Weep holes are often spaced every 24 to 32 inches.
6. Expansion Joints
To accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of brick masonry due to temperature fluctuations, expansion joints are incorporated into the design. These are vertical or horizontal gaps in the brickwork, typically filled with a flexible sealant, allowing the brick veneer to move without cracking. They are usually placed at corners, wall intersections, and long stretches of wall.
7. Final Touches
Once the brickwork is complete and the mortar has cured, the wall is cleaned of any excess mortar or efflorescence. The overall aesthetic and functional integrity are checked against design specifications and building codes.
Proper installation of brick veneer creates a durable, low-maintenance, and attractive exterior that protects the underlying structure while enhancing the building's curb appeal. For more detailed information, consult resources from organizations like the Brick Industry Association or local building code authorities.
