Brick veneer

Brick veneer walls consist of a single non-structural external layer of brickwork, backed by an air space. The innermost element is usually structural, and may consist of wood or metal framing or masonry. Walls constructed in this manner have several advantages over solid masonry:

• The airspace functions as a drainage plane, allowing any water that has penetrated the veneer to drain to the bottom of the cavity, where it encounters flashing and is directed to the outside through weep holes, rather than entering the building.

• The cavity can include insulation, which is typically in the form of rigid foam, increasing the thermal performance of the wall.

• The structural framing or masonry backup can be erected first to allow the rest of the building structure to be completed concurrently with the outer veneer, rather than waiting for the entire wall structure to be completed before proceeding with the roof and upper floors.

• A brick veneer wall can be completed in a shorter time with less labor than a solid masonry wall.

Support

Because the brick veneer is non-structural, it must be tied back to the building structure to prevent movement under wind and earthquake loads. This is usually accomplished by a means that does not interrupt the drainage plane and does not compromise cavity insulation. Brick ties are used for this purpose, and may take the form of corrugated metal straps nailed or screwed to the structural framing, or as wire extensions to horizontal joint reinforcement in a fully-masonry veneer system. Additionally, the veneer is vertically self-supporting over relatively short heights, so shelf angles or relieving supports must be provided, typically at floor edges, to transfer the weight of the veneer to the building structure. Such supports requre flashing to prevent water entry.

Homes with brick veneer walls are better at cooling down during extended periods of hot weather - making conditions more comfortable at night during summer. Brick veneer walls are also easier to insulate.

Reverse brick veneer walls have the brickwork inside and lightweight frame and cladding outside. This has the advantage of providing the thermal mass on the inside of a building.