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In residential construction, brick veneer is one of the highest quality and most durable cladding materials available. While a single wythe of brick can perform as both
the structure and finish in residential construction, it is most commonly used as a veneer anchored to wood frame construction. The design and detailing of this system is straightforward and widely understood for
most standard applications. Some applications, however, require special attention and detailing and construction to achieve the high level of quality and durability homeowners have come to expect from masonry
construction.
When designing with this system, one must remember the nature of this veneer/backup relationship and the inherent water management strategy. Typically, the brick veneer
wall rests directly on the foundation, supporting it's own dead load and is anchored to the backup with ties for lateral support only. A 1" cavity separates the two systems and performs as a drainage
channel allowing entrant water to drain down the inside face of the veneer and exit at flashing locations. In certain design situations, like those illustrated above the veneer cannot be extended down to the
foundation.
A vertical expansion joint must, by code, be detailed in the brick veneer between the portion of brick that is supported by the wood
structure and the portion supported by the foundation. This is to accommodate any differential movement that may occur.
This example below shows a roof wall intersection where there is brick above a roof.
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