Bridging the gap: Specifications for durable masonry veneer anchors Masonry veneer is a common cladding type due to its aesthetics and perceived durability. However, the design documents provided to contractors frequently lack the necessary building code and industry standard requirements for constructing anchored masonry veneer, jeopardizing the long-term performance. |
Weep Now or Weep Later: Moisture management and risk zones for masonry Weeps should create an opportunity for the liquid water that has drained down to the top surface of a flashing to exit the core or cavity of the masonry wall on the top surface of the flashing. Unfortunately, numerous unfortunate conditions have occurred because of incorrect uses of materials and devices, or detailing errors. This article examines what design professionals need to know about allowing moisture to escape their masonry. |
Weep Now or Weep Later: Of Ropes and Tubes One of the first commonly employed weep details was the sash cord or ‘rope’ weep. In some cases, this detail was expanded with sections of the sash cord laid in the cavity and then extended through the wall, usually at a head joint. In other cases, the sash cord was fastened vertically up the backside of the cavity. In yet other instances, it would be pulled out of the wall, leaving a hole through the head joint or bed joint of mortar. |
Continuing the Debate on Solar-driven MoistureOur January 2013 article, “Ensuring Moisture Protection for Manufactured Stone,” written by Jeff Diqui, Arch. Eng., CSI, resulted in a letter to the editor from another frequent contributor to The Construction Specifier. In the spring, Maria Spinu, PhD, LEED AP, e-mailed her comments: I want to compliment Mr. Diqui on a generally well-written and informative article, but I wish to address the statements made … |
Ensuring moisture protection for manufactured stone Failures of claddings like adhered masonry veneer–also known as manufactured stone–often stem from poor flashings, misapplied air and water-resistive barriers (WRBs), and limited drainage. Resulting problems related to moisture intrusion into the wall assembly’s dry zone are moist wall interiors, wet insulation, and rot in sheathing and framing. |