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Brick Veneer

A brick veneer exterior wall consists of a wood frame inner wall and a four inch thick brick outer section. The veneer does not have any load Bering capacity. Usually metal ties are installed to secure the brick work to the frame. One very important detail that is often omitted is the weep holes should be provided at the bottom of the wall to allow for proper drainage. Rain water will pass through a brick wall, as a result there should be a space between the brick veneer and the frame. Water can pass the brick and can run down the inner area of the brick. At the bottom row of bricks typically every fourth mortar joint is left empty to allow for drainage. A flashing is used to allow water at the bottom of the wall cavity to drain out through the weep holes. The flashing prevents the water from entering the foundation. Another reason to have brick veneer weep holes is to help balance the pressure on both sides of the bricks. Air is allowed into the space to help reduce the tendency for water to be driven through.

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