Brick veneer

What this covers

Brick veneer is a single thickness of brick laid in front of a framed wall and tied to it with metal anchors; it is not a structural wall. It needs a foundation ledge or steel angle to rest on, flashing and weep holes at the bottom so water that gets behind it can drain, an air gap against the sheathing, and lintels over doors and windows. The mason lays the courses level, keeps joints even and tooled, and sets details like soldier courses and rowlock sills. Careful work keeps the cavity clear of mortar droppings so the weeps actually drain, which is what separates a dry wall from a damp one.

When to call

• You want a masonry look on a framed addition or across a lower facade.
• A knee wall, chimney chase or porch base being rebuilt after damage.
• An exterior refresh where vinyl or stucco is coming off and brick is the choice.

What to expect

1. PlanBrick, mortar color, bond pattern and details are chosen, and the footing or ledger confirmed.
2. PrepareThe wall gets a weather barrier, flashing at the base and over openings, and lintels set.
3. LayCourses are laid to a line, ties installed as the wall rises, and joints tooled.
4. Clean and checkMortar haze is cleaned off, the weeps confirmed open, and you inspect the wall.