Addressing the General Design Requirements: Methods for Managing Water and Accommodating Differential Movement in Masonry Veneer

Masonry veneer is a prevalent building facade material used internationally due to its attractive aesthetics and durability. Although there are explicit code requirements for the attachment of masonry veneer, the International Building Code (IBC) and its referenced masonry code, TMS 402, include only general design requirements for accommodating differential movement and managing water penetration within veneer. This lack of specificity provides the designer with freedom to use a myriad of modern materials and for manufacturers to continue to push the envelope, no pun intended, for improving and advancing masonry construction. 

However, with new building materials, construction methods, and inexperienced design professionals comes the risk of new problems and repetition of old problems in new ways. As building enclosures become more complicated, it is more important than ever to remember and understand the intended performance of the building enclosure system to avoid omission of critical details and premature failure of the masonry veneer. This presentation will discuss the masonry veneer code requirements and will review the intended system performance related to water management and differential movement. Additionally, we will explore common ways for meeting code intent with modern enclosure materials to achieve long-term durability of masonry veneer construction.

• Review the strengths and weaknesses of nonexplicit code requirements for accommodating differential movement and managing water infiltration.
• Discuss the intent of differential movement requirements and the repercussions of noncompliance.
• Explain the significance of water management requirements and the repercussions of noncompliance.
• Explore methods of designing and constructing to meet differential movement and water management requirements via a case study.

This activity has been approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH. | This session is approved for 1.0 AIA LU/HSW