Presented By

Dr. Mark D. Hagel, PhD., P.Eng

Executive Director at the Alberta Masonry
Council

The majority of the details discussed in this
presentation were developed by Dr. Michael
Hatzanikolas, PhD., P.Eng, president of FERO
engineered masonry connectors and accessories.

Rainscreen Masonry Veneer

Wall Cavity containing :
1. Air gap - Minimum 25 mm (1”)
2. Air Barrier / WRB
3. Drainage plane
4. Insulation (depending on design)
5. Metal ties (brick ties) for anchored veneer

Backup (Structural) wall

Concrete Block Back-up Wall

Concrete Back-up Wall

Steel Stud Back-up Wall

Wood Stud Back-up Wall

Brick (Clay/shale, Concrete, Calcium Silicate)

Architectural Block

Full Bed Stone (Manufactured or Natural)

Adhered Stone (Manufactured or Natural)

Anchored Stone (Natural thin stone plates)


Brick Veneer Concrete Block Back-up (BVCU)

Brick Veneer Steel Stud Back-up (BVSS)

Brick Veneer Wood Stud Back-up (BVWS)

Stone Veneer Wood Stud Back-up (SVWS) –
Adhered natural or manufactured stone with
drainage mat)

Air gap (minimum 25 mm (1”) on single family
residential and 50 mm (2”) on multi-storey
buildings)

Weep holes and Vents at 600 mm to 800 mm
(24” to 32”) o.c.

Veneer ties at 400 (16”) o.c. horizontally and 600
mm (24”) o.c. vertical or as per CSA-A370

Movement Joints

Shelf Angles

Placed at the bottom of the wall or at the course
resting on shelf angle.

Allow drainage out of vented cavity via through
wall flashing or weep screed.

Typically an open head joint spaced

600 – 800 mm (24” -32”) o.c.

There are products to insert in head joint to prevent
clogging and insects from entering the wall cavity
Vent Hole products

Placed at the top of the wall (wall / floor
intersections)

Typically an open head joint spaced at 600 to 800
mm (24” -32”) o.c.

Allows for venting of the cavity which increases
drying in cavity and materials in cavity
(insulation, ties, etc.).
BVCU – Cross Section
BVCU – Cross Section 3D
BVCU – Mid-Wall (Floor) Detail
BVCU – Roof parapet detail
BVSS – Cross Section
BVSS – Cross Section 3D
BVSS – Wall Details 3D
BVWS – Cross Section
BVWS – Cross Section 3D
BVWS – Mid-wall (Floor) detail
Drained Adhered Stone – Wall cross section

Allow for movement to prevent introduction of
unintended stresses

Prevent deformation interference from loading

Between different materials (dimension changes of
elements due to thermal movement, and moisture
movement differences)

At changes in rigidity of a wall (at openings,
corners, wall intersections, etc.)

Clay brick initially expand due to moisture
absorption.

Concrete and Concrete block initially shrink due to
moisture loss.

Wood shrinks or swells depending on the moisture
exposure.

Steel and aluminum have a higher coefficient of
thermal expansion (steel columns, studs, etc. will
move more with temperature than masonry,
concrete or wood claddings) so we need to separate
these materials

Also can put in control joints to govern where
cracks will form (stucco, EIFS, concrete sidewalks).

Also can put in control joints to govern where
cracks will form (stucco, EIFS, concrete sidewalks).

Crack propagation releases stress
Vertical Movement Joints in a Load-bearing Block Wall
Vertical Movement Joint in Block Wall and Veneer - Detail
Vertical Movement Joints in the Wall and Veneer
Drained EIFS Weep Screed
EIFS on block walls – Directly Applied
Drained EIFS on block walls – Mechanically fastened
Drained adhered stone on block walls

At Foundation Mid wall


The majority of the details outlined in this
presentation are consistent with the PERSIST
Method

It can be used on Wood Stud, Steel Stud,
Concrete block, or concrete backup walls

PERSIST was first developed in the early 1960s
by the National Research Council of Canada - an
acronym for Pressure-Equalized Rain-Screen
Insulated Structure Technique.

A superior form of building envelope design
and construction for cold climates (actually hot
climates too) by installing both the air/vapour
barrier and insulation exterior to the structural
framing.

The exterior air/vapour envelope is:
1. more easily installed as a continuous system
2. Insulation on the exterior provides for less thermal
bridging, alleviates water vapour being trapped in
the insulation by
3. Vented cavity allows moisture to dry.
Typical Wall Cross-Section in commercial walls
• 4” Brick
• 1” Air gap
• 3” XPS Insulation
• 8” Concrete Block
• ½” Interior gypsum
• On concrete foundation

The dew point falls on the exterior of the
building within the vented air space and
insulation.

Insulation condensation can drain and dry with
venting.

If condensation does occur it absorbed by the
masonry without mould or rot.
stucco clad
wall (THERM
6.3.2)

• ¾” Stucco
• 2.5 lb./yd2 self furring metal lath
• ½“ Plywood sheathing
• 5- ½“ Batt. Insulation
• ½” Interior gypsum
• On concrete foundation
stucco clad
wall (THERM
6.3.2)

The dewpoint falls within the stud cavity.

Insulation between the studs means
condensation can occur and be trapped by the
insulation.

It demonstrates that on wood stud stucco clad
structures, condensation will form in the stud
cavity if warm moist air can breach the vapour
barrier.

Typically 6mil polyethylene sheet is used for
the vapour barrier

With a vapour barrier that is interior to the
structure, it is difficult to seal around the
beams, floor joists and services)

Also 6mil polyethylene sheet is not self-healing
and numerous penetrations by fasteners and
services it is almost guaranteed vapour is in the
stud wall

Masonry is recyclable.

Masonry often uses recycled material in its
manufacture (fly ash).

Maintains Air Indoor Air Quality

Is LEED applicable

Indoor Air Quality:

No off-gassing, toxicity or VOC's.

Masonry does not support mould growth

EA1 - Optimize Energy

Thermal Mass in masonry walls moderates
temperatures to reduce energy consumption and
HVAC system size.

MR1 – Building Reuse

Historic masonry building durability allows for
reuse and renewal.

MR2 – Construction Waste Management

Modularity minimizes waste.

Demolition & construction waste can be crushed &
recycled.

MR3 – Resource Reuse (salvage)

Existing brick can be reused.

MR5 - Local/Regional Materials

Brick and block are usually available within 800
km

MR4 – Recycled Content

Cement replacement with fly ash and slag in
concrete products

Recycled materials can replace aggregates in
brick & block

MR8 - Durable Building

Masonry is a proven material for durability

Website: https:/albertamasonrycouncil.ca

Sample specifications and typical architectural
details available on the website including 3D
sketch-up cross sections.