Brick Veneer
Question: To Tony, from our conversation while taking our walk on Sunday. What is a brick veneer?
Answer: When the siding to a house is a single layer of brick over the exterior wood sheathing (frame).
Brick is also used as a solid masonry wall which is a structural component of the house. One way to tell if a wall is brick veneer of solid masonry is the pattern of the bricks above the windows and doors. A brick veneer will carry the same pattern over all windows and doors. Structural brick will change patterns above windows and doors to provide for masonry arches or headers. Masonry arches and headers help distribute the weight through to the foundation around openings in the walls.
Another way to tell if the house is brick veneer is the presence of weep holes (small holes that prevent moisture from building up behind the veneer, to protect the wood frame). Weep holes are found near the bottom of the veneer and are spaced about 32-33 inches apart. As part of normal building maintenance it’s important to keep them free of obstructions.
Comments