Masonry (C-29) · Lesson 7 of 8

Anchored Masonry Veneer: Ties, Flashing and Weep Holes

"Anchored Masonry Veneer: Ties, Flashing and Weep Holes" is lesson 7 of 8 in the Masonry (C-29) Learning Hub. It opens with "Where Anchored Veneer Is Allowed" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Where Anchored Veneer Is Allowed
  2. Tie Size, Embedment and Spacing
  3. Extra Ties Around Openings
  4. Airspace and Table R703.8.4(1)
  5. Flashing, Weep Holes and Angle Support

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 6 steps, from "Net veneer area" through "Tie embedment".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Anchored Masonry Veneer: Ties, Flashing and Weep Holes" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Extra Ties Around Openings".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Airspace and Table R703.8.4(1)".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Flashing, Weep Holes and Angle Support".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Anchored Veneer: Ties, Flashing, WeepsWALL SECTION1 in airspace (nominal)veneer 5 in max thicktie: 1 1/2 in embed,5/8 in mortar coverweep hole: 3/16 in min,33 in o.c. maxflashing under first coursestudVENEER TIES, 24 x 9 FT WALLArea 24 x 9 = 216; window 4 x 4 = 16Net veneer area = 200 sq ftTies, standard: 200 / 2.67 = 75Ties, SDC D: 200 / 2.0 = 100Opening ties (over 16 in opening):perimeter 16 ft / 3 ft = 5.3, so 6Weep holes (R703.8.6):288 in / 33 in = 8.7, so 9 holesspacing 288 / 9 = 32 in o.c.75 ties (100 in SDC D) + 6 opening ties + 9 weep holesTie embed 1 1/2 in, 5/8 in cover, flashing under first courseSpacing limits 32 in horizontal x 24 in vertical also apply; the 2.67 sq ft area governsSource: 2025 CRC R703.8, R703.8.4.1, R703.8.4.1.1, R703.8.5, R703.8.6, Table R703.8.4(1)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Where Anchored Veneer Is Allowed

2025 CRC R703.8 limits anchored stone and masonry veneer over wood or cold-formed steel backing to the first story above grade plane and 5 inches in thickness, with two exceptions that allow more height. Table R703.8(1) covers Seismic Design Categories A, B and C: up to 30 feet above a noncombustible foundation, 5 inches thick and 50 pounds per square foot. Table R703.8(2) covers detached one- and two-family dwellings in D0, D1 and D2: generally 20 feet above the foundation, 4 inches thick and 40 psf (3 inches and 30 psf for D2). These are installed weights including mortar, grout and lath. Veneer carries only its own dead load above openings, on noncombustible lintels with at least 4 inches of bearing (R703.8.3).

Step 2: Tie Size, Embedment and Spacing

Ties are corrosion-resistant metal, embedded in mortar or grout and extending into the veneer at least 1 1/2 inches with at least 5/8 inch of mortar or grout cover to the outside face (R703.8.4). Strand wire ties are not less than No. 9 U.S. gage (0.148 inch) with a hook embedded in the mortar joint; sheet metal ties are not less than No. 22 gage by 7/8 inch corrugated (R703.8.4.1). Each tie supports not more than 2.67 square feet of wall area and is spaced at most 32 inches on center horizontally and 24 inches vertically. In Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2, on townhouses in category C, or where wind exceeds 30 psf, each tie supports not more than 2 square feet. Because 32 x 24 inches is 5.33 square feet, the area limit is what really controls the layout.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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