Expansion Joints in brick Veneer that is only 4'-0" high

[Berniedog]

Need your help. I am designing a simple wood structure that has a 4'-0" high band of brick veneer. We are in Akron Ohio, so for a 3/8" wide expansion joint the spacing is about 18'-0". THe architect thinks thay are too close together. Are there any special considerations for a short veneer wall? I read the Tech. Notes 18, 18A and 28 on the BIA website. Didn't see anthing.

 

[phamENG]

18' is about right for some of the thermal cracking I've seen in similar aspect ratio masonry walls.

Some options:
- use color matched sealants to try to hid the joint
- reinforce the brick (they make 4" ladder joint reinforcing for block that could be used here, too)
- if you have a CMU backup, use combined ladder joint reinforcing that doubles as brick ties
- if none of these work and the veneer is strictly architectural, don't show anything and tell the contractor to coordinate expansion/contraction joint spacing with the architect and make sure the architect understands and acknowledges that such designs are not in your scope. (This one is a bit of a cop out, and I don't like it, but I'll pass the liability buck off to an obstinate architect if they refuse to allow me to do my job.)

 

[masonrygeek]

The recommendations for expansion joints in short brick veneer are different than control joints in short CMU walls which are related to an aspect ratio. Since brick expands, the height doesn't matter as much when dealing with short walls. I would still be conservative though and put the EJs closer than I would in a taller wall. The BIA rule of thumb for vertical EJs is about 25' with walls without openings so 18' is a bit on the conservative side. Why not 20' as middle ground? As Pham mentioned use a sealant that matches the brick color to hide the joint. Most people will walk past this wall without ever noticing the joints - just architects. You *could* use joint reinforcement in the veneer, but the steel doesn't help with expansion like it does with shrinkage. And I would be a little careful with ladder reinforcement that crosses from the block backing into the brick veneer as it is difficult to build without bending the wire. Just tell the architect to suck it up.