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By Stuart Thurston – 1 August 2008, Build 107
Brick veneer is currently popular, being used in about 44% of new houses. Historically, brick veneer houses have not performed well in earthquakes but after recent building changes, how do the modern houses stand up?
By John O’Donnell – 1 February 2006, Build 92
NZS 3604 and NZBC E2/AS1 offer limited details for windows in brick veneer but BRANZ has a number of recommendations.
By Trevor Pringle – 1 October 2008, Build 108
Brick veneer cavities have an important weathertightness function. Getting the detailing and construction of veneer claddings right is necessary to allow the water present to drain and dry.
By John Oliver – 1 June 2009, Build 112
The structural integrity of brick veneer depends on the strength of the mortar binding the bricks together. Care is needed to ensure the mortar cures correctly, especially in hot dry weather.
By Trevor Pringle – 1 December 2016, Build 157
It can be tricky to construct thermally efficient concrete slabs as the footprint gets more complicated. Here are a few points to consider.
By Martin Connell – 1 August 2021, Build 185
Brick gable-ended roofs should be diagonally braced to prevent out-of-plane movement in an earthquake. It could make the difference between a home that remains liveable and one that does not.
By Ann Galloway – 1 June 2017, Build 160
House designs with brick veneer cladding at the bottom and weatherboards above present a design challenge. Here we have some details that allow ventilation and drainage from the upper cladding while preventing additional moisture entering from the brick cavity and maintaining ventilation of the veneer cavity.
By Anna Smith – 1 December 2006, Build 97
There seems to be some confusion about where and when to use a shelf angle or a veneer lintel with brick veneer. The two perform different functions and cannot be substituted for each other.
By Stuart Thurston – 1 October 2009, Build 114, Feature article
BRANZ earthquake simulations on 2-storey brick veneer have found it performed well, and BRANZ recommends that some of these building do not need specific design.
By Trevor Pringle – 1 August 2016, Build 155
The back of brick veneer will get wet when it rains. That’s why it’s important to design in elements such as vents and open prepends, install the veneer following the correct practices and adhere to certain tolerances.
