Wood frame structures with attached brick masonry veneer cladding are a common form of residential construction throughout the United States, particularly in central and southeastern regions with moderate seismic and/or high wind activity. Brick veneer cladding is appreciated for its pleasant appearance, excellent thermal performance and its ability to prevent water penetration.  

Residential brick veneer wall systems characteristically consist of brick masonry veneer at the exterior side of the wall which is attached to a wood frame wall. The wood framing and the brick veneer are connected with metal ties which hold the brick veneer out from the wood framing, creating an air cavity between the brick veneer and the wood framing. The cavity between the brick veneer and backup wood frame provides drainage, a thermal barrier and weather resistance. This is known as “simple rain screen” wall construction. No significant structural problems have been reported where brick veneer cladding was capable of supporting its own weight all the way down to the foundation, or where it was supported by properly sized steel lintel angles and/or wood structural components at conventionally sized window and door openings. However, supporting brick veneer cladding above larger openings such as a two-car garage door or large bay and/or patio door represent more difficult conditions.  

In a typical brick veneer wall system, the wood framing is designed to carry all lateral and gravity loads, except for self-weight of the brick masonry. Nonetheless, brick veneer cladding does carry a portion of lateral load due to its higher stiffness than that of the wood backup structure. These lateral loads from exterior masonry walls are transferred through the tie connection, therefore the properties of these connections play a key role in the overall behavior and performance of residential brick veneer wall construction.