Custom Anchors and Masonry Accessories
The 2016 version of the Masonry Building Code has been accepted as a part of the 2018 International Building Code. Earlier code modifications have taken place in 2013, 2011, 2008 and 2005 and the next version will not be out until 2022. Below are the current code requirements for masonry anchors. Please be aware that these are the “minimum" requirements for code compliance.
Key Features of the TMS402/602-16 Building Code
Backup walls must be designed to resist water penetration. Water entering the interior is one of the main causes of brick veneer failures. Water will get in the cavity so the proper design of keeping the water from entering the building by waterproofing the backup and getting it out of the air cavity is vital.
Flashing and weep holes must be designed to eliminate the water in the cavity. The code specifies minimum 3/16" i.d. weep tubes spaced less than 33 inches on center. (While this does drain water, it does not ventilate the cavity. In order to get good airflow to dry out the cavity, Heckmann's recommends using a vent-type weep system that is the full height of the brick manufactured from a polyester mesh or a cell-type polypropylene material and spaced no more than 24" apart. Vents should also be installed at the very top course of the wall to allow airflow through the entire cavity for drainage and drying.)
