When having a cavity is a good thing
/In contemporary construction, brick is not just a building material but rather a component of a highly engineered, elegant wall system. No other facade material comes with such a thoroughly researched and highly effective game plan for its integration into the structure. Often called a “cavity wall” or “drainage wall”, this system incorporates a multi-purpose air space between the outside-facing brick and the structural components of the wall.
So what is this brick wall system effective at accomplishing? The benefits are many, so let’s just take a look at three of them.
Durability and economy. Today’s brick cavity walls typically use a single “wythe” (layer) of brick as the shell around the load bearing components of a structure, instead of multiple thicknesses of brick through-and-through as in old school construction. While the roof is held up by wood or steel studs or concrete masonry units, only the visible facades need the aesthetic finishing touches of brick. This makes brick structures a great value without compromising on durability. To demonstrate, check out this video that simulates wind-blown storm debris hitting structures clad in brick versus other materials.
Beauty and economy. Everyone loves brick from an aesthetic point of view, but many people believe brick’s good looks have to come at a high price. Not so. The brick cavity wall system is material-efficient and flexible. And, when the structural walls are designed with concrete masonry units, a single masonry subcontractor can be used for the entirety of both sides of the building envelope, creating additional efficiencies for design, administration, and construction. Furthermore, the many colors, textures, and sizes of brick allow the designer to produce the desired look while considering options for reducing costs. Larger brick, for example, may reduce material and labor costs.
Water management. Brick may be the most honest building material. The makers of all other materials talk about water penetration “resistance”, but few have integrated a system for managing water when their resistance isn’t enough. Let’s face it, nature will eventually win and water will find its way around or through the facade material. What happens then? If it’s a properly constructed brick cavity wall, the water will roll down the backside of the brick without touching water-sensitive components on the other side of the cavity and be channeled harmlessly out of the wall by flashing and weep holes. That’s why a brick cavity wall is often called a “drainage wall.”
Want to know more about brick wall systems? Stay tuned.
