In a game-changing move, changes have been made to masonry codes to introduce new options for designing and constructing adhered masonry veneers that will have a significant impact on how products are used and installed.

As the industry gears up for changes in codes and standards for adhered masonry veneer, manufacturers are preparing. According to Nick Lang, VP of engineering for masonry at the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, as masonry technology and material manufacturing continue to evolve, the industry’s installation and performance standards are changing with it.

“With these changes in the 2022 version of TMS 402 and 602, which is referenced in the 2024 International Building Code and International Residential Code, local jurisdictions will begin the process to adopt these codes soon, but having information out there ahead of the codes is important for preparedness,” Lang said. “We have task groups working on manufactured stone veneer technical resources, which will be followed by education.”

Until then, here is a breakdown of the updates needed to stay ahead of the curve.

Prescriptive vs. Engineered

There will be two approved approaches for designing masonry veneer walls: prescriptive, which are basic, off-the-shelf standards, and engineered, which are very specific to an engineer or architect’s customized job needs.

• Prescriptive Approach: This is the “do it like this” method, where installations complying with specific conditions are good to go. The big changes here are in the limits and conditions set under TMS 402/602-22. What is discussed below applies to the prescriptive approach.
• Engineered Method: This leaves the approach up to the design engineer, with less control and limits over installation. This innovative path is perfect for unique or challenging applications. It mandates an engineer’s expertise to craft the design. Provided the engineer has done their homework, they may spec what they please.

Prescriptive Approach: More Freedom, Better Results and Key Changes

For the prescriptive approach, several modifications have taken place that actually provide more design freedom for design and architectural pros using masonry. It’s important to know these changes, even though they may not be fully adopted at the state level until 2025. These are the largest impact areas and model codes already in the works:

• Adhered Veneers: Veneers must be manufactured units, such as manufactured stone veneer units.
• Adhered Veneer Maximum Weight: Weight per unit is increasing from 15 pounds per square foot to 30 pounds per square foot. With the permitted unit weight now approved for up to 30 pounds per square foot, this will allow for more flexibility in design.
• Setting Bed Mortar: Use of ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 polymer-modified mortars are now required for enhanced bond strength for adhered veneers.
• Veneer Orientation: Veneers must be installed vertically, aligning with prescriptive detailing requirements.
• Veneer Height: Above grade is limited to 60 feet, striking a balance between design freedom and practicality. This presents an opportunity for architects and adhered veneer manufacturers, providing more wall space for veneer products.
• Deflection: Deflection of backing is limited to ensure sturdiness in the face of wind and seismic loads.
• Assembly Weight: The assembly weight is now the focus for prescriptive design, allowing for adhered veneers with rigid insulation.
• Assembly Thickness: The total assembly thickness is limited to 4 5/8 inches for better performance and design considerations.
• Permitted Unit Area: Single-unit surface areas can’t exceed 5 square feet, and approved installation procedures are now needed for units exceeding 2.5 square feet. This keeps installation quality paramount. Previous requirements on unit length or width have been removed, allowing for more freedom in unit design.

One caveat on wall height that Lang pointed out is that it does depend on the substrate. “Light-frame structural backups would still have longstanding veneer height limitations of 30 feet, and once you exceed that, the system needs to be designed and detailed properly,” he said.

For workers and specifiers, the need for polymer-modified mortars comes with increased weight allowances and wall space. Another caveat, Lang said, is that masonry professionals may also need to enhance fasteners, especially with extensive amounts of continuous insulation. The new prescriptive provisions in the code have expanded fastener tables that take into account veneer weight, cavity width and fastener spacing.

How does Lang anticipate the transition? “Simplifying the standard unit area to a square-footage requirement will make the transition easier and simpler to apply than the current standard,” he said. “In addition, crews familiar with code-compliant installations are in for a smooth transition, with only minor adjustments, like using polymer-modified setting mortars.”

Lang said it’s also likely that existing product certifications will still hold their ground. “It’s important to remember that change can be part of innovation and opportunity,” he said. “As the industry requirements and product technologies evolve, changes in codes and standards are actually allowing more design freedom and better safety to move the industry forward.”