Brick Masonry

Rev 1 · Updated Jun 13, 2026 · View history

1 Scope

1.1This standard covers the specification, selection, and installation of clay and shale brick masonry units and their accessory materials for structural and architectural applications.
NOTE Covered unit types are solid facing brick (ASTM C216), building brick (ASTM C62), hollow brick (ASTM C652), thin veneer brick (ASTM C1088), and flat wall brick (ASTM C1405). (1.1.1)
NOTE Covered assemblies include single-wythe anchored veneer, cavity walls with a brick veneer over a separate backup, multi-wythe solid masonry, and reinforced hollow brick walls. (1.1.2)
NOTE Covered accessory materials are wall ties, joint reinforcement, base and through-wall flashing, weeps, and sealant at expansion and control joints. (1.1.3)
NOTE This standard supports both empirical design and engineered (allowable-stress or strength) design in accordance with TMS 402. (1.1.4)
NOTE The following are outside the scope of this standard; each is governed by the standard or discipline named for it. (1.2)
  • Mortar and grout mix proportioning, compressive strength, and quality requirements — use Masonry Mortar And Grout; this standard cites the mortar TYPE selection only
  • Concrete masonry units (CMU block) — use Concrete Masonry Units
  • Veneer anchor and tie hardware design, embedment, and spacing — use Masonry Anchorage And Veneer; this standard cites maximum spacing only for coordination
  • Post-installed mechanical and adhesive anchors set into cured brick masonry — use Post Installed Anchors
  • Assemblies that combine CMU and brick in a single specified system — use Unit Masonry; reference this standard from there for brick-unit selection
  • Stone masonry (limestone, granite, cast stone) — not addressed by this standard
  • Manufactured thin-brick tile installed as an adhered finish by tile-setting methods — a tile-setting finish system, not covered here

2 Referenced Standards

2.1Brick units, accessories, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited.
2.2Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
NOTE The Brick Industry Association (BIA) Technical Notes on Brick Construction are authoritative supplementary design guidance and are referenced for selection, expansion-joint, and veneer-detailing recommendations rather than as mandatory code. (2.2.1)
Standard Title
ASTM C62 Building Brick (Solid Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale)
ASTM C216 Facing Brick (Solid Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale)
ASTM C652 Hollow Brick (Hollow Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale)
ASTM C1088 Thin Veneer Brick Units Made from Clay or Shale
ASTM C1405 Glazed Brick (Single-Fired Solid Brick Units) and Flat Wall Brick
ASTM C67 Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
ASTM C270 Mortar for Unit Masonry
TMS 402 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures
TMS 602 Specification for Masonry Structures
IBC International Building Code (Chapter 21, Masonry)
BIA Technical Notes Technical Notes on Brick Construction (TN 9B, 11, 11B, 17A, 18A, 28B)

3 Submittals

3.1 Action Submittals

3.1.1The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review before fabrication or delivery of brick units:
  • Product data for each brick unit type, including ASTM designation, grade, type, nominal and actual dimensions, and physical-property test data
  • Product data for ties, joint reinforcement, flashing, weeps, and expansion-joint materials
  • Shop drawings showing coursing, bond pattern, expansion- and control-joint locations, and special shapes
  • Samples of each brick unit showing the full color and texture range
  • Mortar joint-profile samples for each exposed condition
  • A pre-construction sample panel mockup for approval of color, texture, joint profile, and workmanship
Action Submittalscheckbox
Brick unit product data (grade, type, dimensions, properties)
Accessory product data (ties, reinforcement, flashing, weeps)
Coursing and joint-layout shop drawings
Full-range brick unit samples
Mortar joint-profile samples
Pre-construction sample panel mockup

3.2 Informational Submittals

3.2.1The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals:
  • Manufacturer certificates of compliance with the specified ASTM unit standard, grade, and type
  • ASTM C67 test reports for compressive strength, 5-hour boiling absorption, saturation coefficient, and initial rate of absorption (IRA)
  • Qualification data for the masonry contractor and field supervisor
  • Special-inspection program and qualifications where engineered masonry is specified
Informational Submittalscheckbox
Manufacturer certificates of compliance
ASTM C67 unit test reports
Masonry contractor and supervisor qualifications
Special-inspection program and inspector qualifications

3.3 Closeout Submittals

3.3.1The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals:
  • Cleaning and water-repellent product data with manufacturer maintenance instructions
  • Record documentation of the approved sample panel disposition
Closeout Submittalscheckbox
Cleaning and water-repellent maintenance data
Sample panel disposition record

4 Quality Assurance

4.1 Source and Qualifications

NOTE Brick units of a single type shall be obtained from a single manufacturer and, for exposed work, from a single production run to the extent available. (4.1.1)
4.1.2Brick units of a single type shall be obtained from one manufacturer for the entire Project.
4.1.3Exposed face brick shall be furnished from a single production run, or from blended runs in proportions established by the approved sample panel.
4.1.4The masonry contractor shall have completed at least three projects of comparable scope and exposure within the preceding five years.
NOTE Sourcing exposed brick from multiple production runs without an approved blend ratio is the leading cause of visible color banding on completed walls. (4.1.5)

4.2 Sample Panel

NOTE The sample panel is the project standard for color, texture, joint profile, tooling, and workmanship; all subsequent masonry is judged against it. (4.2.1)
4.2.2The Contractor shall construct a pre-construction sample panel not less than 4 ft long by 4 ft high using the specified units, mortar, joint profile, and bond pattern.
4.2.3The sample panel shall be reviewed and approved by the Architect before masonry work proceeds.
4.2.4The approved sample panel shall remain undisturbed and protected at the site until masonry work is accepted.
Sample panel minimum dimensionsselect
4 ft x 4 ft (BIA TN 11B minimum)
6 ft x 6 ft (large-format or multi-color blends)
8 ft long full-height story panel

4.3 Special Inspection

NOTE Special inspection requirements scale with the design method: engineered masonry requires a more rigorous quality-assurance program than empirical veneer. (4.3.1)
4.3.2Engineered masonry shall be provided with continuous or periodic special inspection in accordance with the TMS 602 quality-assurance program required by IBC Chapter 17.
4.3.3Empirically designed anchored veneer shall be provided with periodic inspection in accordance with the applicable TMS 602 quality-assurance level.
NOTE The special-inspection program shall be identified in the Contract Documents and in the owner-architect agreement so that the inspection scope is not left as a gap. (4.3.4)
Masonry quality-assurance level (TMS 602)radio
Level B (periodic) - empirical anchored veneer
Level B (periodic) - non-essential engineered masonry
Level C (continuous) - engineered masonry, non-essential facility
Level C (continuous) - essential facility or seismic SDC D/E/F

5 Environmental and Service Conditions

5.1 Weathering Exposure

NOTE The weathering grade of a brick unit is governed by the freeze-thaw severity of the project location as mapped by the ASTM C62/C216 weathering index. (5.1.1)
5.1.2Grade SW (severe weathering) shall be specified where brick is exposed to freezing while saturated, including most of the northern United States and any below-grade or near-grade exposure.
5.1.3Grade MW (moderate weathering) may be specified only for vertical above-grade exposures in moderate-weathering regions where saturated freezing is unlikely.
5.1.4Grade NW (negligible weathering) shall be limited to interior or fully protected applications not exposed to weather.
NOTE Specifying Grade MW (or NW) in a severe-weathering climate is a recurring error that produces face spalling within five to ten years; when in doubt, specify Grade SW. (5.1.5)
Weathering grade (ASTM C62 / C216)radio
Grade SW - severe weathering (exterior, freeze-thaw, below/near grade)
Grade MW - moderate weathering (vertical above-grade, mild climate)
Grade NW - negligible weathering (interior or fully protected only)

5.2 Thermal Movement

NOTE Clay brick expands irreversibly over its service life (moisture expansion) in addition to reversible thermal movement, so brick masonry requires expansion joints rather than control joints. (5.2.1)
NOTE Brick masonry expands; concrete masonry shrinks. The two movements are opposite in sign, and joint type and placement shall not be interchanged between brick and CMU. (5.2.2)
5.2.3Vertical expansion joints shall be provided in exterior brick veneer at a spacing not exceeding 25 ft, reduced to not more than 20 ft for dark-color units in high-solar exposures.
5.2.4A horizontal expansion joint shall be provided beneath each shelf angle and at each floor line in multi-story veneer.
5.2.5Expansion joints shall be provided at external and internal corners, at offsets, at pilasters, and at wall intersections to relieve restrained movement.
NOTE Omitting expansion joints at returns, pilasters, and intersections is the classic cause of stair-step cracking at corners; joints must be coordinated between the structural and architectural drawings and this specification. (5.2.6)
Vertical expansion-joint spacing (exterior veneer)range
ft
1025
Default: 25 ft

6 Brick Unit Selection

6.1 Unit Standard and Type

NOTE Selection begins with the governing ASTM unit standard, which is determined by the unit's role (exposed face, concealed backup, hollow reinforced cell, or adhered thin veneer) and its solidity. (6.1.1)
6.1.2Exposed exterior and interior face brick shall conform to ASTM C216.
6.1.3Concealed building or backup brick not exposed as a finished face shall conform to ASTM C62.
6.1.4Hollow brick with a net bedded area less than 75 percent of the gross area shall conform to ASTM C652.
6.1.5Thin veneer brick less than 1-5/8 in. thick for adhered applications shall conform to ASTM C1088.
NOTE ASTM C216 face brick is furnished in three appearance types: FBS for standard general use, FBX for tight dimensional tolerances and uniform appearance, and FBA for a deliberately non-uniform architectural effect. (6.1.6)
6.1.7Face brick type shall be FBS for standard commercial work unless the design requires the tighter tolerances of FBX or the architectural irregularity of FBA.
Brick unit standard and roleradio
ASTM C216 facing brick - exposed exterior/interior face
ASTM C62 building brick - concealed backup/structural
ASTM C652 hollow brick - reinforced grouted-cell wall
ASTM C1088 thin veneer brick - adhered veneer
Facing brick appearance type (ASTM C216)radio
Type FBS - standard general use (default commercial)
Type FBX - tight tolerances, uniform appearance
Type FBA - non-uniform architectural effect

6.2 Unit Size and Coursing

NOTE Brick size determines coursing layout, the number of mortar joints per unit area, and the bond pattern; the nominal size includes the mortar joint while the actual unit is 3/8 in. smaller on each plan dimension. (6.2.1)
NOTE Drawing dimensions shall be coordinated against the ACTUAL unit dimensions at openings, floors, and corners; nominal dimensions include the mortar joint and shall not be used directly for coursing. (6.2.2)
NOTE Modular brick (4 in. by 2-2/3 in. by 8 in. nominal) is the default unit for United States commercial construction and is stock at all major manufacturers. (6.2.3)
6.2.4The specified unit size shall match the coursing shown on the architectural drawings and the approved sample panel.
Nominal brick size / coursing unitselect
Modular (4 x 2-2/3 x 8 nominal) - default
Norman (4 x 2-2/3 x 12 nominal)
Utility / Jumbo (4 x 4 x 12 nominal)
King (actual 2-3/4 x 2-5/8 x 9-5/8)
Queen (actual 2-3/4 x 2-3/4 x 7-5/8)
Roman (4 x 2 x 12 nominal)
Oversize / custom (special order, confirm lead time)

6.3 Color, Texture, and Finish

NOTE Color and texture are selected from the manufacturer's range and confirmed by the approved sample panel; the specification controls the blend tolerance, not a single fired color. (6.3.1)
6.3.2Where a color blend of units from different production runs is specified, the blend proportions and acceptable variation shall be established and locked by the approved sample panel.
NOTE Omitting color-range panel submittal requirements produces the single most common masonry RFI and punch-list dispute; the approved panel governs all color and blend judgments. (6.3.3)
NOTE Handmade or hand-molded Type FBA brick and other specialty units require 8 to 16 week lead times and shall be flagged in the procurement schedule so delivery does not delay enclosure. (6.3.4)
Surface texture / finishselect
Smooth / die-skin
Wire-cut
Sand-faced
Velour
Tumbled / distressed
Handmade / molded (Type FBA, extended lead time)
Color blend tolerance (units from differing runs)range
%
030
Default: 15 %

7 Physical Properties

7.1 Compressive Strength

NOTE Minimum compressive strength is set by the weathering grade under ASTM C67 testing; typical commercial production brick greatly exceeds the grade minimum. (7.1.1)
7.1.2Grade SW units shall have an average compressive strength of not less than 3,000 psi and an individual minimum of not less than 2,500 psi.
7.1.3Grade MW units shall have an average compressive strength of not less than 2,500 psi and an individual minimum of not less than 2,200 psi.
7.1.4Grade NW units shall have an average compressive strength of not less than 1,500 psi and an individual minimum of not less than 1,250 psi.
NOTE Typical fired production brick averages 8,000 psi to 12,000 psi in compression, well above the grade minimums; strength is rarely the governing selection criterion for veneer. (7.1.5)
Minimum average compressive strength (ASTM C67)range
psi
150012000
Default: 3000 psi

7.2 Absorption and Durability

NOTE Water absorption and the saturation coefficient measured by ASTM C67 5-hour boiling are the durability indicators; they bound how much water a unit absorbs and how completely its pores fill. (7.2.1)
7.2.2Grade SW units shall have a maximum 5-hour boiling absorption of 17.0 percent average and 20.0 percent individual.
7.2.3Grade MW units shall have a maximum 5-hour boiling absorption of 22.0 percent average and 25.0 percent individual.
7.2.4Grade SW units shall have a maximum saturation coefficient of 0.78 average and 0.80 individual.
7.2.5Grade MW units shall have a maximum saturation coefficient of 0.88 average and 0.90 individual.
NOTE The initial rate of absorption (IRA, suction) governs mortar bond: units with high suction pull water from the mortar and weaken the bond. (7.2.6)
7.2.7Where the unit IRA exceeds 30 g/min per 30 in.² in hot or dry conditions, the units shall be wetted before laying and allowed to surface-dry so the bedding surface is damp but not wet.
NOTE Low-absorption Grade SW units generally do not require pre-wetting; failing to pre-wet high-suction units, however, is a frequent cause of weak, leaky bed joints. (7.2.8)
Maximum 5-hour boiling absorption (ASTM C67, average)range
%
822
Default: 17 %
Pre-wetting required (IRA > 30 g/min/30 in.²)radio
Not required (low-suction SW units, mild conditions)
Required - wet and surface-dry before laying (high IRA / hot-dry)

7.3 Dimensional Tolerance

NOTE Permissible dimensional variation is set by the ASTM C216 appearance type; FBS is the standard commercial allowance and FBX is the tight tolerance. (7.3.1)
7.3.2Type FBS units shall meet the standard dimensional tolerance of approximately ±3/32 in. for unit faces up to 8 in.
7.3.3Type FBX units shall meet the tighter dimensional tolerance of approximately ±1/16 in. for unit faces up to 8 in.
Dimensional tolerance class (ASTM C216)radio
Type FBS - standard (approx ±3/32 in.)
Type FBX - tight (approx ±1/16 in.)

8 Wall Assembly and Mortar

8.1 Assembly Type

NOTE The wall assembly determines the structural behavior, the drainage strategy, and the coordination needed with backup, ties, reinforcement, and flashing. (8.1.1)
8.1.2Anchored brick veneer over a separate backup is a drained cavity wall: the veneer carries no gravity load from the structure and water that penetrates the veneer is collected on flashing and drained out at weeps.
8.1.3Reinforced hollow brick walls shall have their cells, reinforcement, and grout detailed and coordinated with TMS 602; calling out hollow brick without detailing the grout and reinforcement leaves a structural gap.
8.1.4Multi-wythe solid masonry shall have the wythes bonded by masonry headers or metal ties as required by TMS 402 for the design method used.
Wall assembly typeradio
Anchored brick veneer over drained cavity (default)
Single-wythe structural brick
Multi-wythe solid masonry
Reinforced hollow brick (grouted cells)
Reinforcement approachradio
Unreinforced (empirical design, SDC A/B)
Reinforced grouted cells (engineered, seismic or structural)

8.2 Mortar Type and Joints

NOTE Mortar type selection balances bond strength against the durability of the joint; this standard selects the TYPE only, and the mix design is governed by Masonry Mortar And Grout. (8.2.1)
8.2.2Above-grade exterior brick veneer shall be set in ASTM C270 Type S mortar unless project conditions permit Type N; Type S is the default for durable, weather-resisting joints.
8.2.3Brick at or below grade, in high-wind exposures, and in foundation walls shall be set in Type S mortar.
NOTE Specifying Type N mortar throughout an exterior wall saves no meaningful cost over Type S and creates a durability liability in demanding exposures; default to Type S. (8.2.4)
8.2.5Bed and head joints shall be 3/8 in. nominal thickness and shall not exceed 1/2 in. or vary more than ±1/8 in. from the specified thickness.
8.2.6Exposed exterior joints shall be tooled to a concave profile for maximum water resistance unless an alternate profile is shown and approved.
NOTE Raked and flush joints shed water poorly and increase efflorescence risk; the concave tooled joint is the default for any weather-exposed wall. (8.2.7)
Mortar type (ASTM C270; mix design per masonry-mortar-and-grout)radio
Type S - exterior above grade (default), below/near grade, high wind
Type N - protected above-grade veneer, mild exposure
Type M - severe below-grade or load-bearing only
Mortar joint thickness (nominal)range
in
0.250.5
Default: 0.375 in
Exposed joint profileselect
Concave (tooled) - default, best water resistance
V-joint - good water resistance
Weathered - moderate water resistance
Flush - poor water resistance, interior/protected
Raked - poor water resistance, accent only

9 Ties, Reinforcement, and Movement

9.1 Wall Ties and Anchors

NOTE Anchored veneer is connected to its backup by ties or adjustable anchors; the hardware design, embedment, and corrosion class are governed by Masonry Anchorage And Veneer and only the maximum spacing is stated here for coordination. (9.1.1)
9.1.2Ties and anchors shall be spaced at not more than 16 in. vertically by 24 in. horizontally.
9.1.3Ties and anchors shall provide not less than one anchor per the supported wall area required by TMS 402 §12.
9.1.4Additional ties shall be provided around openings and at expansion joints as required by Masonry Anchorage And Veneer.
Maximum tie/anchor spacing (TMS 402 §12; hardware per masonry-anchorage-and-veneer)select
16 in. vertical x 24 in. horizontal (code maximum)
16 in. vertical x 16 in. horizontal (high wind / seismic)
Per drawings — structural drawings

9.2 Joint Reinforcement

NOTE Horizontal joint reinforcement controls shrinkage and distributes movement in the bed joints; its use and spacing depend on the assembly and the design method. (9.2.1)
9.2.2Where horizontal joint reinforcement is required, it shall be installed continuous in the bed joints at the spacing shown, lapped at splices, and discontinuous across expansion joints.
Horizontal joint reinforcement spacingselect
16 in. o.c. vertical
24 in. o.c. vertical
Not required (anchored veneer, ties only)
Per drawings — structural drawings

9.3 Shelf Angles

NOTE Shelf angles transfer veneer weight to the structure at floor lines; their deflection must be limited so the supported brick is not overstressed and the soft joint below is not closed. (9.3.1)
9.3.2Shelf angles supporting brick masonry shall be designed to a deflection limit of L/600 under the supported load in accordance with TMS 402.
9.3.3A horizontal expansion (soft) joint shall be provided immediately beneath each shelf angle and shall remain open and sealed, never mortared solid.
Shelf-angle deflection limitradio
L/600 (TMS 402 masonry support)
L/480 (minimum practice)
Per structural engineer of record

10 Flashing, Weeps, and Moisture Control

10.1 Through-Wall and Base Flashing

NOTE Flashing collects water that penetrates the veneer and directs it back to the exterior; it is required at the base of the wall, at shelf angles, and over and under all openings. (10.1.1)
10.1.2Through-wall flashing shall be installed continuous at the base of the wall, at each shelf angle, and at heads and sills of openings, and shall be lapped and sealed at all end laps and corners.
10.1.3Flashing shall extend through the face of the veneer and turn down to form a drip projecting not less than 1/2 in. beyond the brick face.
NOTE Flashing shall terminate at the backup with a sealed termination bar; failure to seal the shelf-angle flashing termination is the most common moisture source in multi-story brick cavity walls. (10.1.4)
Flashing materialselect
Stainless steel (Type 304)
Copper (cold-rolled)
Copper composite / fabric-laminated
Flexible thermoplastic / TPO membrane
Rubberized-asphalt (self-adhered) - protected only
Flashing drip projection beyond brick facerange
in
0.51
Default: 0.5 in

10.2 Weeps

NOTE Weeps drain the cavity at every line of flashing; without them, collected water has no exit and saturates the wall. (10.2.1)
10.2.2Weep holes shall be provided immediately above all through-wall flashing at a spacing not exceeding 24 in. on center.
10.2.3Weeps shall be open head joints, rope wicks, or manufactured weep vents, and shall be kept clear of mortar droppings.
Weep typeradio
Open head joint (with insect screen / vent)
Manufactured weep vent
Rope wick
Weep spacing (maximum)range
in
1624
Default: 24 in

10.3 Expansion-Joint Sealant and Efflorescence

NOTE Expansion joints are sealed to keep water out while still permitting the brick to move; the filler must be compressible and the sealant must accommodate the joint movement. (10.3.1)
10.3.2Vertical and horizontal expansion joints shall be filled with closed-cell backer rod and sealed with a polyurethane sealant, or shall use a preformed compressible filler.
10.3.3Expansion joints shall never be filled with mortar.
10.3.4Efflorescence (soluble-salt staining) shall be controlled by using low-soluble-salt units, integral water-repellent mortar where specified, and keeping masonry covered and dry during construction.
Expansion-joint filler and sealantradio
Backer rod + polyurethane sealant (default)
Preformed compressible foam filler + sealant
Preformed neoprene/rubber joint profile
Efflorescence-control measurescheckbox
Low-soluble-salt units (verified by manufacturer)
Integral water-repellent mortar admixture
Cover and protect masonry during construction
Post-construction breathable water-repellent treatment

11 Testing

11.1The Contractor shall perform the following tests and submit the results before and during construction as applicable.
11.1.1Brick units shall be sampled and tested in accordance with ASTM C67 for compressive strength, 5-hour boiling absorption, saturation coefficient, and, where pre-wetting is in question, initial rate of absorption.
11.1.2Where engineered design requires a verified assembly strength, masonry prisms shall be tested in accordance with TMS 602 by the unit-strength method or the prism-test method as specified.
11.1.3Field test specimens and the masonry quality-assurance level shall be coordinated with the special-inspection program required by IBC Chapter 17.
Unit testing scope (ASTM C67)checkbox
Compressive strength
5-hour boiling absorption
Saturation coefficient
Initial rate of absorption (IRA)
Assembly compressive-strength verification (TMS 602)radio
Unit-strength method (tabulated f'm)
Prism-test method (cast and tested prisms)
Not required (empirical veneer)

12 Installation

12.1 Workmanship

NOTE Brick shall be laid in the specified bond pattern, plumb and true to line, with full and solid bed and head joints and no furrowed or unfilled joints in exterior work. (12.1.1)
12.1.2Brick shall be laid with full head and bed joints; exterior bed joints shall not be furrowed in a manner that leaves voids.
12.1.3Units shall be laid plumb, level, and true to line, with courses gauged to maintain uniform joint thickness.
12.1.4Brick shall not be wetted at the time of laying except where pre-wetting of high-IRA units is required; saturated-surface-dry is the target condition.
12.1.5Brick masonry shall not be laid when the ambient temperature is below 40 °F or above 100 °F unless cold-weather or hot-weather construction procedures conforming to TMS 602 are implemented.
Bond patternselect
Running bond (default)
Common (American) bond
Flemish bond
English bond
Stack bond (requires added joint reinforcement)
Per drawings — architectural drawings

12.2 Cold- and Hot-Weather Procedures

NOTE Temperature extremes change how mortar gains strength: cold weather slows hydration and risks freezing, while hot, dry, windy weather flash-sets mortar and weakens the bond. (12.2.1)
12.2.2When the ambient temperature is below 40 °F, cold-weather construction provisions of TMS 602 shall be implemented, including heating materials and protecting completed work.
12.2.3When the ambient temperature exceeds 100 °F, or exceeds 90 °F with wind, hot-weather construction provisions of TMS 602 shall be implemented, including shading materials and reducing the spread of mortar ahead of laying.
Anticipated weather-protection regimeradio
Normal (40 °F to 100 °F)
Cold-weather procedures (< 40 °F)
Hot-weather procedures (> 100 °F, or > 90 °F with wind)

12.3 Cleaning and Protection

NOTE Newly laid masonry is protected from rain, freezing, and staining until cured, then cleaned with the gentlest method that removes mortar smears without etching the units. (12.3.1)
12.3.2The tops of unfinished walls shall be covered with a weather-resistant membrane at the end of each work day and whenever rain is imminent.
12.3.3Completed masonry shall be cleaned with the method approved on the sample panel, using low-pressure water and a masonry cleaner appropriate to the unit; acid cleaners shall not be used on units the manufacturer prohibits.
12.3.4Cleaning and water-repellent products shall be tested on the approved sample panel before application to the wall.
Cleaning methodradio
Low-pressure water + proprietary masonry cleaner (default)
Bucket-and-brush with masonry detergent
Diluted acid cleaner (only where manufacturer permits)
Post-construction water-repellent treatmentradio
None
Breathable silane/siloxane water repellent

13 Delivery, Storage, and Handling

13.1Brick units and accessory materials shall be delivered, stored, and handled to prevent damage, contamination, and saturation.
13.1.1Brick shall be delivered to the site banded or cubed and shall be handled to prevent chipping and breakage.
13.1.2Brick shall be stored above grade on pallets and covered with a weather-resistant membrane to keep units clean and dry before laying.
13.1.3Flashing, ties, joint reinforcement, and sealant materials shall be stored under cover and protected from corrosion, deformation, and ultraviolet degradation.

14 Warranty

14.1The Contractor shall provide a written warranty against defects in brick masonry materials and workmanship for the period specified below.
14.1.1The Contractor shall warrant the masonry against spalling, cracking attributable to defective work, and water penetration resulting from defective workmanship.
14.1.2Manufacturer warranties for water-repellent treatments and sealants shall be provided in addition to the Contractor's workmanship warranty.
Workmanship warranty periodselect
1 year
2 years
5 years

15 Spare Materials

15.1The Contractor shall deliver clean, undamaged spare brick units for the Owner's future repair use.
15.1.1Spare brick units of each type and color shall be delivered to the Owner in the quantity specified, palletized and labeled by type, color, and production run.
Spare brick quantity (per type/color)select
1% of installed units
2% of installed units
100 units minimum

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