Expert: Dan Griffin - 8/2/2008

Question
Dan: I am completing a rehab of a 40 x 95 commercial bldg. I want to cover the existing exterior of the bldg with brick; not thin brick, but the real thing. I have a contractor and architect who state that I can do this with the use of angle iron, negating the installation of a foundation for the brick veneer. The local city bldg dept also says it is possible. I would like your opinion on this matter. Again, the bldg is 40 ft wide, 16 ft high, and 95 ft long (single story).

Answer
John, it may not be all the way to normal, but it is certainly done.  Sizing the iron and determining the location and size of anchor bolts should be addressed by a strucutral enigneer.  Do you know the design of the existing footing?  If there is a spread footing below with a stem wall, it may be easier to excavate to expose the "shelf" of the existing spread.  You can lay concrete brick, block, or other cheaper fill masonry below grade.  If you are on a pier and grade beam, especially if it is on carton forms, you do not have this option.  If the grade beam was poured in a trench, the surface will not be smooth and flat and may require some bush hammer work.  I know of one building that has one of its faces bearing 3 stories of brick work on an angle iron lintel side bolted to the footing.  It has been there over 30 years.  Some commercial buildings are designed with lintel bearing multiple times up the vertical heigth, so again, it is not unusual.  

I'm sure you've already looked at the issues of turn backs and sills at doorways and windows as well as roof overhang details. The veneer must be supported and designed to move separately from the exisitng building so make sure you make adequate provisions with the brick reinforcement and its attachment to the building. Make sure you discuss espansion joints with the structural engineer also.  Discuss the need for galvanizing - influenced by location.

You might like to read through some fhe very knowledgeable technical notes at this site:
ESPECIALLY this chapter on adding veneer to an existing building: http://www.gobrick.com/BIA/technotes/TN28A.pdf
http://www.gobrick.com/html/frmset_thnt.htm
http://www.gobrick.com/BIA/technotes/TN31B.pdf
You should be conversant about weep holes, moisture provisions, proper flashing, types of mortar,