Masonry Magazine September 2010 Page. 32
Masonry Anchoring Systems: Today and Beyond
By Chris Bupp
Today's masonry walls are complex and sophisticated, incorporating an updated set of concepts and materials that, when designed and constructed properly, create sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly masonry wall systems, far surpassing those of the past. Even though substantial changes in the theory and practice of cavity wall construction have occurred, one thing has remained constant: the importance of the anchoring system and its essential role of holding the veneer in place for the life of the structure. Changes in cavity wall construction include the increased use of air and vapor barrier systems, metal stud assemblies, cavity ventilation, oversized veneer units, and the use of rigid insulation instead of batt insulation. All of these changes in how walls are built have significantly impacted how anchoring systems are being used today.
When discussing anchor systems, a current key issue is the relationship between the anchor and the air/vapor barrier. The anchor and barrier material must be able to create a completely airtight connection. Essentially, the air barrier must be able to self-seal openings from penetrations that anchors can cause.
Because of this requirement, self-adhesive sheets and fluid-applied materials have dramatically increased their shares of the current air/vapor barrier market, overtaking the building wraps of the past, due to the inability of building wraps to self-seal and maintain a continuous air/vapor barrier.