Stone Masonry Veneer

[RICHARD TAN]

Hi Jerry,

Stone Masonry Veneer

Stone Masonry Veneer cladding is install below grade noted.
no drainage plane.

This is a comment from the builder. Simulated Masonry Veneer

This project has a simulated stone veneer; which is considered to be Adhered Manufactured
Stone Masonry Veneer. There is not currently a standard relating to this product. A new
committee has been formed to formulate a standard. :
http://www.astmnewsroom.org/default.aspx?pageid=1066
(See attached EX3)
It has been considered from this Industry for the product to fall under ASTM C 926 &
C1063. Requirements for installation to follow manufacture recommendations’. Installations
of the simulated stone veneer from River Valley Stone Products; was installed from an
approved company on this project. Requirements for FBCR R703.7 does not apply being
product & attachment is not addressed in this section. When product is not addressed
directly in the code or a referenced standard it is left up to manufacture specifications per:
SECTION R703
EXTERIOR COVERING
R703.1 General. Exterior walls shall provide the building with
a weather-resistant exterior wall envelope. The exterior wall
envelope shall include flashing as described in Section R703.8.
The exterior wall envelope shall be designed and constructed in
such a manner as to prevent the accumulation of water within
the wall assembly by providing a water-resistive barrier behind
the exterior veneer as required by Section R703.2. All exterior
finishes shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications or installation instructions.
We are meeting this above section by providing a water-resistive barrier behind the exterior
veneer, i.e. exterior paint system installed behind the veneer. Concerns of wicking through
ground contact are in consequential; the simulated stone is sealed from the manufacture.
The mortar has a silicone waterproofing agent added to the mix. Any water entering will be
picked up from the drainage plane that exists through the exterior coating systems. Astm C
926 does not limit application below ground when applied to a masonry base.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Hi Richard,

Adhered veneers do not require drainage planes nor do they require weep holes, however, this is what will cause him a problem:

[quote="RICHARD TAN"]Stone Masonry Veneer cladding is install below grade noted.
no drainage plane.

If it is an adhered veneer, real stone or manufactured stone, the adhered veneer is required to end above grade so as to provide a termite inspection space around the structure above grade and between the adhered veneer of a minimum of 6 inches above final earth grade (earth, sod, mulch, etc.) or a minimum of 4 inches above garage or patio slabs (with the exception that if the soil under the patio slabs has been soil treated for termites. the finish elevation of the patio slab may match the building interior finish floor elevation on masonry construction only.

That means that the adhered veneer needs to stop 6" above the mulch line all around the house and 4 inches above the patio or garage slabs. His easy solution would be to remove the pieces which are at and below 6 inches above grade, cut the adhered veneer pieces to fill in the now open gaps in the adhered veneer while creating a bottom edge along the adhered veneer which is a minimum of 6 inches above grade (not "averaging" 6 inches and not 'as much as' 6 inches, but "minimum" 6 inches). Of course, though, this will likely entail some means of providing a finished edge which looks cosmetically pleasing to the new owner/purchaser of the house.

From the 2004 Florida Building Code, Residential with 2006 Revisions. (underlining and bold are mine).
- SECTION 704
- - INSPECTION FOR TERMITES
- - - In order to provide for inspection for termite infestation, clearance between exterior wall coverings and final earth grade on the exterior of a building shall not be less than 6 inches (152 mm).
- - - - Exceptions:
- - - - - 1. Paint or decorative cementitious finish less than 5/8 inch (17.1 mm) thick adhered directly to the masonry foundation sidewall.
- - - - - 2. Access or vehicle ramps which rise to the interior finish floor elevation for the width of such ramps only.
- - - - - 3. A 4-inch (102 mm) inspection space above patio and garage slabs and entry areas.
- - - - - 4. If the patio has been soil treated for termites, the finish elevation may match the building interior finish floor elevations on masonry construction only.
- - - - - 5. Masonry veneers. (Jerry's note: If the builder decides to opt for Exception 5. Masonry veneers, then the builder will need to remove the adhered veneer and install it per section R703.7 Stone and masonry veneer, which now gets back to the required drainage planes, air space, weep holes, metal wall ties, through wall flashings, etc., as Section R703.7 deals with anchored masonry veneers and not adhered veneers.)