Masonry Curtain Walls

Masonry curtain walls are exterior claddings made of brick or stone masonry veneers supported by a building's structural frame rather than bearing loads themselves. They serve as both aesthetic and functional external cladding systems. Steel shelf angles attached to the spandrel beam provide support, while high-bond mortar secures the masonry units. A backup wall, typically constructed from concrete units, supports flashing, insulation, and interior finishes.

Traditional masonry curtain wall construction begins by fixing steel shelf angles to the spandrel beam and placing insulation over it. Flashing is then laid, and masonry units are placed directly on it and secured with high-bond mortar. A backup wall is constructed using hollow concrete masonry units with grouted vertical reinforcing bars. Courses are built up with joint reinforcement and masonry ties, and the process repeats until the desired height is achieved.

Expansion and contraction joints are provided in masonry curtain walls to manage thermal changes and movement between the veneer and backup wall. These joints allow the wall system to accommodate dimensional changes caused by temperature fluctuations without causing structural damage or cracking. Joint reinforcing and masonry ties link the curtain wall to the backup wall while permitting controlled movement.

Cavity drainage and flashings in masonry walls work together to mitigate moisture entry into the structure. Flashing is laid beneath masonry units to direct water away, while a cavity behind the curtain wall allows water to drain. Weep holes in the cavity permit accumulated moisture to exit the wall system safely, protecting the backup wall and interior finishes from water damage.

The backup wall, typically constructed from concrete masonry units or steel studs, provides structural support for the curtain wall system. It supports flashing, insulation, and interior finishes while being linked to the curtain wall via joint reinforcing and masonry ties. This configuration allows the backup wall to carry loads independently while the veneer serves primarily as cladding and weather protection.

Prefabricated panels offer a time-efficient alternative to traditional masonry construction. These panels are assembled on the ground using a plastic gasket form liner for brick placement, reinforcement, and concrete overlay, creating durable integrated units. The completed panels are then hoisted into place and secured, reducing on-site labor and construction time while maintaining quality control.

Thermal insulation is placed over the steel shelf angles and between the veneer and backup wall in masonry curtain walls. This insulation layer improves the building's energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer through the exterior wall. The insulation is protected by flashing and the masonry veneer, ensuring it remains effective and undamaged throughout the wall's service life.