Masonry Veneer Building Codes & Rules

- Ensure your brickwork lasts! Learn the best mortar mixes, durability tips, and trade secrets for long-lasting, high-quality construction.

Flashings / DPC

≥ 150mm lap with sealed Joints^[1]
Edge must be visible from outside^[2]
Pre-folded corner flashing^[3]

Damp Proof Course RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 1 & 10

NCC 2022 5.7.3 & 5.7.4 [2019 3.3.5.7 & 3.3.5.8]

May 2023

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (a)

Building elements in Wet Areas to be Waterproof or Water-resistant to NCC^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4}
Continuous through the wall & visible from the outermost surface finish^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)}
Continuous damp proof barrier separating^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (a)}
Walls to concrete slabs
Walls & piers below suspended floors
Walls passing through roof space
External wall abutting a roof
Top & bottom of windows

DPC Ground CLEARANCE

NCC 2022 V4

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 HP 5.7.4 [2019: 3.3.5.8]

May 2023

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (i)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (ii)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4

Building elements in Wet Areas to be Waterproof or Water-resistant to NCC^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (i)}
Flashing & Damp-proof Courses installation clearances
≥ 150mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (ii)} above soft Landscaping
≥ 75mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)} to Hardstand or Landscaping that grades away from building
≥ 50mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)} to Sheltered Hardstand that grades away from building
DPC installation clearances in Low Rainfall Intensity Areas
≥ 15mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)} above any surface
≥ 0mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4} to Sheltered Hardstand that grades away from building

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)

Industry Recommendation

≥ 150mm lap with sealed Joints^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)}
Edge must be visible from outside^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)}
Pre-folded corner flashing^{Industry Recommendation}

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3)

Head Flashing^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3)}

≥ 150mm beyond openings
Turn up at ends of reveal opening & Brickwork beyond
Drip line over openings
Not required if protected from weather

Sill

Flashing

CMAA 2019 CM01, 1.1

Rod Dimensions

Modular height of Masonry^{CMAA 2019 CM01, 1.1}
600mm universal height
76mm Brickwork 7 courses
190mm Blockwork 3 courses

Internal structure

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3)

Industry Recommendation

Sill Flashing^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3)}

≥ 150mm beyond openings
Turn up at ends of reveal opening & Brickwork beyond
Seal to frame^{Industry Recommendation}

NCC 2022 HP, 8.2.2 (b)

≥ 10^{NCC 2022 HP, 8.2.2 (b)}

Sill

Framing Overview (Light Steel)

Insulation

AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (i)

≤ 600^{AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (i)}

Maximum Wall height

Turn up Flashing

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3) (b) (ii)

≤ 300^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3) (b) (ii)}

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3) (b) (ii)

≤ 300^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3) (b) (ii)}

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.5 (1) (b)

1.2m^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.5 (1) (b)}

AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (c)

50^{AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (c)}

Tools™ Best Practice

≥ 5°^{Tools™ Best Practice}

Mortar

10mm nom joints^[1]
Mix composition to achieve durability class^[2]

Mortar DURABILITY

NCC 2022 V6

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 H1D5, HP 5.6.3, & 5.6.4

[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6]

May 2023

AS 3700:2018, E7

AS 3700:2018, E5

Manufacturer's Recommendation

NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)

Masonry to be designed & constructed to the NCC^{AS 3700:2018, E7}
Densely pack materials when measuring volume
Use Water Thickener in accordance with Manufacturer's Instructions^{AS 3700:2018, E5}
Scratch test mechanically, using a "Scratch Tool"^{Manufacturer's Recommendation}
≥ 3 test areas, agreed by parties concerned
0.5 to 10m² area per scratch test
Replace tip after 200 tests, keep records
5 measurements per test area with the average depth calculated
Report to include^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)}
Date of construction & location
Test date
Mapping and identification of each measurement
Scratch measurements indicated individually
Computed Scratch index per joint

AS 3700:2018, 1.4.1 (c)

AS 3700:2018, 11.4.3

10mm nom joints^{AS 3700:2018, 1.4.1 (c)}
Mix composition to achieve durability class^{AS 3700:2018, 11.4.3}

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iii)

≥ 25^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iii)}

Joint Location & Spacing

Durability

Location affects Risk of Corrosion^[1]

Durability RULES

NCC 2022 V7

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 B1D4, F3D5, H1D5, H2D4, & HP 5

[2019 B1.4, 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5-3.3.6]

May 2023

AS 3700:2018, 5.2

NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)

Masonry to be designed & constructed to the NCC^{AS 3700:2018, 5.2}
Map below for durability class of^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)}
Masonry
Mortar
Built-in components (eg. Ties & Lintels)
For durability class, please see Masonry Durability Tool

AS 3700:2018, 5

Location affects Risk of Corrosion^{AS 3700:2018, 5}

Brick Dimensions

Framing Overview (Timber)

Tolerance

≤ 10mm from plumb in 1 storey^[1]
≤ 25mm from plumb in total wall height^[2]

Masonry TOLERANCE

NCC 2022 V3

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 B1D4, F3D5, H1D5, H2D4, & HP 5

[2019 B1.4, 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5-3.3.6]

May 2023

AS 3700:2018, 12.5.3

NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)

Masonry to be designed & constructed to the NCC^{AS 3700:2018, 12.5.3NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)}
≤ 25mm from plumb in total Wall height
≤ 15mm deviation from cavity width
≤ 15mm Slab Edge overhang
≤ ± 3mm deviation from Mortar bed thickness
≤ ± 5mm deviation from Perpend thickness

AS 3700:2018, 12.5.1

≤ 10mm from plumb in 1 storey^{AS 3700:2018, 12.5.1}
≤ 25mm from plumb in total wall height^{AS 3700:2018, 12.5.1}

Finished ground

Dampcourse flashing
≥ 150mm to earth^[1]
≥ 75mm to hardstand^[2]
≥ 50mm to sheltered hardstand^[3]

Damp Proof Course RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 1 & 10

NCC 2022 5.7.3 & 5.7.4 [2019 3.3.5.7 & 3.3.5.8]

May 2023

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (a)

Building elements in Wet Areas to be Waterproof or Water-resistant to NCC^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4}
Continuous through the wall & visible from the outermost surface finish^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)}
Continuous damp proof barrier separating^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (a)}
Walls to concrete slabs
Walls & piers below suspended floors
Walls passing through roof space
External wall abutting a roof
Top & bottom of windows

DPC Ground CLEARANCE

NCC 2022 V4

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 HP 5.7.4 [2019: 3.3.5.8]

May 2023

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (i)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (ii)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4

Building elements in Wet Areas to be Waterproof or Water-resistant to NCC^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (i)}
Flashing & Damp-proof Courses installation clearances
≥ 150mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (ii)} above soft Landscaping
≥ 75mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)} to Hardstand or Landscaping that grades away from building
≥ 50mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)} to Sheltered Hardstand that grades away from building
DPC installation clearances in Low Rainfall Intensity Areas
≥ 15mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)} above any surface
≥ 0mm^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4} to Sheltered Hardstand that grades away from building

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)

Dampcourse flashing
≥ 150mm to earth^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)}
≥ 75mm to hardstand^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)}
≥ 50mm to sheltered hardstand^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)}

Industry Recommendation

Face Brickwork^{Industry Recommendation}

Blend from multiple pallets to avoid inconsistency
Agree blend with client

Soffit Trimmer

AS 3700:2018, A3.1 (a)

AS 4773.1:2015, 1.2.2 (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.2.2

≤ 8.5m^{AS 3700:2018, A3.1 (a)AS 4773.1:2015, 1.2.2 (a)NCC 2022 HP, 5.2.2}

Top Plate

Head Flashing

Drip line

Sisalation

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3) (a)

150^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3) (a)}

CMAA 2019 CM01, 13

Cavity Cleaning^{CMAA 2019 CM01, 13}

Install clean out Bricks to allow wash out & remove debris

Wall ties

≤ 600 x 600mm spacing^[1]
≤ 300mm from openings, control joints, ends^[2]

Cavity & Veneer Wall Tie RULES

NCC 2022 V5

Class 1 & 10

NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.6.5

[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.10]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5

AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (i)

AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (ii)

AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (c)

AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (c) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.5 (a)

Masonry to be designed & constructed to NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5}
≤ 600 x 600mm spacing^{AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (i)}
≤ 300mm from openings, control joints & ends^{AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (ii)}
Install to prevent water tracking back to internal leaf^{AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (c)}
≥ 50mm mortar embedment
≥ 15mm mortar cover to ties to limit corrosion
Type & duty rating to AS 3700^{AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (c) (i)}, or AS 2699.1^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (a)}
> 3m above ground face fixed ties must be screw fixed^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.5 (a)}

Best Practice DURABILITY

NCC 2022 V1

Wall Tie at Movement Joint RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 1 & 10

NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.6.5

[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.10]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5

AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (a)

AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (b)

AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (a)

AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (b)

Masonry to be designed & constructed to NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5}
≥ 0.4kN tensile capacity ties^{AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (a)}
300mm average or ≤ 400mm CTS^{AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (b)}
≥ 50mm mortar embedment^{AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (a)}
≥ 15mm mortar cover to ties to limit corrosion^{AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (b)}

AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (i)

AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (ii)

≤ 600 x 600mm spacing^{AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (i)}
≤ 300mm from openings, control joints, ends^{AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (ii)}

Weepholes

≤ 1.2m spacing^[1]
Clear of building debris^[2]
Proprietary insert^[3]

Bushfire RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 1 & 10

NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1

[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4

Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4}
Proprietary insert of stainless steel or other appropriately BAL rated product

Weephole RULES

NCC 2022 V3

Class 1 & 10

NCC 2022 H1D5 & HP5.7.5

[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.9]

May 2023

AS 3700:2018, 4.7.2

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.5

Masonry to be designed & constructed to the NCC^{AS 3700:2018, 4.7.2NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5}
Weepholes to be located above Flashing & spacing provided at^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.5}
≤ 1.2m CTS intervals

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.5 (1) (b)

AS 3700:2018, 12.4.14

≤ 1.2m spacing^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.5 (1) (b)}
Clear of building debris^{AS 3700:2018, 12.4.14}
Proprietary insert^{AS 3700:2018, 12.4.14}

Stick Roof Framing (Hip)

Brick Dimensions

Movement Joints

10mm nom Joint with backing rod & sealant^[1]
≥ 15mm Mortar cover to Ties^[2]
Concrete Masonry shrinks, Brickwork expands over time
Colour match / paintable Sealant^[3]

Contraction Joint RULES

NCC 2022 V3

All Building Classes

NCC 2022, H1D5, B1D4, F3D5

May 2023

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.2

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.2 (b)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (b)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (c)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (e)

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5

Masonry to be designed & constructed to NCC^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.2}
Unreinforced Concrete or Cal-sil Masonry
Material shrinks over time
≤ 10mm joint opening movement^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.2 (b)}
Joints required
In straight walls as per table^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (b)}
> 20% increase in wall height^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (c)}
Wall thickness changes (excluding Engaged Piers)^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (c)}
> 25% Chase depth^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (e)}
change in material or masonry type^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5}

Articulation Joint RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 1 & 10

NCC 2022, B1D4, F3D5, H1D5 & 5.6.8

May 2023

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.4 (i)

AS 4773.1:2015, 13.3 (a)

Articulation Joint spacing to
AS 3700:2018^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.4 (i)}
AS 4773.1:2015^{AS 4773.1:2015, 13.3 (a)}

Wall Tie at Movement Joint RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 1 & 10

NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.6.5

[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.10]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5

AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (a)

AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (b)

AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (a)

AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (b)

Masonry to be designed & constructed to NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5}
≥ 0.4kN tensile capacity ties^{AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (a)}
300mm average or ≤ 400mm CTS^{AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (b)}
≥ 50mm mortar embedment^{AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (a)}
≥ 15mm mortar cover to ties to limit corrosion^{AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (b)}

Expansion Joint RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022, H1D5, B1D4, F3D5

May 2023

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.2 (b)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.2

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (c)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (e)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (b)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (c)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (f)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (d)

AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5

Masonry to be designed & constructed to NCC^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.2 (b)}
Unreinforced Clay Brickwork
Material expands over time
≤ 15mm joint closing movement^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.2}
≥ 5mm ultimate design width
Brickwork expansion properties vary by style & manufacturer
Joint spacing as per manufacturer's recommendation^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (c)}
Joints required
≤ 4.5m from all corners^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (e)}
> 20% increase in wall height^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (b)}
Wall thickness changes (excluding Engaged Piers)^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (c)}
> 25% Chase depth^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (f)}
Change in material or masonry type^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (d)}
Aligned with Construction or Control Joints^{AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1}
Joints not required below a DPC if
≤ 600mm Wall height at the Joint location^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5}

AS 3700:2018, 5.9.3 (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.8 (2)

Industry Recommendation

10mm nom Joint with backing rod & sealant^{AS 3700:2018, 5.9.3 (b)}
≥ 15mm Mortar cover to Ties^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.8 (2)}
Concrete Masonry shrinks, Brickwork expands over time
Colour match / paintable Sealant^{Industry Recommendation}

Industry Recommendation

Movement (Shrinkage) Gap^{Industry Recommendation}

10 single storey
20 two storey

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (1)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (2)

Cavity

25mm to 75mm Veneer^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (1)}
35mm to 75mm Masonry^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (2)}
Clear of debris

Industry Recommendation

Gauging Masonry^{Industry Recommendation}

Avoids need to cut Bricks or Blocks

Lintel

≥ 100mm bearing if opening ≤ 1m^[1]
≥ 150mm bearing if opening > 1m^[2]
≤ 25mm Masonry Overhang^[3]
Avoid cutting^[4]
Prime all exposed steel^[5]

Lintel RULES

NCC 2022 V5

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.6.7

[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.12]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iv)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7

AS 2699.3:2020, 1

Masonry to be designed & constructed to NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5}
≥ 3 courses of Masonry over openings^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7}
Long leg installed vertically
Corrosion protection to AS/NZS 2699.3^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iv)}
DTS sizing refer to Lintel Size Table^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7}
≤ 110mm thk Veneer being supported
≤ 3m height Masonry support above Opening^{AS 2699.3:2020, 1}

Lintel DURABILITY

NCC 2022 V1

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (v) (A)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (v) (B)

NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iii)

Industry Recommendation

≥ 100mm bearing if opening ≤ 1m^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (v) (A)}
≥ 150mm bearing if opening > 1m^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (v) (B)}
≤ 25mm Masonry Overhang^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iii)}
Avoid cutting^{Industry Recommendation}
Prime all exposed steel^{Industry Recommendation}

Cavity

≥ 25mm Veneer^[1]
≥ 35mm Masonry^[2]
Install clean Bricks
Clear of debris^[3]

Cavity Clearance RULES

NCC 2022 V2

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.7.2

[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.6]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2

NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (3)

Masonry to be designed & constructed to NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5}
≥ 25mm clear width between Masonry & internal supporting wall frame^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2}
Clear width to allow any insulation, services, bracing etc.
Insulation may be installed in Cavity space
Drained to the outside^{NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (3)}