FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Job Site Diaries

Best Practices: Methods for Installing Brick or Stone Veneer

By Matt Risinger
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

I really like masonry-clad buildings. It’s tough to beat the longevity, durability, and easy maintenance of a rock or brick facade.

modern tan brick house with large glass windows
Hugh Jefferson Randolph house I built in 2007 with a beautiful brick veneer.

From a building science perspective, brick is a terrific building material because it’s got a built-in air cavity between the brick and the house. It’s traditional for masons to leave 1″ of air space between the back of the brick and the framed wall. Brick and mortar are naturally porous and WILL LET WATER pass through, so this 1″ air gap is vital to drain the moisture out of the cavity.

Brick with Tyvek CommercialWrap & a Mortar Net at the base
Photo courtesy of medcot.com. Brick with Tyvek CommercialWrap & a Mortar Net at the base

This airspace is hugely important. It allows the brick to absorb water then dry to the front or the back of the brick. Remember that brick is considered a “reservoir cladding,” which means that it can soak up literally tens of gallons of water, then slowly release this moisture over time. The waterproofing behind the brick is of immense importance in our hot/humid Texas climate. Here’s why: Our hot climate means we run the sprinkler system ALOT and our brick exterior walls might be getting soaked 2 to 4x per week year round at 4 AM when a homeowner’s landscape gets watered. Then, when the sun hits that same masonry wall at 10 AM the solar drive effect happens and can destroy a house over the years with the wetting of the walls. See this video I shot to get an idea of the problem with vapor drive and just how porous brick/stone veneer is to water.  

The main point of the video is that we want a very high quality housewrap that’s 100% liquid water impermeable (and low-ish on the perm rating). I use Tyvek Commercial Wrap exclusively for my brick/rock houses (it’s rated at 23 perms).

Ok, so brick is relatively straightforward with its 1″ air gap, but not all masonry has that air space. In fact, many rock exteriors here in Texas have zero gap behind the stone, as they are fully mortared to the house. Here’s where a rainscreen product becomes necessary to force the air gap. The photos below are of a house utilizing Keene Driwall Rainscreen for a Limestone Rock install that wasn’t going to have an airgap otherwise. The product on the walls is Driwall 10mm.

Keene Driwall laid directly over the fully detailed Tyvek weather barrier.
Keene Driwall laid directly over the fully detailed Tyvek weather barrier.
Keene Driwall closeup
Tyvek Drainwrap
Photo shows Tyvek Drainwrap, but I’d use CommercialWrap without the crinkles and a lower perm rating.
brick laid over Keene Driwall Rainscreen
Random pattern rock is prone to total fill mortar.
Here’s a good shot to show why it’s necessary. Random pattern rock is prone to total fill mortar. This product creates a rainscreen
air gap between Keene Driwall Rainscreen and brick
The air gap this creates is vital to ensuring moisture is kept out of this wood framed house.
sample of the Keene 020-1 product
Here’s a sample of the Keene 020-1 product. This side goes against the Tyvek and provides a stand off.
This side of driwall has a filter fabric
This side has a filter fabric that lets water through but won’t allow mortar to clog the air gap.

I would consider this a best practice install of a masonry rock exterior. This would also work for stucco, thin stone/brick, manufactured stone, and could even be used to create a rainscreen behind lap siding.

– Matt Risinger

Risinger Homes in Austin TX

Risinger Homes is a custom builder and whole house remodeling contractor that specializes in architect-driven and fine craftsmanship work. We utilize an in-house carpentry staff and the latest building science research to build dramatically more efficient, healthy and durable homes.

Be sure to check out my video blog on YouTube.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Pretty Good House

For anyone interested in a sensible and cost-effective approach to designing and building a home that is comfortable, healthy, efficient, and durable, this book is a fantastic starting point (really, it may be all you need!).
Buy at Amazon

Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid

If you are designing or remodeling a traditional home and want to make sure that you get all the finish details right, this book is for you. Marianne’s drawings are illustrative, covering every aspect of interior and exterior finishes.
Buy at Amazon

Not So Big House

This book earned author Sarah Susanka a reputation as a small house guru, yet, that wasn’t exactly her goal. This book isn’t about building a small house, it’s about building a smart house, one that matches how we live, and prioritizing beauty and comfort over size.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. skoerber | Mar 12, 2013 08:29pm | #1

    What's the cost per ft2?

  2. Rozz | Mar 14, 2013 08:27am | #2

    How do you trim/seal around the windows and doors?

  3. Matt Risinger | Mar 18, 2013 10:38am | #3

    @Rozz. You want to detail your drainage layer per the Manufacturer's rec's. In this case it's DuPont Tyvek Drainwrap with Dupont Flexwrap at the window sills and Dupont Straightflash around the head/jambs of the window flanges. Then, when you apply this rainscreen product you simply cut it flush to the windows on all sides. It's not acting as a weather barrier, it's simply creating an air gap to allow water to drain out of the assembly.

    @skoeber: Good question. This is running in the $.50-.75 per sq foot range. Pretty affordable considering this might add about 5% to the price of the rock installed.

  4. antonioluigi | Mar 18, 2013 10:58am | #4

    Nice video on youtube. It ends stating corrective measures are possible with a re-model. I have similar limestone veneer, 2000 build, no tyvek, no 1" gap and no hint of any moisture problems. a)What can be done to check and ensure there is not a moisture problem? b)Any preventative measure to consider for this situation? Thanks.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Job Site Diaries

View All
  • Advantages of a High-Performance Heat-Pump Water Heater
  • Wall-Mounted Fan Coil Unit for an Air-to-Water Heat Pump
  • Efficient Home Heating and Cooling
  • HVAC System for a High-Performance Home
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 687: Flat Roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Your Own Cabinets

Listeners write in about air-sealing numbers and wildfire recovery, before asking questions about replacing a row house roof and what kind of roof insulation is needed.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Materials Make a Midcentury Remodel
  • Ranch Redux
  • FHB Podcast Segment: A Permanent Wood Foundation in the Adirondacks
  • Torched and Porched

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Is Foam Against Form Boards a Good Idea for a Garage Slab?
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Lime Wash Recipe for an Old Concrete Basement
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Masonry Chimney Care 101
View All

Walls

View All Walls Articles
  • Fast, Accurate Wall Framing
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Drywall-Free Half Wall Finish
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Plaster Peeling Predicament
View All Walls Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data