Tall, thin brick wall for my garage

[your bully]

I am constructing a 24ft x 32ft detached garage and the wood frame and roof are already finished. But the back gable wall will be a brick exterior wall that is 19ft high at the center and it has a long length of 24.6 ft. I already bought the bricks and they are only 2 5/8in wide, so that will be the total thickness of the wall. I plan to use wall ties to connect the brick directly to the wood framing studs. I am concerned because the wall seems so tall and thin and I am worried about whether it will be safe and strong enough long-term.

Do I need to add some kind of special design or extra support to increase the strength? I need to know the best place to put the expansion joint or joints. Should I put one joint right in the center, or should I place two joints, maybe six feet in from each side? Thanks!

 

[icyolaf]

The wall's strength relies entirely on your wood framing and a dense pattern of wall ties. I suggest you add horizontal ladder reinforcement in the mortar joints every few courses to help the wall resist wind pressure. For the expansion joints, one vertical joint placed right in the middle should be enough to manage movement. Just make sure the wall ties are installed closer than 2.67ft square feet per tie and check that your wood framing is braced well coz as the brick is only a thin skin attached to it. Good luck!

 

[Alan]

Your wall can be safe if properly tied, supported, and detailed. Have you checked Alternative Design of Anchored Masonry Veneer standard? I think you're still within the standard limits, provided you follow all required tie spacing, support, and expansion joint details.

 

[your bully]

Got it. Thanks! Yeah, I agree with the idea of ladder reinforcement. It spreads the load more evenly and helps thee wall stand firm agaisnt sideways forces.