The Use of Restoration Anchors in Masonry Buildings

Mass Masonry Buildings Before 1960s

Masonry buildings constructed before the 1960s primarily feature mass or solid brick walls. Each wythe of brick masonry in these buildings is tied together with a tie course, installed every 16 to 24 inches vertically. The tie course consists of a course of brick set perpendicular to the facade, embedded into the adjacent wythe of brick. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to find sections of these walls where the tie courses have sheared due to excessive loads, making the brick cladding potentially unsafe and prone to collapse.

Cavity Wall Design Post-1960s

After the mid-1960s, brick buildings in the U.S. were primarily built with a cavity wall design. This design includes a one-inch space between the brick facade and the backup construction material, allowing room for insulation and waterproofing systems. These brick veneers were secured to the backup materials using a variety of metal brick ties. However, these ties can sometimes pull loose or corrode away entirely, rendering the brick facade a potential life safety hazard.

Stone Veneer Buildings

Buildings with limestone, granite panel, or similar veneers also incorporate lateral ties or anchors. These anchors, typically made from mild steel, are subject to corrosion. Over time, due to exposure to moisture, these components can corrode and fail, rendering the masonry potentially dangerous.

Examples of Restoration Anchors

The Role of Restoration Anchors

Restoration anchors provide an effective solution for these issues. A variety of designs are available for different applications, making these anchors an extremely cost-effective choice. The installation process involves drilling through the veneer, into the backup material, and installing the anchor or tie. This replaces the missing lateral tie and eliminates the need for expensive dismantling and reconstruction. The selection of anchor types, sizes, and spacings should be determined by a structural engineer.

Restoration anchors serve a critical role in maintaining and restoring historic masonry structures. They replace failed ties and anchors, providing a cost-effective solution for ensuring the safety and longevity of these buildings.