What Is a Brick Ledge Used for?

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A brick ledge is not only for some random masonry skill show-off. 

It is an integral foundational part of masonry skills and has a vital role in the Construction industry.

What is a brick ledge used for? The brick ledge in the construction provides a decent place for the moisture to settle, which means protecting the wooden frames from humidity. 

To make the Brick ledge more successful, it coupled with a lot of “flashing” materials that cover sill plate and numerous framing members, and in the process, protecting against the humidity even more.

So, a brick ledge is an “excellent reinforced concrete bearing that is solid enough to support the weight (100 Kg+ for every M2).

An ultra finished material such as brick, stone, or other famous veneers which act directly on the footing or even some other foundational elements.”

In practice, the brick or stone veneer is placed nicely on the house or building exterior.

The brick ledge can construct separately if there are exceptional circumstances that demand it. 

According to ACI 318-14 section 11.9 (Special Provisions for Brackets and Corbels), the bricks’ geometry and reinforcement design.

Brick Ledge Construction:

Well, it requires a bit of practice, and like any other skill, it also takes time to hone. However, the process is pretty straightforward.

The brick ledge is attached to the concrete foundation at a depth of six inches and twelve inches wide.

 Once you have determined how far back from the edge it will be placed, create a simple wooden form around its location.

Once filled with wet cement, this can serve as an anchor for your block, which should take about four hours after mixing before being strong enough to support the weight safely.

The brick ledge reinforcement ratio and dimensions design according to the ACI 318-14 section 11.9

Special Provisions for Brackets and Corbels provisions.

Let’s see step by step

  • Dig a small trench exactly beside the structure, which is going to be the chosen place for attachment of brick ledge
  • Most probably, the chosen place is a concrete slab or a foundation
  • The next step is pretty simple, to dig the trench 6″ deep and 12″ wide, which is the industry standard
  • Take a 4-foot level and place it very carefully in the bottom of the trench (Checking the grade)
  • Level the trench by removing soil and adjust accordingly
  • Congratulations, Brick Ledge, is ready to go
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A brick shelf is another critical aspect of construction.

A brick shelf is a typical cut-out and a skill in Masonry Veneer Building construction. It is a shelf angle or sub-masonry support for future movements in the building.

In North America, masonry veneer wall systems are commonly used in residential, commercial, and institutional construction.

These exterior walls add an attractive aesthetic to a building envelope but can be supported vertically by foundations.

Especially for heights less than 30 feet without compromising the structural integrity of the entire structure.

In North American construction projects, there is often little attention given to non-load-bearing structures.

Such as brick or stone veneers because they’re simply assumed not to have much effect on overall project performance.

“Unless more seriously considered from a design perspective with prescriptive methods that show it’s possible for these components alone.

To support vertical load more significant than 20 pounds per square foot up until height reaches 90 feet before requiring additional lateral bracing.

Especially against wind loads which increases their weight significantly making the change.”

  • A steel angle supports the heavyweight of brick or a stone veneer, called Masonry Support or Shelf Angle
  • The support transfers the weight above right in front of the main building structure
  • A gap or a small space created to let the fine building movements occur easily

Process of adding a brick ledge to an already existing foundation: 

One of the important processes in addition to the brick ledge to an already existing foundation is to monitor the weight shifting and weight balances carefully.

When adding and anchored brick veneer, support its weight either directly or via new concrete foundations.

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If this does not suit you, then better go with an alternative strategy, if the existing concrete or masonry.

It is already providing enough strength, and the good thing is to support the veneer by steel angles.

In the alternative part, make sure the steel angles firmly anchor to the existing foundation walls.

MSB Form molds, why should this be used more often for making a bridge ledge construction?

An MSB form mold has many benefits, which will simplify your whole process of construction pretty easily. In the longer run, it saves your time and energy as well.

Most beneficial for individuals who are involved in the construction business, as this way comes super cheap and economical and easily shrugs off other ways

  • The mold allows for a neat and clean finish to the finished product
  • MSB form reduces the cost higher when compared to creating a conventional brick ledge from scratch
  • MSB forms are height adjustable, giving excellent comfort

Reverse Brick Ledges:

The reverse brick ledge concept comes in handy when an individual needs concrete flooring, not carpet, tile, or other popular floor coverings.

Now you must feel intricate that why in the first place some people choose a concrete floor? 

The answer comes from essential thermal regularity: a concrete slab radiates in-floor heat to the basement or slab on main grade level concrete flooring.

The result isn’t beautiful unless a reverse brick ledge is used.

Construction calls for an 8″ thick foundation wall and a 2×6 (5-1/2″) stud wall leaving 2 1/2″ of exposed joint and top of the foundation wall.

This typically gets covered with something like a “brick ledge.”

This happens because it has structural benefits when using large exterior finishes such as bricks or stones.

This detail shows the reverse brick ledge to conceal where the concrete slab meets with the foundation wall. This allows for a more cohesive look since there is no visible joint between them.

Related Queries :

Q1.) What is the average industry-standard thickness of the Brick ledge in the construction industry?

Ans. The most usual thickness used in industries is 4″, 4.5″, or 5″ thick material which is one piece, not a layered one. 

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The reason behind the success of this thickness is that it works well, especially across the industry.

Q2.) How far can a brick overhang a nominal slab?

Ans. A three-inch brick veneer should avoid overhanging the foundation by more than 1 inch, and a 3 5/8-inch veneer should not be more than 1 ¼ inches industry standard.

Q3.) What is flashing of Brick ledges in construction? 

Ans. Preventive measures taken in the form of Brick ledges flashing by adding waterproof layers can help save buildings from costly repairs later on.

A building’s exterior is its first line of defense against rainwater damage.

So it makes sense to take precautions with installation techniques like proper flashing and gutter downspout installations.

If these are not done right, you could be stuck paying for expensive future repairs that should have been prevented by using preventive measures at low costs.

Nowadays, there are even more risks due to climate change when designing a new structure or remodeling an old one.

Q4.) What is a typical brick veneer exterior?

Ans. They are the single-layered full-size bricks installed parallel to the home’s exterior wall. It means that the inner wall bears all the weight itself and not the vice-versa.

In the Vice-Versa condition, the brick serves as a decorative element only.

Brick ledges are a great way to add an extra layer of stability and safety to your home. Depending on how much protection you want from falls, they install on the ground or at different heights.

A brick ledge is constructed with bricks that have been mortared together, which means they will last for years if properly cared for.

If you’re considering installing one but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got all the information you need right here! Check it out now!

Thanks for reading