Shelf angles in masonry veneer walls add cost and are not always necessary. So why use them? The truth is, there are ways to design around the masonry code’s prescriptive requirements for shelf angles allowing us to minimize, or in some cases, eliminate shelf angles altogether.
Perhaps the biggest myth is that shelf angles serve a structural function. They do not. Their purpose is to provide a continuous horizontal expansion to accommodate vertical movement of the veneer below the angle. This video clip shows a classic example of a steel shelf angle, protected with flashing of course, with a horizontal expansion joint below.
Depending on the height of the wall, the locations and pattern of openings, and whether all the movement can be taken at the top of the wall, alternative movement strategies can sometimes be employed. @International Masonry Institute and our associated Structural Masonry Coalitions can help.
#Masonry #Veneer #ShelfAngles #TeamIMI #BAC
