Manufactured Stone Veneer: Common Pitfalls in Design and Installation

This presentation was initially provided at the 2021 Convention in Phoenix, Arizona

Adhered masonry veneer (often referred to as manufactured stone veneer, or MSV) has been growing in popularity and use throughout North America over the past 20 years. MSV offers the beauty of masonry with the cost efficiency and reduced weight of stucco. In addition to specific manufacturers’ instructions, current codes and industry standards that govern its design and installation include ICC-promulgated model building codes, masonry codes (TMS 402 and TMS 602), ASTM standards, and Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) publications. Simply referencing these published code and industry-standard documents in drawing notes, project manuals, or contracts is often insufficient, leading to improper design and installation techniques that ultimately result in failure. This paper presents some of the common design and installation pitfalls associated with MSV to help designers and installers enjoy a more successful, durable application. This presentation is targeted at an intermediate audience of designers, installers, and building owners.

Patricia Aguirre, REWC, PE, CDT

Bristow, VA

Patricia Aguirre is a building enclosure consultant in northern Virginia. Her work focuses on forensic field and laboratory investigations; façade and building enclosure investigations; structural inspection, analysis, and design; architectural retrofit and repair; and development of design documents and repair recommendations. Aguirre is an active member of IIBEC, serving on the REWC Exam Committee and teaching several exterior wall-related courses. She also serves on ASTM C11 committee on Gypsum and Related Building Materials.

Matthew Innocenzi, RBEC, PE

Nick Innocenzi & Sons Consulting Engineers and Associates, LLC | Warrenton, VA

Matthew Innocenzi is the principal of his firm. He has over 20 years of experience as an engineering consultant, with a focus on litigation support and expert testimony for building enclosure systems, particularly light-gauge metal framing, Portland cement stucco, brick veneer systems, steep-slope roofing materials, and waterproofing. Innocenzi is also an active member of ASTM C11 and D08 committees on Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems and Roofing and Waterproofing, serving as chair and technical contact for ASTM C926, Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster and ASTM C1860, Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Tensile Strength or Bond Strength of Portland Cement-Based Plaster by Direct Tension task groups.