What is the typical sequence for installing masonry veneer around windows and doors on the exterior?

What is the typical sequence for installing masonry veneer around windows and doors on the exterior?

• A. Install veneer starting at bottom and working upward; align joints with lintels.
• B. Install backing wall and flashing, secure veneer anchors, install weep tubes, then install veneer starting at bottom and working upward; align joints with lintels.
• C. Install weep tubes after finishing veneer.
• D. Start at top and work downward, ignoring lintels.

Answer: (B)

Starting with a properly prepared backing wall and moisture-control components sets up a solid, drainable base for the veneer. Installing flashing around the openings guides any water that gets behind the veneer to the exterior, while a secure set of veneer anchors keeps the facing from pulling away in wind or settling. Placing weep tubes before the veneer goes on ensures any moisture behind the veneer has a defined path to escape, which is essential for long-term durability. With those systems in place, the veneer is laid starting at the bottom and worked upward. Building from the bottom provides stable support for each new course and helps keep the wall plumb as you rise. Aligning the horizontal joints with the lintels above openings gives a clean, continuous appearance and proper load transfer at openings, preventing awkward gaps or cracking that can occur if joints don’t line up. If you began at the top or skipped the moisture-control steps, you’d risk water intrusion, misaligned openings, and reduced veneer performance.

Starting with a properly prepared backing wall and moisture-control components sets up a solid, drainable base for the veneer. Installing flashing around the openings guides any water that gets behind the veneer to the exterior, while a secure set of veneer anchors keeps the facing from pulling away in wind or settling. Placing weep tubes before the veneer goes on ensures any moisture behind the veneer has a defined path to escape, which is essential for long-term durability.

With those systems in place, the veneer is laid starting at the bottom and worked upward. Building from the bottom provides stable support for each new course and helps keep the wall plumb as you rise. Aligning the horizontal joints with the lintels above openings gives a clean, continuous appearance and proper load transfer at openings, preventing awkward gaps or cracking that can occur if joints don’t line up.

If you began at the top or skipped the moisture-control steps, you’d risk water intrusion, misaligned openings, and reduced veneer performance.