Choose Masonry Ties by Backing, Cavity Width and Load

Masonry ties connect masonry layers or secure masonry veneer to its backing, transferring loads perpendicular to the wall. Choose them as a complete connection: backing attachment, cavity-spanning component and masonry embedment—not simply a strip of metal long enough to reach the brick.

Strictly, wall ties connect one masonry wythe—a vertical layer of units—to another; veneer anchors connect masonry to its structural backing. Both are commonly sold as masonry ties. They differ from fasteners used to hang equipment or fixtures on masonry. CMHA explains these connector categories and their functions.

In anchored veneer, ties provide lateral restraint; the foundation, shelf angle or other structural support carries the veneer vertically. More ties do not replace missing bearing support. For that broader assembly distinction, see anchored versus adhered masonry veneer. Source: CMHA veneer guidance.

Match the tie type to the wall

Tie type	Typical application	Selection or installation concern
Corrugated sheet-metal tie	Brick veneer over wood framing	Use only within the permitted backing, airspace and fastening detail; it is not a general-purpose steel-stud or masonry-backup tie.
One-piece wire tie, such as rectangular or Z-shaped	Connecting masonry wythes	Bed-joint alignment and unit type matter. BIA distinguishes rectangular ties suitable for solid or hollow units from Z ties used with solid or grouted units.
Adjustable two-piece anchor and tie	Veneer over masonry, concrete or framed backing	Accommodates joint alignment and construction tolerances, but requires adequate engagement and controlled offset.
Joint reinforcement with cross-wires or adjustable ties	Masonry-backed multiwythe walls	The assembly must provide the specified connection between wythes. Ladder and truss configurations do not accommodate movement equally.

These applications and limitations are described in BIA’s wall-tie technical note, revised in 2003. CMHA recommends ladder-type rather than truss-type joint reinforcement where significant differential movement between wythes is expected. Source: CMHA anchors and ties.

An adjustable system is useful when CMU and face-brick bed joints do not line up. It is not permission to force a poorly located anchor into the nearest joint: excessive offset or incomplete engagement changes connection performance.

Check these items before ordering

Backing and attachment. Identify wood studs, cold-formed steel studs, concrete or masonry. Confirm the specified fastener and the material it must engage. Sheathing-only attachment is not automatically acceptable: the 2024 IRC permits a defined wood-structural-panel attachment route, but it has its own panel, insulation, fastener, building-height, wind and spacing requirements. See IRC R703.8.4 and Table R703.8.4(2).

Actual wall depth. Record backing-to-veneer distance, insulation thickness and clear drainage space separately. Check the product’s allowable geometry, not just overall length. A longer unsupported tie span changes strength and stiffness; ties must also accommodate movement between the facing and backing. Source: CMHA design criteria.

Loads and layout. Obtain the approved tie type, size and spacing, including opening and edge details. Wind, seismic conditions and wall geometry can change the requirements. Do not transfer a residential spacing rule to a commercial wall without checking the applicable design.

Corrosion protection. Specify the coating or stainless-steel material and compatible attachment hardware. “Galvanized” alone does not identify the coating standard or thickness. Environmental exposure and compatibility between metals affect the selection. Source: BIA corrosion guidance.

Spacing: check area and both directions

For a U.S. residential example, 2024 IRC R703.8.4.1 requires each tie to serve no more than 2.67 square feet, with maximum spacing of 32 inches horizontally and 24 inches vertically. All three limits apply together—not independently. Use the locally adopted code and project details to establish whether this provision applies. Source: 2024 IRC.

For a regular grid, the wall area per tie is:

Horizontal spacing × vertical spacing ÷ 144 = square feet per tie, with spacing measured in inches.

• 16 × 24 inches: approximately 2.67 square feet per tie, meeting the ordinary area limit—not necessarily every requirement for the assembly.
• 32 × 24 inches: approximately 5.33 square feet per tie, failing the area limit despite meeting both directional maximums.

The section reduces the area limit to 2 square feet per tie in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2, for townhouses in Category C, or in wind areas with pressure above 30 psf. Section R703.8.4.1.1 requires additional ties around openings greater than 16 inches in either dimension, within 12 inches of the opening and no more than 3 feet apart around its perimeter. These are residential-code examples, not a universal masonry-tie schedule. Source: IRC size, spacing and opening provisions.

Inspect before the next courses conceal the work

Use the approved detail as the inspection checklist:

• Attachment: correct fastener, quantity and engagement into the specified backing. For ordinary corrugated ties, check the fastener’s location near the bend; CMHA specifies it within 1/2 inch of the 90-degree bend.
• Embedment and cover: for the veneer anchorage covered by R703.8.4, the 2024 IRC requires at least 1-1/2 inches of embedment into veneer mortar or grout and at least 5/8 inch of cover to the outside face. Do not confuse embedment with total tie length.
• Mortar placement: fully surround the embedded component with mortar. For hollow masonry backing, follow the specific unit-tie or anchor detail rather than assuming a short insertion into a face-shell bed is sufficient.
• Adjustable engagement: verify that both components engage as detailed, with permitted offset and movement allowance. Do not mix components unless the combination is approved.
• Condition and drainage: check for damaged ties or coatings and preserve the designed drainage path, flashing and weeps. Do not introduce an improvised drip bend into a wire tie; it reduces lateral-load capacity.

These checks follow CMHA’s construction guidance, IRC anchorage requirements and BIA’s tie-performance guidance.

For missing or corroded ties in an existing wall, use a designed re-anchoring system—not a new-construction tie pushed into a drilled hole. Helical, mechanical and adhesive systems have different installation limitations; BIA calls for manufacturer consultation on application, detailing, inspection and performance. Source: BIA re-anchoring guidance.