Watch this video of Sid Woryn.
Imagine standing in front of a newly constructed three-story home and being told the entire brick veneer has to come down.
Not because the brick looked bad.
Not because the mortar joints were cracked.
Because the brick ties hidden behind the wall had been installed incorrectly.
That's exactly the kind of real-world situation Sid Woryn discusses in our 3-Hour Michigan Continuing Competency Course. It serves as a reminder that some of the most expensive construction failures aren't visible until it's too late.
Whether you're preparing for the Michigan Builders License Exam or managing projects in the field, understanding how brick ties, flashing, and weep holes work together can help you avoid costly repairs, failed inspections, and construction defect claims.
Brick Veneer Is a Drainage System
Many new builders assume brick keeps water out.
It doesn't.
Brick veneer is designed to get wet. Rainwater can pass through the brick and mortar joints, making it essential to have a properly designed drainage system behind the veneer.
That system relies on three critical components:
- Brick ties secure the veneer to the structure while maintaining the proper air space.
- Flashing captures water that enters behind the brick and directs it back outside.
- Weep holes allow trapped water to drain from the wall.
If any one of these components is missing or installed incorrectly, moisture can become trapped inside the wall assembly, leading to deterioration over time.
Why Brick Ties Matter
Brick veneer is not structural. It depends on corrosion-resistant masonry ties to anchor it securely to the building while allowing slight movement as temperatures change.
Improperly installed or poorly spaced ties can contribute to:
- Bowed or bulging walls
- Cracked mortar joints
- Loose brick veneer
- Premature structural deterioration
Michigan's weather makes tie selection especially important. Constant exposure to moisture and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate corrosion when the wrong materials are used, reducing the long-term performance of the wall.
Flashing and Weep Holes Work Together
Flashing is installed at locations where water naturally collects, including above foundations, windows, doors, shelf angles, and roof intersections. Its purpose is to intercept water and direct it safely back to the exterior.
Weep holes complete the system by allowing that water to drain out of the wall cavity while providing ventilation behind the brick.
One of the most common problems inspectors encounter is blocked weep holes caused by excess mortar during construction. Without a clear drainage path, moisture remains trapped inside the wall where it can contribute to:
- Mold growth
- Rotting framing
- Saturated insulation
- Efflorescence
- Freeze-thaw damage
When flashing and weep holes work together, they help protect the entire wall assembly from long-term moisture damage.
Small Mistakes Become Expensive Repairs
Many masonry defects remain hidden for years.
Missing flashing, clogged weep holes, or improperly spaced brick ties may not cause visible problems immediately. Over time, however, trapped moisture can damage framing, insulation, and interior finishes while cracking mortar joints and weakening the veneer.
By the time water stains or mold appear inside the building, repairs often require removing large sections of brick to correct the hidden defects. What started as a relatively small installation mistake can quickly become a repair costing thousands of dollars.
Common Masonry Mistakes Builders Should Avoid
Building inspectors frequently identify the same issues during inspections:
- Missing or improperly installed flashing
- Blocked or missing weep holes
- Incorrect brick tie spacing
- Missing ties around windows and doors
- Inadequate air space behind the veneer
- Using materials that are not corrosion resistant
- Poor mortar workmanship
- Improper water management details around openings
Taking the time to install these components correctly helps reduce callbacks, improve building performance, and extend the life of the structure.
Why Masonry Defects Often Lead to Lawsuits
Water intrusion is one of the most expensive construction defects because the damage usually extends well beyond the brick itself.
Moisture trapped behind the veneer can affect framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and other building components. Since the source of the problem is hidden, repairs often require extensive investigation and reconstruction.
Many construction defect claims begin with simple installation errors that could have been prevented by following proper building practices from the start.
Key Takeaways for Michigan Builders
Whether you're studying for the Michigan Builders License Exam or working in the field, remember these fundamentals:
- Brick veneer is designed to get wet.
- Flashing directs water safely out of the wall.
- Weep holes provide drainage and ventilation.
- Brick ties secure the veneer while allowing movement.
- Michigan's climate makes proper moisture management essential.
Building it right the first time is almost always less expensive than repairing hidden water damage later.
Learn From Sid Woryn's Experience
Many of the masonry problems that lead to failed inspections and costly repairs are preventable with the right knowledge.
In our 3-Hour Michigan Continuing Competency Course, Sid Woryn shares practical lessons drawn from decades of experience teaching Michigan builders. Using real-world examples, Sid explains why proper flashing, drainage, masonry installation, and other construction practices matter, while highlighting common inspection failures and the mistakes that often lead to expensive repairs and legal disputes.
Rather than simply reviewing code requirements, Sid helps builders understand why those requirements exist and how they apply on actual job sites.
Whether you're renewing your license or simply want to sharpen your skills, you'll gain practical knowledge you can use on every project.
Enroll in our 3-Hour Michigan Continuing Competency Course today and continue learning from one of Michigan's most trusted builder instructors.
Final Thoughts
Brick veneer remains one of the most durable and attractive exterior finishes available, but only when the entire moisture management system is installed correctly.
Understanding how brick ties, flashing, and weep holes work together helps builders prevent water intrusion, avoid costly repairs, pass inspections, and reduce the risk of construction defect claims.
For Michigan builders, mastering these fundamentals isn't just good craftsmanship. It's an investment in your reputation, your business, and every project you complete.
