Articulation joints
Brick veneer construction is very brittle and susceptible to cracking due to movement. Movement occurs for many different reasons, including variations in climate or temperature, movement in the frame and movement in the foundations. Articulation joints accommodate these movements in a building.
Vertical articulation must be installed in all un-reinforced masonry walls unless the soil has been classed as A or S.
Articulation joints are tied at specific intervals and sealed with filler. In straight walls that do not have openings, the articulation joints must be at no more than six metre centres. They must not be closer than the height of the wall away from the corners. Where articulation joints are adjacent to a door or window a gap of 10 mm must be left between the edge of the frame and the brickwork.