Strategic use of shelf angles in a masonry veneer wall can effectively manage vertical movement of the veneer, but continuous direct contact between the angles and the backing wall can compromise the wall’s thermal performance. Welcome to the third and final post of my shelf angle series.

Masonry’s thermal mass makes it inherently good for heat storage, and the ability to place continuous insulation (CI) in the cavity of a multi-wythe wall even further enhances thermal performance. However, heat loss can occur when a thermal bridge like a continuous steel angle interrupts the CI. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid this condition.

“Standoff” devices serve to separate the shelf angle from the backing wall and allow for CI to pass behind the angle uninterrupted. These mechanisms can take many forms, from off-the-shelf clip angles to proprietary brackets. A good standoff device will be adjustable, allowing the shelf angle to be installed level and the veneer to be installed plumb.

I hope you take away these key points from the series:

- Shelf angles solve a movement problem, not a structural problem.
- Use shelf angles sparingly.
- Protect shelf angles with flashing.
- Simpler details tend to be better.
- Project the shelf angle from the backing wall to maintain continuity of insulation.

#Masonry #Veneer #ShelfAngles #TeamIMI #BAC

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