Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

When constructing a brick veneer wall for a residential structure:

1. An air space should be left between the brick and the wall sheathing.

2. The brick veneer provides the structural component and transmits roof and floor loads.

3. Certain rows of bricks must be installed endwise to ensure the integrity of the wall.

4. There is no need for weep holes, as would also be the case with a solid masonry wall.

The correct answer is: An air space should be left between the brick and the wall sheathing.

The correct choice is indeed that an air space should be left between the brick and the wall sheathing. This air space is crucial for several reasons. It allows for drainage and ventilation, which helps prevent moisture from accumulating behind the brick veneer and causing damage to the wall sheathing or the interior of the building. This space is part of a system designed to manage water penetration, enabling any moisture that does enter to escape, thereby protecting the integrity of the wall. The other options do not accurately reflect standard practices in constructing brick veneer walls. While it is important to understand the role of brick veneer in a building's envelope, the brick veneer itself does not provide structural support like a solid masonry wall would; instead, it acts primarily as a cladding material. Regarding the installation of bricks, standard practices do not require certain rows to be installed endwise to maintain the wall's integrity. Lastly, weep holes are essential in brick veneer construction to facilitate water drainage, contrasting with solid masonry walls that may not require such features due to their density and drainage characteristics. The correct construction practices are vital for ensuring long-term structural stability and minimizing moisture-related issues.