Engineering, Inspection, & Capital Reserve Services

Brick veneer façades are admired for their aesthetic appeal, durability, and timeless charm. From historic buildings to modern architectural wonders, these façades convey a sense of stability and sophistication. However, the engineering behind brick veneer façades demands careful attention to detail to ensure structural integrity, thermal efficiency, and long-term performance. By engaging structural engineers, building owners can address the unique challenges posed by brick veneer façades effectively. Structural engineers bring expertise in diagnosing existing issues, such as cracks or displacements, and implementing solutions that not only restore but enhance the façade's performance. This role is indispensable in ensuring that repairs are strong and long-lasting, minimizing future maintenance costs. Moreover, their collaboration with architects ensures that aesthetic considerations are balanced seamlessly with structural integrity, whether for historical preservation or modern upgrades. For building owners, this partnership is key to maintaining the value, safety, and visual appeal of their properties. Our structural engineering team at Becht recently completed a successful brick veneer façade reconstruction project at a 3-story timber mixed-use building on the historic downtown Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, NJ. The façade of the building is composed of a brick masonry veneer with terra cotta features. The façade has an intermediate column that was severely damaged by corrosion. It was failing to support the façade lintel beams. This resulted in significant movement and cracking of the façade masonry. Becht provided design drawings for the replacement of part of the first-floor framing, the replacement of the failed column, the reinforcement of the lintel beams, and the construction an entirely new masonry façade wall.