Where should an expansion joint be installed with brick veneer?

An expansion joint should be installed where the framing meets the foundation to accommodate the natural movement and expansion that occurs in building materials due to temperature changes, settling, and other structural dynamics. This location is critical because it helps to prevent cracking in the brick veneer, as the brick can expand and contract at different rates than the wooden framing or concrete foundation.

When bricks expand due to heat, they can exert significant pressure on adjacent materials; by incorporating an expansion joint at the framing-foundation interface, you create a flexible area that allows for this movement without causing damage to the wall system.

In contrast, locations such as corners of walls, above doorways, and windows or in the center of brick walls, while they can also experience movement, may not effectively address the differential movement occurring directly at the intersection of two dissimilar materials, as seen in option C. This strategic placement is essential for maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of the brick veneer throughout its lifespan.