A masonry construction consisting of an inner and outer wythe separated by a continuous hollow space. The gap prevents moisture from crossing from the wet exterior brick to the interior wall, while also providing room for rigid insulation. Metal wall ties bridge the gap to keep the two layers structurally tied together.
Heard on the job
Make sure those weep holes at the base of the cavity wall are clear of mortar droppings.
Related terms
Wythe
A continuous vertical section of a masonry wall that is one unit thick.
Dead-air space
An unventilated cavity within a wall or structure that provides thermal insulation.
CMU
Concrete masonry unit, the standard hollow rectangular block used in building walls.
Bricklay
To construct walls or structures by setting bricks in mortar.