What is the standard wall tie distance from the edge?

• A. 1/2 inch
• B. 5/8 inch
• C. 3/4 inch
• D. 7/8 inch

Answer: (B)

Wall ties in veneer and cavity walls are positioned so that there is enough mortar coverage around the end of the tie to bond properly while keeping the veneer edge clear and true. The standard distance back from the edge is 5/8 inch. This gives a good balance: there’s enough mortar to wrap around and embed the tie securely, but the tie isn’t so close that it tears into the edge of the brick or wastes space in the joint. If it’s placed closer than 5/8 inch, the mortar may not coat the tie adequately, weakening the connection. If it’s set farther back, the veneer might not align as neatly and the mortar bed around the tie can become unnecessarily large or misaligned.