Attaching Lath for Adhered Masonry Veneer over Continuous Insulation

Adhered masonry veneer has been around for centuries in the form of three-coat stucco. When applied properly with the right materials and knowledgeable lathers and plasterers, it is durable, economical, and an aesthetically beautiful cladding. Done improperly and you may have a cladding that is vulnerable to leaks, mold, cracking, delamination, and even structural damage. 

Traditionally, the lath for an adhered masonry veneer would be stapled or nailed over a double layer of building paper and directly into plywood sheathing and wood studs. In the case of steel studs and exterior gypsum sheathing, common zinc pan head screws were commonly used. These simple and readily available fasteners met the lathing code for strength and corrosion protection, as per ASTM C1063.