混凝土砌块（CMU）长期以来被认为是为砖面对理想的备份材料; however, because of increasing installation costs, CMU backup systems have given way to metal stud backup systems. Brick veneer with metal stud backup walls, because they are a very cost effective and versatile wall assembly, are very commonly seen in today’s commercial buildings. The original exterior metal stud wall systems of the 1970’s were simple. They consisted of metal studs at 16 or 24 inches on center, with fiberglass batt insulation having an integral vapor barrier placed in between. Gypsum board sheathing was placed on each side, and 15 pound felt paper was installed over the exterior sheathing. This system eventually would fail and allow air and moisture to enter the building, degrading the insulation and thus the R-Value of the wall, not to mention causing other significant problems.
<跨度风格=“字体大小：12磅;”> <强>非结构的金属框架 或轻型金属框架，已成为一个支持灰泥墙最好的选择。Typically, light gauge metal framing is considered to range from 25 ga. to 18 ga. Non-structural metal studs can be produced from 1 5/8” to 14” widths to meet a great many framing requirements.