What indicates that masonry may be a veneer rather than a load-bearing structure?

The presence of weep holes and the absence of a header course are important indicators that masonry may function as a veneer rather than as a load-bearing structure.

Weep holes are small openings that allow moisture to escape from within a wall. They are commonly found in veneer walls, which may be more susceptible to moisture infiltration since they are not designed to support the structural load. The inclusion of weep holes helps prevent water buildup that could otherwise cause damage to the masonry and underlying structures.

Additionally, the absence of a header course—an arrangement typically used in load-bearing masonry walls to distribute the load across the wall's structure—suggests that the wall is not intended to carry significant weight. In a load-bearing wall, header courses are crucial for maintaining stability and transferring loads effectively.

Thus, if both weep holes are present and there is no header course, it provides clear evidence that the masonry is likely a veneer, designed primarily for aesthetic purposes and not for bearing loads. This detail is vital for proper building inspection and understanding the construction methods used.