Thermal-Grip MVA Masonry Veneer Anchor

Thermal-Grip MVA Masonry Veneer Anchor — Thermally Broken Anchoring with Air & Water Infiltration Control

The Thermal-Grip MVA Masonry Veneer Anchor from TRUFAST Walls is engineered to anchor masonry veneer and continuous insulation to steel, concrete, CMU, wood stud, and other masonry substrates while maintaining thermally efficient design and air barrier performance. Designed for contractors and trades professionals working on exterior wall assemblies, it directly addresses the challenges of thermal bridging, air and water infiltration, and labor costs in a single integrated system. The anchor is compatible with all major substrates and is purpose-built for use with Prosoco Air Barrier Systems.

Unlike conventional veneer ties, the Thermal-Grip MVA uses a SABIC LEXAN 143 polycarbonate barrel to interrupt the thermal bridge at the anchor point, reducing heat loss through the wall assembly. It can be installed fully assembled without pre-drilling into wood or metal stud substrates, reducing installation time and jobsite complexity compared to multi-step anchoring systems.

Technical Specifications

Key Features & Benefits

Thermally Broken Polycarbonate Barrel

The barrel is manufactured from SABIC LEXAN 143 polycarbonate, interrupting the conductive steel path at the anchor point to minimize thermal bridging through the wall assembly. Third-party three-dimensional thermal modeling has been performed on the MVA system across multiple wall assembly configurations, evaluating effective U-values and R-values in general conformance with ASHRAE 1365-RP and CSA Z5010. This gives contractors and specifiers documented thermal performance data to support energy code compliance.

Air and Water Infiltration Control

The Thermal-Grip MVA meets or exceeds ASTM E2357 and ASTM E331 air and water hold-out testing, providing a sealed penetration point through the air barrier and continuous insulation. The 2" diameter polypropylene washer with carbon black UV stabilizer compresses flat against the sheathing to maintain a weather-resistive assembly at each anchor location.

Fully Assembled Installation — No Pre-Drilling on Wood or Metal Stud

The anchor ships and installs fully assembled, eliminating the need to stage or sequence components on the jobsite. Pre-drilling is not required for wood or metal stud applications, and installation is performed with a maximum 2,500-rpm screw gun or impact driver using the included T-30 6-lobe internal drive, which provides excellent bit engagement in high-torque conditions.

Universal Substrate Compatibility

The MVA Light Duty fastener is engineered for concrete, CMU, wood stud, plywood, OSB, and metal studs ranging from 16-gauge to 24-gauge, covering the full range of backup wall assemblies encountered on commercial masonry veneer projects. A 3/16" pilot hole is recommended for concrete or CMU applications only.

Seismic Attachment Option

For projects in seismic zones, the MVA Seismic Attachment (62175-0100) connects the 3/16" wire tie to 9-gauge horizontal reinforcing wire and allows uniform distribution of lateral forces, conforming to UBC seismic zone requirements. This accessory is available as a separate line item for projects requiring seismic compliance.

Optimized for Prosoco Air Barrier Systems

The Thermal-Grip MVA is specifically designed to integrate with Prosoco Air Barrier Systems, with Cat 5 from Prosoco recommended for sealing behind masonry and behind insulation at the anchor location. This system-level compatibility reduces the coordination burden for contractors specifying a complete air barrier solution.

Common Applications

Masonry Veneer over Steel Stud Framing

Anchors brick veneer and continuous insulation to 16-gauge through 24-gauge steel stud backup walls without pre-drilling, covering standard commercial framing configurations in 3-5/8" and 6" steel stud assemblies.

Masonry Veneer over Wood Stud Framing

Installs directly into wood stud framing without pre-drilling, supporting masonry veneer assemblies in mixed-construction and low-rise commercial or residential projects.

Masonry Veneer over Concrete or CMU

Compatible with concrete and CMU substrates using a 3/16" pilot hole, enabling masonry veneer anchorage to solid masonry backup walls with the same thermally broken anchor system.

Continuous Insulation Assemblies (1"–4" Thickness)

Barrel lengths are available to match insulation depths from 1" through 4", with sizing guidance to add 1/2" to barrel length when installing through gypsum board, covering the full range of exterior continuous insulation thicknesses used in modern wall assemblies.

Seismic Zone Construction

With the MVA Seismic Attachment accessory, the system accommodates projects in seismic zones by connecting the wire tie to horizontal reinforcing wire for uniform lateral force distribution per UBC requirements.

Projects Requiring Air Barrier Continuity at Anchor Penetrations

The washer-and-barrel system is specifically designed to maintain air barrier integrity at each fastener penetration point, making it appropriate for high-performance enclosure projects where air leakage at tie locations must be controlled and documented.

Compatible Materials

• 16-gauge to 24-gauge steel stud framing
• Wood stud framing
• Plywood sheathing
• OSB sheathing
• Concrete (3/16" pilot hole required)
• CMU / concrete masonry unit (3/16" pilot hole required)
• Gypsum sheathing (add 1/2" to barrel length selection)
• Mineral wool continuous insulation (R-4.2/in)
• XPS continuous insulation (R-5.0/in)
• Polyiso continuous insulation (R-6/in)
• Prosoco Air Barrier Systems (Cat 5 recommended)

Product Documents

• Technical Brochure
• Submittal
• Thermal-Grip MVA Info Sheet

Application Instructions

Barrel Size Selection

1. Measure the depth of the continuous insulation layer only.
2. Select the barrel length that matches the insulation depth (available in 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5", 3", 3.5", and 4").
3. If the barrel will be installed through gypsum board, add 1/2" to the selected barrel length.

Substrate Preparation

1. For wood stud or metal stud (16ga–24ga) substrates: no pre-drilling required.
2. For concrete or CMU substrates: drill a 3/16" pilot hole before installation.

Fastener Installation

1. Install the anchor fully assembled.
2. Use a screw gun or impact driver set to a maximum of 2,500 rpm.
3. Drive using the T-30, 6-lobe internal drive bit for full bit engagement.
4. Confirm the polypropylene washer is compressed flat against the sheathing surface at each anchor location.

Seismic Applications

1. For seismic zone projects, install the MVA Seismic Attachment (62175-0100) to connect the 3/16" wire tie to 9-gauge horizontal reinforcing wire.
2. Verify installation conforms to the UBC seismic zone requirements applicable to the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Thermal-Grip MVA require pre-drilling on all substrates?
A: No. Pre-drilling is not required for wood stud or metal stud (16ga–24ga) applications. A 3/16" pilot hole is recommended for concrete or CMU substrates only.

Q: How do I select the correct barrel length for my project?
A: Match the barrel length to the depth of the continuous insulation layer. If the anchor is being installed through gypsum board, add 1/2" to that measurement. Barrels are available in 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5", 3", 3.5", and 4" lengths.

Q: Is the Thermal-Grip MVA compliant with the Build America Buy America Act (BABAA)?
A: Due to variability in steel source locations, PROSOCO cannot assure that Thermal-Grip MVA anchors meet the 55% domestic materials cost threshold defined in BABAA. Contract managers for BABAA-funded projects are encouraged to utilize the waiver application process through the awarding agency at https://www.madeinamerica.gov/waivers/financial-assistance/.

Q: What wire tie material options are available?
A: Wire ties are available in hot-dip galvanized carbon steel (ASTM A510, galvanized per ASTM A153 B-2 at 1.5 oz. per sq ft) or Type 304 stainless steel (ASTM A580). Standard lengths are 3" and 4"; other sizes are available upon request.

Q: Are there code approvals supporting the Thermal-Grip MVA system?
A: Yes. The system holds approvals and listings from FM Global, CE European Technical Approval ETA 19/0616, Miami-Dade County, State of Florida (FL# 4500-R4), and DrJ Certification Technical Evaluation Report TR 1909-04. The system is also compliant with TMS 402 building code requirements for masonry structures and CSA 370 stiffness requirements.

Q: Is a seismic attachment available for this anchor system?
A: Yes. The MVA Seismic Attachment (62175-0100) is available to connect the 3/16" wire tie to 9-gauge horizontal reinforcing wire. It allows uniform distribution of lateral forces and conforms to UBC requirements for seismic zones.