Do you have a question about Moderra?
Browse through our frequently asked questions and if your question isn't answered just ask.
Browse through our frequently asked questions and if your question isn't answered just ask.
1. What does Moderra mean? (back to top)
Moderra stands for Modular Era. A simpler, easier, and more economical alternative to traditional masonry block, brick, and stucco veneers.
Moderra stands for Modular Era. A simpler, easier, and more economical alternative to traditional masonry block, brick, and stucco veneers.
2. What type of buildings can Moderra veneer be applied to? (back to top)
Moderra can be easily and simply applied to new and existing buildings, such as Commercial, Industrial, and Residential. Other uses for Moderra include deck skirting and freestanding parameter fences.
Moderra can be easily and simply applied to new and existing buildings, such as Commercial, Industrial, and Residential. Other uses for Moderra include deck skirting and freestanding parameter fences.
3. Do I need a mason to install my Moderra Mortarless Masonry Veneer? (back to top)
No. Moderra is a mortarless masonry veneer system, which utilizes patent pending technology. Moderra can be installed simply and easily, without the need of highly skilled masonry labor.
No. Moderra is a mortarless masonry veneer system, which utilizes patent pending technology. Moderra can be installed simply and easily, without the need of highly skilled masonry labor.
4. Is construction of a Moderra wall dependent on weather? (back to top)
No. Moderra is mortarless, therefore, installation is not impacted by rain, snow, cold, etc.
No. Moderra is mortarless, therefore, installation is not impacted by rain, snow, cold, etc.
5. How are Moderra products adhered together? (back to top)
ModerraTM products are installed using innovative, patent pending H-Channel and Moderra Bracket technology. The high impact aluminum H-Channel or Moderra Bracket joins one unit to the next ensuring proper alignment, unit interlock, and a positive mechanical connection between all units. Additionally, the H-Channel or Moderra Bracket produces a ¾ inch airspace between the ModerraTM concrete units. Complete details are available in the ModerraTM Morterless Masonry Veneers Installation Manual.
ModerraTM products are installed using innovative, patent pending H-Channel and Moderra Bracket technology. The high impact aluminum H-Channel or Moderra Bracket joins one unit to the next ensuring proper alignment, unit interlock, and a positive mechanical connection between all units. Additionally, the H-Channel or Moderra Bracket produces a ¾ inch airspace between the ModerraTM concrete units. Complete details are available in the ModerraTM Morterless Masonry Veneers Installation Manual.
6. What is a Moderra “column”? (back to top)
Moderra’s innovative technology allows the veneer units to be installed vertically into Moderra “columns”. These columns are then affixed to the wall using an H-Channel. Moderra columns are an integral part of the installation process.
Moderra’s innovative technology allows the veneer units to be installed vertically into Moderra “columns”. These columns are then affixed to the wall using an H-Channel. Moderra columns are an integral part of the installation process.
7. What kind of surface is necessary in order to use Moderra Mortarless Masonry products? (back to top)
Moderra may be applied over any properly prepared structurally sound wall surfaces such as rigid wood, wallboard, masonry, polystyrene insulation board, or metal. Also, using the specially designed Deck Bracket, Moderra can be installed on any deck - without a wall backing. See the ModerraTM Installation Manual for details.
Moderra may be applied over any properly prepared structurally sound wall surfaces such as rigid wood, wallboard, masonry, polystyrene insulation board, or metal. Also, using the specially designed Deck Bracket, Moderra can be installed on any deck - without a wall backing. See the ModerraTM Installation Manual for details.
8. Can Moderra be used on both exterior and interior applications? (back to top)
Yes. Moderra is suitable for both, and allow you to bring the outdoors inside, emphasizing design and continuity in color and texture.
Yes. Moderra is suitable for both, and allow you to bring the outdoors inside, emphasizing design and continuity in color and texture.
9. Do I need to pre-engineer my walls, to compensate for the added weight Moderra may add? (back to top)
No. The patent pending H-Channel technology enables ModerraTM concrete veneer to act very similar to a traditional masonry veneer wall – in that the weight of the wall is transferred downward to the base. Moderra does not “hang” on the existing wall.
No. The patent pending H-Channel technology enables ModerraTM concrete veneer to act very similar to a traditional masonry veneer wall – in that the weight of the wall is transferred downward to the base. Moderra does not “hang” on the existing wall.
10. Can I use Moderra as a fascia for my walk-out basement? (back to top)
Yes. ModerraTM concrete siding is a perfect way to beautify plain and unsightly basement walls.
Yes. ModerraTM concrete siding is a perfect way to beautify plain and unsightly basement walls.
11. Can I paint my Moderra wall? (back to top)
Yes. However, Moderra concrete siding products are already available in a variety of colors and textures, eliminating the need to paint.
Yes. However, Moderra concrete siding products are already available in a variety of colors and textures, eliminating the need to paint.
12. How can I tell the top from bottom on a Moderra unit? (back to top)
Moderra units should always be placed so that their chamfer and atmospheric gasket is pointing up. This ensures that moisture will be trapped and forced away from the inside wall surface.
Moderra units should always be placed so that their chamfer and atmospheric gasket is pointing up. This ensures that moisture will be trapped and forced away from the inside wall surface.
13. What is the “atmospheric gasket” and what does it do? (back to top)
The Atmospheric Gasket is a sloping indentation on the top of each 8” and 4” Block. It helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the wall by channeling it down the sides of the unit. The gasket always needs to be pointing up.
The Atmospheric Gasket is a sloping indentation on the top of each 8” and 4” Block. It helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the wall by channeling it down the sides of the unit. The gasket always needs to be pointing up.
14. How heavy are the Moderra concrete blocks? (back to top)
The weight of a Moderra 8" Block is approximately 25 lbs per standard unit or 28 lbs per square foot.
The weight of a Moderra 8" Block is approximately 25 lbs per standard unit or 28 lbs per square foot.
15. Can Moderra concrete units be cut? (back to top)
Yes. Moderra units are easily cut and trimmed using a circular saw with a masonry blade, a masonry grinder, or a hammer and chisel.
Yes. Moderra units are easily cut and trimmed using a circular saw with a masonry blade, a masonry grinder, or a hammer and chisel.
16. What is the average thickness of the Moderra blocks? (back to top)
Moderra concrete blocks are an average of 2½ inches (measuring from the face of the unit to the rear of the unit.) The average thickness of ModerraTM concrete wall is 3¼ inches (measuring from the face of the unit to the front of the wall surface being adhered to.)
Moderra concrete blocks are an average of 2½ inches (measuring from the face of the unit to the rear of the unit.) The average thickness of ModerraTM concrete wall is 3¼ inches (measuring from the face of the unit to the front of the wall surface being adhered to.)
17. Should I seal my Moderra wall with a masonry sealer? (back to top)
Yes. We recommend protection with a non-film forming breather-type masonry sealer. By sealing your Moderra wall, you help prevent the formation of efflorescence caused by the evaporation of water that has penetrated the wall.
Yes. We recommend protection with a non-film forming breather-type masonry sealer. By sealing your Moderra wall, you help prevent the formation of efflorescence caused by the evaporation of water that has penetrated the wall.
18. What should the steel Starter Ledge be fastened with? (back to top)
In most cases the Starter Ledge should be fastened with a 3/8 x 3" or 1/2 X 3" Lag Screw. If you are affixing the Starter Ledge to a concrete wall surface (poured or masonry) you should also use a short or long shield.
In most cases the Starter Ledge should be fastened with a 3/8 x 3" or 1/2 X 3" Lag Screw. If you are affixing the Starter Ledge to a concrete wall surface (poured or masonry) you should also use a short or long shield.
19. How can I level the concrete units? (back to top)
Because Moderra is a dry stack product, you should make sure each unit is level before proceeding. If a unit is not level, a flat metal shim works best for correcting the situation.
Because Moderra is a dry stack product, you should make sure each unit is level before proceeding. If a unit is not level, a flat metal shim works best for correcting the situation.
Landmark Architects & Engineers
8/18/2005 - "...When I was designing this project I needed a product that was durable, aesthetically pleasing, and cost effective...." 
