From Realtà Mapei n° 40 - 6/16/2025

Building beauty and strength: MAPEI’s new MSVS product line

Comprehensive systems designed for strength and compliance with evolving building codes

MAPEI is introducing a comprehensive line of products designed specifically for the installation of manufactured stone veneer (MSV), natural stone veneer and thin-brick siding. Whether for residential or commercial projects, both interior and exterior, MAPEI’s Manufactured Stone Veneer Systems (MSVS) products deliver exceptional performance and reliability.

“The masonry industry in North America is undergoing a major transition and, in response, MAPEI has developed these new systems. The MSVS systems include mortars that exceed ANSI A118.4 and A118.15 standards, ensuring strength, durability and reliable adhesion,” explained Sonya Moste, Product Line Manager at MAPEI. Formulated to withstand diverse climates – ranging from the humid Southeast United States to the freeze/thaw conditions of Northern Canada – these mortars are suitable for any environment.

Their advanced formula prevents efflorescence, reducing callbacks and enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, MAPEI’s commitment to sustainability is evident, as the CO₂ emissions from two of these mortars – Mapebond VM Super and Mapebond VM Lite – are fully offset throughout their lifecycle.

Effective water-resistive barriers (WRBs)

To protect structures from moisture intrusion, MAPEI offers two liquid-applied WRBs with distinct vapor management capabilities. Moste noted, “Mapelastic WP functions as a vapor retarder, ideal for applications like standalone columns and retaining walls with no climatized space behind them.” For installations requiring vapor flow, Mapelastic WRB offers higher permeability. Both products can be applied with a roller or sprayer on flat or curved surfaces, forming a continuous protective layer without the need for reinforcing mesh.

The MSVS product line also includes sealants, tapes for flashing, and maintenance solutions designed to preserve the aesthetic and structural integrity of installations over time. All components are supported by comprehensive system warranties, providing added confidence in the performance and longevity of each installation.

Simplified compliance with updated building codes

“The 2022 updates to The Masonry Society’s [TMS] code have introduced new requirements that affect setting-bed mortars,” Moste explained. “MAPEI’s MSVS products align with these changes, ensuring compliance with both current regulations and those adopted in the International Residential Code [IRC] and International Building Code [IBC].”

Key updates to the codes include the following:

The engineered method, which uses Type N or S mortars, now requires engineer approval.
The prescriptive method (TMS Codes 402 and 602) mandates the use of polymer-modified mortars that meet ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 standards. Site-mixing is no longer permitted.

Polymer-modified mortars must be used when:

MSV units exceed 1 square foot (0.09 m²) or 24 inches (61 cm) in any direction.
Commercial exterior walls exceed 10 feet (3.05 m) above grade.
MSV is applied directly over cement board.

These changes allow for direct bonding to cement board, concrete masonry units (CMUs) and concrete substrates without the need for reinforcing lath, enabling installations to reach heights of up to 60 feet (18.3 m). The elimination of “lath and scratch” simplifies the installation, saving significant time and money. According to Home Innovation Research Labs, an independent subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders, use of cement board reduced wall assembly time by 35%.

Bond strength comparison: Old-school masonry mortars vs. MAPEI mortars

Old-school masonry mortars	Minimum requirements per TMS 402/602*	MAPEI polymer-modified mortars	Actual bond strength (actual results)**
Type S Mortar	50 psi (0.34 MPa)	Mapebond VM Super	570 to 780 psi (3.93 to 5.38 MPa)
Type N Mortar	50 psi (0.34 MPa)	Mapebond VM Rapid	450 to 700 psi (3.10 to 4.83 MPa)
		Mapebond VM Lite	450 to 650 psi (3.10 to 4.48 MPa)
		Mapebond VM	400 to 550 psi (2.76 to 3.79 MPa)
* Bond strength according to ASTM C482		** Bond strength according to ANSI A118.4 or A118.15, shear strength glazed wall tile at 7 days

The 2022 TMS 402-602 code change specifies the mandatory use of a polymer-modified mortar when installing manufactured stone veneer and expands the suitable substrates that they can be adhered to. In 2024, the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) adopted the updated code. Local building codes will be updated.

A commitment to sustainability

MAPEI’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its approach to reducing environmental impact. Moste underscored this, stating, “The company offsets CO₂ emissions associated with the life cycle of its Zero line products through the purchase of certified carbon credits that support forestry protection projects.”

This initiative reflects MAPEI’s long-standing environmental responsibility, with more than 80,000 tons of CO₂ emissions offset globally since 2012. In 2023, this program expanded to North America. CO₂ emissions are calculated using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, verified and certified with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which ensures minimal environmental impact while delivering high performance.

The growing demand for manufactured stone veneer

Manufactured stone veneer is increasingly popular for enhancing curb appeal and property value. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value (CVV) report by Zonda Media, MSV projects yield an impressive return on investment (ROI) of 153%, making MSV installation one of the most valuable home improvement projects.

“With more than 6,000 real estate professionals contributing to the study across over 160 metropolitan areas,” Moste added, “the findings highlight consistent ROI gains, particularly in the West, South and Central United States, where returns can reach as high as 220%.”

Ranking third among 23 remodeling projects – and leading all cladding options – MSV’s ROI was surpassed only by garage door and entry door replacements. These results underscore the increasing demand for MSV products in addition to skilled professionals in masonry and hardscaping.

Meeting market needs with MAPEI’s MSVS products

Moste emphasized the importance of MAPEI’s newest launch of products, stating, “Our MSVS line is designed with the needs of distributors and dealers in mind, particularly those specializing in manufactured stone veneer, natural stone veneer or thin-brick veneer. These products deliver exceptional performance while simplifying compliance with evolving building codes, providing distributors and their customers with a competitive edge.”

With a combination of high-performance mortars, advanced WRBs, sustainable formulations and comprehensive warranties, MAPEI’s MSVS products set a new standard for the industry – ensuring beautiful, durable and compliant installations for years to come.

The new MSVS line includes four new mortars and two air and/or water barriers. These products are: