(6 mm) should be repaired before applying a waterproof or dampproof barrier. Similarly, the barrier is typically carried above the finished grade level to prevent water entry between the barrier and the foundation wall. Homeowners should consider working alongside a professional to design an appropriate solution for their situation.Waterproof and dampproof systems must be continuous to prevent water penetration. Fortunately, if you discover a brick, masonry, or even landscape retaining wall missing weep holes, there are ways to repair it. Without the proper drainage or ventilation, a building’s structure can easily be compromised. Some homeowners have made the mistake of filling in weep holes thinking the gaps were mistakes made by a brick layer. Large water buildup could lead to mold growth, rot of interior wall elements, or rust of mechanical fasteners. One can imagine the potential of water buildup in the wall cavity without weep holes for drainage. Small inserts of this mesh can also be inserted directly into weep holes to provide protection against insects, rodents or other pests from entering the wall cavity without hindering water drainage. This mesh prevents that fallen mortar from directly blocking weep holes while still allowing water to drain. ![]() During construction, mortar can fall into the wall cavity and can block weep holes. Open weave mesh should also be considered when designing a detail for a brick veneer wall. These two wall elements act as a barrier and ensure that any water in the wall cavity travels down and towards the weep holes without soaking into the foundation wall or interior wall elements. Notice in the graphic the importance of proper installation of flashing and building wrap. Typically, these openings are simply a void in a vertical mortar joint and spaced between 24” and 36” horizontally along the bottom of the wall. Allowing air behind the brick veneer also helps to equalize the pressure and limit the penetration of wind driven rain into the wall cavity. Ventilation can help to dry out the interior wall layers after a weather event. These holes also serve to provide ventilation in the air gap behind the brick veneer. Weep holes are holes or gaps along the bottom of the brick veneer which allow water to drain out from the wall. We can reframe that initial question how can we get water out of the interior layer of the wall before it rots the wooden components behind it? The simple answer: drainage planes and weep holes. If the exterior layer of brick can’t keep water out, how can we keep the inside of our wall dry? The first step is accepting the simple fact that water will always eventually get behind the exterior brick. Furthermore, some brick is highly porous and acts like a sponge soaking up water during a weather event. Water can enter cracks as small as 1/100 th of an inch so gaps in the mortar, small ledges and other imperfections in the brick will allow water to get through. Even the best bricklayer cannot create a perfectly sealed wall. A brick wall will present some protection from weather on the exterior surface, but it is far from waterproof. ![]() There is a misconception that a brick wall is waterproof. Moisture control is an important consideration for any type of building, but masonry buildings present an increased challenge due to the many layers of materials. Water trapped in a wall will inevitably lead to mold, pest intrusion, rot, or any combination thereof. Now let’s take that idea one step further we want our walls to be dry on the inside. Let’s start with something simple we want our buildings to be dry on the inside.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |