Brick veneer is a porous material. Both air and water can penetrate it, allowing moisture to move toward the wood framed walls of a home. The air space behind the brick allows moisture to be forced upwards due to stack effect, which allows this warm moist air to condense on cold surfaces like roof sheathing in an attic.
Moisture on wood sheathing members can also lead to rot and possibly mold growth, both issues of safety, health, and durability in a home. Through our work with builders, IBACOS has seen various problems caused by a lack of air and moisture management techniques in homes that are clad with brick veneer. The three most common scenarios are:
• homes with first-floor bay windows
• two-story homes with brick veneer on the first floor and vinyl siding on the second
• homes fully clad in brick veneer where little attention is paid to minimizing the movement of moist air into the attic
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To increase the drying potential of brick veneer, every sixth mortar head joint should be removed at the bottom of the wall and at the top of the wall to create a ventilated brick air space. This practice is very effective to encourage drying and also to prevent any condensation problems.
Click on the following links to see details representing these three scenarios and examples of solutions. Following these details will help to ensure the durability, health, and safety of the home. Frequent inspections during construction to verify that proper techniques are being implemented are important to ensure quality.
Cantilevered Floor
Second Floor Sealing
Additional Second Floor Sealing Options
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