The function of the wall system (part of the building envelope) is to provide protection from the elements such as wind, heat, cold, and rain (moisture). The design of the Nashville TN Brick Masonry wall system should stop the intrusion of these elements into the interior space of the building and prevent the weathering and deterioration of structural components in the building. Some examples of moisture issues pertaining to Nashville TN Brick Masonry include efflorescence, spalling and corrosion. Let's take a brief look at each of these moisture-related issues.
Efflorescence is an indication that there may be a moisture management problem within the Nashville Masonry Contractor wall system; moisture is required for this to occur. As water reaches the surface of the brick and evaporates, the salts which it transported are left behind as white crystal deposits.
A second indication that there may be a moisture problem with Nashville TN Brick Masonry is spalling; which is the fracturing/flaking of the brick surface and is typically the result of the freeze-thaw cycles when excess moisture is present in the brick. Spalling may also be the result of deterioration of structural components such as steel frame window systems, steel shelf angle, or use of inferior materials in the brick which is less common.
The final indication that an issue with the Nashville TN Brick Masonry exists is corrosion; this is noted in other wall materials used in construction and not the brick itself. For example, metal studs exposed to moisture will corrode whether from infiltration of water through the brick or through condensation between the interior wall and the Nashville TN Brick Masonry. There are other examples such as the steel shelf angle and steel frame window systems which are not installed properly and allow water infiltration into the building envelope.
Common sense tells us that most water infiltration is the result of precipitation; however, air flow and vapor diffusion may also result in moisture issues when there is no precipitation. Air flow and vapor diffusion occur 24-7 all year; these will be discussed in a later article.
For now, we will look at moisture issues related to precipitation (water). There are a number of forces that cause water to infiltrate brick and move into the interior of the structure, these include: natural gravity, surface tension, wind/air currents, capillary action, and hydrostatic pressure.
There are two (2) basic classifications for masonry walls based on the method of water management utilized: the cavity wall and the solid barrier (or multi-wythe) wall. The cavity wall provides a break (air barrier) between the exterior (masonry) and the interior walls, preventing moisture from reaching the components of the interior wall. Provided that the cavity wall is properly constructed, when moisture infiltrates the brick it will drain down the cavity to the flashing and is reverted to the exterior through weep holes. In essence, the basics of waterproofing is achieved, the moisture is moved away from the building envelope. A solid barrier wall relies on the wall being of sufficient thickness (width) to prevent the precipitation (moisture) from reaching the interior wall. In fact, the moisture is absorbed into the masonry wall system with the intention that it will dry out during periods of non-inclement weather. In our opinion, this is not the best type of barrier to be used.
There are three (3) conditions that must exist in order for leakage to occur: water has to be present; the water has to be moved by a force (wind-driven, gravity, or capillary suction); and there has to be a crack, penetration or breach of some type that the allows the water to infiltrate the exterior wall (in this case, Nashville TN Brick Masonry). The first place to look when dealing with moisture issues in brick masonry are the architectural details. These details bring various components of the building's facade together such as overhangs, copings, window openings, and sills which are vital to preventing water infiltration into the interior of the structure. Unfortunately, this is where the majority of moisture issues occur - transitioning from one building component to another. The old adage, "Attention to Detail" is an absolute must to control moisture in Nashville TN Brick Masonry.