Problem Solving Forum
March 30 - April 3, 2020
In a northern climate with extreme winters, is it reasonable to consider retrofitting an air barrier to a multi-unit brick apartment building? What sort of installation strategy would be most beneficial?
Selected Answers
From
Tim P. Simpson of Simpson & Associates SDVOSB LLC on
March 30, 2020:
I wouldn't weigh in on this question until I know ...read more
I wouldn't weigh in on this question until I know what type of wall system existed, the underlying substrate, how the wall cavity was designed when built to handle moisture vapor and air transmission. Improper treatment could create trapped moisture within the wall system. Most likely, a permeable air barrier would be a part of the solution over brick. Investigation of the existing brick could very well determine an air space between brick and substrate along with a weep system at the bottom of the brick wall. Blocking this system to create a monolithic air barrier could be counter-productive to the overall performance of the wall related to moisture issues.
