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  • 1.  Exposed brick / air barrier issue with residential remodel

    Posted 11-26-2021 02:17 PM

    I'm interested in feedback for a friend's residential kitchen remodel (due to water leak / moldy cabinets). Removal of interior gyp bd has revealed exposed brick. The 60's era homosote exterior sheathing has also been removed. There's no air space, or cavity drainage system. The wood studs are almost tight to the brick and dry, i.e. not rotted. Given this will only be a partial fix, as scope is limited to 20 ft of exterior wall, my first idea was to apply tyvek in each stud cavity, staple to the studs and seal with caulk. This would provide some moisture and air protection (This is central OK, so climate zone 3A, i.e. no vapor barrier). Then add mineral wool batt insulation and then either moisture resistant gyp bd or cementitious tile backer (most of it will be covered by new cabinets and tile anyway). My other idea was to fill the cavity space with dens glass sheathing, but the tyvek seems easier. The minimum would be to just leave the brick and fill with mineral wool, but it seems like a better idea to add more protection since the kitchen is torn apart.

    Thoughts on this would be appreciated.

    Regards,
    Aaron Pilat
    Norman, OK



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    Aaron Pilat
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  • 2.  RE: Exposed brick / air barrier issue with residential remodel

    Posted 11-30-2021 10:07 AM
    Aaron

    I am a little confused  about  existing construction    - Do you have some pictures?   
    Zero to almost zero cavity  is common  to  residential veneer construction. 
    do you have some sketches  of the  planned  work?


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    David DeFilippo AIA
    Architect
    Tsoi Kobus Designs
    Boston MA
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  • 3.  RE: Exposed brick / air barrier issue with residential remodel

    Posted 11-30-2021 10:40 AM
    Have you considered a sprayed foam?





  • 4.  RE: Exposed brick / air barrier issue with residential remodel

    Posted 11-30-2021 10:40 AM
    I don"t have a lot of time to respond, but part of the problem is possibly moisture drive from rain soaked absorbent bricks when the sun heats them up.

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    Mark Anderson AIA
    AIA, CPHC, President
    Anderson Sustainable Architecture, Inc.
    Saint Paul MN
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  • 5.  RE: Exposed brick / air barrier issue with residential remodel

    Posted 11-30-2021 10:46 AM
    Aaron: The Tyvek sounds good especially;y if you can slide it between the studs and the brick. The Rockwool also sounds like the thing to do.

    Nelson Breech Nave, AIA, Architect
    nave-aia@mindspring.com
    269-207-3063 (cell)
    269-343-0040 (office)




  • 6.  RE: Exposed brick / air barrier issue with residential remodel

    Posted 11-30-2021 04:55 PM
    Prior rebuilding the kitchen interior, your friend would be well advised to find and solve the water leak problem.  By itself, a layer of Tyvek between the studs and the brick is unlikely to prevent a recurrence of the water-damaged cabinets - if water continues to reach the interior of the wall.  If the sheathing was Homosote there should have been brick ties connecting the veneer to the studs.  If those ties are missing or are rusted away, they should be replaced, which can be done from the exterior using stainless steel helical fasteners drilled through the brick into the studs.  In any case, existing or replacement brick ties will probably prevent placement of Tyvek between the brick and the studs.

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    Carl Mezoff
    Carl Mezoff, Architect, PE
    Stamford CT
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  • 7.  RE: Exposed brick / air barrier issue with residential remodel

    Posted 12-01-2021 05:26 PM
    The first step is to locate the source of water intrusion.  It should be relatively easy w/ it opened up. Once water is no longer allowed to enter and the cavity dried properly, I too would recommend a spray-applied closed cell foam insulation.  This will also serve as an air barrier far superior to Tyvek.

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    Gregory Holah, NCARB
    Architect
    HOLAH Design + Architecture
    Portland, Oregon 97232
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