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.
------------------------------
Carl Mezoff
Carl Mezoff, Architect, PE
Stamford CT
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2021 12:03 PM
From: Aaron Pilat
Subject: Exposed brick / air barrier issue with residential remodel
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
------------------------------
Aaron Pilat
------------------------------