… Elastomeric Coating—A Case Study
There were no visible voids or defects in the exterior caulking or seals of the windows, so before recommending a large-scale (and expensive) window replacement project, further investigation was completed. A section of the masonry was removed above a window location, where it was discovered a large steel beam spans the wide opening of the window with no water resistive barrier or through-wall flashings present behind the bricks. It was determined that water entering behind the brick masonry (from cracks, spalls and general porosity) had a direct path to the interior of the building from the
top of the steel beam. This infiltrated water continued to run down the inside face of the wall and discharge out at the bulkhead level giving the appearance of a leaky window (Figure 1). Even if the windows were replaced, this type of water infiltration would continue to occur unless the water penetration through the brick masonry was addressed.
The Solution: The water shedding plane of this wall (typically directly behind the brick masonry in a cavity
Photograph 1: Building with original uncoated brick masonry
Photograph 2: Building with Elastomeric Coating applied
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