Tracing the Source of Water Damage Behind Brick Walls
Can water leak through walls?
To put it simply, yes, water can leak through walls, even those made of brick. In fact, many homeowners encounter brick wall leaks. If that is so, then why do people still use brick walls?
There are many advantages to using bricks in a home or building. Bricks add a flair to the overall design of a structure and also last a very long time. The good news is, most contractors have the necessary experience to put up brick walls for a construction project without causing future problems.
However, there are some who fall through the cracks. When this happens, owners can expect brick water infiltration damage.
Flawed construction can result in leaky walls in brick buildings, ultimately leading to water damage. If you think your association’s structures may have water damage behind brick walls, the following information can help you out.
How Long Can a Brick Building Last?
Brick is a sturdy material and typically survives the full length of a building’s lifespan, which, barring natural disasters or large fires, can be a hundred years or more. Older brick buildings, though, those built with bricks two or three wythes thick, tend to last longer
than buildings that only sport a brick veneer.
Either way, faulty construction can result in water ingress and damage behind your brick surface. Improper construction comes in many forms, though in the case of water damage, it normally arises from a lack of drainage systems. This is why it is imperative that you schedule regular inspections of your structures to pinpoint signs of potential brick wall water damage.
The Importance of a Secondary Drainage System
A secondary drainage system can help keep water from seeping into brick walls. This also gives installed sill flashings and kick-out flashings a weather-resistant blockade, thus preventing damages.
The presence of flashings allows water to travel outside of the walls. This way, even if water enters around fenestrations and through the brick, it will only run down the barrier. This will also prevent damages to the framing and sheathing of your home.
A Tell-Tale Sign of Water Damage Behind Brick Walls
A common indication of water infiltration is efflorescence. These are white salt deposits that settle on brick surfaces. Improper construction is usually to blame when it comes to efflorescence, as water ends up trapped within the wall cavity.
It is much easier to remedy potential water damage when efflorescence is not yet visible. However, if you catch efflorescence forming, then that means the wall is already soaked in water. This happens in the absence or clogging of a drainage plane as water is forced to travel through the bricks.
It is important to acknowledge efflorescence when you see it. Its appearance means that water damage has already happened and you must expect to pay for costly repairs. If you find efflorescence crystallizing on your brick surfaces, call a professional to make an assessment immediately.
Why Do Contractors Make Mistakes With Brick Constructions?
Ideally, all contractors would exercise due diligence and install bricks the proper way at all times. Unfortunately, the reality is that some contractors tend to be careless. A typical mistake that contractors make is failing to remove the extra mortar from the back of bricks. When this happens, the mortar will dry and set not long after.
This solidified mortar will prevent water from running down the weather-resistant barrier. With nowhere else to go, the water will accumulate and the barrier will start to wane. Soon enough, the water will find itself under the barrier and behind brick walls. These things can happen right under your nose without the slightest hint in the early stages.
Dealing With Water Damage Behind Brick Walls
The first thing you must do if you suspect water infiltration damage is to hire an expert to testify in court, preferably a forensic engineer or architect. Have a professional inspect the brick surface and complete moisture probes to determine how far the water has permeated the wall. This will help discern whether the water has already damaged the framing and sheathing as well.
If the moisture levels inside the walls are high, then you must have an expert perform test cuts to expose the framing and sheathing. This will allow you to check whether your
insurance policy
can cover the damages. After that, your HOA must evaluate what potential damages you can collect from the negligent parties in a lawsuit.
Who Is the Party at Fault?
If your HOA intends to go after the negligent party responsible for the water damage, you must first determine who was involved in the construction process. After all, there are a number of possible culpable parties.
Was it the architect who failed to recommend the right design procedures? Was it the contractor who incorrectly installed the flashings? Or was it the mason who was too lazy to place the bricks properly?
Could it have been the technician who failed to install the windows and doors properly that led to water infiltration? Were the kick-out flashings installed incorrectly, thus, implicating the roofer? Or could it have been the general contractor who skimped out on high-quality materials and labor just to save a few pennies?
Third-party inspectors could have also played an indirect role by missing a few key details. It could even be traced back to the brick manufacturer who cut corners on quality assurance and weakened the material’s structural integrity.
Before your HOA decides to take legal action, you must first rationally diagnose the situation and determine the source of the problem. Evaluate each party involved and whether or not they can realistically shoulder the damages. If you come to the conclusion that a lawsuit is possible, then look for an experienced attorney to represent your association.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help
Depending on the severity of your situation, it is possible to collect a large sum of money in damages from the culpable parties involved. An attorney with the necessary expertise and experience with such cases can help your HOA win the lawsuit. Additionally, an
established attorney
can gather strong evidence and recommend an expert witness that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
When deciding on which attorney to hire, your HOA must consider a number of candidates. Interview your prospects and determine whether they have experience in handling similar cases.
Look After Your Brick Walls
Associations encounter several masonry issues on a regular basis, but water damage behind brick walls is definitely one of the most troublesome. Although brick walls give your community an elevated appeal, they can also be a source of problems when installed incorrectly. This is why it is important to hire reputable contractors from the get-go. And, if you are faced with water damage, address the issue head-on, discern who is to blame, and take necessary steps to remedy the situation.
Note: The original article appeared on HOAManagement.com.