Wind-driven rainwater penetration through brick veneer with and without surface treatments

Abstract

Rainwater penetration through building enclosures is a critical factor affecting building performance and durability. Understanding and assessing rainwater penetration and its prevention through the brick veneer and brick wall is crucial to controlling and avoiding moisture-related problems such as fungal growth and damages in interior structural elements. Addition of a layer of clay bricks as a cladding (veneer) to the exposed surface of a building envelope is a common practice in Canada. Though clay brick veneer provides adequate weather resistance for the building, it does not offer complete resistance to wind-driven rainwater penetration unless other measures such as surface treatment or additional layer of cladding is incorporated. Hence, studying the aspects of resistance to water penetration of commonly used cladding systems is of utmost importance. This paper presents outcomes of an experimental study conducted to determine water penetration of brick veneer specimens with two different initial rate of absorption values, two void amounts, and three different surface treatments. The study found that the surface treatment is a viable method for improving the resistance of water penetration inside the building envelope and the plastering was found to be the most effective method. The study also found that the initial rate of absorption and thickness of the bricks affect the water penetration; however, void amount in the brick does not affect much on water leakage of the masonry walls. • This paper presents various options to minimize and stop water penetration into the building envelope. • Three different surface treatments of brick veneer on rainwater penetration were studied. • Surface treatment with plaster is able to completely prevent water penetration. • Between the two water repellent treatments, water-based water repellent showed a better performance. • The paper also presents effect of IRA and void percentage of clay bricks on rainwater penetration.