Exposed exterior brick
#1
03-05-14, 10:53 AM
Exposed exterior brick
We went to insulate a wall that we thought didn't have any. We were right but what we didn't expect was a layer of drywall on top of a layer of drywall on top of plaster on top of rotten wood and then just our exterior brick wall where we can see outside in some places. So my question is, can I just put up insulation and drywall or is there something that should be first put against the brick?
#2
03-05-14, 11:25 AM
Welcome to the forums!
I'd fill any voids in the brick and then erect a stud wall in front of the brick, similar to how you would in a basement. That gives you room for both your insulation and electrical.
I'd fill any voids in the brick and then erect a stud wall in front of the brick, similar to how you would in a basement. That gives you room for both your insulation and electrical.
#3
03-05-14, 11:44 AM
Member
Just make sure the "rotten wood" is not a part of a bearing wall, since it is exterior. The brick are usually a veneer attached to a back-up, but they can pick up a lot of load (even as much as a stud wall), even though not intended to. - you never know what some builders do.
If it was constructed/designed properly, there would have been a moisture barrier between the wood and the exterior water.
Dick
If it was constructed/designed properly, there would have been a moisture barrier between the wood and the exterior water.
Dick
Last edited by Concretemasonry; 03-05-14 at 12:44 PM.
#4
03-05-14, 11:47 AM
Brick is difficult, it needs both moisture control and temperature control. Those holes you see could be missing mortar or weep holes to allow the back side of the brick to dry. Add insulation and then the brick will experience freezing, perhaps something it may not like. Here is a link that explains some of the concerns.
BSI-047: Thick as a Brick — Building Science Information
And another on insulating brick walls:
BSD-106: Understanding Vapor Barriers — Building Science Information
Stay warm
Bud
BSI-047: Thick as a Brick — Building Science Information
And another on insulating brick walls:
BSD-106: Understanding Vapor Barriers — Building Science Information
Stay warm
Bud
#5
03-05-14, 12:50 PM
Member
Bud9051 is right.
If the owner was right about the wall being a "throw-away/replacement" thing and non-loadbearing wall there are many ways to create some insulation and weather resistant barrier that also insulates.
The brick could laso be saved for use in a reconstructed wall that matches the existing structure.
Dick
If the owner was right about the wall being a "throw-away/replacement" thing and non-loadbearing wall there are many ways to create some insulation and weather resistant barrier that also insulates.
The brick could laso be saved for use in a reconstructed wall that matches the existing structure.
Dick
#6
03-14-14, 10:21 AM
Enough Insulation?
After some research I decided to use EXTRUDED foam insulation, but depending on where there is a gap of 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 from brick to insulation. Does anyone know if that sounds right or do I need to add more insulation.
