First post!

I discovered a small bit of water dripping inside from where the sump pump discharge traveled through the cardboard(foil-backed) wall inside through the brick veneer.

There is a 1" gap between the brick veneer and the moisture barrier/wall framing.

At first I thought it was the caulking outside but that wouldn't make much sense as it would have to travel about 6" horizontal inside, through the expansion foam that sealed it inside.

I cut the spray foam out because it was where water was coming in, again the typical expansion yellow foam. I'm now drying that cardboard that is against the framing, it has the metallic foil outside and then the plastic moisture barrier in between the brick veneer.

Anyhow, I'm wondering if this is water coming down in between the brick veneer and moisture barrier that was then seeping in through the foam(deteriorated obviously).

**the water was in between the brick and external side of the moisture barrier**

After I took out the foam the dripping stopped,I was able to feel water on the outside of the moisture barrier, I'm guessing that is ok?

Anyhow, here's my question: should I use that expanding foam again to seal in between the brick and the moisture barrier or something else?

If I do, should I scrape out the caulking outside and spray foam towards the inside so it seals against the plastic sheet barrier, or just stick the straw from inside the houseand fill it?

I realize pictures help, please let me know if you need others from outside:




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My initial thought after looking at your photos is that your leak might possibly be coming in about 7' higher than you think... at the top edge of your brick. It's just finally showing up at the pipe.

 

Where the flashing is along the top?

Any particular kind of sealant to reapply if I identify a spot that's deteriorated?

​​​​​​ETA: I have to inspect the flashing this afternoon. If I do see that the caulking is worn and clean it out, is this OSI Quad good stuff?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/OSI-10-f...2487/203357966

 

It is good. If your siding is vinyl (hard to tell) you likely have water getting behind the siding. Bottom corners of the window. And if there is a j-channel on the bottom edge, it catches water and massive amounts would leak behind the siding at the end joints. If it is vinyl, I would pop a piece off and inspect rather than just blindly start caulking random places.

 

It appears my leak is from the corner board that come down to the brick. The bottom of it is rotted and the caulking is worn.

Sprayed with a hose and was able to get water coming into the house.

Luckily I have a scrap of pvc board that can do in its place.

New question!!

​​​​​​I've never replaced corner board outside before, I know to cut it, but as for securing it to house, any particular nail type?

Also, it appears prior homeowner or builder put a thin line of gap sealer by the wood and brick that it comes down to. Should I add that?

 

You can find 2 1/2" composite decking screws at most box stores... usually a t-20 torx head... they will work fine for your pvc. Sink the screw then putty over it.

Can you tell if there is a metal flashing over the brick? Caulk is not usually the best method of flashing... it is just a first defense. Caulk on the brick will trap water if it is getting behind the siding above the brick. If you are sure that the sheathing behind the brick is dry then caulking it may be ok. You never said what kind of siding you have so it's hard to answer. And I assume the brick is sloped to drain to the outside?

 

Sorry, it is vinyl siding.

There is metal flashing over the brick. In this pic you can see where there is rot on the trim corner board and vertical caulking missing between the corner board and j channel.

The brick is sloped to drain.

 

Your j-channel fills with water and acts like a gutter.... large amounts of water run out both the ends of the j-channel. Which is probably why the trim is rotting there. The metal flashing needs to extend behind the corner trim. Instead it ends where the j-channel ends. Caulk alone is not the answer... a lot of siding should come off in order to fix it right... The whole first row above the brick, IMO. And the corner board too. Then new flashing that is longer... and corner trim that has a 1/4" space between it and the flashing. But caulking up that gap at the end of the j-channel is not going to solve anything, in fact it may make it worse because then the j-channel will hold water.

It should be a finish trim there, not a j-channel.

 

I wouldn't caulk into the j channel, I can tell the water does run out and then down the bricks.

But there should be caulking in between the vertical j channel and the corner board, correct?

Can you clarify what you mean about finish trim that should replace the j channel?

Also, any idea as to where I can buy the correct piece of flashing for replacement?