Masonry construction has always been known for its durability, as it is able to sustain harsh conditions depending on the weather and geographical location. It also gives an attractive appearance and requires relatively low maintenance. The use of materials in masonry construction ranges from stone foundations to brick walls. Since some masonry foundations tend to be susceptible to accelerated deterioration, they were either painted or covered with stucco for protection. In addition to the weather and location, water can be a primary cause for the deterioration of masonry foundations.
The common causes of masonry deterioration are:
•Climatic Conditions: Excessive moisture within masonry foundations due to extreme hot and cold climatic conditions causes the masonry to expand and contract at different rates, weakening the masonry’s bond with the mortar.
•Uneven Settlement: Uneven settlement, deterioration of materials like rusting iron anchors or rotting window lintels, washing out of internal bonding and mortar and other structural problems, as a result of water flowing through walls.
•Weathering: Mortar that is generally used to help in the freeze-and-thaw expansion-and-contraction of masonry walls is washed away with heavy rains, wind and pollution.
•Design and Materials: Poor design and inappropriate materials used for masonry construction under different weather conditions and geographical locations can lead to several foundation problems.
•Exterior Maintenance: Proper maintenance of the exterior of a masonry construction will minimize most of the problems that lead to masonry deterioration. It is essential to install properly functioning gutters, downspouts and flashing to avoid dampness, water accumulation at foundations and growth of vegetation due to water penetration.
The following are some of the significant problems that come along with masonry construction due to moisture deterioration:
1. Severe climatic conditions like extreme temperatures, wind speeds and directions, high humidity levels and heavy snow can deteriorate masonry foundations, including cracking, spalling, surface erosion and efflorescence. Violent waves, debris carried by waves and heavy deposits of ice on masonry constructions can damage the strength and features of the foundations.
2. Severe freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage from frost action if moisture is trapped in walls or there is lack of total structure ventilation. In addition, they can also cause condensation that will encourage mold growth.
3. Locations by the sea can lead to efflorescence on the masonry due to high salt content in the air.
4. Industrial areas cause acid rains that can damage limestone, marble, sandstone and concrete.
5. Foundations and walls are usually immersed in water for a long time during natural calamities like floods and this can lead to damage.
6. Absorption of water depends on the type of soil and influences water drainage around the structure. Excess water in the soil leads to dampness, giving rise to issues with the foundation.
7. During heavy rains, puddles of water form around buildings that do not have proper slopes. This may lead to localized ground saturation and water penetration.
8. There are possibilities of water penetration in brick or stone foundations that are laid close to the earth.
9. Trees and vegetation like ivy and creepers prevent proper drying of masonry foundations by allowing water penetration in the joints which lead to erosion.
Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of moisture deterioration in masonry constructions in order to fix the problem and avoid further damage. Alternative solutions are waterproofing the foundation to prevent leakage, replacing cracked bricks and stones and repointing mortar joints. Consulting a skilled masonry craftsman or inspector will help in diagnosing the problem and bring about quick solutions. At Keystone Basement Systems, we specialize in foundation structural repair and waterproofing services, which come along with experienced professionals. You can also visit our blog at http://blog.keystonebasementsystems.com/ for easy tips on foundation repair and waterproofing.
For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com.
“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”
References
1. http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/handbook/masonry1.pdf
2. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/masonry-foundations-and-piers.shtml
3. http://www.onlinetips.org/masonry-deterioration
4. http://www.riverheadli.com/HPG.Masonry.pdf
Household activities such as cooking, washing and drying clothes are responsible for the excess moisture present in the air within your home. An average family creates around 20 pints of water vapor per day. This can be usually seen in the form of fog, mist, dew or frost in the atmosphere and plays a significant role in the formation of clouds, rain and snow.
(a) Grading: One would wonder as to what the soil has to do with a drainage system. Proper grading of the soil around the house would eliminate the entrance of water into the basement. Creating slopes would drive away water before it reaches the basement walls. In fact, this method would not even require a basement drainage.
Basements are usually recommended in areas that have steep slopes and experience extreme cold climatic conditions with low temperature and deep frost penetration. Deeper excavation comes in a package along with the construction and structure of basements, which of course increases costs, but results in a reliable, cozy and comfortable space.
Basement dehumidifiers are the best solution to reducing the humidity in the basement to normal recommended levels, which is between 40-60%. They are of two types, the portable unit and the installed unit. The portable unit is user-friendly, whereas the installed unit requires a qualified professional for installation. The latter are usually installed with a fan, heating pump and cooling coil. The moisture in the air is drawn by the fan over the heat pump. This water vapor is then condensed into water through the cooling coil and collected into a holding tank and can be removed either manually or through a drain hose installed in the unit. The installed basement dehumidifier is more efficient as compared to the portable one, which also explains why it is more expensive.
Simple preventive measures to combat basement flooding are undertaken by homeowners, like downspouts extension away from the foundation. Most other solutions require professional help such as installation of flood-proof device.
Before taking appropriate measures, it is important to identify basement flooding and its causes. These vary from problems associated with the municipal sewer systems that serve entire communities to problems within the household basement.
There can’t be a cheap and effective measure to ensure longevity of basement walls than proper Air -Sealing in basements. Besides, it also helps conserve energy. Basement air sealing prevents warm heated air from escaping and cold winter air from entering the heated space. By this method minor cracks or openings of the building are sealed using weather stripping, foam, caulk and other materials. According to the American Department of study, basement air sealing lowers space heating consumption by 18 to 30 percent.
Polyethylene plastic: These inexpensive materials, when used for air sealing purposes, stop the diffusion of vapor. For effective air barrier, all penetrations and edges need to be completely sealed off. As poly tears easily, it has to be well placed to prevent the warm inside air from penetrating out through the ceilings or walls.
On some occasions, the joints between floors and walls permit easy passage of air between the outdoor attic area and the heated part of the house. You can easily search for these joints in the space over porch ceiling or in the attic.
As compensation, homeowners simply turn the thermostat up, to receive the heat they require, which unnecessarily raise their heating bills. A highly effective conservation measure would be to seal all the duct leaks. While sealing the ducts, you can ensure that you use proper foil tape or mastic tape. The fabric type duct tape turns out to be highly ineffective as the adhesive dries after six months.
Selecting appropriate basement flooring becomes difficult especially if the basement problem appears complicated. For all basements, the biggest issue is unwanted moisture. Seeping below concrete, moisture weakens the adhesive bond used for tiles or floors to make the hardwood floors warp and buckle and also make the carpets get an elusive and stinky smell due to mold growth.
BASEMENT MOISTURE
RADIANT HEAT SYSTEM USAGE FOR FLOORING BASEMENTS
Waterproofing sealers are two-way application processes and are simply sprayed into concrete with low-pressure pump sprayer and thereafter cleaned with tap water. When compared to a plain waterproof concrete, waterproofing sealers do a lot more. They solve health problems that are likely associated with wet or damp basements. Basement moisture acts as a breeding ground for mildew and mold spores, not to mention about the damp odor. Waterproofing sealers are known to reduce the health risks usually associated with cancer causing radon.
Furnishings: Use drapes and plush carpets sparingly to overcome the problems faced with chronic basement outflow. Consider storing books, linens and clothes in the basement after the moisture assessment of the basement. Area rugs are ideal for floors as they could be easily removed, dried and cleaned. If you prefer wall-to-wall carpeting, consider low pile indoor/outdoor or commercial type. Rustic furnishings are best suggested for basement decoration, so use faux paintings to get the look.
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