Wall flashing is essential for preventing moisture from seeping into masonry construction.
In every masonry building, the wall flashing is a hugely important but often overlooked and unappreciated component. This component of the walls is most often (but not exclusively) made of metal, and it is installed in the walls to divert as much moisture away from the surface of the masonry as possible. Wall flashing is the modern solution to this problem, replacing older tactics like recesses and corbels. But why work so hard to keep the moisture out? Why is the wall flashing so crucial? Let’s find out.
The Trouble With Moisture
The whole purpose of flashing is to protect the masonry from moisture. Moisture can be a huge problem, but the damage often takes time to show up. Masonry is susceptible to the damaging effects of moisture since it can easily seep into porous surfaces. This moisture intrusion can happen slowly in areas where the weather is routinely damp. In waterfront areas with intense storms or inadequate drainage after floods, moisture intrusion may have a significant immediate impact. Once moisture intrudes, it can damage the masonry and the materials underneath. Proper preparations of the masonry, including wall flashing, is the key to preventing this.
Long-Term, Invisible Damage
The trouble with moisture is that its damage is primarily unseen until the problem is unavoidable. In masonry without proper flashing (or with flashing that has failed somehow), water seeps in, and most damage starts under the surface. You can be on the lookout for signs that repairs are in your future, but you could still miss the buried signs of water damage. Mold growth, mildew, and rotting of the under-materials can take place for a long time before the signs like cracking, bulging, or algae growth show up on the surface.
How To Check Your Wall Flashing
In most cases, you may need a professional to come out, but you can also check your masonry on your own to get a sense of what you want to talk to them about. Some of your wall flashing might also be behind the masonry wall, which you clearly couldn’t check on yourself. Generally, how your masonry structures are built should encourage the water that falls on them to divert away from the porous materials. When a professional does not do your patches and repairs, this crucial element may be missed.
CONTACT DEL PRETE MASONRY TODAY!
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: brick, masonry construction, moisture control, wall flashing