BEHIND THE BRICK - A rare glance

[Joseph Tribuzio]

[Dominic Maricic]

That just doesn't look right!

[Carl Brown]

I have seen it in the KC metro to.

[Joe Keresztury]

Since they didn't do a good job w/ the sheathing (it's pathetic, they have the old siding and some ply) they coulda, shoulda used a house wrap, even if it was felt paper, if not Tyvek for a proper seal of the inadaquate sheathing. Doesn't look like they are even using wall ties for the brick. If they were you could at least see some evidence of them at the edge of where the brick is ending and open on the side in pic, plus most masons will attach wall ties to the exterior walls ahead of themselves as they go along laying the brick which would show. Joseph are they using a different brick towards the right side or is the mortar still wet, which will also make the brick wet and make it look different before the mortar dries?
By the way, we do pay alot for 'Old Chicago' brick down here from the buildings ya'll tear down.

[Casey Patten]

Definately looks wrong.  I don't know about anyone else, but in my experiences replacing windows, I've found the least amount of moisture damage when the house has been wrapped with felt (tar) paper.  I really think Tyvek and other synthetic house wraps trap as much moisture as they are supposed to allow through.  With felt paper, I have yet to find the levels of moisture that newer construction seems to yield.  Thoughts?

[Carl Brown]

Yes Casey there are a lot of problems with the house wraps . imo

[Casey Patten]

So why do you think that's so Carl?  Do these products simply fail to do what they've been advertised to do?  Or is it poor materials or design?  I know that Tyvek keeps water off sheeting, but it also seems to hold it for long periods of time behind siding, leading to decay of materials. 

[Carl Brown]

Vertical mulch aka OSB is also a problem.

Condensation being trapped in by taping the horizontal joint's is also a problem.

Flashing that does not exit the water to the exterior of the cladding is a big problem. aka window tape.

Reverse lapping of the flex wrap on the sides into window pans yet another problem.

There are a lot of houses nation wide rotting from the inside moisture trying to get out rather than the outside moisture trying to get in. When they have stucco on them it is always a stucco problem. Easy scape goat.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

What a stinking mess. 

[Joe Keresztury]

Thanx for making it official Marcel

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Amazing how people can do things so wrong. And when it is done, they will sell it and someone else will be stuck with all the problems. 

[Joe Keresztury]

Agreed.
The house in pic must not be in an area requiring permits and inspections. So anything goes.

[Carl Brown]

Here is one, what is going to keep the water out?

[Casey Patten]

Must be the NEW and IMPROVED watertight OSB!   

What a joke...and folks wonder why a new home or even a remodel should be inspected!

[Carl Brown]

aka..vertical mulch

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Yeah, but it only turns to mulch when it is wet.

So don't get it wet. 

[Carl Brown]

Yeah, but it only turns to mulch when it is wet.

So don't get it wet. 

 

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Reminds me of a roof deck product I used in the mid 80's on a high school gym.
It was called Tectum roof deck. Made of wood fibers and cement and looked like shreded wheat. That is what I called it, cause it looked just like shreaded wheat when wet.
Impossible to keep dry and the put the crap on a roof. Hope the roof never leaks. 

[Carl Brown]

Tectum rhymes with ?

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Yep. 
You are pretty sharp for a young plasterer.