Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 12 Laying Brick 249 Joint reinforcement. If used, joint reinforcement should comply with ASTM A82 and be hot- dipped galvanized steel or made from stainless steel to reduce corrosion. Structural Insulation and Moisture Protection Model building codes require minimum levels of insu- lation. For brick bearing wall structures, rigid board insulation is generally placed on the interior face of the brick wythe to produce high insulation values. See Figure 12-63. The insulation is installed between fur- ring strips and provides high insulation values. The insulation can also be attached with mechanical fasten- ers and adhesives or placed in the cells of hollow brick units. Insulation placed in hollow brick is generally not as effective as surface-mounted rigid insulation. Air leakage is a concern in single wythe exterior brick walls. Some leakage will occur through the weep holes and at the top of the brickwork. Materials such as house wraps are not appropriate for this type of construction. Limiting air leakage must be accomplished with papers or films on the insulation or gypsum board. All joints Green Note Brick and Energy Efficiency Clay masonry contributes to the energy efficiency of a building or structure. Because of its high thermal mass, clay masonry reduces the heating and cooling energy used in a building. In exterior walls and exposed on interior walls and floors, clay brick reduces temperature swings in the interior. Because of its porosity, brick absorbs heat in the summer and shields the interior from a rapid rise in tem- perature. The brick later releases the heat into the cooler night air, reducing peak energy loads. Brick veneer also offers the benefits of thermal mass, and the benefits are even more pronounced when exposed brick is used on the interior of the building. By blocking winter cold and winds, brick retains the warmth generated in the interior. Brick veneer construction, with air space between the brick and the sheathing, attains even better insulating results. By using insulated sheathing (rigid foam insula- tion), a higher level of energy efficiency can be achieved, which will reduce energy costs to the structure. In addition to reducing direct energy usage, brick’s durability results in minimal exterior maintenance requirements, thus avoiding the energy usage involved in upkeep and replacement. Brick can last over 100 years if installed and maintained appropriately. The long life cycle of brick lessens the manufacturing energy required for replacement products. The local availability, low construction waste, reusability, and recyclability of clay brick also contribute to energy conservation. between panels and around doors and windows must be taped or sealed. Resistance to water penetration is a major concern in a single wythe wall. Full mortar joints with no voids and a good bond between units are necessary to reduce water penetration. Head joints must be full, not face- shell mortar bedded only. Therefore, a drainage cav- ity with flashing and weep holes should be provided to prevent water penetration. See Figure 12-64. Alterna- tively, a bituminous, dampproof coating on the inside face of the brick wall can be applied before the insula- tion and finishes are installed. 12.4 Advanced and Specialized Brickwork More advanced and specialized forms of brickwork are covered in Chapters 15, 16, and 17. Specific appli- cations include stepped footings, columns, piers, pilas- ters, solid masonry walls, hollow masonry bonded walls, veneered walls, reinforced masonry walls, retaining walls, wall openings, lintels, sills, arches, window details, door details, steps, paving, fireplaces, chimneys, stone quoins, garden walls, racking and corbels, and caps and copings. Many of these applica- tions involve the integration of multiple materials— concrete block, concrete, tile, stone, and brick. Brick bearing wall Reinf., as required Flashing Weep holes 24 in. (600 mm) O.C. max. Waterproofing below grade Furring with insulation Furring anchor Finish floor Interior finish Floor joist Blocking Foundation wall Basement or crawl space Brick Industry Association Figure 12-63. A typical method of insulating a single wythe exterior brick wall.
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