Waterproofing the sidewall vs re-doing the entire wall with brick/stucco

We have been having leakage issues with our sidewall for a while now and looking to get it fixed. We had couple of contractors take a look and they gave all kinds of solutions and different prices. We were given option to thoro coat the sidewall to waterproof but would not guarantee it. Another option is to replace the side wall with new bricks or apply coat of stucco cement, which would be more costly. We would like to know if anyone had such problem and how they fixed it and who they used. Thanks in advance!

stone54

in Masonry 13 years and 1 month ago

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crackedstucco | 11 years and 8 months ago

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hi stone54, I notice on some other threads that you used Excellent Contracting for some facade work. We’re considering using them too and I’d appreciate your feedback. Could you share your email address or email me at crackedstucco AT gmail dot com. thanks in advance

waterdamage143 | 13 years ago

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I dont think so replace the side wall with new bricks will woks well unless you don’t find solution for lekage, so  frist try to stop lekage.

slopegirl | 13 years and 1 month ago

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we had back wall in need of repair a couple of years ago and every contractor had different advice, as well as a lot of different opinions found here on this forum. We listened to everyone then decided based on budget and what sounded like it made sense… the problem with leaks is you really can never tell where water is getting in. We had a leak from a window that no contractor diagnosed but I figured out myself. You might want to climb a ladder and take a close look as you make this expensive decision.   If you have plain brick, I think the best thing to do is repair, repoint and replace as needed. Covering up the brick means it will be covered forever (which is what our back wall is). I think is probably the most durable and easily maintained for the long haul. Expensive is one thing but if you can do it once and have it last 75 years, that’s a pretty good thing.

stone54 | 13 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks much bparc!

bparc | 13 years and 1 month ago

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It sounds like bricks need to be replaced in certain areas and some repointing needs to be done. After a heavy rain, do your bricks stay wet for a long time or do they dry out rather quickly? One issue may be that the brick is too porous. This can be addressed with a transparent waterproofing sealer. It may be that the bricks are not too porous but the problem lies with the mortar. It is possible that the original mortar was mixed with too much sand or lime. Often times when this is the case you can scrape out the mortar with your fingernail. Either way, a qualified mason should examine the wall. Good Luck with everything.

stone54 | 13 years and 1 month ago

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Hi bparc, there is water leakage into the 1st & 2nd fl apartments from the side wall. It may be the parapet as well so we want have a look at that as well. But the sidewall is in really bad shape. It has lots of cracks and loose bricks.

jeff80 | 13 years and 1 month ago

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You can also go with something in between by doing necessary repair with stucco or replace the “bad” bricks and then apply 2 coats of thoro coat.

bparc | 13 years and 1 month ago

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Can you be more specific about where you are seeing water entering the interior of the structure? When it comes to “leaking” masonry walls the problem is often at the parapet where water enters through a cap that is not protecting the top of the wall.