Masonry Magazine February 2010 Page. 26
The First Line of Defense
BY CHRISTOPHER PEREGO
PROTECTIVE COATING'S ROLE IN STOPPING MOISTURE INFILTRATION IN MASONRY BUILDINGS
There are certain things in life we can be sure of. The sun will rise in the east and set in the west; winter follows summer; and you will be required to pay taxes. We can add one more certainty to the list: Buildings will leak.
The architecture of our buildings embodies our heritage and is a reflection of our values. As you tour the great cities of the world, you can read their stories in the skylines. Masonry buildings comprise a significant portion of the built environment; its design flexibility, durability and beauty have made it the choice of design professionals. Masonry is one of the most durable methods of construction. The proof of this is evidenced on nearly every street corner around the world.
A lifetime of experience in the construction industry can be summed up in a single statement: Buildings leak for a number of reasons. While it is true that properly designed and constructed masonry buildings are effective in managing and protecting a building from moisture, the reality is that few buildings are constructed without defect. Protective wall coatings often are the first line of defense in correcting problems and preventing moisture ingress.
The benefits of masonry
The benefits of designing with masonry are numerous. Masonry offers versatility and beauty with an endless selection of color, shape and texture. The Pyramids of Giza speak to masonry's durability. These materials are fire resistant and sound resistant. All of these benefits combined with a long lifecycle make masonry the material of choice for many design professionals.
The challenges of masonry
While masonry provides many benefits, it is not without its issues. Most professionals agree that moisture is the biggest challenge when building with masonry. Clip joints, Masonry buildings comprise a significant portion of the built environment; its design flexibility, durability and beauty have made it the choice of design professionals.