Window leaked ruined everything

Taz38 · 09-14-2008, 07:57 AM

We purchased an older brick home and now we're finding out it had some serious leakage problems around the bay windows--not seen by the home inspector.

We started taking wallpaper off and found what I can only assume was a mold-like growth. Being the freak-out types my husband and I tore into the sheetrock (with appropriate respirator masks, gloves, and safety glasses) and it was horrible. This stuff had infected the internal drywall, insulation, and the "mortar barrier" which I understand acts as a moisture barrier as well. So we ripped all the stuff out all the way down to the brick. We're having new windows installed during which at that time they are replacing rotted portion of the framing and studs.

So my question is what can we put between the brick and the studs to block out moisture? Keep in mind that there is only maybe a half inch of room between the studs and the brick, so we cannot nail the barrier in. Can we spray a thin layer of the foamy insulation and then put our regular wall insulation?

Hubby was thinking when they pull the window out, tack tar paper to window frame and drop it to the ground and nail from underneath in the crawlspace area.

I just want moisture getting in and causing the same problem again later.

Thanks for any help in advance!!

P.S. I will try to take pics today if it helps.

TazinCR · 09-14-2008, 08:18 AM

Pictures will get you a lot of help.

Taz38 · 09-14-2008, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TazinCR

Pictures will get you a lot of help.

We're going back to the house today, so I will post pics this evening.

Thanks!

Taz38 · 09-14-2008, 02:31 PM

The first 2 pics are of the window frame and damaged wood. The last shows what was behind the insulation. It looks like a piece of sheetrock, but was a little harder--we researched a little and back then it was used as a mortar barrier. We would like to put something up to block the moisture from seeping throgh the brick.

Taz38 · 09-15-2008, 05:30 AM

bumpity bump--any suggestions?

thanks!

stuccoman · 09-15-2008, 08:05 PM

Pull the windows out and install sill pan flashing's that exit the water to the exterior of the brick.

Keep an eye on the sealant joints between the windows and brick in the future.

Is there any rot on the exterior of the windows causing the failure?

Taz38 · 09-15-2008, 08:46 PM

there was a hole in the sill which will be replaced when the new windows are installed. the new windows will be wrapped--no more exposed wood on the outside.

we were just wondering what to put behind the insulation next to the brick.

stuccoman · 09-15-2008, 08:49 PM

Moisture barrier. 2 layers.

Taz38 · 09-15-2008, 08:51 PM

is there a specific type of material used? sorry for all the questions--we're new to this.....lol

thanks

stuccoman · 09-15-2008, 08:56 PM

Tar paper,Grade-D paper,house wrap.

Has the HVAC been upgraded?

Taz38 · 09-15-2008, 09:00 PM

it's a 4-ton Trane unit--best I can tell it was installed around '93. I had it serviced a month ago and it checked out OK. another concern I had was the vents are on the baseboards which I feel may have contributed to the problem.

I would like to convert the baseboard vents to floor vents "someday"

09-14-2008, 07:57 AM	#1
Taz38 New owner, older house Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 30	Window leaked ruined everything We purchased an older brick home and now we're finding out it had some serious leakage problems around the bay windows--not seen by the home inspector. We started taking wallpaper off and found what I can only assume was a mold-like growth. Being the freak-out types my husband and I tore into the sheetrock (with appropriate respirator masks, gloves, and safety glasses) and it was horrible. This stuff had infected the internal drywall, insulation, and the "mortar barrier" which I understand acts as a moisture barrier as well. So we ripped all the stuff out all the way down to the brick. We're having new windows installed during which at that time they are replacing rotted portion of the framing and studs. So my question is what can we put between the brick and the studs to block out moisture? Keep in mind that there is only maybe a half inch of room between the studs and the brick, so we cannot nail the barrier in. Can we spray a thin layer of the foamy insulation and then put our regular wall insulation? Hubby was thinking when they pull the window out, tack tar paper to window frame and drop it to the ground and nail from underneath in the crawlspace area. I just want moisture getting in and causing the same problem again later. Thanks for any help in advance!! P.S. I will try to take pics today if it helps. Last edited by Taz38; 09-14-2008 at 02:28 PM.

09-14-2008, 08:18 AM	#2
TazinCR Whatamess Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Costa Rica Posts: 423	Window leaked ruined everything Pictures will get you a lot of help. __________________ I may go home hungry, but not tired and hungry.

09-14-2008, 02:31 PM	#4
Taz38 New owner, older house Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 30	Window leaked ruined everything The first 2 pics are of the window frame and damaged wood. The last shows what was behind the insulation. It looks like a piece of sheetrock, but was a little harder--we researched a little and back then it was used as a mortar barrier. We would like to put something up to block the moisture from seeping throgh the brick. Attached Thumbnails

09-15-2008, 05:30 AM	#5
Taz38 New owner, older house Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 30	Window leaked ruined everything bumpity bump--any suggestions? thanks!

09-15-2008, 08:05 PM	#6
stuccoman Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: KC Metro Posts: 88	Window leaked ruined everything Pull the windows out and install sill pan flashing's that exit the water to the exterior of the brick. Keep an eye on the sealant joints between the windows and brick in the future. Is there any rot on the exterior of the windows causing the failure?

Window leaked ruined everything