Repairing or sealing cracks in exterior cmu

[gte447f]

Can some of of you please share your opinions/experiences with best practices for repairing cracks in CMU mortar joints? The issue I am dealing with is an exterior wall that is allowing quite a bit of water infiltration when it rains. This is not a foundation wall. It is above grade. In fact it is a second story wall that is supported by steel roof beams below. I think the cracking was probably caused by excessive deflection of the steel beams. There are aluminum windows in the wall also, and the deflection/movement has led to cracks and seperation in the sealant around these windows too. Water is obviously getting in around the windows also, but I think these can be resealed with caulk. I think the mortar joints need to be sealed with something structural instead of just caulk. Should an adhesive grout of some kind be used? Any suggestions?

 

[ishvaaag]

I would say so, your wall needs as much a sealant as a mortar by now. I think that as long you see the wall structurally salvageable, the better course is to seek a specialty able to give both a convincing proposal and record, and a warrant.

 

[msquared48]

Beyond that, I would recommend to the owner that an investigation into the cause of the cracks to seek a permanent solution should be undertaken. Without it and a permanent fix, the lifespan of the building is in jeopardy.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[gte447f]

msquared48,

I agree that an investigation into the cause of the cracking is probably in order. However, if the cracks turn out to be the result of excessive deflection (i.e. > l/600) of the supporting steel beams, do you think it is safe to assume that no further movement should occur (the building is 10 years old), in which case a repair of the existing cracks could suffice?

 

[msquared48]

If the beams are undersized, perhaps a strengthening of the steel members could be undertaken to prevent further cracking, saving future maintenance. That's all I'm saying.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask