Securing shear panels to a building

[NorCal_Exterior]

Hello,

We're working on a building with brick wainscoting up to the window sills, but the original builder failed to tuck the brick sills under the windows, causing mortar cracks and water infiltration. This has led to rot in the sheathing and studs behind the brick.

To minimize costs for the client, we’d prefer not to remove the brick. However, securing new sheathing from the inside is challenging since sheathing is typically nailed from the exterior at 6" on the perimeter and 12" in the field.

One potential solution is using ZIP sheathing as a WRB, cutting it into 2-ft strips, and securing it vertically to the brick with concrete anchors. We’d then use liquid ZIP flashing to ensure waterproofing. The main concern is how to properly secure the sheathing to the studs from the inside.

Is there a recommended strap, tie, or alternative method for fastening sheathing in this situation? I imagine this is a common issue in brick construction.

Thanks for your insight!

 

[SWComposites]

Remove the wall in sections from the inside. Cut out a 2' or 4' wide section. Build a new section with 2x4 framing and sheathing nailed on. Insert that section, nail to sill and connect to studs above. Move to next section. Nail the now doubled up vertical studs together to connect the sections.

 

[dold]

Simpson makes some screws you can use with A34/A35 clips that are meant for fastening into sheathing. #6x1/2". I've used them for retrofitting drag struts into the bottom of existing roof sheathing, etc. BUT they are only rated for in-plane loads. I.e., transferring shear. I.e., no pullout values. So I'm not sure that'd be of much help.

If you're going through this much trouble to fix a waterproofing problem it might be in the owner's best interest to rebuild this properly instead of taking the "creative" approach that may or may not even be waterproof. I'd also be hesitant with this approach in regards to compromising any shearwalls.

https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/view/pdf/p5kauhdvpp/C-C-2024_p297-298.pdf