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Repairing or sealing cracks in exterior cmu

Repairing or sealing cracks in exterior cmu

Repairing or sealing cracks in exterior cmu

(OP)
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?

RE: Repairing or sealing cracks in exterior cmu

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.

RE: Repairing or sealing cracks in exterior cmu

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

RE: Repairing or sealing cracks in exterior cmu

(OP)
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?

RE: Repairing or sealing cracks in exterior cmu

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

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