Ask the Engineer: The Key to Healthy Walls


Common symptoms and causes of exterior wall distress include (clockwise, starting upper left corner): efflorescence, spalls, cracks, and mortar deterioration.

Common symptoms and causes of exterior wall distress include (clockwise, upper left): efflorescence, spalls, cracks, and deteriorated mortar.

A building’s exterior walls protect the interior spaces from a constant barrage of the elements. Over time, however, exposure to wind, rain, snow, and sun; lack of maintenance; improper repairs; and/or poor design and construction can lead to leaks, cracks, rust, dry rot, and ultimately failure of the wall system.
A compromised building envelope not only diminishes the quality of life for occupants, but also decreases property values and can affect a building’s structural integrity or even pose a safety hazard for pedestrians.
The key to maintaining healthy walls is identifying, diagnosing, and repairing problems before they become serious. Exterior restoration projects can be a challenging undertaking given their often hefty costs and lengthy timelines, but deferring work or attempting quick fixes can exacerbate the underlying issues and make matters even worse and even more costly to properly correct.

In RAND's latest Ask the Engineer column, we discuss:

  • Identifying common symptoms and causes of wall deterioration
  • Why band-aid repairs often worsen problems
  • What to expect when you hire a qualified engineer/architect
  • Preventative maintenance and repairs

For more on exterior walls, read the full article and send us your questions or comments to info@nullrandpc.com, or call us at 212-675-8844. We look forward to hearing from you!


Stephen Varone, AIA is president of RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC and Peter Varsalona, PE is RAND's Principal and head of the firm's Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Team.

 

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