Two views on dealing with rain penetration problems in historic fired clay brick masonry

Abstract

In this paper a comparison is made between two views on solving rain penetration problems in solid historic fired clay brick masonry. The first one aims at protecting the masonry against rain penetration ("rain coat" concept). In the second approach the penetration of rain in the masonry is accepted and the measures taken are focused on improving the capillary moisture transport in the masonry and on the application of materials with favourable drying characteristics and/or the enhancement of the drying conditions ("breathing" concept). It is shown that the often preferred protection approach may result into deterioration of the rain penetration problem instead of diminishing it. Also is shown that the second approach generally leads to a significant drying of the walls, thus providing a sound solution for rain penetration problems in solid historic fi red clay brick masonry. © RILEM 2012.