Brand new house. This is the top of the window frame at the exterior. The frame is about 3/4" deeper than the edge of the lintel and it looks like they filled in the space with brick/mortar. Is there a structural or just a moisture concern here? No flashing was visible either. Same issue above several windows and the front door.
I just saw that last week and all three floors were the same way for some reason.
I noted it and moved on.
Looks like my picture to.
Replacement window job, not a top notch job !, Price most have been pretty low.
Have any photos further back. I see pointing and caulking.
Maybe something had been fixed. That is new masonry work or what appears to be farley new IMO Nice brown tint.
Post #3
Look at the caulking in the upper Queen closer above…
The solders are also caulked. look at the shine on the joints. Not dull is it?
any photo further away please.
That granite cooping stone was laid in.
any photos further back please. Like to see the wall if you can.
I agree, not a professional install, but not a replacement, this was a new house with three 1st floor windows done the same. 3400 sq ft (not a low price).
Any real concerns over time the way it’s installed?
We do not predict issues. Are there any issues now.
Need photos further back please.I have a bit of help to offer but not with those photos.
over application of chaulking for starters, will need continued maintenace!
SUSPECT CONDITION: There is an opening above the window.
It will allow weather and water infiltration.
During storms, rain can be projected onto an exterior envelope at a 90% angle At times High volumes of water can enter a home in a short period of time though openings and penetrations that are not sealed properly.
The moisture having no means of exhaust can set up the conditions for organic growth to take hold.
RECOMMEND: a licensed window installer close the opening. If the open if wider than 3/8" of an inch to use backer rod and leave a 1/4 gap and then an full with silicon caulk. Insure the bead has 2 way contact on the adjacent surfaces.
RECOMMEND: A licensed mason evaluate the veneer.
my 2 cents.
All the best.
NORE: We don’t predict events. We only report on the condition of the building’s structure, systems and components including materials the day of the inspection. .
Thanks for the info- here is the only other pic I have farther away, Robert. The 1st pic posted was of the 1st floor windows on the left side.
Yes, we don’t predict what will happen. But, I like to inform my clients,verbally, of what can happen and how to make repairs so they are informed when they tell the builder/contractor/wife’s uncle/etc how they want it fixed.
John, Thanks.
The image you sent is of the front. I see arched masonry headers, soldiers but no granite.
Dam nice unit.
Even the smallest of openings when left to fester can cause movement.
Over time when the home owners do spot infiltration they may hire some one ill equipped to do a masonry repair.
Write up what you see. Nothing more.
make your referrals and recommendations.
I do not need to refer a masons or window installers…
I would refer a window installer to close the window IMO
maybe a pour repair, but I am guessing.
NO GUESSING. Report what you can see.
Thanks John. Allways pick apart window caulk.
- There are no concrete or stone sills.
Pay attention to the sills with row lock brick. Pay attention to the bond. Make sure the brick butt is centered above and below the course around openings.
Here are some patterns.
Look how the bricks ends (butt) are in the center of the brick above and bellow. Always in the center. to lock the bond!
John. Gutters downspouts need extensions?
That bush on the left hand side can be trimmed.
Bloody nice brick bond.
I wish I could see a clear image. Oh well.
Repair and Monitor.
John,
no brainer, snafu installation, advise corrective action immediately!
shelf angle
In masonry veneer building construction, a shelf angle is a steel angle which supports the weight of brick or stone veneer and transfers that weight onto the main structure of the building.
can’t conceive how the shelf angle is properly secured to the structure
the shelf angle isn’t properly flashed to prevent moisture intrusion
an exterior spray test and interior IR would probably make the improper/inferior conditions most apparent
if you/your client & builder require factual proof contact me
have FLIR T440bx, will travel
Hi Barry
Yes that is another issue as well.
The area above the lintel should have weeps and a moisture barrier that is visible which wraps behind the brick and is attached to the sheathing to act as a drainage plane.
Either key slots or wicks would be there as well.
I do not see tiered shelf’s.
As for lentil venting, I have not seen many vented wall space lintels on residential. IE: Window or doorways.
I know its in the IRC. I also know how much spillage ends up on any iron,be it shelf or lentil. Added masonry venting can eliminate an trapped moisture issue.
That issue may be window issue as well.
I agree an IR would allow further analyses.
The veneers main shelf is the foundation IMO. I see no horizontal shelf signature. I could be mistaken but look at the garage.
I can not see the main structure, Bushes in the way.
It is supported by the foundation IMO. Be it slab or full basement.
Thanks Barry, much appreciated. Thats the kind of info I was looking for.
That installation is certainly not first-rate. Moisture can build up behind the lintel, so we need to find out more whether there are weep holes to drain the water out. If there’s no way for water to drain, it’s probably causing air and moisture to infiltrate and encouraging mold and mildew growth.
http://www.championwindow.com/chicago/