“When the sun comes out after a heavy rainfall, heating the bricks, moisture is driven out of them, traveling both inward and outward. Some moisture can be driven into the walls after heavy rains.”
Ponessa doesn’t think that can be fixed by placing a moisture barrier like polyethylene or vinyl wallpaper on the wall. “This will shift the moisture problem to the wall interior, creating severe problems.”
Home inspector and engineer Harris Gross of Cherry Hill, N.J., looked at a photo of the Masonic Temple online but couldn’t make out more than the pictures on the wall. He suggested:
• Inspecting the exterior brick wall for adequate pointing. If no other source of water penetration is observed, a masonry sealant could be applied.
• Examining crawl spaces or basements for water penetration.
• Grading the exterior for water drainage.
• Installing a dehumidifier.
• Checking the roof, to be sure water is not running down the wall interior.
• Inspecting around the windows for moisture penetration.
Distributed by MCT Information Services
