Q. We have a brick house built in 1948 with interior plaster walls. On the second floor we have corner windows–one window faces west, and two face north. As long as we have lived here, the interior walls beneath the windows showed cracked paint.
About four years ago, we had the walls refinished and painted by our neighbor who has a decorating business and a house identical to ours. A few months later, we noticed some frothiness, especially on the west facing wall. Our neighbor has an identical problem.
We assume this problem is caused by moisture but cannot find the cause. All caulking seems to be in good shape, and we have a newer roof and 6-inch gutters, which aren’t clogged. Could the bricks be too porous, and if so, what do we do about it?
A. Schimpf, North Barrington
A. If there are no leaks at the windows, gutters or roof, then look at the exterior walls for cracks or gaps in the mortar between the rows of bricks, said Michael Rossell of Albert Wendt Construction Co. in Glen Ellyn.
Also, double-check areas that are between two different kinds of materials, because they may contract and expand in fluctuating temperatures and leave a gap where water can get inside, he said. For instance, the window sill may be made of limestone so the joint between the sill and a brick wall may separate slightly.
To find the site of a leak, try a water test on a dry day. Use a garden hose to drench one small area of the house exterior. Then check for leaks. Let dry completely and then repeat the test in other areas.
More Top Picks Best Kakigori Shaved Ice Machines
———-
Have a question about home repair or maintenance? Send a note to Home Remedies, Your Place, baiduhai, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611, or e-mail [email protected]. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns.