RRCL was recently at a site in downtown Toronto where the paint is peeling off 100+ year old solid brick masonry. From the street, the peeling paint makes the facade look like it is seriously deteriorating. Upon further inspection, the exterior brick appears to be in satisfactory condition (at least viewing the 2nd floor from the sidewalk). Isolated brick spalling was observed at other locations (e.g. closer to grade, adjacent to high moisture locations such as the downspout), however, it appears the systemic problem is peeling paint rather than brick deterioration.

With further inspection and some supportive lab testing (i.e. frost dilatometry) and hygrothermal simulation (i.e. WUFI), RRCL can assess the risk for of existing brick masonry deteriorating as options to insulate from the interior are considered for this project. Contact RRCL for all your hygrothermal performance questions.