Split-Face Block

[Jerry Simon]

Anybody (read "Kurt") want to list the key points to the *good* split-face block versus the *bad* block that allows moisture intrusion. Got a report I'm writing that needs to address same. Thanks much for any help.

[kurt]

At this point, I've of the mind that it all is pretty bad.

Obviously, flashing, wicks, weeps, expansion joints in all the places you should have them (foundation, above & below windows & doors, under coping, @ floor platforms, etc.), & "dryblock" head the list of what you gotta have. After that, I'm always looking for the hairline fracture cracks that seem to be everywhere.

If there's evidence of goofballs coming back & smearing Type N over all the hairline cracks, that's as damning as anything I can imagine. When you see the thoroseal on the interior of the parapet walls, it means someone's trying to keep water out there too.

If it's a solid wall, i.e., not cavity wall, it's just plain bad. Never seen a good one. I've even been recommending Modac sealants as means of trying to keep the water out.

Anywhere there is a steel stair support penetrating the block, the water flows in. Any other sort of penetration is the same.

[Jerry Simon]

Originally posted by kurt

Obviously, flashing, wicks, weeps, expansion joints in all the places you should have them (foundation, above & below windows & doors, under coping, @ floor platforms, etc.), & "dryblock" head the list of what you gotta have.

Yeah, Dry-Block, that's what I was looking for...thanks.

Any ready way to know if any certain split-face was made with or without Dry-Block? (Probably not, my guess.)