water in air gap behind brick

[Tomhans]

I have a house built in 1972, brick facade, 20mm air gap, and inner wall of siporex blocks. I have a window 2.7m long, where I have noticed water intrusion at the top through the frame screws. It happens when it rains for a long time and the wind is against the wall. I opened it up and see that water comes down through the air gap. The frame is positioned just below the air gap. Spoke with an older mason and he explained that when the brick becomes saturated, there's moisture on the inside plus the joints allow moisture through. Does anyone know more about this and what can I do?

 

[surris]

I have a house built in 1972, brick facade, 20mm air gap, and inner wall of type siporexblock. Among other things, I have a window 2.7m long, where I have noticed water intrusion through the top edge via the frame screws. It happens when it rains for a long time and the wind is against the wall. I have opened it up and see that water comes down through the air gap. The frame is located right under the air gap. I spoke to an old bricklayer and he explained that when the brick becomes saturated, moisture forms on the inside and the joints let through moisture. Does anyone know more about this and what can I do?

Can you seal at the frame screws? What you describe is somewhat the function of the air gap, which is why you shouldn't place windows in the air gap. But now it is already like that.

 

[Tomhans]

Can you seal around the frame screws? What you describe is somewhat the function of the air gap, so you shouldn't place windows in the air gap. But since it's already like that now.

Yes, I can, but the water is still there, and that can't be good. I considered placing an aluminum sheet on top with a slight slope outward, so the water runs off. But what should you seal with, since it mustn't prevent the water from draining out and shouldn't absorb either?

 

[Betongapa]

Does water remain at the bottom near the base between the brick and the wall? Maybe I misunderstand a bit but every third mortar joint at the bottom should be open to let out water that comes in behind the brick.

 

[Tomhans]

Is water remaining at the bottom by the base between the brick and wall? Maybe I misunderstand a bit, but every third brick joint at the bottom should be open to let out water that comes in behind the bricks.

I don't know if there is water, but there are no open joints. I will open them immediately!

 

[surris]

Yes, I can do that, but the water remains and that can't be good. I was thinking about placing an aluminum sheet on top with a slight slope outward, so it runs off. But what do you seal it with then, it shouldn't stop the water from running out and shouldn't absorb it either.

Sounds reasonable. Some sealing compound for external use.