ᐅ Should Facing Bricks Be Adhered to the Structural Wall or Built as a Free-Standing Wall?
Created on: 21 Oct 2018 22:24
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ElinaHello,
I have an exterior stair with functional stringers that are not very attractive. There is still space on the foundation, so I want to add a facing wall on both the left and right sides made of concrete hollow blocks—but nicer ones. These hollow blocks, which are then filled, with a width of 20 cm (8 inches) would fit.
Now the question is whether to bond these blocks directly to the stringers or leave them freestanding. If freestanding, there would be a gap where water could enter. Is it possible to seal this gap with silicone?
The stringers support natural stone treads, which are flush with the stringers. I would like the walls on the left and right to be a bit higher and include two additional steps.
I have an exterior stair with functional stringers that are not very attractive. There is still space on the foundation, so I want to add a facing wall on both the left and right sides made of concrete hollow blocks—but nicer ones. These hollow blocks, which are then filled, with a width of 20 cm (8 inches) would fit.
Now the question is whether to bond these blocks directly to the stringers or leave them freestanding. If freestanding, there would be a gap where water could enter. Is it possible to seal this gap with silicone?
The stringers support natural stone treads, which are flush with the stringers. I would like the walls on the left and right to be a bit higher and include two additional steps.
Usually, it’s done the other way around. First, the walls on the right and left are built, and then concrete is poured into a formwork between them. The joint can be sealed afterward; technically, this is not necessary for freestanding stairs that are not connected to a basement or similar, but it is visually preferable and can prevent efflorescence.
In your case, it’s problematic because not only is the concrete foundation already in place, but the natural stone covering is also installed. Simply using mortar won’t provide a permanent seal—you will always have water entering the gap between the wall and the stair. Silicone helps for about 2–5 years, then you will need to scrape it out and reapply it. There are other permanently flexible adhesive sealants that might last somewhat longer. It will only become permanently watertight if you run a seal from the wall down onto the foundation of the stair tread. But since the covering is already installed, this isn’t possible.
Intentionally leaving a gap won’t work because dirt will accumulate at the bottom, causing water to pool there.
In your case, it’s problematic because not only is the concrete foundation already in place, but the natural stone covering is also installed. Simply using mortar won’t provide a permanent seal—you will always have water entering the gap between the wall and the stair. Silicone helps for about 2–5 years, then you will need to scrape it out and reapply it. There are other permanently flexible adhesive sealants that might last somewhat longer. It will only become permanently watertight if you run a seal from the wall down onto the foundation of the stair tread. But since the covering is already installed, this isn’t possible.
Intentionally leaving a gap won’t work because dirt will accumulate at the bottom, causing water to pool there.
Thanks in advance. So these are not coverings, but natural stone steps, which I can remove again. They are not fixed yet. They are cantilevered steps.
I would remove the steps and apply waterproofing to the rough stringer on the wall side (I have this gray compound that can be spread over the corner with fleece). Then put the steps back on.
They are still loose because they are not all exactly 1 meter (3.3 feet) wide, and I wanted to avoid not being able to place the steps later once the side walls are in place.
I would remove the steps and apply waterproofing to the rough stringer on the wall side (I have this gray compound that can be spread over the corner with fleece). Then put the steps back on.
They are still loose because they are not all exactly 1 meter (3.3 feet) wide, and I wanted to avoid not being able to place the steps later once the side walls are in place.
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