Brick Industry Association Releases New Technical Note
On Proper Design and Construction
of Brick Masonry Walls to Ensure Water Resistance

RESTON, Va., (October 5, 2005)  The Brick Industry Association (BIA) today announced the availability of a new release in its design and construction bulletin series, Technical Notes on Brick Construction. Technical Note 7, "Water Penetration Resistance - Design and Detailing, features the latest information in regard to brick design and detailing issues affecting for water penetration resistance. The Technical Note is available for free via the Brick Industry Association Web site at www.gobrick.com.

"The brick industry remains committed to educating builders, architects and owners about the proper construction of brick masonry walls, said Dick Jennison, President of BIA. "Brick houses and buildings have performed well for centuries, but the proper design and detailing of brick in maximizing water penetration resistance is necessary to realize the inherent strength and durability benefit that comes from building with brick.

Under normal exposures, it is virtually impossible for significant amounts of water to pass through bricks and mortar. However, there are conditions that can affect moisture exposure, such as changes in housing styles and weather events including wind-driven rain. Both of these issues are examined in this edition, with instruction on how to mitigate instances in which water could pass through brickwork. Design and construction recommendations are presented in the document to ensure that anywhere a brick home may be built, the potential for water penetration is minimized.

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The updated resource addresses design issues affecting water penetration resistance with a focus on two key issues: sources of moisture and selection of wall type. The document also examines detailing issues that are important in ensuring water resistance with an examination of the proper installation and location of flashing and placement of weeps, the openings required in a brick wall to ensure the proper drainage of any water collected on flashing. In addition, the Technical Note also updates information on principles for ensuring proper drainage.

Technical Note 7 is the first in a series of Technical Notes that address all issues related to ensuring the water penetration resistance of brick. The next two publications in this series will address material selection and workmanship, and will be released in the coming weeks.

This edition of Technical Note 7 reflects the ongoing redesign of BIA's Technical Notes series, a longstanding source of information for issues related to the proper design, installation and maintenance of brick. BIA Technical Notes now feature full-color graphics and an improved layout that highlights key points for the reader. Illustrations featured in Technical Notes are also available in CAD format via the BIA Web site.

All editions of BIA's Technical Notes on Brick Construction are available free of charge via the BIA Web site at www.gobrick.com. A complete bound copy of the more than 90 Technical Notes featured in the series can also be ordered for $75.00.

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The Brick Industry Association (BIA), Reston, Va., is a non-profit trade association representing the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of clay brick. BIA's 40 manufacturers operate nearly 150 plants that produce more than 85 percent of the brick shipped in the U.S. and Canada.  BIA also represents  149 U.S. brick distributors.  Web site: www.gobrick.com.