Masonry Walls: Masonry walls above ground present less of a problem with regard to waterproofing. It is generally required that they be only resistant to leakage from wind-driven rain; indeed it is highly desirable that the Wall be permeable to air and water vapor to avoid condensation and trapping of moisture in the wall. Paint and silica compounds, oils, varnishes, and gums have long been experimented with for surface coating of masonry.
Decorators are often confronted with rooms that have walls in part or entirely of masonry that cannot easily be changed. These walls may consist of cut or uncut field stone, ashlar, concrete or cement-blocks, brick, or various types of tile. Stone is often used for fireplaces and chimney-breasts and it is best in these cases to leave the stonework in its natural finish. Concrete or cement-blocks, if used structurally, usually form walls that are 8 or 16 inches thick, and as these materials are moisture-absorbent in the majority of climates, they require a furred interior finish Wall of plaster or other material, built with an air space between it and the blocks. In warm and dry climates, or where walls are well protected by a Roof overhang, block walls may be treated with either a water or oil paint. Bricks and tiles are produced in an infinite variety of colors, textures, and sizes, and there is no objection to using them in their natural finish, if they are of good quality and color; otherwise a coat of paint is preferable. Masonry materials have a degree of permanence that does not exist in the majority of Wall surface treatments, and they have the added advantage of low cost of upkeep.
Decorators are often confronted with rooms that have walls in part or entirely of masonry that cannot easily be changed. These walls may consist of cut or uncut field stone, ashlar, concrete or cement-blocks, brick, or various types of tile. Stone is often used for fireplaces and chimney-breasts and it is best in these cases to leave the stonework in its natural finish. Concrete or cement-blocks, if used structurally, usually form walls that are 8 or 16 inches thick, and as these materials are moisture-absorbent in the majority of climates, they require a furred interior finish Wall of plaster or other material, built with an air space between it and the blocks. In warm and dry climates, or where walls are well protected by a Roof overhang, block walls may be treated with either a water or oil paint. Bricks and tiles are produced in an infinite variety of colors, textures, and sizes, and there is no objection to using them in their natural finish, if they are of good quality and color; otherwise a coat of paint is preferable. Masonry materials have a degree of permanence that does not exist in the majority of Wall surface treatments, and they have the added advantage of low cost of upkeep.
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