40 Hour Property and Building Inspection Practice Test

Are brick veneer walls watertight?

1. Yes, they are completely watertight

2. No, they are not watertight

3. Only if properly sealed

4. Only in dry climates

The correct answer is: No, they are not watertight

Brick veneer walls are not watertight. While they provide a level of resistance to moisture due to the nature of the material, they are not designed to be completely impermeable. The construction of brick veneer involves a layer of brick placed over a structural wall, typically with an air gap between them. This design allows for drainage of any moisture that might penetrate the brick. Moisture can still find its way through the brick, especially if the walls are subjected to constant rain or if the brick is permeable due to age or cracking. Importantly, if water does penetrate the brick veneer, the air gap is designed to direct that moisture down towards the flashing and weep holes, where it can then exit the wall system. The other options suggest varying levels of watertightness that do not accurately reflect the inherent properties of brick veneer construction. For instance, while proper sealing can help reduce moisture penetration, it does not guarantee complete watertightness in all conditions. Additionally, the location, such as a dry climate, does not necessarily equate to the watertightness of the material, as brick must still be capable of handling moisture in various weather conditions.