Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/19/2010

Question
Im in the process of buying a house that has only a single wall kitchen extension, have viewed the property and there is no damp showing,would i have any problems later with the extension  is it ok to have a single wall extension or should i leave well alone. i thought to put cladding all around is this the correct way to go about correcting this.I do not have any images to attatch. Iwould appreciate your advice.

Answer
Hi Carl,  are you referring to a single wythe hollow core masonry wall? If so then that is an acceptable way to build in the States as long as we give the exterior a good covering of waterproof paint.  Any kind of cladding is acceptable, however, prior to installing the cladding you need to waterproof the wall with a good rubber or tar based mastic.  Then install furring strips followed by your siding.  If you are doing furring strips, sheathing and then siding?  Add another layer of water protection between the siding and the sheathing, either a wall wrap or felt paper layered up the wall with each higher course overlapping the lower course to allow trapped moisture to weep out.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com