Epoxy-Coated Exterior Walls and Moisture
cassarch
| Posted in General Questions on
I am designing an animal shelter in Zone 6. The kennels are designed so there are outdoor and indoor sections for each dog pen, separated by a CMU wall. The exterior side of the CMU wall has 2″ rigid with integral cement board face. BOTH sides of this wall have to be covered in epoxy up to 6 feet and continuous with the floor epoxy.
Am I in for trouble here without having a way for moisture to escape? The “exterior” portion will be heated enough to prevent freezing temps, is weatherproof with roof and operable poly carb window system, equipped with exhaust fan, and the exterior slab will have hydronic radiant heat.
Thanks!
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Replies
I wouldn't have a problem with that. The CMU will be pretty damp, but if its not freeze/thaw all the time, that's not a problem. Having cleanable surfaces is far more important for an application like that.
I agree - wet CMU that never freezes shouldn't be a problem.
With all of your insulation on the exterior, I wouldn't expect this wall assembly to have any issues with freezing. Concrete is happy to remain wet forever, you just need to protect it from freeze/thaw cycles which can cause spalling if it's wet. With a heated interior, and all-exterior insulation, I don't see you having any issues with freeze/thaw cycles so you should be fine here.
Bill
Thanks to all for your comments.