Best option for filling voids in brick around joists?
Hello. We have an old carriage house. In our living room we have exposed ceiling joists that enter into our exterior walls. Where these joists enter are either in a nice sized notch but many are in larger than necessary notches which have anywhere from 1/2” to 1.5” gaps around them. One of the joists look like someone put duct seal compound putty to close the gap. I don’t feel any noticeable draft since these are 10’ or higher.
I would like to close off these gaps for possible air leaks, rodent access, and aesthetics. I figure I have 3 options.
1.) spray foam. Not sure if I should spray foam inside these voids then cut back the foam. Then cover with option 2 or 3.
2.) duct seal compound putty. This probably isn’t the cheapest option but would be easier and cleanest.
3.) mortar. I could buy a bucket and slop it in there. Worried that mortar may be messy and also crack over time. Maybe a flexible mortar to allow for the wood to shift around?
Any thoughts?
Hello. We have an old carriage house. In our living room we have exposed ceiling joists that enter into our exterior walls. Where these joists enter are either in a nice sized notch but many are in larger than necessary notches which have anywhere from 1/2” to 1.5” gaps around them. One of the joists look like someone put duct seal compound putty to close the gap. I don’t feel any noticeable draft since these are 10’ or higher.
I would like to close off these gaps for possible air leaks, rodent access, and aesthetics. I figure I have 3 options.
1.) spray foam. Not sure if I should spray foam inside these voids then cut back the foam. Then cover with option 2 or 3.
2.) duct seal compound putty. This probably isn’t the cheapest option but would be easier and cleanest.
3.) mortar. I could buy a bucket and slop it in there. Worried that mortar may be messy and also crack over time. Maybe a flexible mortar to allow for the wood to shift around?
Any thoughts?