Lat Works Construction

Wall Drainage Mat




Wall Drainage Mat. Weep Moisture Cavity Wall Brick Wall
With the increase in building thermal protection, moisture problems are on the rise throughout all new construction. For example, where stucco goes into a window, or when brick goes into fiber cement board siding. A reliable, high performance wall system will also have redundancies built in so if one aspect of the wall is challenged, there is another aspect to back it up.

Traditionally, masonry cavity walls have employed field-assembled through-wall flashing. With the increase in building “tightness” for thermal protection, moisture problems are on the rise, causing a greater need for hydrostatic pressure release and a ventilation method.

However, excess moisture can affect the durability and longevity of the structure. A masonry barrier wall is formed when bricks are applied directly to a substrate. Contrary to this belief, the brick and mortar joints actually act as sponges that draw water into the wall system. This water is then diverted back to the exterior via the weep holes located at the base of the pan system. Improperly lapped or damaged moisture barriers will allow water to penetrate the backup wall system and eventually enter the building envelope. Water penetration through exterior masonry wall systems is a serious problem throughout the country. Many water intrusions are improperly diagnosed because the masonry walls are overlooked. The airspace that it creates increases airflow through the wall cavity, allowing the wall to breathe and stay dry. Driwall provides no source for the promotion of mold, mildew or bacteria. In residential masonry cavity walls, mortar collection above the flashing and weep hole levels is vital for proper masonry cavity wall performance and to prevent water damage.

Trapped moisture will decrease the effectiveness of certain insulations and decrease the overall life span of the building. A successful cavity wall requires a few key factors. Another important aspect to a successful cavity wall is a clear cavity. We are seeing cavity airspaces range anywhere from two inches all the way up to more than four inches. Engineered rainscreen wall systems have been around for quite some time.


MTI’s Gravity Cavity or Sure Cavity rainscreen drainage mat coupled with MTI’s Cavity Weep provide a predictable & continuous …DriPlane Exterior Rainscreen Drainage Mesh – Masonry Wall Drainage Mat

Wall Drainage Mat. Weep Moisture Cavity Wall Brick Wall

Rainscreen systems greatly reduce this risk by enabling moisture to swiftly exit thebuilding envelope. Belt rolls out quickly on top of masonry units and holds trash mortar squeezings away from weeps. Adding a rainscreen product is the answer to these problems. Rainscreen 020-1 is a nominal quarter-inch, randomly oriented, geometric patterned drainage and ventilation mat. Rigid inserts preserve the opening and let water out and air in, but they may not fit the joint tightly or protect the opening well.

Factory assembly of the flashing system in controlled conditions eliminates most of the variability of field installation and allows less experienced installers to create leak-free installations.

Applications for roofing and below grade drainage. If moisture builds up and the wall is unable to dry, problems such as cracking, deterioration, and efflorescence may occur. The core absorbs and releases no moisture. We poured water into the troughs at the top of each wall, which funneled the water behind the stucco. Wall number 3 wall has an acrylic back so we can see through it. Its 90% open mesh allows moisture to flow to the weeps and air to move within the cavity to promote drying. If weep drains are omitted, placed at the wrong level, or blocked, water will likely accumulate and eventually find its way into the building.

Plastic tubing is inserted to the inside edge of the brick wall system.

Drainage Mats and Masonry Supplies

Masonry Wall Drainage Mat
During the test, we document the ability or inability of water to exit the wall system via the weep drainage holes. Most sealers are not capable of bridging these types of gaps. Never rely on sealants to fix a leaky brick wall. First, we need to modify the terminology slightly. In reality, the goal is to create a pressure-moderated wall system. Differential air pressures between the inner wall and outside environment will draw moisture into the wall system’s inner structure. This convective airflow removes excess moisture vapor, while drying any residual moisture within the cavity at the same time. An attractive appearance is assured by flange. Helps to prevent moisture problems, mold growth, and premature wall assembly deterioration.


If modern construction techniques reduce water vapor diffusion and agree moisture will likely penetrate outside walls, it is important to incorporate a defensive strategy to mitigate the effects of water intrusion and prevent rot.

This technique achieves desired results with limited additional expense. With over 60 million feet in service and an exponential increase in demand, you can feel confident in this effective approach. For the contractor, the installation of this lightweight product is easy and quick. Other organizations are acknowledging the need for all-wall drainage mats, because these mats are not only beneficial in cavity wall applications. This is enough pressure to force moisture into cracks of any size. In summary, building with rainscreen technology will allow moisture to drain and ventilate properly by reducing the amount of moisture allowed to linger in a wall system.

All-wall drainage mats have proven to be an effective way to improve the life and performance of a building. Xypex waterproofing from an architect who had specified it for tunnels. The owner also had flood doors installed throughout. Hess’s decision to waterproof was validated. When deciding on the extent of the mock-up, consider all the major different types of work on the project. Break is a multi-level mortar deflection system for cavity wall construction that breaks up mortar on four different levels. Type 20 – 0.020 in (0.51 mm) weighing approx. Type 30 – 0.030 in (0.76 mm) weighing approx. High performance acrylic urethane latex. Architect of unsatisfactory preparation before proceeding.


Waterway Rainscreen For Manufactured Stone Veneer

This video animation provides an overview of installation guidelines published by the MVMA (Masonry Veneer Manufacturers …

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