What may be new to some is that now, it is becoming more common to also place weep vents at the top of the wall, either just below the shelf angle (commercial or multi-story) or just below the facia and soffit of a residential structure. The reason for this is increased drying and ventilation. As the air in the cavity heats up during the day because of sunlight and warm temperatures on the façade, the moisture in the cavity tends to go from water droplets to vapor as the evaporation process takes place.
In this live chat, we’ll discuss the design and functionality of cavity, adhered veneer, and single wythe cmu walls, and how to manage moisture within the wall. Learn a better understanding of how masonry walls function, how liquid and vapor play a role within the wall, and the importance of properly flashing an exterior façade to help with wall performance and management of moisture.
No masonry is truly waterproof, whether the result of capillary action, absorption or construction error. During the multi-decade life spans of typical high-quality structures, drainage in the cavity of a masonry veneer wall is necessary to minimize moisture damage and create a long-lasting, low-maintenance wall. Drying of the wall by promoting ventilation within the cavity is of increased importance, most recently due to the application of continuous insulation close to the exterior of the structure.
HouseNet suspends mortar droppings above the flashing and weeps so they stay clear and unobstructed.
MortarFlash 20-Mil PVC is a non-reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) thru-wall flashing membrane designed for use as a low-cost alternative in concealed flashing applications.
MortarFlash Non-Asphaltic flashing is a 40-mil, polyethylene blend peel-and-stick flashing membrane with applications to masonry, concrete, steel, gypsum, and wood.
Mortar Net’s drip edge’s are available in stainless steel, cold-rolled copper, and four colors of Kynar-coated galvanized steel.
The patented TotalFlash Cavity Wall Drainage Solution is a complete, factory-assembled masonry cavity wall flashing system.
LathNet is a metal lath and drainage plane system for adhered masonry veneers that provides a continuous drainage plane between the lath and weather resistant barrier.
BlockFlash is a complete, embeddable flashing solution for managing moisture in exterior single wythe CMU walls.
The BlockNet CMU single wythe flashing solution reliably protects CMU walls from water infiltration damage by enabling moisture to easily drain from the block cell interiors to the building exterior.
BTL-1 is a synthetic rubber sealant that is ideal for most construction applications. It produces high-performance joints with both high strength and elasticity.
MortarNet suspends mortar droppings above the flashing and weeps so they stay clear and unobstructed. It's patented insect barrier helps deter insects from entering the cavity.
WallDefender suspends mortar droppings above the flashing and weeps so they stay clear and unobstructed.
CellVent for masonry cavity walls helps ensure that moisture can migrate out and air can circulate into the cavity, and that insects can’t enter the cavity through the weep holes.
WeepVent for masonry cavity walls helps ensure that moisture can migrate out and air can circulate into the cavity, and that insects can’t enter the cavity through the weep holes.
CompleteFlash is a line of injection molded inside/outside corner boots and end dams for use in masonry cavity walls.