Residential
Ventilating the Top & Bottom of Wall
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.
BuildShow Webinar: Masonry 101
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
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.
English 
Spanish 
Danish