Masonry Magazine February 2009 Page. 21
More states are considering adding moisture-management requirements to their building codes.
Several new systems that keep moisture out of wall cavities have hit the market during the last couple of years, and they may have arrived at just the right time. More states are considering adding moisture-management requirements to their building codes.
"There's speculation that moisture management will become code in 28 states by the end of 2009," says Jeremy Douglas, VP of sales and marketing for Sandell Manufacturing Co. Inc. in Schenectady, N.Y.
Eliminating moisture in walls
MANUFACTURERS OFFER a diverse range of products for controlling moisture. Keene Building Products' new Driwall Rainscreen 020-1 is a 0.25-inch, three-dimensional drainage and ventilation mat that's laminated to a non-woven fabric, says James O'Neill, product manager for the Mayfield Heights, Ohio-based company. Driwall eliminates moisture and moisture vapor in wall systems. In masonry applications, it provides a clear and open cavity, free from excess mortar.
"Our Driwall Rainscreen merely provides an air space between the veneer and the wall of the structure, so moisture can drain. What we provide is an air space for ventilation and drainage," O'Neill says. "We provide that cavity in a very cost-effective way."
The TotalFlash cavity wall drainage system from Mortar Net USA Ltd. offers complete moisture management in a single panel, says Earl Bickett, general manager for the Gary, Ind.-based company. Each panel features a no-clog drainage matte that allows water to pass to the weep taps. A stainless-steel drip edge releases moisture away from the building, while weep taps channel moisture to the outside of a building. Mason contractors don't have to worry about clogging the weep holes.
"The mesh will not clog with mortar," says Bickett. "The mortar goes over the weep tabs, and then leaves a dent in the mortar. The mortar leaves a void, and the mesh is a continuous drainage plane, then water exits through the weep holes. You work over the weep hole like it's not even there."
Bickett says TotalFlash can be being used for any type of commercial building, such as offices, condos, hospitals and schools.
Sandell's Air-Tight Liquid is a spray-on or fluid-applied waterproofing membrane that's applied to the exterior side of masonry foundation walls. It lets moisture pass through, but retains heat.
"What makes the product unique is that some products require a two-week wait period," Douglas says. "Our product is completely cured in 24 hours."
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February 2009
MASONRY 19