Masonry Magazine December 2004 Page. 30
mortar continued from page 52
mold has been surfacing as the number one concern in all building envelopes.
Practices to prevent mortar bridges have included the use of pull-boards and back parging. Pull-boards are a hassle, and this practice can disturb bricks. Back parging can increase the amount of mortar droppings. Recently, we are adding open-head joint type weeps at the bottom and the top of the wall, sometimes with plastic or mesh inserts. This practice greatly improves cavity ventilation, yet cannot compensate for a severely obstructed cavity.
Our practices to prevent mortar droppings from blocking weeps are also not without concern. Most agree that the success of a mortar dropping collection device depends on how well it stages the mortar droppings in such a pattern that will reduce the chances of a solid obstruction. But even the best available mortar dropping collection device is sometimes not enough.
First, it is possible that enough mortar can fall on top of a two-stepped material so that mortar spans the upper tails. Secondly, at an average of 1-2" of mortar droppings per foot of wall height, the lower step can easily become obstructed with mortar as well. Thirdly, no mortar dropping collection device attempts to deal with mortar bridging higher up in the wall.
Even the best available mortar dropping collection device is sometimes not enough.
Refer once again to the photo. The mason who was constructing this wall was asked, "Hey, I thought you weren't supposed to have mortar making contact with the insulation like this." He responded, "It doesn't matter. I have a [mortar dropping collection device] at the bottom." I am sure this mason was not a reader of this magazine, nor a member of a trade organization that ensures its membership is informed and has attention to quality. Yet nonetheless, this belief does exist. And though full education is a continual goal that we are striving toward, I doubt it will ever be completely reached. Levels of experience, knowledge and workmanship definitely affect outcome. But financial and time constraints sometimes force masons to emphasize speed over quality, and even the most skilled mason can be challenged to construct a completely clear cavity wall.
True Facts About Straight Strip MORTAR BREAK®
It Works!! The first geosynthetic mortar deflection system.
THIS STRAIGHT STRIP WORKS GREAT
September 2004
Architectural Testing Inc., York, PA
When tested for drainage and air flow by Architectural Testing Inc. the Mortar Break and Mortar Break II system performed at or above industry standards. Don't be fooled by meaningless negative ads by the competition.
These projects are proof of this products' effectiveness: Providence College, Purdue University, Great American Ballpark, M&T Bank Stadium, Texas A&M, Gillette Stadium, Indiana University, Cornell University, Penn State University, Naval Weapons Station-Yorktown, VA, Boston College, Virginia Beach Correctional Facility, Texas State University, Univ. of Toledo, Southern New Hampshire University, Capital One Building, Etc....
"Our customers find Mortar Break meets or exceeds the performance of the more costly, fancy shaped drainage materials. Rolls of Mortar Break require less shipping or storage space, and according to masons, it is easier to install."
Jeff Snyder, President & CEO
Mason Pro, Inc., Northville, MI
"I have represented Advanced Building Products for over 25 years, the Mortar Break system has performed well for my customers."
Jerry Trigg, GP Trigg & Associates
Dallas, TX
www.advancedflashing.com
Tel: 800-252-2306 Fax: 207-490-2998
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ADVANCED
Building Products Inc.
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
December 2004
Masonry
31