Masonry Magazine March 2011 Page. 32
Bring on the Rain
Moisture management: We all know the term, and we all know the processes and materials. But do we know if we are actually installing our work correctly?
BY STEVE FECHINO
CAVITY WALLS ARE AMONG THE MOST COMMON WALLS CONSTRUCTED IN TODAY'S MARKET. Moisture management within the cavity can prevent problems, if addressed at the beginning of construction.
As this article is written, snow covers the landscape, as well as concrete block cubes, brick hacks and other pallets of materials on many jobsites. Yes, many of us cover and protect our materials; however, materials saturated from the elements are still installed in our projects, introducing the first moisture to our cavities. As construction often does in the months that get more precipitation, it can start and stop unexpectedly due to the weather. This creates opportunity for wall protection to blow off of the walls and allow in-place work to become saturated. Though both conditions are season-
30 MASONRY
March 2011 www.masoncontractors.org
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