Masonry Magazine June 2011 Page. 18
FLASHING AND DRAINAGE
BT and create a total watertight system, including numerous detail points at inside/outside corners, head and sills of window openings, elevation changes and other transitions, is just as essential. While the tried-and-true products of the past still can provide us with quality installations, we should not ignore the many improved, user-friendly products on the market today.
A vital aspect of moisture management actually is getting the moisture out of the wall. From the early days of cavity wall construction, architects and masons saw the need for effective drainage. This moisture drainage is achieved through the use of weeps located at each flashing location. Traditionally, plastic tubes and cotton cords were installed 16 inches on center. This configuration is giving way to full-height weeps made of honeycomb plastic, aluminum or synthetic mesh, spaced 24 inches on center.
These products are installed into the vertical head joint of the brick course on top of the flashing. Many of these "next-generation" weeps are made of materials that come in various colors to match a mortar color. The cavity area must be kept open and unclogged at the flashing line to allow any accumulated moisture to fall to the weeps via gravity, and exit out of the wall. For many years, pea gravel was the product of choice for drainage and keeping weep holes open and free flowing. In time, pea gravel was recognized as only serving to dam the mortar droppings up higher in the cavity. It did not maintain an open path for water passage. This revelation opened the door for innovation, and new products were introduced with synthetic mesh materials with a 90 percent open weave and cut into
Sandell's Copper Flashings
With over 70 years of experience, Sandell Construction Solutions is the name you can depend on for superior copper products, that protect the environment. Its high corrosion resistance and minimum maintenance requirements make Sandell's copper laminate flashing ideal for your commercial flashing needs. All Components in our copper flashings are responsibly derived from post consumer and post industrial recycled content making Sandell's copper flashings environmentally conscious.
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