Masonry Magazine December 2011 Page. 29
Looking for one simple solution to preventing moisture problems in something as complex as a modern building is unrealistic.
The final component is air-pressure control. A well-designed rainscreen drainage plane system helps maintain pressure equalization. It lessens the chance that high-pressure air, contaminated with moisture, will move from high-pressure to low-pressure, and deeper into the building envelope. And with venting at the top and bottom of the wall (see Figure 12), air-flow may assist in drying the building envelope.
Lu Bu Wei, a Chinese philosopher wrote, "It follows, then, that all things work together... The Sage examines them in order to observe their similarities."
In other words, looking for one simple solution to preventing moisture problems in something as complex as a modern building is unrealistic. Too many things come into play: materials used, the laws of physics, the people involved, location/climate, the many systems brought together in the building. To reach a true "waterproofing" result, we must work together as a team to create the right moisture management system. And that is the hole/whole story. IMAS
View of weeps correctly placed at the lowest point is the wall. John Koester, a former mason, is the founder and CEO of Masonry Technology Inc. He has an extensive background in waterproofing systems in the areas of forensics, design and manufacturing, Mark A. Johnson is the media technologies manager for Masonry Technology Inc. He has a background in construction, education and communications technology.
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www.masonrymagazine.com
December 2011
MASONRY 27