Masonry Magazine September 2004 Page. 40
Drainage
"Don't create a problem that you'll have to try to solve later." Roger Lingofelt, U.S. Wire
Unfortunately, without one of these elements installed or working as it should, Bupp says that the complete drainage system will not function properly.
"The whole concept of a drainage system is that the water gets out the base of the wall or to the top of an opening of a window or door," Bupp explains. "Without these other elements installed properly or detailed correctly, this most likely will not occur."
Lingofelt agrees, and says, "Water will get in that wall, either from the roof and the flashing, around a window, or maybe when the bricklayers struck the mortar, he or she didn't get it tight. That wall has to breathe somehow to get that moisture out."
Cell Vent
Comes in 7 Colors:
Gray
Subjective specs:
1. Use a Cell Vent every 16" in the first course.
2. Use a Cell Vent every 16" over all doors and windows (wherever flashing is used).
3. Reset Cell Vent 3/8" to 1/2".
Caca Tan Brown Dory
Standard Sizes:
Regular 3/8" X 21/2" X 33/8"
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Jumbo 3/8" X 33/8" X 33/8"
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Popular Special Sizes:
3/8" X 35/8" X 4"
However, mason contractors and other builders have historically thought of each item in the cavity wall as an entity unto itself, without making the connection to the system as a whole.
"I think it has become pretty standard to have some sort of masonry dropping deflection device or a drainage piece in the cavity, whether it's pea gravel - which is not widely used - Mortar Net, or any one of the straight strip products," says Lee.
Runt
Samples available on request.
With seven colors, we should be able to match your mortar. We have the largest selection of Cell Vent colors to meet every situation. We have special sizes when your job needs them.
3/8" X 75/8" X 75/8"
3/8" X 12" X 12
3/8" X 8" X 8
114 X 21/2" X 33/8"
Give us 4 working days for special sizes
He further explains that, beyond the mortar collection device, builders typically pick and choose items from weeps and house wraps, to even flashing- to install in the wall, leaving others behind.
"You can almost come up with every sort of combination, yet very few examples of all of these parts in combination," Lee says.
Getting Involved
WHILE MASON CONTRACTORS are getting an understanding that drainage needs to be thought of as a whole, specifications are partially to blame for the lack of follow-through.
Speaking on the lack of all drainage items being included, Lee says, "I think it's partially due to the fact that spec devices, such as MASTERSPEC, don't actually put standards in very much. Product equality is sort of assumed, even though I don't think anyone would argue that pea gravel is not the same as