Masonry Magazine April 2007 Page. 42
FLASHING AND
DRAINAGE
Flashing Locations
LOCATING FLASHING is a fairly straightforward task, provided water flow and the limitations of the building wall components are well understood. Masonry walls are porous, often including paths for water penetration, such as cracks and poorly bonded mortar joints; even if properly installed, window perimeter and coping stone sealant degrades over time. Also, through-wall penetrations at pipes, conduit, vents and air conditioning sleeves obviously breach the skin of a building, Each of these locations provides the opportunity for water penetration.
Once moisture has penetrated through the exterior veneer of the masonry wall, it will begin flowing down the interior face of the veneer. Where the vertical flow of water is interrupted by a horizontal surface, water has the potential to penetrate to the interior areas of a building. Such interruptions typically occur at wall bases, shelf angles, lintels, slab edges, through-wall penetrations and windowsills. These are the primary locations where flashing is necessary to manage water.
Flashing also is used at other locations to prevent moisture penetration, more so than managing water after penetration. This is typically the case at coping stones on parapet walls and at the head and jambs of windows.
It should be noted that most model building codes, including the 2000, 2003 and 2006 versions of the International Building Code (IBC), require installation of flashing at various areas of masonry walls. The specific locations where flashing is required in each version of the IBC have changed slightly over the years; however, the intent remains the same.
Materials
FLASHING MATERIALS must be resistant to punctures during construction, they must be corrosion resistant, they must not absorb moisture, and they should be fairly easy to install. More importantly, all flashing materials should be able to provide their intended waterproofing function. Flashing material often is selected based on cost and suitability, but service life also should be considered. Failure of the flashing prior to the end of the useful life of a building will require expensive repairs; therefore, only highly durable materials should be used in masonry construction.
The most durable flashing materials are sheet metals - typically copper and stainless steel. These materials are resistant to punctures, corrosion and water absorption. However, installation is somewhat more difficult than for flexible materials, since they require shop or field bending prior to installation. Another factor is the sealing of laps and joints, which normally is accomplished by soldering.
Tri-Tec Flashing
Brick Drainage System
Victory Bear introduces Tri-Tec Flashing, a state-of-the-art weep hole/flashing system for brick veneer construction. Commercial and residential owners alike want the peace of mind that comes with a well-protected building. Tri-Tec Flashing not only keeps your property dry, it also eliminates water that collects behind brick veneer exteriors faster than conventional weep hole systems.
Features
Made from durable PVC
Built-in weepholes ensure reliable drainage
Mortar Stopper prevents mortar from blocking water flow to the weepholes
Quick connects ensure ease and quality of installation
Reduces building costs with its ease of installation
Built-in brick stop ensures that the product meets code requirements for airspace
Score lines allow easy size adjustment
Third party tested and approved to exceed ASTM 514 test standards
Water which is trapped between brick and wall can cause serious damage.
Victory Bear: Tri-Tec Flashing
Fukuvi USA, Inc
7631 Progress Court, CenterPoint 70 Commerce Park
Huber Heights, OH 45424
Product Inquiries: Mark Brown - National Sales Manager
Phone: (937)236-7288 ext.232
E-mail: mbrown@fukuvi-usa.com
FAX: (937)236-7289
CIRCLE 283 ON READER SERVICE CARD
40 Masonry April 2007
www.masoncontractors.org