>>> Case Study: Moisture Management

Words: Dan Kamys

Drainage and Air Circulation Help Prolong the Life and Look of Austin Apartment Complex

[caption id="attachment_13437" align="alignright" width="300"]Driwall Rainscreen 020-1, a drainage and ventilation mat installed on the exterior walls of construction, can be used behind a variety of exterior veneers, including stone, stucco and fiber cement. Driwall Rainscreen 020-1, a drainage and ventilation mat installed on the exterior walls of construction, can be used behind a variety of exterior veneers, including stone, stucco and fiber cement.[/caption] Located in Austin, Texas, a new apartment complex offers luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each of the 13 unique floor plans feature hardwood or stained concrete flooring, granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, spacious walk in closets, and a private balcony. Amenities include an athletic center, a swimming pool and an outdoor grilling area. For this particular apartment complex, the developer wanted to eliminate as much concern about moisture issues as possible. Mold and decay can ruin the profitability of a project. With the increase in building “tightness” for thermal protection, moisture problems are on the rise, causing a greater need for hydrostatic pressure release and a ventilation method. A decision was made to incorporate Keene Building Products’ Driwall Rainscreen 020-1 to alleviate any future concerns related to moisture behind the variety of exterior veneers, which included stone, stucco and fiber cement. DriwalI Rainscreen 020-1 is a quarter-inch-thick drainage and ventilation mat used behind exterior wall systems. The entangled net drainage and ventilation mat eliminates incidental moisture penetrations and problems in siding applications. With the increase in energy efficiency in the building envelope, there is less potential for thermal leakage. By eliminating a ventilation method, siding applications have seen an increase in moisture issues. It was essential to have a means of drainage and circulation of air to help prolong the life and look of the stone, stucco and fiber cement used on this apartment complex. The full-wall DriwalI Rainscreen 020-1 product rolls over the weather-resistant barrier to separate it from the exterior veneers. The airspace that is provided assures that any moisture that penetrates the siding can drain to the exterior. Moisture and ventilation are essential to proper construction. This Austin, Texas, apartment complex is allowing the walls to breath and stay dry.
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More