Sponsored: Mortar Net Solutions™ Introduces DriPlane™

Words: Dan KamysMortar Net Solutions’ DriPlane™ provides a continuous drainage and ventilation plane behind exterior rainscreen and adhered masonry walls. DriPlane is installed between the structural wall and exterior cladding and can be used over continuous rigid insulation to help designers conform to ASHRAE 90.1 requirements. It is ideal for use with stucco, thin brick and stone, fiber cement, vinyl and wood siding, manufactured stone and most other absorptive claddings. The easy-to-install system consists of a 90 percent, open-weave polypropylene mesh with integrated drainage channels and a water- and vapor-permeable fabric attached to one side. Standard 1/4-inch-thick DriPlane comes in convenient 4-foot by 65-foot rolls for rapid coverage and fewer seams. It is also available in 3/8-inch (10 mm) and 3/4-inch thickness options. Unique UV-resistant packaging protects DriPlane rolls from degradation when they’re stored outside, and extra-large product labels make it easy for distributors to locate it when it’s stored on high racks and for contractors to quickly find it on the job site. DriPlane helps prevent water damage and eliminate callbacks by allowing veneers to drain quickly and dry completely. It acts as a capillary and mortar break between cladding and the weather-resistant barrier, which virtually eliminates mortar bridging and helps reduce labor costs by eliminating one layer of weather-resistant barrier. It also allows siding and veneers to move independently of the structural wall to help prevent damage due to variations in expansion/contraction rates of wall components. DriPlane helps designers and contractors create sustainable, trouble-free buildings they can be proud of for years. For more information, visit www.mortarnet.com/driplane.
Monadnock Building
August 2026

Chicago’s Monadnock Building doesn’t dominate the skyline the way it once did. Surrounded by steel-and-glass towers, the dark brick structure can seem almost understated. But for anyone in the masonry industry, it remains one of the most important buildin

Cass Stern
American Treasure
Brick Clay Brick
Read More
Britt Stokes, Acme Brick’s Director of Marketing, Retires.
August 2026

Fort Worth, Texas – After faithfully serving Acme Brick Company for 40 years, Britt has chosen to retire – although he will still be involved with Acme on various projects. Britt began his career with Acme as staff photographer and through dedicati

Industry News
Read More
Why SkillsUSA is the Keystone to MCAA’s Outreach
August 2026

When I stepped into the role of the MCAA’s first Director of Youth Outreach and Education, I knew we had a massive job ahead of us. I am a fourth-generation brick mason, and I have spent over two decades teaching the trade, from working with apprentices a

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
The First Paycheck
August 2026

Several years ago, Huntley Brothers hired a young apprentice. It was his first real job, and he had never had a paycheck before. Friday rolled around, and he got paid just like everyone else. Later that day, one of the guys told me something I have never

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More