Masonry Magazine September 2009 Page. 9
Stone Walls Are Strongest When They Can Weep
STONE&STUCCO DRAIN
By Mortar Net USA
TM
Where moisture is concerned, "holding it in" is a sign of weakness.
These walls are built to stand erect for generations, but they're a bit more vulnerable than they may seem. Moisture will find its way behind the stone, usually through the mortar, although other entry points are possible. Temperature variances can also create condensation behind these striking façades.
Regardless of how it gets in, though, this water must weep out. Otherwise, even the toughest walls can suffer serious breakdowns, such as mold growth and mildew, or freeze-thaw failures with weighty results, followed, far too often these days, by calls from lawyers.
Small wonder more and more masonry contractors are deciding that an ounce of prevention is worth many tons of remediation.
Mortar Net's advanced Stone & Stucco Drain™ delivers superior drainage for any kind of stone construction. Woven of our famously high-tech, 90% porous polyester mesh, the 3/16" layer of Stone & Stucco Drain™ intercepts invading moisture, then diverts it down to the weeps and out of the building.
Whether you're working with natural or manufactured stone (or with stucco) the lightweight rolls of Stone & Stucco Drain™ are remarkably easy to install, just staple them into place according to the instructions.
Walls that contain Stone & Stucco Drain™ can weep whenever they need to, but nobody will ever see it happen, they'll just marvel at how your walls can endure so much, but still stay so strong.
Mortar Net®
USA LTD.
www.MortarNet.com
800-664-6638
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