Drainage and Ventilation

Solutions for Brick Veneers

Predictable Cavity.
Efficient and Effective Weeps.

Brick is a “reservoir cladding” because bricks and mortar joints absorb water. It is essential that the brick veneer is allowed to drain and dry across the entire vertical wall. Excess mortar bridging the air space behind the brick compromises the water repellency of the water resistive barrier which leads to rot and failure. Ineffective weeps and poor placement contribute to prolonged moisture exposure, deteriorating masonry joints, and increasing efflorescence.

Best Practice Detailing for Brick

  • Minimum 1″ air gap so mason can lay brick
  • Frequent weeps directly on the flashing at shelf angles, lintels, and ledges
  • Rainscreen drainage mat to ensure drainage over the entire backup wall
  • Vent the cavity to facilitate drying

Essential Moisture Management Components
for Brick

SURE CAVITY®

Rainscreen Air Gap

Sure Cavity® drainage mat’s rigid channels and mortar blocking fabric ensure a clear and continuous drainage gap along the entire backup wall. Plus, it is available in a 16″ height to fit between brick ties.

Cavity Weep™

Self-Spaced Weeps

Rope weeps and tubes don’t work, and water doesn’t run uphill to drain from cell vents above the bed joint mortar. Cavity Weep™ is a self-spaced weep system that quickly rolls out on the flashing and creates drainage tunnels directly on the flashing.

Head Joint Weep™

Lintels & Shelves

Each Head Joint Weep™ drains water directly on the lintel or shelf angle flashing. Each Head Joint Weep™ is 3/8″ wide – the same as a mortar joint – so it acts as a time-saving spacer for creating great looking mortar joints.

Floor Edging™

Soffit Ventilation

Take advantage of physics by letting warm moist air exit at the top of the wall. Floor Edging™ maintains a pathway for ventilation from the air cavity to the exterior – simply tuck-point mortar between the top course of brick and Floor Edging™, then score the Floor Edging™ at the face of the wall and snap off the excess.

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