Masonry Magazine December 2004 Page. 32

Words: Ann Wolter, Timothy Hughes, G. Griffin, Charlie Norwood, George Ludwig, Jim Bates
Masonry Magazine December 2004 Page. 32

Masonry Magazine December 2004 Page. 32
Airing Out the Facts
ABOUT CAVITY WALL DRAINAGE

We took the test
New research indicates that airflow in masonry cavity walls is equally as important as proper water drainage and can aid in quickly drying out the components within the cavity.

Mortar Net USA, Ltd. recognized the dramatic improvement that increased airflow along with an effective drainage system could have on the functionality of today's cavity wall systems.

Therefore, extensive testing on the use of Mortar Net's mortar collection device and Mortar Net Weep Vents was recently completed. Mortar Net was placed at the base of the cavity on top of the flashing. Mortar Net Weep Vents were installed not only at the base of the wall for drainage but at the top of the cavity compartment. Test results showed that the Weep Vents placed at the top of the wall increased airflow by up to 46%.

Further testing involved Mortar Net and a straight strip product. Results were conclusive in determining that straight strip products created a complete horizontal blockage of the cavity, thus prohibiting proper ventilation and potentially obstructing water drainage.

We aced it
Increased Airflow
Maximizing cavity airflow is important to maintain the integrity of the complete drainage system. Our 1" and .4" Mortar Net, USA, Ltd. products already ensure that and our 2 product has been redesigned and improved to allow greater airflow in the cavity, as well.

Re-engineered Mortar Net Weep Vents
Weep Vents fit into the weep holes blocking insects and debris while promoting air flow and allowing moisture to escape. They come in a variety of colors designed to duplicate the texture and color of the mortar, which adds to the beauty of the wall by eliminating open holes and dark shadows.

Discontinued Product
Due to it's unwavering commitment to supply the very best products to the masonry industry, Mortar Net USA, Ltd. has discontinued one product and re engineered another after reviewing extensive testing on both. Mortar Mitt, the company's straight strip product used in cavity wall drainage for the past eight years, will no longer be available to distributors.

see how our products work...
www.mortarnet.com/mm
or call 800.664.5538
CIRCLE 147 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Weep Vent Testing

| Wind Speed | Mortar Net Weep Vent | Cellular Vent | Redesigned Mortar Net Weep Vent |
| ----------- | ---------------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------- |
| 15 mph | 4.4 cu/ft/min | 4.4 cu/ft/min | 5.9 cu/ft/min |
| 25 mph | 11.5 cu/ft/min | 9.2 cu/ft/min | 15.5 cu/ft/min |
| 50 mph | 30.4 cu/ft/min | 22.8 cu/ft/min | 41.3 cu/ft/min |

Mortar Net Weep Vents Out Performs Cell Vents by 36%
Weep Vents were conceived with optimal drainage and ventilation in mind and consistently outperformed the competition during independent testing conducted in April 2004. Believing that Weep Vents could be even more efficient, Mortar Net redesigned them and got a substanial difference in cubic feet per minute. The product was tested at three different wind speeds and the results continued to far exceed the competition at each level. Testing has shown that Mortar Net Weep Vents can increase airflow through the cavity by up to 36%. This airflow can also help to balance air pressure differential between the outside air and the air inside the cavity.

For Test Results Visit www.mortarnet.com/tests
☑ Mortar Net®
The Difference Is In The Cut.


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