Masonry Magazine October 2009 Page. 24
FLASHING & DRAINAGE
Table 1.
Preformed Metal Flashing
(Stainless Steel, 28.015")
7-oz. Copper Laminate Flashing
5-oz. Copper Laminate Flashing
Rubberized Asphalt Flashing
PVC Membrane Flashing
$31,500
00105%
$17,500
000583%
$12,250
000408%
$3,500
000116%
$1,120
00003%
All metal flashing materials that I have been able to find warranty information on seem to have a warranty not less than 20 years. These include the stainless steel and heavyweight copper materials discussed earlier. Certainly, these types of flashings will stand the test of time within the masonry wall. Better still, judging by available warranty information, remains the copper laminated flashing materials with a warranty of up to "the life of the wall," depending upon weight and manufacturer. A bold statement like that can only stem from confidence in the product's lifelong performance. To me, that kind of assurance would be the simplest to select in the construction of the masonry wall.
I purposefully have not mentioned cost when discussing the metal flashings. Metals, of course, are subject to market volatility, at times making metal-based flashings less desirable than another less-costly alternative. It's most important to examine the percentage of cost of the flashing systems to the overall cost of the building they are designed to protect (see Table 1).
As you see in the Table 1, even the most expensive of available protective materials factor only a small fraction of a percentage on the overall project cost. The point to be taken here about the selection or substitution of lesser performing materials is that the cost savings remains insignificant in comparison to the overall cost of the project. We can easily spend $30 million on a high school project, but for the sake of saving a few thousand dollars, then neglect to put a proper collection system in place.
There are other materials and methods to consider, once the flashing membrane is selected and in place. Weep devices play an equally important role, as do flashings, because, of course, if the moisture is unable to find its way to the face of the wall, what's the point? While it's the actual void in the head joint that provides the means by which moisture finds its way to the exterior, the weep device provides uniformity across the surface of the wall. This maintaines that they be placed every so often, in the same size and color. They offer a
Its high corrosion resistance, minimum maintenance requirements and good economy make Sandell's copper laminate flashing ideal for your commercial flashing needs. After working extensively with copper for over 70 years, Sandell knows that copper, with its unfailing characteristics, is the best flashing choice - offering cost-effective, reliable protection for the life of the structure.
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