Method and apparatus for integral modular masonry flashing

Abstract

A masonry wall includes a masonry foundation, a flashing unit disposed on the masonry foundation, a masonry weep structure, a mortar bed and at least one layer of masonry units disposed upon the mortar bed. A gap defined between the back surface of the masonry unit and the back edge is sufficient to allow water that has seeped through a plurality of masonry units to downwardly toward the platform. A mesh masonry weep structure is disposed on the platform of the flashing unit to allow drainage of water that has seeped behind the wall. A modular flashing unit and template system facilitates building a masonry foundation and quick application of flashing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to masonry and, more specifically, to a thru-wall masonry flashing system. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Typical masonry veneer walls are made by laying a plurality of bricks (or other masonry units, such as stones) in an ordered arrangement. With a veneer wall, the structural support for the wall is typically a wood or steel frame and the masonry veneer functions aesthetically. [0005] Typically, rainwater is absorbed through masonry veneer in a very short amount of time. In such a case, a mechanism must be in place to prevent the structural components of the wall and other building assemblies and components from becoming wet. This is typically done by employing thru wall flashing and weep structures. Thru wall flashing is a sheet structure placed at the bottom regions of a masonry veneer, at intersections and terminations, providing moisture barrier protection that allo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a masonry wall with a flashing unit that allows water to flow downward through a predetermined width between the back surface of the masonry units and the back vertical wall, while also allowing water to flow downward through a predetermined distance between the bottom surface of the masonry units and the front vertical wall. The flashing unit includes a platform with a front edge and an opposite back edge, and a back vertical wall extending upwardly from the back edge of the platform. The masonry weep structure includes a first elongated mesh strip and a first plurality of spaced-apart mesh fingers that extend from the mesh strip. The masonry units are placed on the platform with the front surface of each masonry unit substantially flush with the front edge of the platform. The invention also includes a masonry weep system that includes a mesh finger placed on the masonry foundation. The invention solves the problem of water seepage in masonry walls and provides a more effective solution for preventing water damage to masonry units."

Problems solved by technology

Typically, rainwater is absorbed through masonry veneer in a very short amount of time.

Doing so can be time consuming and costly.

The additional step of applying counter flashing adds to the time consumed and the cost.

Also, existing weep structures tend to get clogged with mortar droppings generated by masons.

If the weep structures get clogged, then drainage through the veneer and cavity wall ventilation is hampered, thereby increasing the likelihood of moisture-related problems in the frame structure of the wall assemblies and components.

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