Panelized Lath and Drainage Plane for Exterior Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building exteriors with stucco or stone finishes often experience water damage due to the lack of a drainage plane, making it difficult for construction firms to meet building codes that require water drainage and vapor management.
Innovation Solution
A panelized lath and drainage plane system is introduced, where a patterned polymer board with raised sections is used to create a drainage plane between the decorative counterflashing and the structural wall, allowing liquid water to flow and vapor to dissipate, with the lath being affixed to the board such that its edges overlap to form a continuous barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal lath is attached to a building exterior and fully encapsulated with cementitious mortar, then a rugged exterior surface is provided, but water damage occurs behind the surface due to lack of drainage plane
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the exterior wall assembly into distinct functional layers: a drainage plane layer with channels, a lath layer, and a cementitious finish layer. The drainage plane is divided into raised sections and hollows, creating segmented pathways for water flow that prevent water accumulation behind the exterior surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage plane with its channel system acts as an intermediary layer between the structural wall and the exterior finish. This intermediate drainage plane intercepts and redirects water flow, preventing water from reaching and damaging the structural wall while maintaining the integrity of the exterior surface.
2Reliability
If building codes require a drainage plane for water drainage and vapor path, then water damage and mold are inhibited, but construction cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lath and drainage plane into a single integrated panel system. The drainage plane channels are formed directly on the back surface of the lath panels, merging two previously separate components (drainage plane and lath) into one unified element that simplifies installation while maintaining both water drainage and structural support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lath panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the cementitious finish, create the drainage plane through their channel-forming back surface, and establish vapor pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while meeting building code requirements for drainage and vapor management.
3Loss of substance
If lath panels are installed without overlapping edges to reduce material usage, then material cost decreases, but continuous barrier and drainage effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage channels extend beyond the front face of the lath panels to the edges, creating a three-dimensional overflow pathway. This dimensional extension ensures that even if panels are installed with minimal overlap, water can drain through the channels at the panel edges, maintaining drainage effectiveness without requiring excessive material for overlapping.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system effectively inhibits the formation of 'storyline' cracks, mold, mildew, and water damage by allowing water to drain and vapor to dissipate, while providing a stronger and more resilient cementitious layer, thus meeting building codes in an economical manner.
Implementation Method 1
The drainage plane is defined by the hollows created by the patterned polymer board to allow liquid water to flow between the raised sections and the structural wall
Implementation Method 2
a vapor path to inhibit the formation of rot, mold, and mildew
Data Source
AI summary
A panelized lath and drainage plane panel and system is disclosed. A panel comprises a patterned polymer board providing a continuous drainage plane and a metallic lath affixed to the patterned polymer board, such that a first pair of adjacent edges include an exposed surface of the patterned polymer board. The panel may also include a second pair of adjacent edges, opposite the first pair of adjacent edges include an overhang of metallic lath. The system provides an open-air space between the exterior of the structure and the polymer board to allow the egress of liquid water and water vapor. A wall system using such panels is also disclosed. Typically, a manmade or natural stone veneer or a stucco is applied over the system.