Designed by Ernie Alexander, a
masonry contractor with over 17-years experience, the BrickVent
Moisture Control System was designed to improve upon current
products and methods used by builders that typically focus only on
weeping moisture away. BrickVent provides all of the weeping
capabilities and over ten times more ventilation of the air space
than traditional products on the market.
The BrickVent system is comprised
of a series of brick sized vents colored to blend with the
surrounding wall. The BrickVent units are placed at regular
intervals at the bottom of the wall. These units drain water in
its liquid form and also allow air to be drawn through the space
behind the brick. This air flow serves to dry the backside of the
wall and equalize the pressure differential that exists between
the outside and the space behind the masonry wall. This negates
the forces that cause moisture to be driven inward. The result is
that the brick wall stays dryer and the building is not as
susceptible to mold, deterioration and other moisture related
problems.
BrickVent also addresses a common
problem in masonry construction called "trash mortar." It is the
mortar that falls down the back side of the wall as the brick is
being laid. As the mortar accumulates, it clogs the small,
regularly spaced openings at the bottom of the wall, which are
called weep holes. This severely limits their effectiveness. To
eliminate this problem, the BrickVent system has an interlocking
"mortar deflector" to keep the unit from becoming clogged.
Therefore, BrickVent does not require any other fiber netting
-type products like other weep products on the market.
Another common problem with
weep-hole-based systems is that by leaving holes at the bottom of
the wall, an open pathway is created between the interior and
exterior of the structure. This allows rodents, snakes, and
insects free access through the brick exterior. BrickVent blocks
this access with a screen that provides for the flow of air and
moisture, but which keeps these types of vermin on the outside of
the home.
BrickVent can also be used as
part of the moisture remediation efforts on existing structures,
where moisture entering through the brickwork is the source of the
problem. Single brick-sized openings are cut along the bottom of
the wall at regular intervals and the "brick portion" of the
BrickVent is installed to ensure a flow of air. This added
ventilation can reverse the negative effects of trapped moisture.
BrickVent is a cost effective alternative to expensive repairs
involving demolition of entire brick walls.
Pittsboro-based Masonry
Innovations, Inc. is committed to honoring Christ and providing
peace of mind to homeowners and builders through the development
of quality products to be used in masonry construction.
The BrickVent Moisture Control
System is the first of those products to be launched.
For more information, please
visit
www.masonryinnovations.com.
