What is a through-wall flashing?
Description: Through-wall flashing is used to divert moisture, which has entered the wall, to the outside, before it can cause damage. This flashing method is considered the most satisfactory method of preventing leaks except in areas exposed to earthquakes.
Is flashing required above projecting masonry?
Flashing is required for veneer in cavity wall systems, but it is also required for structural masonry. The building code requires that flashing be designed and detailed, so if project drawings don’t show where flashing is supposed to be installed, be sure to check with the designer (in writing).
How do you install flashing on a brick wall?
At the base of the wall, installers generally get this right, but further up, they often place the flashing over the housewrap. This creates a reverse lap, which is like installing clapboards upside down. Some installers reason that because the flashing is behind the brick veneer and sees little bulk water, adhesive tape will be good enough.
What is the best type of flashing for brick wall cladding?
Copper is also an excellent choice for brick flashing. In addition, there are flashings that rely on mechanical connections through a shingling effect that are specifically designed to hold up to the rigors of masonry wall cladding.
What is the purpose of flashing in brick veneer?
Flashing in a brick veneer wall serves the same purpose as any other flashing: It must shed water to the outside before that water can reach the framing. Unfortunately, some contractors have lost sight of that goal.
What is thru wall flashings and how do they work?
These flashings not only draw moisture out of the wall, they draw moisture into the wall, creating a thru-wall flashing that holds moisture in the bed joint. The acids, salts and alkali found in fresh mortar also could clog these drainage mats, making them useless in a matter of years.