When building exterior walls with stone, stucco, brick, cedar, EIFS, or fiber cement siding, it is important to use an effective rain-screen system that will provide a means for drainage and ventilation. Moisture will find its way into these wall systems by way of cracked mortar joints, gaps or cracks in the surface of the material. Natural absorption of the wood or fiber cement also needs to be considered. Once this moisture penetrates the outer surface of the wall, it becomes trapped in the wall system with no way to escape, creating the perfect environment for toxic mold growth and possible structural failure. Mortairvent® is a drainage and ventilation system specifically designed for use with most exterior siding materials.
Benefits
- 95% open design creates a continuous capillary break and channel for moisture to drain, accelerating drying of the exterior cladding.
- Durable polymer material is resistant to most known corrosive chemicals and helps reduce the risk of mold or mildew.
- Minimizes staining, peeling, and blistering of exterior finishes.
- Contributes to LEED points.
- Simple and quick to install. Easier and more cost-effective than traditional furring strip methods.
- 2-ply design features a backer fabric that improves the tensile and compressive strength properties of the system. The fabric also serves to deflect mortar when used with stucco or a masonry veneer siding.
- Integrated insect screen.
Additional Information, Details, and Resources
Apply a weather resistant barrier over sidewall sheathing. Note: some regions may require two layers of weather resistant barrier. Check local codes for more information.
Install Mortairvent® after windows and doors have been properly installed and flashed
Starting at the base of the wall, unroll Mortairvent® from right to left with the fabric flap on the bottom. The blue geomatrix should be facing the weather resistant barrier and the filter fabric facing the exterior of the building.
Staple or nail every three square feet.
On the bottom and top course only, fold the fabric flap and tuck it between the (blue) polymer matrix and the weather resistant barrier to create an insect screen. The top course roll will need to be inverted to achieve this.
On subsequent courses, butt the blue polymer material together without overlapping. Pull the fabric flap over the previous course (shingle style) and staple.
Apply lath, scratch coat, and stucco or masonry veneer siding over Mortairvent® using recommended fasteners and spacing.
Stone Veneer Details
Stone Veneer Detail – Top of Window
Stone Veneer Detail – Top of Wall
Stone Veneer Detail – Enlarged
Stone Veneer Detail – Fabric Lap
Stone Veneer Detail – Isometric
Stone Veneer Detail – Bottom Wall
Stucco Details
Stucco Detail – Top of Window
Stucco Detail – Top of Wall
Stucco Detail – Enlarged
Stucco Detail – Fabric Lap
Stucco Detail – Isometric
Stucco Detail – ICF
Stucco Detail – Bottom of Wall
Wooden Siding Details
Wood Siding Detail – Top of Wall
Wood Siding Detail – Bottom of Wall
Flanged Window Details
Mortairvent Flanged Window
Mortairvent Flanged Window Jam
Mortairvent Flanged Window Sill
Non-Flanged Window Details
Mortairvent Non-Flanged Window
Mortairvent Non-Flanged Window 2
Mortairvent Non-Flanged Window Jam
Mortairvent Non-Flanged Window Jam 2
Mortairvent Non-Flanged Window Sill
Mortairvent Non-Flanged Window Sill 2
Mortairvent®, by Advanced Building Products, has been tested to ASTM E2925 and meets the new 5mm code requirement according to section R703.7.3.2 of the 2021 International Residential Code. For more information please open the camera app on your cell phone and scan the QR code included here.
Per National Building Code of Canada 2020 Section 9.27.2.2.
“A cladding assembly is deemed to have a capillary break between the cladding and the backing assembly, where there is a drained and vented air space not less than 9.5mm deep behind the cladding, over the full height and width of the wall”
| Rainscreen Product | Thickness | Roll Size | Sq. Ft. Per Roll | Rolls Per Pallet | Unit of Measure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mortairvent® 201 | .125 in. (3 mm) | 39 in. x 61.5 ft | 200 | 24 | Square Feet |
| Mortairvent® 202 | .25 in. (6 mm) | 39 in. x 61.5 ft | 200 | 18 | Square Feet |
| Mortairvent® 203 | .40 in. (10 mm) | 39 in. x 40 ft | 130 | 18 | Square Feet |
Advanced Building Products Incorporated (“Advanced Building Products”) covers certain products under a Limited 25 Year Warranty. For details or to file a warranty claim, please contact:
Advanced Building Products, Inc.
95 Cyro Drive, Sanford, ME 04073
800-252-2306 | Fax. 207-490-2998 | Email: info@abp-1.com
Allowing Moisture to Drain, Not Remain: How Using Mortairvent® Can Protect Your Wall, and Your Home
Construction Specifier Article – Draining the Rain: Advancement in Engineered Rainscreen Walls
Construction Canada Rainscreen – Understanding Engineered Rainscreens
Construction Canada December 2017 – Is a Drainable Wrap Enough?
