PITTSBORO, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Masonry Innovations, Inc. has launched the BrickVent Moisture Control System. To reduce the risk of mold or other structural problems caused by trapped moisture, BrickVent ventilates and weeps moisture away. BrickVent greatly exceeds the building code requirements and current products that call only for weeping (i.e. draining) the moisture trapped in the space between the exterior brick and the exterior sheathing. It can be used for both new and existing brick homes, as well as commercial buildings. 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.
