Creating a durable and moisture-resistant building envelope is crucial, especially when working with traditional stucco and adhered stone claddings. These beautiful, yet absorptive, materials can trap moisture, leading to long-term issues if not properly managed. Welcome to the Spycor Building Resource Hub, where we empower you with the knowledge and tools for superior building performance. This how-to guide focuses on the revolutionary DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE Rainscreen, a 2-in-1 solution designed for best practice stucco application and effective moisture control.

Our goal is to help you achieve a high-performance wall assembly that stands the test of time. By incorporating a ventilated rainscreen, you ensure proper drainage and airflow, protecting your structure from the challenges of moisture intrusion and solar-driven moisture.

Understanding DELTA®-DRY STUCCO &

STONE: A Product Profile

The DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE Rainscreen is an innovative system engineered to tackle moisture accumulation in buildings. This high-density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane boasts a unique 3-dimensional dimple and groove design, creating essential air-gaps on both sides. A factory pre-installed mortar screen is a key feature, preventing scratch coat mortar from filling the dimple structure, thus ensuring continuous drainage and ventilation.

Key Benefits of DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE:

• Two-Sided Drainage & Ventilation: Promotes rapid drying by allowing moisture to escape from both the interior and exterior sides of the membrane.
• Complete Capillary Break: Effectively stops transient moisture migration, safeguarding your wall structure.
• Waterproof Protection: Resists bulk water from wind-driven rain and snow, managing any water leakage through the cladding.
• Impedes Solar-Driven Moisture: Crucial for absorptive claddings, it prevents moisture heated by the sun from being driven into the building.
• Simplified Installation: Easily cut with a utility knife, with seams simply butted together, allowing direct application of exterior cladding.

Comprehensive Product Information: The DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE Brochure

 

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for

DELTA®-DRY Stucco & Stone

Proper installation is key to maximizing the performance of this rainscreen for stucco cladding. Follow these steps, sourced from Dörken’s official installation guide, to ensure a moisture-resistant wall assembly:

• Prepare the Substrate: Ensure the sheathing board is clean, dry, and properly installed with a water-resistive barrier (WRB) unless local codes allow the rainscreen to replace the WRB.
• Cut the Rainscreen: Use a utility knife to easily cut the DELTA®-DRY Stucco & Stone to fit your wall dimensions.
• Install the Rainscreen: Place the rainscreen outboard of the WRB, butting seams together without overlapping. Secure with roofing nails or staples.
• Add Wire Lath: Install wire lath directly over the pre-installed polypropylene mortar screen, which prevents scratch coat from clogging the dimple structure.
• Apply Cladding: Install your stucco or stone veneer as usual, right on top of the rainscreen.

For detailed instructions, Download the DELTA®-DRY Stucco & Stone Installation Guide.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about

DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE Rainscreen

What is DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE?
It's a 2-in-1 ventilated rainscreen membrane for stucco and manufactured stone veneer, creating a drainage plane and air gap for moisture control.

How does it manage moisture and provide ventilation?
Its 3D design creates an air gap for two-sided drainage and ventilation, actively drying the wall and preventing moisture buildup.

Can it prevent solar-driven moisture?
Yes, as a "zero perm" product, it intercepts and evacuates solar-driven moisture, protecting the wall from humidity driven by sun-heated claddings.

Is DELTA®-DRY STUCCO & STONE easy to install?
Yes, it rolls out easily and simplifies the scratch coat application, supporting stucco best practices.

What are its main benefits over traditional methods?
It offers superior moisture management, enhanced building envelope protection, improved drying, and extended longevity for stucco and stone claddings, acting as a complete capillary break.