Are you looking to protect your building's exterior from moisture damage and ensure long-lasting durability? Discover Mortairvent® Rainscreen, an advanced drainage and ventilation system engineered to create a critical air space behind your siding. This guide will walk you through the benefits and installation essentials of Mortairvent®, helping you achieve a resilient and healthy building envelope.

Product Profile: Understanding Mortairvent® Rainscreen

Mortairvent® Rainscreen is a vital component for any exterior wall system, specifically designed for use with a variety of cladding materials such as stone, stucco, brick, cedar, EIFS, or fiber cement siding. Its primary function is to prevent moisture—which inevitably penetrates exterior surfaces through cracks, gaps, or natural absorption—from becoming trapped within your wall system. Without proper drainage and ventilation, this trapped moisture can lead to severe issues like toxic mold growth and structural failure.

Mortairvent® achieves superior moisture management by creating a continuous drainage and ventilation cavity between the weather-resistant barrier (WRB) and the exterior wall. This innovative system allows excess moisture to drain efficiently while promoting airflow to dry interior wall components, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

It meets stringent building code requirements, including ASTM E2925 and the 5mm code requirement of the 2021 International Residential Code (Section R703.7.3.2), as well as the National Building Code of Canada 2020 Section 9.27.2.2 for a drained and vented air space. Advanced Building Products stands behind its quality with a 25-year limited warranty on certain products, including Mortairvent®.

Mortairvent Brochure: Download Mortairvent Brochure

Mortairvent Installation: A Step-by-Step Video Guide

For a comprehensive visual guide on how to properly install Mortairvent® Rainscreen, watch our detailed installation video. This video demonstrates the key steps to ensure effective moisture management and a proper building envelope.

Essential Installation Considerations for Engineered Rainscreen Systems

While the specific installation guide for Engineered Rainscreen was not accessible for direct content extraction, general best practices for rainscreen systems emphasize several crucial points:

• Weather-Resistant Barrier (WRB): Always install Mortairvent® over a properly applied weather-resistant barrier. Some regions may require two layers; always check local codes.
• Proper Flashing: Ensure windows and doors are correctly installed and flashed before installing Mortairvent®.
• Orientation: Unroll Mortairvent® horizontally from right to left, with the blue geomatrix facing the weather-resistant barrier and the filter fabric facing the exterior of the building.
• Fastening: Mechanically fasten the material with staples or nails, ensuring it is taut and securely in place.
• Seaming: On subsequent courses, butt the blue polymer material together without overlapping. Pull the fabric flap over the previous course (shingle style) and staple.
• Insect Screen: On the bottom and top courses, fold the fabric flap and tuck it between the blue polymer matrix and the weather-resistant barrier to create an integrated insect screen.
• Cladding Application: Apply lath, scratch coat, stucco, or masonry veneer siding over Mortairvent® using recommended fasteners and spacing.

Engineered Rainscreen Installation Guide: Download Engineered Rainscreen Installation Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Mortairvent® Rainscreen.

Q1: What is a rainscreen system and why is Mortairvent® important?
A rainscreen system creates a crucial airspace between a building's exterior cladding and the weather-resistant barrier. Mortairvent® is a specialized drainage and ventilation mat that establishes this continuous gap. It's vital because it prevents moisture (from rain, condensation, or absorption) from becoming trapped within the wall system, which can lead to mold growth, rot, and structural damage over time.

Q2: What are the different thicknesses of Mortairvent® and how do I choose?
Mortairvent® is available in three main thicknesses to accommodate different project needs and code requirements:

• Mortairvent® 201: 0.125 inches (3 mm)
• Mortairvent® 202: 0.25 inches (6 mm)
• Mortairvent® 203: 0.40 inches (10 mm) The ideal thickness depends on your local building codes, climate (e.g., areas with heavier rainfall may benefit from a larger cavity), and specific cladding material. Always consult local building codes and product specifications for your project.

Q3: Does Mortairvent® meet building code requirements?
Yes, Mortairvent® is designed to meet stringent building codes. It meets the 5mm code requirement as per Section R703.7.3.2 of the 2021 International Residential Code (tested to ASTM E2925). It also complies with Section 9.27.2.2 of the National Building Code of Canada 2020 for a drained and vented air space (specifically the 9.5mm depth for a capillary break).

Q4: Does Mortairvent® eliminate the need for furring strips?
Yes, in most applications, Mortairvent® effectively eliminates the need for traditional furring strips. Its engineered three-dimensional matrix creates the necessary continuous drainage and ventilation cavity, making installation simpler and more cost-effective than traditional methods.

Q5: What is the warranty for Mortairvent® Rainscreen?
Advanced Building Products offers a 25-year limited warranty on Mortairvent® when installed in conjunction with new cladding and in accordance with Advanced Building Products' published installation instructions. It covers manufacturing defects under specified conditions.