When it comes to ensuring the longevity and performance of your building’s exterior, proper installation of a rainscreen system is essential. Mortairvent® rainscreen, known for its durability and moisture management capabilities, is a top choice for contractors and DIYers looking to protect their structures. If you're looking for an installation guide for rainscreen that covers every detail, you've come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Mortairvent rainscreen, ensuring your building stays dry and protected from the elements. Follow along to ensure your project is a success, and make sure to watch the full installation video for additional tips and tricks.

Why Choose Mortairvent Rainscreen?

Before diving into the installation steps, let's understand why Mortairvent is a reliable choice. Mortairvent is designed to act as a weather-resistant barrier and ventilation gap between your building’s siding and sheathing. By installing Mortairvent rainscreen, you’re allowing for proper moisture drainage, preventing mold growth, and extending the life of your building’s exterior. It's a must-have for areas with high moisture, especially in places with heavy rains.

Mortairvent Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Apply a Weather-Resistant Barrier

The first step in installing Mortairvent rainscreen is to apply a weather-resistant barrier (WRB) over the sidewall sheathing of your building. This layer is critical in ensuring that no moisture seeps into the sheathing, protecting the structure underneath.

• Tip: Some regions may require two layers of weather-resistant barrier. Always check local codes to ensure compliance with regional regulations.

Step 2: Install Mortairvent After Windows and Doors

Once your windows and doors are properly installed and flashed, it’s time to start with Mortairvent installation. The system should be installed only after all windows and doors are in place to avoid any interruptions in the process.

Step 3: Unroll Mortairvent from Right to Left

• Begin at the base of the wall, unrolling the Mortairvent starting from right to left. Make sure the fabric flap is at the bottom of the wall, with the blue geomatrix facing the weather-resistant barrier. The filter fabric should be facing the exterior of the building.

• Pro Tip: This ensures proper airflow and drainage behind your siding.

Step 4: Secure Mortairvent with Staples or Nails

To ensure Mortairvent stays in place, staple or nail the material every three square feet. This step is crucial to prevent shifting or sagging once the rainscreen system is in place.

Step 5: Fold the Fabric Flap for Insect Protection

On both the bottom and top courses, fold the fabric flap and tuck it between the blue polymer matrix and the weather-resistant barrier. This step is essential for creating an insect screen. For the top course roll, you may need to invert it to achieve the correct positioning.

Step 6: Butt the Blue Polymer Material

For subsequent courses, make sure to butt the blue polymer material together without overlapping. Overlapping can restrict airflow and drainage, so ensure the pieces fit snugly side by side. After placing each course, pull the fabric flap over the previous course in a shingle style and staple it in place.

Step 7: Apply Lath, Scratch Coat, and Stucco or Masonry Veneer

Once the Mortairvent rainscreen is fully installed, it’s time to add the finishing layers. Apply lath, scratch coat, and stucco or masonry veneer siding over the rainscreen using the recommended fasteners and spacing. This final step will provide the desired aesthetic while enhancing the weather resistance of your building.

Key Benefits of Proper Mortairvent Rainscreen Installation

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your rainscreen system performs optimally. The primary benefits include:

1. Moisture Management: Mortairvent helps to control moisture and prevent water damage, which is crucial in climates with heavy rain or high humidity.

2. Insect Prevention: The folded fabric flap acts as an insect screen, keeping bugs and pests from entering the structure.

3. Enhanced Durability: The rainscreen system helps extend the lifespan of your exterior walls and siding, making it a long-term investment for your building’s health.

Watch This Full Installation Video for Additional Tips:

Ready to take the next step in your rainscreen installation journey? Watch this full video for expert guidance on how to install Mortairvent rainscreen to perfection.