Stucco draining apparatus and method

Abstract

A draining apparatus and method for use in the construction of buildings having a stucco interior. The apparatus has a drain section and a first screen coupled thereto. The drain section consists of a series of channels formed by a series of substantially parallel vertical supports interposed between the first screen and a second screen. The apparatus is coupled to a building slab, at a level where it can facilitate positive drainage of water that has migrated downward through the stucco.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to draining apparatuses and methods for use in construction of buildings have stucco-covered exteriors and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method that provide positive drainage for stucco covered walls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buildings in certain areas, for example in western portions of the United States, are provided with a cement stucco exterior. Typical cement stucco is not waterproof and after consistent soaking, moisture will wick its way through the stucco. In order to protect the building from this moisture, asphalt impregnated building paper or another water resistant product is applied to the building structure before application of the stucco. This paper stops the horizontal movement of the migrating water but the water that has penetrated the stucco will continue to travel downward. If the water is prevented from draining out of the bottom of the stucco, it can generate mold and/or cause other harm. In order to provide positive draining out of the bottom of the wall, a porous, galvanized metal strip called a “weep screed” is typically positioned proximate the bottom of the stucco, typically located two inches below the finished floor. This is intended to prevent the water from weeping onto the floor of the building structure, and to provide positive drainage out of the bottom of the stucco wall and into a freely draining material located therebelow.

A problem arises when there is a concrete sidewalk or other hardscape immediately adjacent to the stucco-covered building. This typically occurs at building entries, where the top of the sidewalk must be at the same elevation as the building slab. The concrete for the sidewalk is typically poured after the stucco has been applied, and this can block the weep screed, rendering it useless. Recognizing this problem, one solution has been to apply a 7″ wide band of roll-type waterproofing material extending three and one-half inches above and below the top of the slab. The type of draining material typically used must be protected from ultraviolet light and or impact damage to retain its effectiveness, and this is typically accomplished with metal flashing. In order to install this combination of draining and flashing, wood blocking needs to be installed in locations where there is no sheathing.

A need exists for a draining apparatus and method that addresses the potential interference with weep screed function described herein, in a manner that is simpler, faster and less expensive than the prior art method. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a draining apparatus for a stucco-covered building structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a first screen; and a drain section coupled to the first screen; wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second screen being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen; wherein the first screen extends above the drain section; and wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious and non-absorbing material.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a draining apparatus for a stucco-covered building structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a first screen; and a drain section coupled to the first screen; wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen; wherein the second screen extends above the drain section; wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious and non-absorbing material; wherein the vertical supports and the second screen each have a height of approximately six inches; and wherein the first screen has a height of approximately 12 inches and wherein the drain section has a height of approximately six inches.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for draining a stucco-covered building structure is disclosed. The method comprises: applying a water-resistant barrier over wood framing and/or sheathing prior to application of stucco; positioning weep screed below the water-resistant barrier; providing a draining apparatus below the weep screed; wherein the draining apparatus comprises, in combination: a first screen; a drain section coupled to the first screen; wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second screen being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen; wherein the first screen extends above the drain section; and wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material; positioning the draining apparatus so that an upper portion of the drain section is proximate a lower portion of the weep screed and so that the first screen extends above a slab; and securing the draining apparatus to the slab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of a draining apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of a draining apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of a draining apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, in position in a stucco-covered building structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, a drainage apparatus 10 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus 10, in this embodiment, comprises a first screen 12 secured to a drain section 14. The drain section 14 preferably comprises a series of vertical supports 16 and a second screen 18. The second screen 18 and the first screen 12 are parallel to each other, with the vertical supports 16 being interposed therebetween and contacting each of the first screen 12 and the second screen 18. Preferably, the vertical supports are at a substantially right angle to each of the first screen 12 and second screen 18.

Preferably, the vertical supports 16 and the second screen 18 are of identical height. In one embodiment, their height is approximately six inches. In one embodiment, the width of the vertical supports 16, which will define the distance between the second screen 18 and first screen 12, is between about 0.375″ and 1.5″, depending on the specified stucco thickness. In this embodiment, the first and second screens are preferably spaced between about 0.375″ and 1.5″ apart. (If a greater distance is desired, it would be possible to either provide an apparatus 10 having the desired dimensions, or to combine two or more apparatus 10's.)

The first screen 12 is preferably taller than the vertical supports 16 and second screen 18. In one embodiment, the second screen 18 is approximately 12″ in height, so that it extends approximately six inches above the vertical supports 16 and second screen 18. The first screen 12 is preferably relatively thin, and in one embodiment has a thickness of about 0.0003″.

The apparatus 10 is preferably comprised of a substantially impervious, substantially non-corroding material, such as polyvinyl chloride. PVC provides a number of advantages in this application, including that it would resist corrosion and sulfate attack.

The various dimensions described herein are exemplary. For particular uses, it may be desired to provide components having dimensions outside of the ranges described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3, installation of the apparatus 10 is described. Initially, the construction process would be conducted as in the prior art, with a layer of plywood 20 being coupled to wood framing 22, positioned on top of a concrete floor slab 23. Moisture-resistant building paper 24 is then applied over the plywood 20. Stucco 26 is then applied over the building paper 24. A length of weep screed 28 is secured below the building paper 24.

The apparatus 10 is positioned so that the second screen 18 contacts the concrete foundation, and so that the upper end of the vertical supports 16 and second screen 18 contact the bottom of the weep screed 28. The first screen 12 extends vertically, above the level slab. The apparatus 10 may be secured to the slab 23 in any of a variety of ways, including for example with glue or with concrete nails (not shown) inserted through the drain section 14. It should be noted that it is necessary to maintain the apparatus 10 in position only until the concrete for the neighboring sidewalk 30 or other hardscape is poured.

During the process of pouring the concrete, the first screen 12 provides a number of benefits. Because it extends above the level of the sidewalk, it can prevent concrete from splashing against the stucco surface, and thereby harming its appearance. It may also be used as a writing surface, upon which to place elevation marks for the pouring of the concrete, for example to accommodate a ramp or the like.

After the concrete is poured for the sidewalk 30, the portion of the first screen 12 extending above the sidewalk is cut off. This leaves the apparatus 10 below grade, where it is protected from ultraviolet exposure and impact damage. It also protects the weep screed 28 from being rendered useless by the sidewalk 30. In position, the apparatus 10 extends positive drainage from the bottom of the stucco into the prepared subgrade. Where the weep screed extends two inches below floor level and the second screen 18 has a height of six inches, positive drainage would be extended by eight inches.

In this position, water moving downward along the weep screed 28 enters the drain section 14, insuring positive drainage into the prepared subgrade.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A draining apparatus for a stucco-covered building structure comprising, in combination:

a first screen; and

a drain section coupled to the first screen;

wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second screen being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen;

wherein the first screen extends above the drain section; and

wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material.

2. The apparatus claim 1 wherein the vertical supports and the second screen each have a height of approximately six inches.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vertical supports have a width of between about 0.375″ and 1.5″.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vertical supports are spaced between about 0.375″ and 1.5″ apart.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first screen has a height of approximately 12 inches.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first screen and drain section are comprised of polyvinyl chloride.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first screen has a thickness of about 0.0003″.

8. A draining apparatus for a stucco-covered building structure comprising, in combination:

a first screen; and

a drain section coupled to the first screen;

wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second screen being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen;

wherein the second screen extends above the drain section;

wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material;

wherein the vertical supports and the second screen each have a height of approximately six inches; and

wherein the first screen has a height of approximately 12 inches and wherein the drain section has a height of approximately six inches.

9. The apparatus claim 8 wherein the vertical supports have a width of between about 0.375″ and 1.5″.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the vertical supports are spaced between about 0.375″ and 1.5″ apart.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the screen and drain section are comprised of polyvinyl chloride.

12. The apparatus claim 8 wherein the screen has a thickness of about 0.0003″.

13. A method for draining a stucco-covered building structure comprising:

applying a water-resistant barrier over one of wood framing and or sheathing, prior to application of stucco;

positioning a weep screed below the water-resistant barrier;

providing a draining apparatus below the weep screed; wherein the draining apparatus comprises, in combination: a first screen; a drain section coupled to the first screen; wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second screen being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen; wherein the first screen extends above the drain section; and wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material;

positioning the draining apparatus so that an upper portion of the drain section is proximate a lower portion of the weep screed and so that the first screen extends above a slab; and

securing the draining apparatus to the slab.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising pouring concrete for a sidewalk so that the concrete contacts a rear surface of the first screen.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising cutting a portion of the first screen extending above the concrete for the sidewalk.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the vertical supports and the second screen each have a height of approximately six inches.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the vertical supports have a width of between about 0.375″ and 1.5″.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein the vertical supports are spaced between about 0.375″ and 1.5″ apart.

19. The method of claim 13 wherein the first screen has a height of approximately 12 inches.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein the first screen and drain section are comprised of polyvinyl chloride.