STUCCO DRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/338,568, filed Jan. 24, 2006, which application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein for all purposes.

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 stucco 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, arid 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 draining apparatus for a stucco-covered building structure comprising, in combination: a screen; and a drain section coupled to the screen; wherein the drain section comprises a plurality of knobs; wherein the screen extends above the drain section; and wherein the screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious 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 screen; and a drain section coupled to the screen; wherein the drain section comprises a plurality of knobs; wherein the screen extends above the drain section; wherein the screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material; wherein the screen and the drain section are comprised of polystyrene; 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 one of wood framing and sheathing, prior to application of stucco; positioning foundation weep screed below the water-resistant barrier; providing a draining apparatus below the weep screed; wherein the draining apparatus comprises, in combination: a screen; a drain section coupled to the screen; wherein the drain section comprises a plurality of knobs; wherein the screen extends above the drain section; and wherein the 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 screen extends above a foundation; and securing the draining apparatus to the foundation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a draining apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 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 EMBODIMENTS

Referring 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 screen 12 secured to a drain section 14. The drain section 14 preferably comprises a series of knobs 16. In one embodiment, the knobs 16 may be positioned in a series of aligned columns forming vertical channels therebetween. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, each column includes five knobs 16—though it should be noted that the actual number of knobs 16 may be varied as desired.

As indicated in FIGS. 1-2, the shape of the knobs in one embodiment is that of an inverted cone, with a flat top. While this shape is preferred, other knob shapes may also be provided, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The drain section 14 may be fabricated utilizing Amerdrain®, which may be purchased from American Wick Drain Corporation.

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

Referring now to FIG. 2, installation of the apparatus 10 is described. Initially, the construction process would be conducted as in the prior art, with a layer of plywood sheathing 20 being coupled to wood framing 22, positioned on top of a plate 21 located over a foundation 23. (Line 27 indicates where grade is located.) Moisture-resistant building paper 24 is then applied over the plywood 20, and metal lathe 25 is positioned over the building paper 24. Stucco 26 is then applied over the building paper 24 and metal lathe 25. A length of foundation weep screed 28 is secured below the building paper 24, terminating above grade 27.

The apparatus 10 is positioned so that the drain section 14 contacts the foundation 23, and so that the upper portion of the drain section 14 and knobs 16 are positioned below the foundation weep screed 28, as shown in FIG. 2. The lower portion of the drain section 14 should extend below grade 27. The screen 12 extends vertically, above the foundation 23 and plate 21. 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.

During the process of pouring concrete for a sidewalk 30, the screen 12 provides a number of benefits. Because it extends above the level of the sidewalk 30, it can prevent concrete from splashing against the stucco 26, 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 screen 12 extending above the sidewalk may be cut off. This leaves the apparatus 10 below grade, where it is protected from ultraviolet exposure and impact damage. It also protects the foundation 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 26 into the prepared subgrade. For example, where the foundation weep screed 28 extends two inches below floor level and the drain section 14 has a height of six inches, positive drainage would be extended by eight inches. In this position, water moving downward along the foundation 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.