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The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction ↗

Drainage and Air Circulation Help Prolong the Life and Look of August Apartment Complex

Words: Dan KamysLocated in Austin, Texas, a new apartment complex offers luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each of the 13 unique floor plans feature hardwood or stained concrete flooring, granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, spacious walk in closets, and a private balcony. Amenities include an athletic center, a swimming pool and an outdoor grilling area.

For this particular apartment complex, the developer wanted to eliminate as much concern about moisture issues as possible. Mold and decay can ruin the profitability of a project. With the increase in building “tightness” for thermal protection, moisture problems are on the rise, causing a greater need for hydrostatic pressure release and a ventilation method. A decision was made to incorporate Keene Building Products’ Driwall Rainscreen 020-1 to alleviate any future concerns related to moisture behind the variety of exterior veneers, which included stone, stucco and fiber cement.

DriwalI Rainscreen 020-1 is a quarter-inch-thick drainage and ventilation mat used behind exterior wall systems. The entangled net drainage and ventilation mat eliminates incidental moisture penetrations and problems in siding applications. With the increase in energy efficiency in the building envelope, there is less potential for thermal leakage. By eliminating a ventilation method, siding applications have seen an increase in moisture issues. It was essential to have a means of drainage and circulation of air to help prolong the life and look of the stone, stucco and fiber cement used on this apartment complex.

The full-wall DriwalI Rainscreen 020-1 product rolls over the weather-resistant barrier to separate it from the exterior veneers. The airspace that is provided assures that any moisture that penetrates the siding can drain to the exterior.

Moisture and ventilation are essential to proper construction. This Austin, Texas, apartment complex is allowing the walls to breath and stay dry.
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