Drainage Mats: Protecting Masonry Veneer Finishes
Masonry veneer — brick, stone, and similar finishes — is one of the most durable and beautiful exterior options available. But like any exterior finish, it's exposed to water. How that water is managed behind the veneer determines how well the finish performs over decades.
At Eiger Homes, we install drainage mats behind all masonry veneer finishes. Here's why it matters.
The Problem Without Drainage Mats
Without a drainage mat, water that penetrates behind the masonry veneer has nowhere to go. It accumulates between the veneer finish and the wall sheathing — creating sustained moisture contact that leads to cracking and chipping of grout, deterioration of the veneer, and over time, damage to the wall assembly itself.
How Drainage Mats Work
A drainage mat is a thin, dimpled material installed between the masonry veneer and the wall sheathing. The small grooves created by the mat's texture serve two purposes: they provide a path for water to drain downward and out of the assembly, and they create a small air gap that allows the cavity to dry after wetting.
The benefits:
Active drainage — water moves down and out rather than pooling
Ventilation — air circulation accelerates drying
Protection — keeps moisture away from the wall sheathing
Longevity — significantly extends the life of the masonry veneer finish
The Result
A masonry veneer finish that performs as well in year twenty as it did in year one. Drainage mats are invisible once the work is complete — but their effect on long-term performance is significant.
That's #BuiltBetter.
About Eiger Homes
Eiger Homes is a custom home builder serving Sheboygan and Ozaukee Counties and Wisconsin's Lake Michigan corridor. We build heirloom-quality homes and remodels for families who care about how they live. #BuiltBetter
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