Walls Flashcards
What are the primary types of wall siding used in residential construction?
- Stucco - durable and fire-resistant. 2. Vinyl - lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain. 3. Wood - natural and customizable but requires regular maintenance. 4. Brick veneer - traditional aesthetic without the structural weight. 5. Fiber cement - durable, mimics other materials, and resists rot and pests.
What makes vinyl siding popular?
Vinyl siding is lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain. It is available in various colors and styles, resists UV damage, and requires less upkeep than wood.
What are the key structural components of a wall system?
- Exterior cladding (e.g. stucco siding or brick veneer). 2. Moisture barrier (e.g. house wrap or tar paper). 3. Sheathing (plywood or OSB). 4. Framing (studs typically wood or metal). 5. Interior finish (drywall or plaster).
What is the purpose of lath in a stucco wall system?
Lath provides a surface for the stucco layers to adhere to and reinforces the stucco, improving durability and resistance to cracking.
What distinguishes brick veneer walls from full brick walls?
Full brick walls are structural, supporting the building’s weight, while brick veneer is a single outer layer attached to a structural wall.
Why is the air gap critical in brick veneer walls?
The air gap allows for ventilation and drainage, preventing moisture buildup and directing water out through weep holes.
What are the critical components of a wood siding system?
- Wood panels or boards. 2. Moisture barrier. 3. Sheathing. 4. Flashing. Proper installation ensures water flows outward.
What is fiber cement siding and what are its advantages?
Fiber cement siding is a composite material made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s durable, fire-resistant, low-maintenance, and resistant to pests and rot.
What is the role of house wrap or other moisture barriers in wall systems?
They prevent water from penetrating the wall system while allowing moisture vapor to escape, protecting the sheathing and framing.
What is a weep screed and why is it crucial in stucco wall systems?
A weep screed is a perforated metal strip installed at the base of stucco walls to allow moisture to drain out, preventing structural damage.
What is flashing and how does it protect wall systems?
Flashing is a thin material installed at joints and edges to direct water away from vulnerable areas, preventing water intrusion.
What is the purpose of sheathing in wall construction?
Sheathing provides structural support, serves as a nailing base for siding, and helps create a continuous surface for applying moisture barriers.
What are masonry ties and how are they used in brick veneer walls?
Masonry ties are metal connectors that secure the brick veneer to the structural wall, ensuring stability while maintaining the air gap.
What are the layers in a typical stucco wall system from interior to exterior?
- Interior finish (drywall or plaster). 2. Framing (wood or metal studs). 3. Sheathing (plywood or OSB). 4. Moisture barrier (tar paper or house wrap). 5. Lath (wire mesh or metal grid). 6. Scratch coat. 7. Brown coat. 8. Finish coat.
What is the proper integration sequence of building paper and flashing in a stucco wall system?
- Building paper wraps the sheathing. 2. Window and door flashings overlap the paper. 3. Lath is installed over the flashing and paper. 4. Stucco coats are applied over the lath.
What are the key layers for brick veneer and wood siding systems and how do they manage water?
Brick Veneer Layers: 1. Brick veneer. 2. Air gap. 3. Moisture barrier. 4. Sheathing and framing. Wood Siding Layers: 1. Siding. 2. Moisture barrier. 3. Sheathing and framing.
What is the sequence of layers for fiber cement siding and why is each layer important?
- Framing. 2. Sheathing. 3. Moisture barrier. 4. Fiber cement siding. 5. Caulking at joints and edges.
How do siding and flashing layers integrate to ensure proper water management?
Siding must overlap side and head flashings while bottom flashing overlaps siding below to create a shingle effect.
Why is the intersection of wall cladding and roof flashing a critical integration point?
This intersection must channel water from the roof away from the wall.
How do wall penetrations like vents or pipes integrate with the moisture barrier to prevent water intrusion?
They require special flashing and sealants, ensuring any water flows outward.
What makes the wall-to-window interface a critical integration point in water management?
It must combine multiple layers for protection, preventing water from bypassing the system.
What is the proper integration sequence at the bottom of a brick veneer wall?
- The weep screed or vented flashing must align with the air gap. 2. The moisture barrier must extend behind the flashing.
What is the role of the lath-to-building paper connection in stucco walls?
It ensures that water reaching the paper flows downward without seeping behind it.
How does water move through stucco and brick veneer wall systems?
In stucco systems, water absorbs into the finish and exits through the weep screed. In brick veneer, water penetrates the outer layer and flows down the moisture barrier.
How does water behave differently in a vinyl siding system compared to stucco?
In vinyl siding, water sheds quickly down the overlapping panels and exits through gaps at the bottom.
How can improper grading at the base of a wall affect water movement?
Poor grading directs water toward the foundation, creating hydrostatic pressure.
What are the most common water entry points in a stucco wall system?
- Cracks in the stucco finish. 2. Gaps around windows and doors. 3. Improperly sealed wall penetrations.
Why are wall-to-roof intersections particularly vulnerable to water intrusion?
Water can pool or flow toward the wall without proper flashing and integration.
How do expansion joints in stucco walls become water entry points if not properly maintained?
If the sealant fails or gaps form, water can enter through these openings.
