Understanding Barrier vs. Drainage Walls: Helping Property Managers Protect Their Assets
As a service provider, understanding the nuances of facade water management systems makes all the difference in helping your clients protect against leaks and moisture. The type of wall system in place significantly impacts how you approach maintenance, repairs, and leak prevention. Knowing these distinctions allows you to provide tailored solutions and become an invaluable resource to property managers.
Here’s what you need to know about barrier walls and drainage plane walls, and how to use that knowledge to better serve your clients.
Barrier Walls: Surface Water Management with No Backup
Barrier walls manage water at the surface. These walls rely entirely on their exterior to keep water out, with no secondary line of defense.
Older Masonry Walls: Some older masonry walls are so thick that they can handle minor water intrusion by allowing moisture to naturally escape over time. However, these walls are becoming less common.
Modern Barrier Walls: Modern versions of barrier walls are thinner and less forgiving. Even minor cracks or holes in the surface can lead to significant water intrusion and leaks.
When dealing with barrier walls, it’s essential to identify vulnerabilities early. Without a secondary line of defense, leaks can quickly cause interior damage, leading to costly repairs for your property manager clients.
Drainage Plane Walls: A Secondary Line of Defense
Drainage plane walls, or cavity walls, are more common in modern construction. These systems include a weather-resistant barrier (WRB) behind the exterior surface that channels water out before it can reach the building interior.
How They Work: The WRB acts as a safety net, catching water that penetrates the outer surface and directing it away from the building.
When Leaks Happen: If water penetrates a drainage plane system, the secondary line of defense has likely failed. This requires a deeper investigation to locate the root cause, as the issue may not be limited to the exterior wall.
Understanding this difference helps you recommend more precise repair strategies, saving your clients time and money while protecting their building’s integrity.
Be the Expert Your Clients Can Rely On
With this industry knowledge, your property managers can depend on you to not only address leaks but also guide them in making informed decisions about their building’s maintenance and repair needs. Position yourself as the expert, helping them with:
- Proactive Maintenance: By identifying the type of wall system, you can tailor proactive maintenance plans that help your clients prevent leaks before they happen.
- Effective Repairs: Knowing the system allows you to locate the true source of leaks and recommend the right solution quickly and effectively— preventing repeat issues.
- Cost Savings: Preventing water damage with the right approach can save property managers significant costs in the long run.
You’re not just fixing problems—you’re empowering property managers to take control of their building’s lifecycle.