This is the 3rd part of the Architectural Details #1: Waterproofing through Design Solutions.Let's continue with three more design solutions that were discussed on the first part of this discussion.
Check the other parts here:
Waterproofing through Design Solutions Part 1
Waterproofing through Design Solutions Part 2
Waterproofing through Design Solutions Part 4
Drain and Weep
Drain and weep is basically providing an internal drainage system to building components in case water penetrates the outer surface of a building cladding due to sealant breakage, gasket and mortar deterioration, building movements and other causes. It comprises of weep holes or other openings that direct water back to the outside.
Greenhouse Rafter
Seen on the images above, a typical detail for greenhouse rafters where in the rafters are provided with internal gutters to catch water that may enter through the gaps between the sheets of glass and the rafter due to any defect on the glazing compound applied on the gaps. The water will then be wept to the outside as the gutters catches it.Wall Cladding
(Image taken from 
)Wall claddings especially on masonry walls may be susceptible to water leakage especially as the mortar ages and breaks. A continuous flashing should be provided on key terminations where the cladding will be interrupted by another building element such as a window, a door, or a protrusion. As water enters through the wall cladding and flows down the cavity in the wall, it will stop at these terminations where in the continuous flashing will then collect the water and drains it through the weep holes that are provided at 2 feet to 4 feet or 0.6 to 1.2 m horizontal intervals.
The drain and weep are also used on door and window mullions and frames, rainscreen panel system, and to other building elements where water is expected to leak due to various reasons.
Cold Roof
(Image taken from The cold roof detail only applies to areas with winter climate. It is basically keeping the roof cold as to prevent snow and ice on the top of the roof from melting. If the snow melts, water may drain to ice-clogged gutters and eaves and may create a pool that may become high enough to back up around roof shingles and flashings and may lead to leakage. By ventilating the underside of the roof with outdoor air, the roof may be kept cold enough preventing the snow from melting.
Foundation Drainage
This design solution is usually done where basement levels are present in a building. Since basement tend to leak due to water leakage from the surrounding soil by hydrostatic pressure, using a foundation drainage system will help remove the water from the soil. It may also decrease the water pressure that may collapse the basement walls.Usually slopes and swales having a gradient of 2% - 10% are added above basement level that directs water away from the basement.
(Image taken from Architectural Detailing: Function - Constructibility - Aesthetics)
The image above shows an example of the foundation drainage being used. As water moves through the ground toward the basement floor, it reaches the porous area underneath the slab where an open drainage piping system is laid out to catch the water. The drainage pipes are sloped towards a sump pit where the water will be drained onto. An automatic sump pump will then pump the water up and out to the nearest storm sewer.
...go back to part 2
...continue to part 4
(Image above by weimieweim on Flickr)
References:
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