The present invention is directed to systems and methods for improving the water management of exterior walls clad with panel siding. The present invention improves on prior art wall designs by directing water on the exterior surface of a building away from areas which are vulnerable to water penetration, such as joints between panels, joints between trim components, and locations where fasteners are driven from the exterior. The water management system generally comprises a vertical batten assembly, and in certain embodiments a horizontal joint cover. The water management system is designed to be installed on an outer surface of the exterior wall panels. Thus, the system may be installed without removing and replacing existing siding or covering panels with an entirely new layer of siding. The present invention may also be used on new panel siding installations as a lower cost alternative to other siding systems.

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for improving the water management of exterior walls clad with panel siding. The present invention improves on prior art wall designs by directing water on the exterior surface of a building away from areas which are vulnerable to water penetration, such as joints between panels, joints between trim components, and locations where fasteners are driven from the exterior. The water management system generally comprises a vertical batten assembly, and in certain embodiments a horizontal joint cover. The water management system is designed to be installed on an outer surface of the exterior wall panels. Thus, the system may be installed without removing and replacing existing siding or covering panels with an entirely new layer of siding. The present invention may also be used on new panel siding installations as a lower cost alternative to other siding systems.

A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor.

A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor.

An under deck drainage system is mounted on rail members connected to the bottom of deck stringers in a transverse orientation thereto. The rail members increase incrementally in thickness from the proximal end of the deck to the distal end of the deck where the water is discharged from the under deck drainage system so as to provide proper slope for the drainage of water by the under deck drainage system. A ventilation panel is mounted to the periphery of the deck to enclose the under deck drainage system yet provide an adequate supply of air to the system for drying water therefrom. The ventilation panel is formed with a ventilation portion that is located below the level of the deck stringers, and with a hem portion that has sufficient length to cover the under deck drainage system from view even at the distal end of the deck.

An under deck drainage system is mounted on rail members connected to the bottom of deck stringers in a transverse orientation thereto. The rail members increase incrementally in thickness from the proximal end of the deck to the distal end of the deck where the water is discharged from the under deck drainage system so as to provide proper slope for the drainage of water by the under deck drainage system. A ventilation panel is mounted to the periphery of the deck to enclose the under deck drainage system yet provide an adequate supply of air to the system for drying water therefrom. The ventilation panel is formed with a ventilation portion that is located below the level of the deck stringers, and with a hem portion that has sufficient length to cover the under deck drainage system from view even at the distal end of the deck.

An elevator pit having a waterproof cement floor and method for installing the same. The elevator pit includes a jack casing and a drainage pit installed within the elevator pit. A trench is formed in exposed ground surface and defines a channel having a first end positioned at an area that is susceptible to water accumulation within the elevator pit and a second end terminating at the drainage pit. A perforated conduit extends within the channel with an end terminating at the drainage pit. A layer of gravel is disposed over the exposed ground surface and trench at a predetermined height to cover the perforated conduit. A layer of waterproof cement is provided over the ground surface at a predetermined height to cover the gravel, channel and perforated conduit to form the waterproof cement floor which extends across an entire periphery of the elevator pit.

A insulated masonry wall system having insulation blocks between structural and face blocks to provide structures that are strong, inexpensive, avoid thermal bridges, and resist transmission of heal The walls are attractive and versatile, and an enormous variety of decorative face members may be utilized. The face blocks are attached to the structural blocks to prevent facing materials from falling even if fire destroys the insulation blocks between the structural blocks and the Facing. The system resists water penetration and effectively drams water that does penetrate any portion of the system.

A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor.

A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor.