Stucco draining apparatus and method

Abstract

A draining apparatus and method for use in the construction of buildings having a stucco interior. The apparatus has a drain section and a first screen coupled thereto. The drain section consists of a series of channels formed by a series of substantially parallel vertical supports interposed between the first screen and a second screen. The apparatus is coupled to a building slab, at a level where it can facilitate positive drainage of water that has migrated downward through the stucco.

1 . A draining apparatus for a stucco-covered building structure comprising, in combination: 
 a first screen; and    a drain section coupled to the first screen;    wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second screen being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen;    wherein the first screen extends above the drain section; and    wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus  claim 1  wherein the vertical supports and the second screen each have a height of approximately six inches.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the vertical supports have a width of between about 0.375″ and 1.5″.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the vertical supports are spaced between about 0.375″ and 1.5″ apart.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first screen has a height of approximately 12 inches.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first screen and drain section are comprised of polyvinyl chloride.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first screen has a thickness of about 0.0003″.  
   
   
       8 . A draining apparatus for a stucco-covered building structure comprising, in combination: 
 a first screen; and    a drain section coupled to the first screen;    wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second screen being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen;    wherein the second screen extends above the drain section;    wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material;    wherein the vertical supports and the second screen each have a height of approximately six inches; and    wherein the first screen has a height of approximately 12 inches and wherein the drain section has a height of approximately six inches.    
   
   
       9 . The apparatus  claim 8  wherein the vertical supports have a width of between about 0.375″ and 1.5″.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the vertical supports are spaced between about 0.375″ and 1.5″ apart.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the screen and drain section are comprised of polyvinyl chloride.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus  claim 8  wherein the screen has a thickness of about 0.0003″.  
   
   
       13 . A method for draining a stucco-covered building structure comprising: 
 applying a water-resistant barrier over one of wood framing and or sheathing, prior to application of stucco;    positioning a weep screed below the water-resistant barrier;    providing a draining apparatus below the weep screed; 
 wherein the draining apparatus comprises, in combination:  
 a first screen;  
 a drain section coupled to the first screen;  
 wherein the drain section comprises a series of vertical supports and a second screen, with the first screen and the second screen being parallel to each other and the vertical supports being interposed between the first screen and the second screen;  
 wherein the first screen extends above the drain section; and  
 wherein the first screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material;  
   positioning the draining apparatus so that an upper portion of the drain section is proximate a lower portion of the weep screed and so that the first screen extends above a slab; and    securing the draining apparatus to the slab.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising pouring concrete for a sidewalk so that the concrete contacts a rear surface of the first screen.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising cutting a portion of the first screen extending above the concrete for the sidewalk.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the vertical supports and the second screen each have a height of approximately six inches.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the vertical supports have a width of between about 0.375″ and 1.5″.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the vertical supports are spaced between about 0.375″ and 1.5″ apart.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the first screen has a height of approximately 12 inches.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the first screen and drain section are comprised of polyvinyl chloride.