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 screen coupled thereto. The drain section consists of a series of channels formed by a plurality of knobs, which in one embodiment may be formed into a plurality of aligned columns. The apparatus is coupled to a building foundation, 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 screen; and   a drain section coupled to the screen;   wherein the drain section comprises a plurality of knobs;   wherein the screen extends above the drain section; and   wherein the screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-impervious material.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the drain section has a height of approximately six inches. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the screen and the drain section are comprised of polystyrene. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the knobs have an inverted cone shape, with a flattened top. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the knobs are organized into a plurality of parallel columns defining vertical channels therebetween. 
   
   
       6 . A draining apparatus for a stucco-covered building structure comprising, in combination:
 a screen; and   a drain section coupled to the screen;   wherein the drain section comprises a plurality of knobs;   wherein the screen extends above the drain section;   wherein the screen and the drain section comprise a substantially water-imperious material;   wherein the screen and the drain section are comprised of polystyrene; and   wherein the drain section has a height of approximately six inches.   
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the knobs have an inverted cone shape, with a flattened top. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the knobs are organized into a plurality of parallel columns defining vertical channels therebetween. 
   
   
       9 . A method for draining a stucco-covered building structure comprising:
 applying a water-resistant barrier over one of wood framing and sheathing, prior to application of stucco;   positioning foundation weep screed below the water-resistant barrier;   providing a draining apparatus below the weep screed;
 wherein the draining apparatus comprises, in combination: 
 a screen; 
 a drain section coupled to the screen; 
 wherein the drain section comprises a plurality of knobs; 
 wherein the screen extends above the drain section; and 
 wherein the 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 screen extends above a foundation; and   securing the draining apparatus to the foundation.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising pouring concrete for a sidewalk so that the concrete contacts a rear surface of the screen. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising cutting a portion of the screen extending above the concrete for the sidewalk. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the drain section has a height of approximately six inches. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the screen and drain section are comprised of polystyrene. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the knobs have an inverted cone shape, with a flattened top. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein knobs are organized into a plurality of parallel columns defining vertical channels therebetween.