Patent Publication Number: US-2023151615-A1

Title: Combination rainscreen/lath assembly and method of installing same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/001,846, filed Mar. 30, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/023,480, filed May 12, 2020, which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Developments in the construction of buildings have generally resulted in “tighter” buildings, meaning there is less airflow and moisture leakage between the interior and exterior of the buildings. As a result, “tighter” buildings have an increased risk for moisture and mold problems. Known rainscreen systems reduce the risk of moisture and mold damage by enabling moisture that has penetrated an exterior building envelope material to swiftly exit the building envelope. However, known rainscreen systems commonly form a moisture barrier, which can cause moisture accumulation and make it difficult for moisture to dry. 
     For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a combination rainscreen/lath assembly and a method of installing the assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressed by embodiments of the disclosure and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid in understanding some of the aspects of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, a combination rainscreen/lath assembly comprises a corrugated spunbond layer and a lath layer operatively connected to the corrugated spunbond layer. The assembly is configured and arranged to allow air and moisture to flow therethrough. 
     In one embodiment method of installing a first combination rainscreen/lath assembly and a second combination rainscreen/lath assembly onto a wall, the first combination rainscreen/lath assembly and the second combination rainscreen/lath assembly are provided. The first combination rainscreen/lath assembly is positioned on the wall with a first corrugated spunbond layer facing toward the wall, a first lath layer facing away from the wall, and a first skirt portion of the first lath layer extending downward beyond the first corrugated spunbond layer. The first combination rainscreen/lath assembly is fastened to the wall. The second combination rainscreen/lath assembly is positioned on the wall above the first combination rainscreen/lath assembly with a second corrugated spunbond layer facing toward the wall, a second lath layer facing away from the wall, and a second skirt portion of the second lath layer extending downward beyond the second corrugated spunbond layer. A bottom of the second corrugated spunbond layer is aligned with a top of the first corrugated spunbond layer, the second skirt portion is overlapped on the first lath layer, and the second combination rainscreen/lath assembly is fastened to the wall. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present disclosure. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the Figures and the text. 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of an embodiment spunbond layer of a combination rainscreen/lath assembly that has been perforated and constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a roller assembly for perforating the spunbond layer shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of another embodiment spunbond layer of a combination rainscreen/lath assembly that has been corrugated and constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of a roller assembly for corrugating the spunbond layer shown in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a detail view of a portion of a roller shown in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a front view of an embodiment combination rainscreen/lath assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7   a    is a front view of an embodiment installation of first and second combination rainscreen/lath assemblies constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7   b    is a front view of the embodiment installation of first and second combination rainscreen/lath assemblies shown in  FIG.  7   a    with front and middle layers of the second assembly folded; 
         FIG.  8    is a front view of the first assembly shown in  FIG.  7     a;    
         FIG.  9    is a front view of the first assembly shown in  FIG.  8    with a front layer folded; 
         FIG.  10    is a front view of the first assembly shown in  FIG.  8    with a front layer and a middle layer folded; 
         FIG.  11    is a front view of the second assembly shown in  FIG.  7     a;    
         FIG.  12    is a front view of the second assembly shown in  FIG.  11    with a front layer folded; 
         FIG.  13    is a front view of the second assembly shown in  FIG.  11    with a front layer and a middle layer folded; 
         FIG.  14   a    is a front view of another embodiment installation of first and second combination rainscreen/lath assemblies constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  14   b    is a front view of the embodiment installation of first and second combination rainscreen/lath assemblies shown in  FIG.  14   a    with a front layer of the second assembly folded; 
         FIG.  14   c    is a front view of the embodiment installation of first and second combination rainscreen/lath assemblies shown in  FIG.  14   a    with a front layer and a rear layer of the second assembly folded; 
         FIG.  15    is a front view of the first assembly shown in  FIG.  14     a;    
         FIG.  16    is a front view of the first assembly shown in  FIG.  15    with a front layer folded; 
         FIG.  17    is a front view of the second assembly shown in  FIG.  14     a;    
         FIG.  18    is a front view of the second assembly shown in  FIG.  15    with a front layer folded; 
         FIG.  19    is a side view of another embodiment installation of a combination rainscreen/lath assembly connected to a wall; 
         FIG.  20    is a side view of another embodiment installation of the combination rainscreen/lath assembly shown in  FIG.  19    connected to a wall with a weep screed; 
         FIG.  21    is a side view of another embodiment installation of the combination rainscreen/lath assembly shown in  FIG.  19    connected to a wall with a vented edge metal; 
         FIG.  22    is a side view of another embodiment installation of the combination rainscreen/lath assembly shown in  FIG.  19    connected to a wall with another vented edge metal; 
         FIG.  23    is a side view of another embodiment installation of a combination rainscreen/lath assembly connected to a wall; 
         FIG.  24    is a front view of another embodiment installation showing a step of installing a starter strip; 
         FIG.  25    is a front view of the embodiment installation of  FIG.  24    showing a step of fastening the starter strip to a wall; 
         FIG.  26    is a front view of the embodiment installation of  FIG.  24    showing a step of installing a first combination rainscreen/lath assembly to the wall; 
         FIG.  27    is a front view of the embodiment installation of  FIG.  24    showing a step of positioning the first combination rainscreen/lath assembly relative to the starter strip; 
         FIG.  28    is a front view of the embodiment installation of  FIG.  24    showing a step of installing the first combination rainscreen/lath assembly to the wall; 
         FIG.  29    is a front view of the embodiment installation of  FIG.  24    showing a step of installing a second combination rainscreen/lath assembly to the wall; 
         FIG.  30    is a front view of the embodiment installation of  FIG.  24    showing a step of installing a third combination rainscreen/lath assembly to the wall; 
         FIG.  31    is a side view of another embodiment spunbond layer of a combination rainscreen/lath assembly that has been corrugated and constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  32    is a front view of another embodiment combination rainscreen/lath assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  33    is a rear view of the combination rainscreen/lath assembly of  FIG.  32   ; 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of the combination rainscreen/lath assembly of  FIG.  32   ; 
         FIG.  35    is a front view of the combination rainscreen/lath assembly of  FIG.  32    with another combination rainscreen/lath assembly; and 
         FIG.  36    is a front view of another embodiment lath layer of a combination rainscreen/lath assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
     It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     Generally, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a combination lath and rainscreen provided in a single assembly and to methods of installation. Various embodiments simplify installation thereby reducing labor costs and installation requirements. In addition, various embodiments are non-corrosive and are metal-free. Advantages of being metal-free include reduced weight, reduced cost, safer handling, and less interference with radio frequency signals. 
     An example combination lath and rainscreen assembly generally includes two layers. One layer is a rainscreen layer preferably made of spunbond, which is preferably made of polypropylene. Preferably, the spunbond has a sheet thickness of 0.020 to 0.030 gauge. The spunbond is crimped or folded to form corrugated spunbond having grooves or ridges. For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , spunbond  161  has been crimped to form outwardly extending portions  169  proximate a front side  162  and inwardly extending portions  170  proximate a rear side  163  thereby forming outwardly facing cavities  172  and inwardly facing cavities  173 . For example, the portions  169  and  170  can have ¼ to ½ inch (preferably 5/16 inch) diameters D 1  and the peaks of adjacent portions  169  and adjacent portions  170  can be spaced (spaces S 1 ) ¼ to ½ inch (preferably ⅝ inch) apart so the corrugated spunbond&#39;s thickness T 1  is ¼ to ¾ inch (preferably 5/16 inch). Any suitable crimping or folding technique can be used. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , crimping can be accomplished by inserting the spunbond between rollers  198  and  198 ′ including mating protrusions  199  and  199 ′. The spunbond can optionally be perforated prior to crimping. For example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , perforations  175  can be formed in the spunbond  161  in a staggered pattern and each perforation having a ¼ to ½ inch (preferably 5/16 inch) diameter D 2  with the centers generally spaced (spaces S 2 , S 3 ) ½ inch to 1 inch (preferably ¾ inch) apart. Any suitable perforation technique can be used. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , perforation can be accomplished by inserting the spunbond between two rollers, a perforating roller  194  having a plurality of outwardly extending pins  195  configured and arranged to pierce the spunbond and a roller  196  having slots  197  configured and arranged to receive the pins  195  as they extend through the spunbond. The perforations can be any suitable size, any suitable shape, and arranged in any suitable pattern. The assembly can include spunbond without perforations, spunbond with perforations, or spunbond alternating between no perforations and perforations. The alternating no perforations and perforations can be on the same sheet or with alternating sheets of spunbond. 
     Another example spunbond  1061  is shown in  FIG.  31   . Spunbond  1061  has been folded to form outwardly extending portions  1069  proximate a front side  1062  and inwardly extending portions  1070  proximate a rear side  1063  thereby forming outwardly facing cavities  1072  and inwardly facing cavities  1073 . For example, the spunbond  1061  can be folded to have a height H 1  of ¼ to ¾ inch (preferably ⅜ inch) with a space S 4  of ¼ to ¾ inch (preferably ⅜ inch) between adjacent peaks of the outwardly and inwardly extending portions. Any suitable folding technique can be used. 
     The spunbond preferably does not form a moisture barrier, especially if perforated, thereby allowing air and moisture to move through and dry any moisture proximate the spunbond, however, areas that are not perforated also act as drainage planes. Because the spunbond acts as a rainscreen, moisture does not accumulate because it drains out along the rainscreen and through the bottom void. Vertical orientation of the spunbond&#39;s outwardly and inwardly extending portions assists in drainage. Due to its corrugation, air gaps are formed on both sides of the spunbond thereby allowing air to flow through both sides of the spunbond. 
     The other layer is a lath layer preferably made of a scrim material, which is made of a fiberglass material with an alkaline resistant coating suitable for a fire rating. Preferably, the scrim material has a thickness of 0.025 to 0.035 gauge. The lath layer is operatively connected to the spunbond layer by any suitable attachment means including but not limited to an adhesive, a fastener, or stitching. The scrim material includes a plurality of voids or apertures configured and arranged to receive scratch coat and is preferably a heavier weight than typical scrim material to better support and secure the scratch coat. When scratch coat is applied onto the lath, some of the scratch coat extends through the voids or apertures in the lath and can enter the outward facing cavities and the perforations of the spunbond thereby providing additional adherence or bonding. The term “scrim material” used throughout can be substituted with a suitable lath layer material. 
     Advantages of the assembly include that it is flexible (e.g., it is easy to roll and transport), it is lightweight, it does not crack, it is easy cut, it is easier and safer to handle, and it is less expensive. Examples of types of walls to which the combination rainscreen/lath assembly can be connected include wood studs, sheathing, and weather resistant barrier (“WRB”); steel studs, sheathing, and WRB; structural insulated panes (“SIP”) wall systems; masonry walls with WRB; poured concrete walls with WRB; insulated concrete forms (“ICF”) with poured concrete cores and WRB. 
     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG.  6   , a combination rainscreen/lath assembly  260  includes a rainscreen layer made of spunbond  261  and a lath layer made of scrim material  280  operatively connected to a front side  262  of the spunbond  261 . The spunbond  261  is of similar corrugated construction as spunbond  161  and it is recognized that spunbond  161  or any other suitable material and configuration can be used. An adhesive is applied horizontally onto the spunbond  261  in at least one row so that the outwardly extending portions  269  of the spunbond  261  adhere to the scrim material  280 . The scrim material  280  overhangs downward from the spunbond  261  to form a skirt portion  285 . The apertures  288  in the scrim material  280  and the outward facing cavities  272  in the spun bond  261  provide voids in which scratch coat can extend when the scratch coat is applied onto the front side  281  of the scrim material  280 . The spunbond layer can be 22 inches high and the lath layer can be 24 inches high, and the layers can come in 50 foot long rolls, but it is recognized that any suitable dimensions can be used. 
     Another example combination lath and rainscreen assembly  1160  is shown in  FIGS.  32 - 35   . The assembly  1160  includes a spunbond layer  1161  and a lath layer  1180  that are both crimped or folded to form corrugated layers having grooves or ridges. These layers can be crimped or folded as described for spunbond  161  or  1061  or any other suitable crimping or folding technique. Spunbond layer  1161  has been crimped to form outwardly extending portions  1169  proximate a front side  1162  and inwardly extending portions  1170  proximate a rear side  1163  thereby forming outwardly facing cavities  1172  and inwardly facing cavities  1173 . Although spunbond  161 ,  1061 , and  1161  are shown and described, it is recognized that any suitable rainscreen material can be used in any suitable configuration to form corrugated rainscreen. The term “spunbond” used throughout can be substituted with a suitable rainscreen material. It is recognized that crimping or folding the lath layer is optional, and the lath layer crimping or folding can have a different configuration than that of the spunbond layer. 
     The lath layer  1180  is operatively connected to the spunbond layer  1161  with any suitable attachment means including but not limited to an adhesive, a fastener, or stitching. The crimped or folded lath layer provides a structure to better receive and secure the scratch coat because the space between the lath layer and the spunbond accommodates the scratch coat. Preferably, the spunbond  1161  extends upward from the lath layer  1180  to form a skirt  1165  and the lath layer  1180  extends downward from the spunbond  1161  to form a skirt  1185 . 
     In  FIG.  35   , it is illustrated how two or more assemblies  1160  can be installed. The first assembly  1160   a  is positioned below the second assembly  1160   b  and, in one embodiment, the assemblies are preferably offset a suitable amount. The spunbond layer of the second assembly  1160   b  is positioned over the skirt  1165   a  of the spunbond layer  1161   a  so that it abuts the lath layer  1180   a  and the skirt  1185   b  extends over a top portion of the lath layer  1180   a . As shown in  FIG.  34   , the crimping patterns of the spunbond and lath layers do not need to correspond and can have different configurations. Preferably, when two or more assemblies are installed, the crimping patterns of the respective layers mate to align drainage channels (for the spunbond layers) or apertures to receive scratch coat (for the lath layers). 
     Another example lath layer  1190  is shown in  FIG.  36   . This lath layer  1190  includes warp strands  1191  and weft strands  1192  interwoven to form apertures  1198  configured and arranged to receive scratch coat. The warp strands  1191  include one or more concentrated portion  1199  that is a group of at least two warp strands spaced closer together than other portions of the lath layer. The one or more concentrated portion  1199  provides additional strength for receiving fasteners to secure the assembly to studs or other structural anchor members. Two or more concentrated portions  1199  can be spaced to correspond with studs or other structural anchor members. The concentrated portion  1199  can also provide an area where the lath layer  1190  is secured to the spunbond layer. In one embodiment, the warp strands  1191  and the weft strands  1192  are approximately ⅛ inch wide and are generally spaced approximately ½ inch from adjacent warp strands  1191  or weft strands  1192  and, in the concentrated portion  1199 , the warp strands  1191  are spaced approximately ⅛ inch apart. With three strands of warp strands  1191 , the concentrated portion  1199  is approximately ⅝ inch wide. In one embodiment, the lath layer  1190  is 27½ inches wide and 1500 to 2000 feet long. The lath layer  1190  can be coated, preferably with a suitable fire proof material, to add structure to both the lath layer and the assembly. It is recognized that the lath layer  1190  can be used with or without corrugated configurations. 
     An embodiment method of installation, illustrated in  FIGS.  7   a   - 13 , generally includes overlapping first and second combination rainscreen/lath assemblies  360   a  and  360   b . In this embodiment, the assemblies  360   a  and  360   b  are the same but it is recognized that they can be different.  FIGS.  10  and  13    illustrate optional rear layers  334   a  and  334   b  that are preferably made of high impact polystyrene (“HIPS”) that has been crimped at 3/16 inch diameters and are 24 inches in height.  FIGS.  9  and  12    illustrate middle layers  361   a  and  361   b  that are preferably made of perforated, lightly crimped (⅛ to ¼ inch pattern), heavy spunbond (0.020 to 0.030 gauge) polypropylene and are 24 inches in height. The middle layers  361   a  and  361   b  are positioned with vertical offsets approximately 2 inches so that skirts of approximately 2 inches of the rear layers  334   a  and  334   b  extend upward from the middle layers  361   a  and  361   b  and skirts of approximately 2 inches of the middle layers  361   a  and  361   b  extend downward from the rear layers  334   a  and  334   b .  FIGS.  8  and  11    illustrate front layers  380   a  and  380   b  that are preferably made of heavy scrim material (0.025 to 0.035 gauge) and are 26 inches in height. The tops of the front layers  380   a  and  380   b  align with the tops of the middle layers  361   a  and  361   b  and skirts of approximately 2 inches extend downward from the middle layers  361   a  and  361   b . When installed, as shown in  FIGS.  7   a  and  7   b   , the assembly  360   a  is first secured to the studs using suitable fasteners such as nails or staples. Then, the bottom of the rear layer  334   b  is positioned on top of the rear layer  334   a  skirt to abut the tops of the middle layer  361   a  and the front layer  380   a  so that approximately 2 inches of the middle layer  361   b  and approximately 4 inches of the front layer  380   b  extend downward over the front layer  380   a . Although two assemblies are shown, it is recognized that any suitable number of assemblies can be installed in such overlapping fashion. It is recognized that any suitable dimensions can be used. The corrugated spunbond layer creates spaces between the corrugated spunbond layer and adjacent materials. 
     An embodiment method of installation, illustrated in  FIGS.  14   a   - 18 , generally includes overlapping first and second combination rainscreen/lath assemblies  460   a  and  460   b . In this embodiment, the assemblies  460   a  and  460   b  are the same but it is recognized that they can be different.  FIGS.  16  and  18    illustrate rear layers  461   a  and  461   b  that are preferably made of crimped spunbond polypropylene and are preferably 24 inches in height, 50 feet in length (rolls).  FIGS.  15  and  17    illustrate front layers  480   a  and  480   b  that are preferably made of scrim material and are 24 inches in height, 50 feet in length (rolls). The front layers  480   a  and  480   b  are positioned with vertical offsets approximately 2 inches relative to the rear layers  461   a  and  461   b  so that skirts of approximately 2 inches of the rear layers  461   a  and  461   b  extend upward from the front layers  480   a  and  480   b  and skirts of approximately 2 inches of the front layers  480   a  and  480   b  extend downward from the rear layers  461   a  and  461   b . When installed, as shown in  FIGS.  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c   , the assembly  460   a  is first secured to the studs using suitable fasteners such as nails or staples. Then, the bottom of the rear layer  461   b  is positioned on top of the rear layer  461   a  skirt to abut the top of the front layer  480   a  so that approximately 2 inches of the front layer  480   b  extends downward over the front layer  480   a . To stagger the seams, the assembly  480   b  can be horizontally offset relative to the assembly  480   a , as shown. Although two assemblies are shown, it is recognized that any suitable number of assemblies can be installed in such overlapping fashion. It is recognized that any suitable dimensions can be used. The corrugated spunbond layer creates spaces between the corrugated spunbond layer and adjacent materials. 
     An embodiment method of installation, illustrated in  FIGS.  19 - 22   , generally includes sheathing  504  connected to studs  503 , which could be wood or steel studs, and water resistant barrier  532  connected to the sheathing  504 , as is known in the art. The studs  503  are spaced apart to create stud cavities  503   a  therebetween. As shown in  FIG.  20   , a weep screed  512  is connected to the sheathing  504  proximate the foundation so that a bottom portion of the weep screed  512  overhangs a top portion of the foundation. The water resistant barrier  532  is positioned over approximately 2 inches of the top portion of the weep screed  512 . A starter strip  536  including spunbond  548  positioned about a front  538 , a bottom  541 , and a rear  539  of a base  537  is positioned within a cavity  521  of the weep screed  512  with front and rear flanges  549  and  552  of the spunbond  548  extending upward approximately 4 inches. The base  537  is made of corrugated HIPS at 3/16 inch by 2 inches. Although dimensions are listed for embodiments, it is recognized that any suitable dimensions can be used. 
     The combination rainscreen/lath assembly  560  is positioned with the spunbond  561  facing rearward proximate the water resistant barrier  532  and the lath  580  facing frontward. The spunbond  561  is made of polypropylene and is perforated and corrugated to 5/16 inch diameters. The lath  580  is scrim material including apertures  588 . The spunbond  561  creates inward facing cavities  573  between the inwardly extending portions  570  and creates outward facing cavities  572  between the outwardly extending portions  569 . The first row of the assembly  560  is positioned with the bottom of the spunbond  561  abutting a top  540  of the starter strip base  537  between the rear and front flanges  549  and  552 . The bottom of the lath  580  is positioned over the front flange  549 , and the lath  580  is configured and arranged to receive a scratch coat  592 . At the top, as illustrated in  FIGS.  21  and  22   , vented edge material  530  with apertures  530   a  can be used with ( FIG.  21   ) or without ( FIG.  22   ) a starter strip  536 , as known in the art. 
     An embodiment method of installation, shown in  FIG.  23   , generally includes sheathing  604  connected to studs  603 , which could be wood or steel studs, and water resistant barrier  632   a  can be connected between the sheathing  604  and rigid insulation  633  or water resistant barrier  632   b  can be connected to the rigid insulation, as is known in the art. The studs  603  are spaced apart to create stud cavities  603   a  therebetween. The combination rainscreen/lath assembly  660  is positioned with the spunbond  661  facing rearward proximate the rigid insulation  633  or the water resistant barrier  632   b  and the lath  680  facing frontward. The spunbond  661  is made of polypropylene and is perforated and corrugated to 5/16 inch diameters. The lath  680  is scrim material including apertures  688 . The spunbond  661  creates inward facing cavities  673  between the inwardly extending portions  670  and creates outward facing cavities  672  between the outwardly extending portions  669 . The assembly  660  can be installed in a similar manner as the assembly  560  using a weep screed and edging. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  24 - 30   , another embodiment method of installation includes attaching a suitable weep screed (not shown) and optional deflector (not shown) along a bottom of a wall at a code approved elevation from an existing exterior grade and attaching suitable window and door flashing (not shown), as known in the art. A weather resistant barrier (“WRB”)  832  applied to the wall has a bottom that is positioned to overlap a back flange of the weep screed without interrupting vent slots in the weep screed. The weep screed accommodates air flow and drainage capacity, and an example of a suitable weep screed is L&amp;R Weep Screed, LR 3501, by Masonry Technology, Inc. Optionally, a weep screed deflector, such as WSD 1309 by Masonry Technology, Inc., can be used with the weep screed. A bug screen can also be used as is known in the art. Openings for windows, doors, etc. preferably terminate with edging, and an example of suitable edging is MTI Edge Metal, MEM 3168, by Masonry Technology, Inc. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  24  and  25   , a starter strip  836 , for example Corrugated Lath Starter Strip, CLSS 2316, by Masonry Technology, Inc., is installed so that the bottom edge of the starter strip&#39;s base  837  is seated into the cavity of the weep screed (not shown) to ensure that no scratch coat mortar reaches the weep screed&#39;s vent slots when it is applied. An example of a suitable base is 2 inches high corrugated high impact polystyrene. The starter strip&#39;s spunbond  848  is wrapped about the base  837  so that a rear flange  852  and a front flange  849  extend upward from the base&#39;s bottom. The rear flange  852  is secured to the rear side of the base, and the rear flange  852  is secured to the wall, for example using fasteners  858  such as nails or staples, preferably at each stud (not shown). A combination rainscreen/lath assembly includes corrugated spunbond and lath offset vertically about 2 inches so that about 2 inches of spunbond extend upward from the lath and about 2 inches of lath extend downward from the spunbond. A first course of combination rainscreen/lath assembly  860  is installed horizontally with a bottom edge of corrugated spunbond  861  abutting a top edge of the base  837 . Fasteners such as nails or stapes are inserted through the assembly  860  into the wall, preferably at each stud, in accordance with code requirements. The front flange  849  is positioned over the base  837  and the spunbond  861 , and the skirt  885  of the lath  880  is positioned over the spunbond  861 , as shown in  FIGS.  26 - 28   . 
     A second course of combination rainscreen/lath assembly  860 ′ is installed horizontally with a bottom portion of the second corrugated spunbond (not shown) overlapping a top portion of the first corrugated spunbond  861  and the skirt  885 ′ of the second lath  880 ′ is positioned over the first lath  880 , as shown in  FIG.  29   . Fasteners such as nails or stapes are inserted through the assembly  860 ′ into the wall, preferably at each stud, in accordance with code requirements. 
     A third course of combination rainscreen/lath assembly  860 ″ is installed horizontally with a bottom portion of the third corrugated spunbond (not shown) overlapping a top portion of the second corrugated spunbond (not shown) and the skirt  885 ″ of the third lath  880 ″ is positioned over the second lath  880 ′, as shown in  FIG.  30   . Fasteners such as nails or stapes are inserted through the assembly  860 ″ into the wall, preferably at each stud, in accordance with code requirements. 
     Although not shown in this embodiment, the top of the final course of combination rainscreen/lath assembly preferably terminates with a vented metal edge with venting capacity, for example Vented MTI Edge Metal, VMEM 3168, by Masonry Technology, Inc. The top of the vented metal edge is preferably installed approximately ⅜ inch down from the bottom of the soffit, and a starter strip is positioned with its “bottom” edge seated into the vented metal edge cavity to ensure no scratch coat goes into the vent slots. The top edge of the combination rainscreen/lath assembly&#39;s corrugated spunbond preferably contacts the bottom edge of the starter strip&#39;s base, with the starter strip&#39;s rear and front flanges of spunbond extending downward and overlapping the top portion of the assembly&#39;s spunbond on opposing sides, and the assembly&#39;s lath extending upward and overlapping the front flange of spunbond. 
     The lath is configured and arranged to receive scratch coat within its apertures, and the corrugated spunbond provides areas for scratch coat extending through the apertures proximate the opposing side of the lath to which the scratch coat was applied. If the corrugated spunbond includes perforations or apertures, the scratch coat can also extend through at least some of these apertures for additional adherence and support. Preferably the spunbond&#39;s apertures are large enough to incorporate some of the scratch coat but not large enough for the scratch coat to extend through the spunbond and block the spunbond&#39;s channels. The corrugated spun bond also provides a drainage plane, which also provides a gap or thermo-break resulting in an insulation R-value for energy efficiency. The spunbond&#39;s channels, which form the drainage plane, allow for venting of air and moisture thereby assisting in reducing any accumulation of moisture. Moisture can move through the scratch coat to drain through the channels and out of the voids. Because there are voids or venting in the bottom and the top, there is a “chimney effect” to assist in venting. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.