Posted by Spycor Building on Oct 21st 2025
When selecting rainscreen solutions for exterior wall assemblies, Mortairvent Rainscreen stands out as a trusted choice for contractors, architects, and builders seeking reliable moisture protection and ventilation. With options in 6mm and 10mm thicknesses, available as individual rolls or bulk skids, Mortairvent creates a pressure-equalized air cavity that promotes drainage and drying, preventing issues like mold growth, staining, and structural failure. If you're evaluating rainscreen products for siding installations like stucco, brick veneer, fiber cement, or wood, this guide helps you decide between the Mortairvent 202 (6mm) and 203 (10mm) models. We'll cover their features, applications, and sizing options to ensure optimal performance for your project, all while keeping costs manageable with bulk savings.
What Is Mortairvent Rainscreen and Why
Is It Essential for Wall Assemblies?
Mortairvent Rainscreen is an innovative drainage and ventilation mat designed to equalize air pressure within exterior wall systems, creating a dedicated cavity between the weather-resistive barrier (WRB) and cladding. This 93% open polymer mesh structure allows infiltrated water to drain freely while facilitating airflow for rapid drying, aligning with the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) Section R703.7.3.2, which mandates a minimum 5mm rainscreen gap for certain claddings.
In humid or rainy climates, trapped moisture can lead to up to 80% of building envelope failures, according to the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Mortairvent prevents this by providing a continuous capillary break and ventilation path, suitable for residential, multifamily, and light commercial projects. Its recycled content (40%) qualifies for LEED credits, appealing to sustainable builds.
Key benefits:
- Moisture Control: Channels water out, reducing humidity below 60% RH to inhibit mold.
- Ventilation Efficiency: 93% open design accelerates drying, extending cladding lifespan.
- Durability: Resists compression, chemicals, and corrosion, even under stucco or stone loads.
- Code Compliance: Meets ASTM E2925 testing for superior performance.
Whether retrofitting or new construction, Mortairvent ensures resilient walls without compromising aesthetics.
Mortairvent 202 vs. Mortairvent 203:
Understanding Thickness Differences
Mortairvent offers two primary thicknesses to match project needs: the 6mm Mortairvent 202 for standard applications and the 10mm Mortairvent 203 for enhanced ventilation.
- Mortairvent 202 (6mm): Ideal for code-minimum requirements, providing a 6mm air gap for basic drainage and ventilation. It's lightweight and flexible, perfect for wood, vinyl, or fiber cement siding where space is limited.
- Mortairvent 203 (10mm): Delivers a deeper 10mm cavity for superior airflow and ventilation, recommended for stucco, brick veneer, or stone where higher moisture loads demand robust drying. Its increased compression strength maintains the gap under heavier claddings.
Both feature a 2-ply design with a backer fabric for tensile strength and mortar deflection, but the 203's extra depth boosts ventilation by up to 20%, per manufacturer testing. Choose based on cladding type and climate—6mm for mild conditions, 10mm for wet or humid areas.
Sizing Options: Rolls vs. Skids for Project Efficiency
Mortairvent comes in flexible formats to suit small jobs or large-scale builds.
- Individual Rolls:
- Mortairvent 202 Roll: 39" x 61.5' (200 sq ft) at $172—great for single walls or prototypes.
- Mortairvent 203 Roll: 39" x 40' (130 sq ft) at $149.95—compact for targeted applications.
- Bulk Skids (18 Rolls):
- Mortairvent 202 Skid: 39" x 61.5' x 18 (3,600 sq ft) at $2,580—saves 20-30% per sq ft for multifamily or commercial projects.
- Mortairvent 203 Skid: 39" x 40' x 18 (2,340 sq ft) at $2,184—ideal for high-volume stucco or veneer installs.
Comparing Mortairvent Models: A Quick Reference Table
| Model | Thickness | Roll Size (sq ft) | Skid Size (sq ft) | Best For | Price (Roll/Skid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mortairvent 202 | 6mm | 39" x 61.5' (200) | 18 Rolls (3,600) | Wood/Vinyl/Fiber Cement Siding | $172 / $2,580 |
| Mortairvent 203 | 10mm | 39" x 40' (130) | 18 Rolls (2,340) | Stucco/Brick Veneer/Stone | $149.95 / $2,184 |
This table highlights how Mortairvent adapts to various needs, ensuring you select the right fit without overbuying.
How to Install Mortairvent Rainscreen:
Step-by-Step Guide
Installation is straightforward, taking 1-2 hours per 500 sq ft wall, and requires no special tools.
- Prepare Surface: Install and tape WRB (e.g., Tyvek) over sheathing; flash windows and doors.
- Unroll Mortairvent: Start at the base, right to left, with the fabric flap down. Butt seams without overlap.
- Secure Flap: Pull the fabric flap over the previous course (shingle-style) and staple every 12-16 inches.
- Add Cladding: Apply lath, scratch coat, or siding over Mortairvent using code-approved fasteners.
- Ventilate: Ensure bottom weep holes and top vents for drainage and airflow.
For stucco or masonry, the backer fabric deflects mortar while maintaining the cavity. Always check local codes—some areas require dual WRB layers. Avoid compressing the mat to preserve ventilation.
Applications: Where Mortairvent Excels in Building Projects
Mortairvent is versatile for diverse claddings and climates. In residential siding, the 202 model prevents warping in wood or vinyl; for commercial stucco facades, the 203's 10mm depth handles heavy rain loads. It's proven in humid zones like Florida, where it reduced moisture callbacks by 90%, per builder testimonials.
Sustainable perks: 40% recycled content supports LEED v4 credits for material efficiency. Pair with EIFS or cedar for hybrid systems, ensuring long-term envelope performance.
Maintenance and Longevity of Mortairvent Rainscreen
Once installed, Mortairvent requires minimal upkeep—its chemical-resistant polymer lasts 20-50 years, outpacing traditional furring strips. Inspect annually for compression or tears during re-cladding. Its crush-resistant design maintains 93% openness, even under 100 psf loads, ensuring consistent ventilation.
Mortairvent Rainscreen empowers builders to create durable, ventilated walls tailored to any project scale. By choosing the right thickness and size, you ensure effective moisture management and code compliance without excess costs.
Click Here to explore Mortairvent 202 and 203 at SpycorBuilding.com and order today for reliable rainscreen performance.
FAQ: Common Questions About Mortairvent
Rainscreen Thickness and Sizing
What is the main difference between Mortairvent 202 and 203?
Mortairvent 202 is 6mm thick for standard ventilation, while 203 is 10mm for enhanced airflow and drainage in heavier claddings like stucco or stone.
How much coverage does a Mortairvent roll provide?
Mortairvent 202 covers 200 sq ft per roll (39" x 61.5'), and 203 covers 130 sq ft (39" x 40').
Are Mortairvent skids cost-effective for large projects?
Yes, skids of 18 rolls (3,600 sq ft for 202, 2,340 sq ft for 203) offer 20-30% savings, ideal for multifamily or commercial builds.
Does Mortairvent meet building codes for rainscreens?
Yes, both models exceed IRC R703.7.3.2's 5mm requirement and are ASTM E2925 tested for moisture management.
What claddings work best with Mortairvent?
It's compatible with wood, vinyl, fiber cement, stucco, brick veneer, stone, and EIFS for superior wall ventilation.
