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How does water dry out if it gets behind the brick and reaches the space between the veneer and the insulation, especially in areas without full adhesive coverage?

Panel+ is designed as a managed drainage assembly. It does not trap water. Instead, it controls, directs, and expels incidental moisture through engineered drainage paths and ventilation channels.

1. Vertical Drainage Created by Adhesive Application

When using the Fluid-Applied Adhesive Method, Old Mill Adhesive is applied with a ½-inch square-notch trowel and combed vertically.

  • The vertical adhesive ridges create continuous drainage channels.

  • These channels allow gravity to direct water downward.

  • Water moves behind the veneer and exits at the base flashing or weep location.

This vertical combing pattern is required to maintain drainage continuity and prevent horizontal dams.

2. Integral Drainage Channels in EPS Panels

Old Mill EPS Foam Panels are manufactured with built-in vertical drainage and ventilation profiles.

  • Cross-grooved and channeled surfaces create a "3-D" three-dimensional rain screen effect.

  • These molded channels promote airflow behind the cladding.

  • Air movement accelerates drying and prevents moisture accumulation.

This integrated drainage feature is a core advantage of the Panel+ system.

3. Closed-Cell EPS Resists Water Absorption

The insulation used in Panel+ is ASTM C578 Type II expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Key properties:

  • Closed-cell structure

  • Water absorption ≤ 2% by volume (ASTM C272)

  • Stable R-value performance

Because EPS is closed-cell, it does not wick or hold bulk water. When moisture penetrates the veneer, which is normal for masonry, it reaches the water-managed layer and:

  • Contacts the weather barrier and adhesive layer

  • Flows downward through vertical drainage paths

  • Exits at the base termination

The insulation itself does not absorb and retain moisture.

How the Assembly Manages Water

In summary, water management in Panel+ relies on three coordinated elements:

  • Gravity: Vertical adhesive beads and molded panel channels guide water downward.

  • Ventilation: Built-in channels promote airflow and drying.

  • Material resistance: Closed-cell EPS limits absorption and swelling.

Panel+ functions as a controlled drainage system, not a sealed barrier cavity. Incidental water is expected in masonry. The system is engineered to manage it safely and direct it out of the wall assembly.