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Indiana innovator

October 23, 2006
Source: indystar.com

Who: Ernie Alexander and Curt Franke.

Company: Masonry Innovations.

Location: 36 Woodview Drive, Pittsboro.

The invention: BrickVent, a moisture- control system for brick or stone veneer. It is a series of brick-sized vents colored to blend with the wall and coupled with a mortar-deflection device that keeps the vents from becoming clogged by "trash mortar" that falls behind the brick during construction. BrickVent allows airflow to help remove excess moisture.

Amount invested: $85,000.

How they got the idea for the invention: "A few years ago, The Star ran an article about mold and deterioration problems that whole neighborhoods were facing as a result of improper construction methods -- specifically in brickwork," Alexander said. "The problem was that the current systems all relied on drainage and ventilation through relatively tiny weep holes, which themselves, if left open, can be a pathway for mice or insects to enter the home. This led to the invention of BrickVent, which takes advantage of the brick space to provide clog-free drainage and a much larger conduit for ventilation. In addition, the brick portion of the vent can be used for remediation on existing homes."

Where the product is available: In Indianapolis at Wheeler Corp., Curley Brothers and Southeastern Supply.

For more information: Visit www.masonryinnovations.com, or e-mail info@masonryinnovations.com.

If you know someone whose business innovations or inventions are changing the world, call Jill Phillips at (317) 444-6246 or e-mail her at jill.phillips@indystar.com.

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