Window backdam assembly for preventing water intrusion

Abstract

A window backdam assembly includes an elongate backdam placed flat on top of a window sill near an interior end. A portion of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end is temporarily uncovered. A one-piece waterproof adhesive material is placed over the entire backdam and uncovered portion of the window sill. The elastic adhesive material is generously sized to cover the backdam, the uncovered window sill, and lower portions of the jambs of the window frame and structural panel. Thin flashing material may be applied horizontally to the structural panel beneath the sill, vertically along the two jambs of the panel, and horizontally on the top portion of panel, thereby forming a border around the panel opening.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to window assembly installation and structures to prevent air and water intrusion.

2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

One of the easiest ways for water to intrude into a home or building is through areas surrounding windows. A typical window sill provides a convenient entrance for water to enter through the window opening and into the building structure. Though it is never desirable to have water leaking into a home, severe water intrusion caused by natural occurrences, such as storms and heavy rains, can lead to extensive, costly damage in a building.

Accordingly, prior art attempts to resolve this problem include a variety of awkward mechanisms, including differently shaped pans and so forth. One primary drawback of these mechanisms is that they require the builder or user to purchase an additional structural item which must be incorporated into a window frame or assembly. Where a home or building includes several windows, the purchase and assembly of individual pans for every window can be a costly and time consuming exercise.

Moreover, the dimensions of each window opening vary. These variances make it more burdensome to employ prior structure accessories in the prior which come prefabricated. For example, certain rigid components might need to be cut, trimmed, or altered in various other means, in order to accommodate a particular window opening. Once again, in a home or building with several differently sized window openings, the need to alter prior art fittings for each individual window leads to a very toilsome and lengthy task, which inevitably leads to greater costs in terms of labor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides structures and methods which overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

In one aspect, a window assembly is provided for preventing water intrusion. The window assembly comprises a window sill including a surface with an exterior end, an interior end, a surface depth defined between the interior end and the exterior end, and a surface width. An elongate material is disposed on top of the horizontal bottom surface adjacent to the interior end such that the elongate material does not cover a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the exterior end. The elongate material has a height preferably between 0.30 to 0.75 inches, a material depth greater than the height and less than the surface depth, and a material width that is substantially similar to the surface width. The elongate material is disposed on top of the horizontal bottom surface adjacent to the interior end such that the elongate material does not cover a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the exterior end. A one-piece waterproof adhesive material is disposed over the elongate material and the portion of the bottom surface adjacent to exterior so as to prevent any moisture from entering the structure and to cause the moisture to exit the structure toward the exterior end of the bottom surface.

The elongate material preferably comprises plywood. The material depth is less than the surface depth such that the elongate material does not cover a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the exterior end. The height of the material is preferably less than 0.75 inches. The material depth is preferably between 0.5 inches and 3 inches.

The assembly further comprises a frame that defines a window opening and comprises the window sill. The frame also includes an interior side and an exterior side. At least one structural panel coupled to the exterior side of the frame. The structural panel includes a bottom portion disposed beneath the window sill. The structural panel preferably comprises oriented strand board (“OSB”).

The window sill comprises a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side define the surface width. A flashing is coupled to the bottom portion of the structural panel. The flashing extends horizontally beyond the first side and the second side of the window sill.

In another aspect, a method is provided for forming a window assembly that prevents water intrusion. The method includes providing a window frame with a window sill having an interior end and an exterior end, providing a backdam having a height, a width, and a depth greater than the height, placing the backdam horizontally flat on the window sill adjacent to the interior end so to as temporarily expose a portion of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end, and covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with a one-piece elastic adhesive material.

The method further comprises providing a structural panel having at least a bottom portion, and coupling the structural panel to an exterior side of the window frame. The method may also comprise applying a flashing horizontally to the bottom portion of the structural panel beneath the window sill, such that the step of covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the one-piece adhesive material comprises covering the flashing disposed beneath the window sill.

The step of covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the one-piece adhesive material preferably comprises covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with a waterproof adhesive material. The step of providing the backdam having the height, the width, and the depth greater than the height preferably comprises forming the backdam from plywood. The step of providing the backdam having the height, the width, and the depth greater than the height preferably comprises forming the backdam with a backdam width that corresponds to a width of the sill.

In a further aspect, a method is provided for forming a window assembly that prevents water intrusion using existing materials already being employed in the construction of a building housing the window assembly. The method comprises providing a first material being used in constructing the building, providing a waterproof adhesive material being used in constructing the building, providing a window frame with a window sill having an interior end and an exterior end, providing a backdam composed of the first material, forming the backdam with a height, a width, and a depth greater than the height, placing the backdam horizontally flat on the window sill adjacent to the interior end so to as temporarily expose a portion of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end, and covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the waterproof adhesive material.

The method further comprising providing a structural panel having at least a bottom portion, coupling the structural panel to an exterior side of the window frame, and applying a flashing horizontally to the bottom portion of the structural panel beneath the window sill. Accordingly, the step of covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the waterproof adhesive material preferably comprises covering the flashing disposed beneath the window sill.

The step of providing the backdam composed of the first material preferably comprises forming the backdam from plywood. The step of providing the backdam having the height, the width, and the depth greater than the height preferably comprises forming the backdam with a backdam width that corresponds to a width of the sill.

In summary, a window backdam assembly includes an elongate backdam placed flat on top of a window sill near an interior end. A portion of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end is temporarily uncovered. A one-piece waterproof adhesive material is placed over the entire backdam and uncovered portion of the window sill. The elastic adhesive material is generously sized to cover the backdam, the uncovered window sill, and lower portions of the jambs of the window frame and structural panel. Thin flashing material may be applied horizontally to the structural panel beneath the sill, vertically along the two jambs of the panel, and horizontally on the top portion of panel, thereby forming a border around the panel opening.

The invention, now having been briefly summarized, may be better appreciated by the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a window assembly in part, including a window frame and structural panel;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a window assembly in part, showing placement of a backdam;

FIG. 3 close-up perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a window assembly in part;

FIG. 4 is close-up perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a window assembly in part, showing placement of a one-piece waterproof adhesive material;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a window assembly in part, including vertical flashing materials;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a window assembly in part, showing placement of a window;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a window assembly, showing placement of a top flashing material; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a preferred method for installing a window and preventing water intrusion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

The preferred apparatuses and methods according to the invention are directed to using known, inexpensive materials for preventing water intrusion through the window sill area of any sized window opening. In particular, the preferred embodiments of the invention incorporate existing construction and building materials which typically are already being used in the building process. It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiments obviate the need to purchase and install additional materials and components which are not already being used in the construction of the building.

FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a partial window frame assembly 10. The partial assembly 10 includes a generally rectangular window frame 20 that may be composed of wood. The frame 20 includes a top portion 22, a first side portion 24, a second side portion 26, and a bottom portion, or window sill, 28, all of which collectively define a frame opening 31 for receiving a window. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame opening 31 is illustrated as rectangular though it is to be expressly understood that the window frame 20 may define a variety of different window openings with different shapes (e.g., arched top, circular, polygonal, etc.) and varying dimensions.

The frame 20 includes an interior side 33, configured to face an interior of the building to which the frame is installed, and an oppositely facing exterior side 35. The window sill 28 includes a horizontal top surface, or sill surface, 37 with an interior end 39, an exterior end 40, a sill depth 42 defined between the interior end 39 and the exterior end 40, and a sill width 44 defined between the first side portion 24 and the second side portion 26 of the frame 20.

A structural panel 46 is coupled to the exterior side 35 of the frame 20. The structural panel 46 preferably comprises single sheet with a top panel portion 48, a first side portion, or first jamb, 50, a second side portion, or second jamb, 52, and a bottom board portion 54, all of which define a panel opening 56 that substantially conforms to, and aligns with, the frame opening 31. Thus, the panel opening 56 and the frame opening 31 collectively define a window opening 58 for receiving a window. The structural panel 46 may be composed of natural wood, or engineered board material such as oriented strand board (“OSB”).

In FIG. 2, a backdam 60 is disposed on the window sill 28 adjacent to the interior end 39. The backdam 60 is preferably composed of a commonly used material which is typically already being used in the construction of the building. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the backdam 60 may comprise plywood, natural wood, particle board, engineered board material (e.g., OSB), plastic, or any other commonly used construction material which may be formed into an elongate strip.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the backdam 60 comprises a backdam depth 62 that is less than the sill depth 42 such that when the backdam 60 is disposed adjacent to the interior end 39, a transverse elongate portion 64 of the top sill surface 37 adjacent to the exterior end is temporarily uncovered or exposed. The backdam 60 is transversely elongate and is, thus, configured with a backdam width 66 that is substantially similar to the sill width 44. The backdam 60 is preferably laid flat, as opposed to upright, on the sill surface 37 such that its backdam height 68 is generally less than the backdam depth 62. In the preferred embodiment, the backdam 60 preferably has a height 68 in the range from 0.30 inch to 0.75 inches, a depth in the range of 0.5 inches to 3.0 inches, and a width 66 substantially similar to the window sill width 44. It is to be expressly understood that these ranges are provided for illustrative purposes, and that the dimensions may be lesser or greater depending upon the size of the window/window frame to be assembled.

In FIG. 3, a thin flashing material 70 is coupled to the bottom portion 54 of the structural panel 46. The flashing 70 extends transversely beneath the sill surface 37 and traverses preferably beyond the sill width 44. In the preferred embodiment, the flashing 70 is coupled to an exterior surface 71 of the bottom board portion 54 preferably at a top flashing section 72, such as with staples, thereby leaving a bottom flashing section 74 loose.

In FIG. 4, a thin elastic adhesive material 76 is disposed over the backdam 60 and the temporarily exposed portion 64 of the sill surface 37. The elastic adhesive material 76 in the preferred embodiment comprises a commonly known waterproof material, such as TYVEK®, that is generally already being used in the construction of the building. The adhesive material 76 is preferably a unitary, one piece material configured with larger dimensions than that of the sill surface 37, namely, with a width greater than the sill width 44 and a length greater than the sill depth 42 such that the adhesive material 76 generously covers the sill surface 37 and beyond. In particular, the adhesive material 76 covers bottom sections of the first jamb 52 and the second jamb 54, bottom sections of the side portions 24, 26 of the frame 20, the bottom flashing 70, and an interior surface (not shown) of the bottom portion 28 of the frame 20.

With the application of the adhesive material 76 onto the backdam 60 and surrounding areas of the window sill 28 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, it will be appreciated that a one-piece watertight pan assembly, or backdam assembly, 80 is formed over the window sill 28 with a slope 82 that directs any fluid thereon outwardly away from the interior of the building. It will be further appreciated that the backdam assembly may be formed quickly and inexpensively with common materials which are already being used in the construction of the building. Accordingly, there is no need to purchase additional components and accessories to formulate the preferred embodiment, thereby saving time and money.

Additional flashings 84 are applied vertically on the first and second jambs 50, 52 as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, a window 86 is installed onto the structural panel 46, the window 86 being aligned with the window opening 58 shown in FIG. 5. A head flashing 88 may be coupled to the structural panel 46 as shown in FIG. 7.

It will be appreciated that a highly effective and inexpensive mechanism for preventing water intrusion through a window, particularly at the window sill, is provided when installing a new window. By using commonly known materials which are already being elsewhere in the construction of the building, both time and money is saved.

FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred method 100 for installing a window and preventing water intrusion. The method 100 comprises step 110 of coupling a structural panel to a window frame to align a panel opening with a frame opening. This step 110 may also include trimming the structural panel, which is preferably composed of engineered material such as oriented strand board (OSB), so to conform the panel opening to the frame opening and thereby collectively form a window opening for receiving a window.

Step 120 comprises providing a backdam that is composed of a material already used in the construction of the building. A building may comprise a residence, commercial building, or any other type of structure requiring windows. In the preferred method, step 120 comprises forming the backdam from plywood, or any other inexpensive material already being used in the construction of the building. Thus, step 120 also includes providing the materials which are being used elsewhere in constructing the building. Step 130 comprises disposing the backdam on a window sill of the window frame adjacent to an interior end of the sill so as to expose an elongate portion of the sill adjacent to an exterior end.

Step 140 comprises coupling a strip of flashing to the bottom portion of the structural panel beneath the sill in a generally horizontal direction.

Step 150 comprises applying a one piece adhesive waterproof material over the backdam and exposed portion of the window sill to form an outwardly directing slope. In the preferred method, step 140 comprises utilizing a generously larger piece of adhesive material that is also adhered to bottom portions of the jambs of the structural panel and wood frame, the flashing coupled to the bottom board portion, and an interior surface of the bottom portion of the frame.

In step 160, strips of flashing are applied in a vertical orientation along the jambs of the structural panel. The vertical flashing strips are preferably coupled at medial sections adjacent to the panel opening.

Step 170 comprises installing a window onto an exterior side of the structural panel opposite the window frame. Step 180, a flashing strip is coupled to a top protion of the structural panel in a generally horizontal direction.

In the preferred method, it will be appreciated that an inexpensive and quick step of providing a backdam occurs prior to installing the window onto the structural panel. Furthermore, the method utilizes commonly known materials which are typically already being used in the construction of the building. Accordingly, it is to be expressly understood that the preferred method 100 described above in connection with FIG. 8 also comprises a method for assembling a window using existing materials already being employed in the construction of the building. Thus, there is no need to halt construction simply to purchase expensive materials which may not even be suitable for the dimensions of each particular window assembly.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

Claims

1. A window assembly for preventing water intrusion, comprising:

a window sill including a surface with an exterior end, an interior end, a surface depth defined between the interior end and the exterior end, and a surface width;

an elongate material having a height of at least 0.1 inch, a material depth greater than the height and less than the surface depth, and a material width that is substantially similar to the surface width, the elongate material being disposed on top of the horizontal bottom surface adjacent to the interior end such that the elongate material does not cover a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the exterior end; and

a one-piece waterproof adhesive material disposed over the elongate material and the portion of the bottom surface adjacent to exterior so as to create a slope directing any liquids on top of adhesive outwardly toward the exterior end of the bottom surface.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongate material comprises plywood.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the material depth is less than the surface depth such that the elongate material does not cover a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the exterior end.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the height of the material is less than 0.75 inches.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the material depth is between 0.5 inches and 3 inches.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a frame defining a window opening, the frame comprising the window sill, an interior side and an exterior side; and

at least one structural panel coupled to the exterior side of the frame, the structural panel including a bottom portion disposed beneath the window sill.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the window sill comprises a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side defining the surface width, the assembly further comprising:

a flashing coupled to the bottom portion of the structural panel, the flashing extending horizontally beyond the first side and the second side of the window sill.

8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one structural panel comprises oriented strand board.

9. A method for forming a window assembly that prevents water intrusion, comprising:

providing a window frame with a window sill having an interior end and an exterior end;

providing a backdam having a height, a width, and a depth greater than the height;

placing the backdam horizontally flat on the window sill adjacent to the interior end so to as temporarily expose a portion of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end; and

covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with a one-piece adhesive material.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

providing a structural panel having at least a bottom portion; and

coupling the structural panel to an exterior side of the window frame.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

applying a flashing horizontally to the bottom portion of the structural panel beneath the window sill; and

wherein covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the one-piece adhesive material comprises covering the flashing disposed beneath the window sill.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the one-piece adhesive material comprises covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with a waterproof adhesive material.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the backdam having the height, the width, and the depth greater than the height comprises forming the backdam from plywood.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the backdam having the height, the width, and the depth greater than the height comprises forming the backdam with a backdam width that corresponds to a width of the sill.

15. A method for forming a window assembly that prevents water intrusion, the window assembly being included as part of a building, comprising:

providing a first material being used in constructing the building;

providing a waterproof adhesive material being used in constructing the building;

providing a window frame with a window sill having an interior end and an exterior end;

providing a backdam composed of the first material;

forming the backdam with a height, a width, and a depth greater than the height;

placing the backdam horizontally flat on the window sill adjacent to the interior end so to as temporarily expose a portion of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end; and

covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the waterproof adhesive material.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

providing a structural panel having at least a bottom portion; and

coupling the structural panel to an exterior side of the window frame.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

applying a flashing horizontally to the bottom portion of the structural panel beneath the window sill; and

wherein covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the waterproof adhesive material comprises covering the flashing disposed beneath the window sill.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the backdam composed of the first material comprises forming the backdam from plywood.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the backdam having the height, the width, and the depth greater than the height comprises forming the backdam with a backdam width that corresponds to a width of the sill.