Furring Strip Alignment System
A furring strip system with built-in alignment and airspace between interior and exterior walls for ventilation and rainscreen protection. A wall grid system speeds installation. The furring strip system has application to installation of drywall panels, deck applications, and floor applications. The system allows release of moisture from wood and wood plastic composite (WPC) decking via a space between boards. The invention further has application to roof installations with cross bars as well as different types of roofing, and ceiling applications.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to copending provisional application Ser. No. 60/908,073 filed Mar. 26, 2007, Ser. No. 60/909,051 filed Mar. 30, 2007, and Ser. No. 60/910,138 filed Apr. 4, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to construction materials and systems, and in particular to furring materials used to construct walls, ceilings, flooring and roofing of buildings. The invention provides a significant improvement over conventional furring materials that can trap moisture behind wall panels and causing mold and mildew growth and rot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a furring strip system with built-in alignment and airspace between interior and exterior walls for ventilation and rainscreen protection. A wall grid system speeds installation.
The furring strip system has application to installation of drywall panels, deck applications, and floor applications. The system allows release of moisture from wood and wood plastic composite (WPC) decking via a space between boards. The invention further has application to roof installations with cross bars as well as different types of roofing, and ceiling applications.
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Preferably, the furring strip 10 is a hollow vented strip made from a durable material such as steel. It can be used for all types of furring. Among its advantages, the furring strip system according to the invention can be made to custom lengths, will not burn in the event of a fire, and can be made with tolerance consistent to 1/10,000 of an inch. The furring strip is vented so that it allows moisture to flow down the steel furring strip and vent an entire wall. This feature is a significant improvement over a conventional solid furring strip such as wood furring strips that can trap moisture in walls, roofs, and floors, causing rotting. The furring strip also can be vinyl-coated to act as a thermal break or barrier for the metal to reduce heat and cold conduction caused by metal such as steel.
The metal furring strip also can utilize a foam or plastic block to create a larger airspace behind wall panels. These blocks can snap into the back of the metal furring strip. This also creates a thermal break for the metal. The metal furring strip 10 can preferably be manufactured from G-90 Galvanized steel to reduce the possibility of rusting. The furring strip system alternately can be manufactured from vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and other composite materials.
The furring strip can have clips and screw holes pre-punched to attach and to receive different types of ceiling panels, wall panels, flooring, exterior siding panels, decking panels, roofing panels, overhang panels etc.
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Claims
1. A furring attachment and alignment system for building panels, comprising a plurality of metal furring strips each having an air space channel formed therein, at least one cross-member connected to said plurality of metal furring strips to align said strips in a preselected spacing interval, said air space channel being placed against a building substrate surface so as to provide a moisture ventilation mechanism for releasing moisture between said building panels and said building substrate surface.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said building panels are roofing panels.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said building panels are interior walls.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said building panels are flooring panels.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said building panels are decking panels.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said furring strips each contain at least one slot, said system further comprising a hanging tool having a clamping mechanism for attaching to said furring strips through said slots, which tool temporarily holds said building panels in place to allow final attachment to said furring strips.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said furring strips have a minimal amount of contact with said substrate to minimize heat conduction via said furring strips.
8. The system of claim 8, wherein said furring strips include hemmed legs which contact said substrate and form a moisture drainage channel between said substrate and said building panels.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said furring strips are made of G-90 galvanization steel.
10. The system of claim 1, further including a second cross-member connected to said furring strips to form a grid system for installation of said furring system over an entire substrate at one time.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said cross-members include attachment mechanisms for automatically aligning the strips 16″ on center to attach to studs associated with said substrate.
12. A panel hanging tool for use with the system of claim 1, which tool is inserted into openings formed in said strips, and which holds said building panels in place temporarily until final attachment to said furring strips.
13. The panel hanging tool of claim 12, wherein said tool includes a plurality of slots for insertion of a clip to accommodate various increments and sizes of panels being used.
14. A metal furring strip that has at least one hemmed leg and a hollow back to allow drainage of moisture.
15. The metal furring strip of claim 13, further comprising a thermal barrier coating.
16. The metal furring strip of claim 14, wherein said furring strip is made of G-90 galvanization steel.
17. A metal furring strip having a plurality of mounting hooks for tongue-and-groove building panels to be attached thereto, wherein said mounting hooks provide a space between said panels to allow moisture drainage between panels.
18. The metal furring strip of claim 17, further comprising a thermal barrier coating.
19. The metal furring strip of claim 17, wherein said furring strip is made of G-90 galvanization steel.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 26, 2008
Publication Date: Jan 29, 2009
Inventor: Gregory P. Albracht (Omaha, NE)
Application Number: 12/056,180
International Classification: E04B 2/58 (20060101); E04F 21/18 (20060101); E04B 2/30 (20060101);