SINGLE WALL DUCT FLASHING PANEL
A duct flashing panel configured to provide weatherproofing for single wall ducts extending through the walls of a structure and having a terminal end extending outside of the structure. The duct flashing panel includes a panel body and an elastomeric collar sized and configured to circumferentially engage the exterior surface of the duct to form a fluid-tight seal between the duct and the collar to prevent fluid migration along the exterior of the duct. The collar includes an annular bead which provides rigidity and strength to the collar to urge the collar into compressive engagement with the exterior surface of the duct.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/798,045, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT(Not Applicable)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a moisture barrier, and more specifically to a moisture barrier flashing panel configured to mitigate moisture migration along the outside surface of a large diameter single wall duct, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) duct, to provide consistent weatherproofing of the duct.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the construction of homes, commercial buildings, and the like, various utility/plumbing pipes, such as water pipes, gas pipes, drain pipes and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts extend through the walls of the building and terminate exterior of the building so as to be accessible by a user. When exteriorly terminated, these pipes and ducts extend through insulation, between wall boards, potentially within ceiling and floor structures, and in other critical places where a dry environment is extremely important for both structural and safety considerations.
The exteriorly exposed pipe or duct are periodically subjected to water sources, whether from rain, snow, lawn sprinklers, vandalism or other sources. Such water has a natural tendency to travel along the exterior of the pipe or duct for attempted entry into the building structure. If such water enters through the exterior building wall, it can cause substantial damage to insulation, dry wall, wood moldings, flooring and/or carpeting on the interior of the building.
The importance of attempting to mitigate water entry through such ducts has been recognized by the building industry with various attempts being made to prevent such interior migration of water. One presently employed approach utilizes caulking material applied at the interface of the pipe or duct with weather resistant barrier (WRB) and or housewrap or building paper disposed immediately behind the duct. Thereafter, stucco or other exterior finish material is applied over the WRB or paper to be adjacent the exposed pipe or duct length while allowing the end to be exteriorly accessible. Over time, however, such caulking can eventually crack and break, and when this occurs, water can freely travel along the exterior surface of the pipe or duct and into the interior of the building structure.
A second common approach is individually performed at every pipe or duct outlet on a job site and entails hand measuring and cutting of sheet metal to create flashing, which is thereafter fitted around the opening thereof, nailed in place and caulked. Once again, although this approach can work initially, the caulking material may eventually give way or may not initially caulk properly, which may allow water to travel along the pipe or duct exterior and into the structure.
In view of the foregoing, there is an apparent need in the art for a weatherproofing solution for single wall ducts, particularly larger diameter ducts, which mitigates installation error and generally lasts for the life of the building. Various aspects of the present invention addresses this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a duct flashing panel configured to provide weatherproofing for large diameter single wall duct, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) duct, extending through the outside walls of a structure. The duct flashing panel includes a panel body and an elastomeric or plastic seal collar sized and configured to circumferentially engage the exterior surface of the duct to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the exterior surface of the duct and the collar to prevent fluid migration along the duct. The collar includes an annular bead which provides rigidity and strength to the collar to urge the collar into compressive engagement with the exterior surface of the single wall duct.
The panel body includes a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a panel opening extending through the panel body between the first and second surfaces. The resilient collar is coupled to the panel body and extends radially inward into the panel opening, with the collar defining a collar opening aligned with the panel opening. The collar is sized and configured to be extendable and engageable with an exterior surface of a single wall duct and to exert a compressive force thereon.
The duct flashing panel may be particularly suitable for single wall ducts defining a larger diameter, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. The configuration of the collar, particularly the annular bead, easily creates and sustains a substantially fluid-tight engagement between the collar and the single wall duct when the duct is inserted through the collar.
The collar may be transitional between a relaxed configuration and a compressive configuration, wherein the collar transitions from the relaxed configuration toward the compressive configuration in response to insertion of the large diameter single wall duct through the collar.
The duct flashing panel may be configured for use with construction-grade WRB or housewrap or building paper. The duct flashing panel may be interposed between two sheets of WRB or paper sheets (e.g., a rear paper sheet and a front paper sheet). Each sheet of WRB or paper may include an aperture aligned with the collar aperture to allow for advancement of the single wall duct through the apertures.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a flashing kit for use with single wall ducts, the flashing kit includes a flashing panel, and first and second sheets. The first sheet includes a first opening extending therethrough, with the first sheet being placeable adjacent the first surface of the panel body. The second sheet includes a second opening extending therethrough, with the second sheet being placeable adjacent the second surface of the panel body.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, there is provided method of installing a flashing panel over a duct. The method includes providing a flashing panel and advancing the flashing panel over the duct, with the duct extending through the collar opening and the collar exerting a compressive force on the duct.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout and in which:
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present devices may be developed or utilized. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first, second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and are not for purposes of limiting the same, there is depicted a duct flashing panel 10 configured for use with large diameter single wall ducts, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. The flashing panel 10 includes an elastomeric or polymer seal collar 12 defining a collar opening 16 sized and configured to receive the duct within the opening 16 and to circumferentially engage with the outer surface of the duct to form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the interface of the duct and the collar 12 to prevent fluid (e.g., water), debris or animals from migrating along the exterior of the duct and into the interior of the structure. The collar 12 includes an annular bead 14 disposed about the collar opening 16 to enhance the compressive force applied around the duct to form the substantially fluid-tight seal around the duct.
The duct flashing panel 10 includes a panel body 18 having a front surface 20 and an opposing rear surface 22 to define a panel thickness, “T” (see
The elastomeric or seal collar 12 includes an annular collar body 26 defining the collar opening 16 and a collar inner diameter, “D” (see
The elastomeric collar 12 is coupled or formed with to the panel body 18 such that the collar opening 16 is in communication with the panel opening 24, and is preferably coaxially aligned with the panel opening 24. The collar body 26 is formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber or plastic, although other elastomeric materials and or polymers known by those skilled in the art may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the collar body 26 may be formed from a simulated elastomeric material, which is slightly stretchable and biasable to provide a compressive force around the duct.
According to one embodiment, the collar 12 includes an annular attachment element 28 extending radially outward from the collar body 26 to facilitate engagement between the collar 12 and the panel body 18. In one implementation, the annular attachment element 28 includes a first flange 30 (see
The collar 12 additionally includes an annular bead 14, preferably disposed adjacent the inner opening 16 to strengthen the fluid-tight engagement between the collar 12 and the duct. As shown, the bead 14 is preferably formed only on the outer surface of the collar 12 so as not to interfere with the water-tight seal formed on the inner surface which contacts to the duct. Along these lines, the annular bead 14 urges the collar 12 into a tight, substantially fluid-tight engagement with the duct. According to one embodiment, the annular bead 14 is approximately ⅛-¼ inches in diameter, although the bead 14 may define other sizes in other embodiments of the present invention.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the collar 12 is configured to be transitional relative to the panel body 18 between a relaxed configuration (see
The duct flashing panel 10 is configured for use with a front WRB or paper sheet 36 as well as a rear WRB or paper sheet 38 to provide additional protection against water migration along the duct 34. Exemplary conventional weather/paper sheets 36, 38 include WRB or housewrap or building paper, although other sheets known in the art may also be employed. The front paper sheet 36 includes a front sheet opening 40 and the rear paper sheet 38 includes a rear sheet opening 42. The front and rear sheets 36, 38 are positioned with the front and rear sheet openings 40, 42 in communication with and aligned with the collar opening 16 so as to allow the duct 34 to be advanced through the front and rear sheet openings 40, 42. The rear sheet 38 is placed adjacent the rear surface 22 of the panel body 18, between the panel body 18 and the frame members 44, 46, while the front sheet 36 is positioned adjacent the front surface 20 of the panel body 18. Each paper sheet 36, 38 may include a respective cut line 35, 45 (see
With the primary structural features of the duct flashing panel 10 described above, the following discussion will describe installation of the duct flashing panel 10. The duct flashing panel 10 is preferably installed after installation of the duct 34. The rear WRB or paper sheet 42 is positioned about the duct 34 and is then fastened to adjacent frame members 44, 46 such that the rear sheet opening 42 is positioned in the location where the duct 34 is to be installed. As noted above, the rear paper sheet 42 may include a cut line 45 which allows the rear paper sheet 42 to easily slip around the duct 34. The rear paper sheet 38 is joined to the frame members 44, 46, preferably by a bonding material or agent, although other mechanical fasteners known in the art may also be used.
The panel body 18 is then pushed over the duct 34 and is positioned adjacent the frame members 44, 46 and the rear paper sheet 42. The advancement of the duct 34 through the collar 12 causes the collar 12 to transition from the relaxed configuration toward the compressive configuration. The collar 12 forms a fluid-tight seal against the outer surface of the duct 34 to mitigate fluid migration along the outer surface of the duct 34. The panel body 18 is then secured to the frame members 44, 46 via nails, screws, bolts, adhesives or other fasteners known in the art.
The front paper sheet 36 is then draped over the duct 34 and placed over the panel body 18, with the front paper opening 40 aligned with the collar opening 16. The front paper sheet 36 preferably includes a cut-line 35 to allow the front paper sheet 36 to fit around the duct 34.
According to one embodiment, the collar 12 may be specifically configured and adapted to encourage advancement of the duct 34 through the collar 12 in a specific direction. For purposes of the following discussion, the “advancement direction” will be the direction along an axis that is perpendicular to the rear surface 22, from the rear surface 22 toward the front surface 20. In this regard, the collar 12 may be angled to promote/facilitate advancement in the duct 34 through the collar opening 16 in the advancement direction. The collar 12 may be angled in the advancement direction, e.g., the collar body 26 may extend from the panel body 18 in a direction that is from the rear surface 22 toward the front surface 20. Furthermore, the duct flashing panel 10 may be installed to the frame members 44, 46 such that the collar body 26 is angled toward the outside of the structure.
The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combinations described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
Claims
1. A duct flashing panel configured for use with a single wall duct, the flashing panel comprising:
- a panel body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a panel opening extending through the panel body between the first and second surfaces;
- a resilient collar coupled to the panel body and extending radially inward into the panel opening, the collar defining a collar opening aligned with the panel opening, the collar being sized and configured to be extendable and engageable with an exterior surface of a single wall duct and to exert a compressive force thereon; and
- an annular bead coupled to the collar to enhance the compressive force applied to the duct.
2. The duct flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the panel body is generally rigid and generally planar.
3. The duct flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the collar is formed from an elastomeric material.
4. The duct flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the collar is formed from a polymer material.
5. The duct flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the collar is formed from a water resistant material.
6. The duct flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the collar opening defines a diameter of approximately 5.5 inches.
7. The duct flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the collar opening is substantially circular.
8. The duct flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the collar includes an annular attachment element engaged with the panel body.
9. The duct flashing panel recited in claim 8, wherein the annular attachment element includes:
- a first flange extending along a portion of the first surface of the panel body; and
- a second flange extending along a portion of the second surface of the panel body;
- the first and second flanges defining an attachment cavity therebetween, the panel body being received within the attachment cavity.
10. The flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the annular bead is integrally formed with the collar.
11. The flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the collar extends inwardly from the panel body and terminates at an inner peripheral region, the annular bead being formed within the inner peripheral region.
12. The flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the annular bead extends completely about the collar opening.
13. The flashing panel recited in claim 1, wherein the annular bed defines a cross sectional of approximately ⅛-¼ inches.
14. A flashing kit for use with single wall ducts, the flashing kit comprising:
- a flashing panel having: a panel body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a panel opening extending through the panel body between the first and second surfaces; a resilient collar coupled to the panel body and extending radially inward into the panel opening, the collar defining a collar opening aligned with the panel opening, the collar being sized and configured to be engageable with a duct and to exert a compressive force thereon; and an annular bead coupled to the collar to enhance the compressive force applied to the duct;
- a first sheet having a first opening extending therethrough, the first sheet being placeable adjacent the first surface of the panel body; and
- a second sheet having a second opening extending therethrough, the second sheet being placeable adjacent the second surface of the panel body.
15. The flashing kit recited in claim 14, wherein the first sheet includes a slit extending from the first opening to the outer periphery thereof.
16. The flashing kit recited in claim 14, wherein the first and second sheets are formed from a paper material.
17. The flashing kit recited in claim 14, wherein the collar includes an annular attachment element comprising:
- a first flange extending along a portion of the first surface of the panel body; and
- a second flange extending along a portion of the second surface of the panel body;
- the first and second flanges defining an attachment cavity therebetween, the panel body being received within the attachment cavity.
18. The flashing panel recited in claim 14, wherein the annular bead is integrally formed with the collar.
19. A method of installing a flashing panel over a duct, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a flashing panel comprising: a panel body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a panel opening extending through the panel body between the first and second surfaces; a resilient collar coupled to the panel body and extending radially inward into the panel opening, the collar defining a collar opening aligned with the panel opening, the collar being sized and configured to be engageable with a duct and to exert a compressive force thereon; and an annular bead coupled to the collar to enhance the compressive force applied to the duct; and
- advancing the flashing panel over the duct, with the duct extending through the collar opening and the collar exerting a compressive force on the duct.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:
- providing first and second sheets each having respective openings formed therein;
- placing the first sheet over the duct, with the duct extending through the opening formed in the first sheet, the first sheet being disposed adjacent the first surface of the panel body; and
- placing the second sheet over the duct, with the duct extending through the opening formed in the second sheet, the second sheet being disposed adjacent the second surface of the panel body.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 10, 2014
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2014
Inventor: WILLIAM J. GILLERAN (LAS VEGAS, NV)
Application Number: 14/203,218
International Classification: E04B 1/66 (20060101); E04B 1/64 (20060101);