BUTT JOINT FLASHING FOR CEMENTITIOUS SIDING
A butt-joint flashing article of manufacture for construction of buildings is provided comprising a relatively flat, planar back surface, and a ridged front surface, the back surface adapted to face a framed wall, and the front surface adapted to receive siding planks or sheets. The butt-joint flashing apparatus comprises a center ridge and a plurality of channels on either side of the center ridge, each of the channels being separated by substantially planar surface that can be of uniform height that is lower than the height of the center ridge. The butt-joint flashing can be symmetrically arranged about the center ridge. The center ridge is adapted to provide a substantially impervious seal between two planks or sheets of siding. The channels provide a path for water that can find its way into an area between the planks or sheets and a structural sheathing of a building out of that area. The butt-joint flashing apparatus can be made from a clear rubber or clear plastic material with a predetermined shore rating that provides for flexibility over an expected temperature range.
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/088,551, filed 6 Dec. 2014, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe embodiments described herein relate generally to construction products, and more specifically to systems, methods, and modes for making, installing and using butt-joint flashing products for use with cementitious siding, or fiber cement siding products.
BACKGROUNDAs those familiar with the building industry can appreciate, picking the correct siding for a building involves balancing between good looks, durability, maintenance, and affordability. As those of skill in the art can appreciate, wood, vinyl, stone, brick, or stucco typically provide only two or three of these characteristics. Fiber cement siding, however, which is a resilient mix of wood pulp and Portland cement, provides all four characteristics. Fiber cement siding combines the performance of masonry (i.e., minimal upkeep; rot-, fire-, and termite-proof; and wind and cold resistant), with the look of painted wood clapboards, shingles, and even stone or brick. Yet, fiber cement siding typically costs much less than the other materials. At the present time, nearly 15 percent of new home construction uses fiber cement siding products. As those of skill in the art can further appreciate, architects now regularly specify fiber cement siding because it holds down costs without compromising aesthetics. The use of fiber cement siding has even been accepted for use in some historic districts.
However, there are still problems associated with the use of fiber cement siding products, also known as cementitious siding. As with any other siding, there are going to be gaps between horizontal siding products (i.e., those siding planks that are about 5¼″ to about 12″ high, and about 12′ long) and vertical siding products (i.e., those siding planks that are about 4′ wide and about 8′ long; about 4′ wide and about 9′ long; and about 4′ wide and about 10′ long). The gaps should be located over studs located in the wall construction of the new building. What generally occurs is the use of semi-liquid paste (sealant) squeezed from a tube to fill in and seal the gaps. This can be an inexact and messy process, and can lead to water infiltration from rain, and smears of the glue-like sealant over the new fiber cement siding, which can be unsightly if not immediately cleaned. The use of the sealants therefore add time, expense, and uncertainty to the overall building project, the latter occurring because even if the framework and construction of the shell is perfect, and the siding is placed perfectly, the job can still look like a mess if the sealant is applied incorrectly. Worse still, the negative effects of improperly applied sealant, such as rot or mold caused by water damage, may not be known for months or years, making the building a potential liability for the construction company years later.
Attempts have been made by others to create flashing systems for use as butt-joint components. However, many of these known systems have not provided the combination of features, convenience, and affordability that those of skill in the art desire from such products.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide systems, methods, and modes for making, installing and using butt-joint flashing products for use with cementitious, or fiber cement siding products.
SUMMARYAn object of the embodiments is to substantially solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at least one or more of the advantages described below.
It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems, methods, and modes for making, installing and using butt-joint flashing products for use with cementitious, or fiber cement siding products that will obviate or minimize problems of the type previously described.
According to aspects of the embodiments, a butt-joint flashing article of manufacture or apparatus for construction of buildings is provided herein comprising a relatively flat, planar back surface, and a ridged front surface, the back surface of the butt-joint flashing apparatus adapted to face a framed wall, and the front surface adapted to be the surface upon which fiber cement siding planks or sheets, or other siding products, can be fitted against. The butt-joint flashing apparatus further comprises a center ridge and a plurality of channels on either side of the center ridge, each of the channels being separated by substantially planar surfaces that can be of uniform height that is lower than the height of the center ridge. At least one of the planar surface can have an adhesive coating on it such that the butt-joint flashing can be secured onto the siding product prior to the assembly being placed on the framed wall. The butt-joint flashing can be symmetrically arranged about the center ridge. The center ridge provides a substantially impervious seal between two planks or sheets of siding. The channels provide a path for water that can find its way into an area between the planks or sheets and a structural sheathing of a building out of that area. The butt-joint flashing apparatus can be made from a clear rubber or clear plastic material with a predetermined shore rating that provides for flexibility over an expected temperature range. Because of the symmetry of the butt-joint flashing it is reversible, which allows it to be used when the siding installation process is done either from left-to-right, or right-to-left.
According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a gasket for the use in the construction of a building is provided comprising: a substantially planar mounting portion, adapted to be affixed to a framing component of the building; a side opposite to the substantially planar mounting portion, wherein the side opposite comprises—a plurality of water channels formed in the side opposite, each of which is adapted to channel water through the gasket when the gasket is mounted on the framing component, and a spacer ridge substantially centrally located on the side opposite, wherein a spacer ridge height corresponds to a first height, and wherein the plurality of water channels are formed on the remaining portion of the side opposite and on both sides of spacer ridge.
According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the side opposite comprises: a first and second water channel formed on a first side of the spacer ridge, and a third and fourth water channel formed on a second side of the spacer ridge; a first ridge formed between the first and second water channel; a second ridge formed between the third and fourth water channel; a first mounting surface formed at a first outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the first ridge; and a second mounting surface formed at a second outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the second ridge.
Still further according to the first aspect of the embodiments, the side opposite further comprises: an upper surface, substantially planar, formed of the upper surfaces of the first and second ridges, and the first and second mounting surfaces, all of substantially equal height corresponding to a second height, and wherein the first height is greater than the second height, and wherein the difference between the first height and the second height is substantially equal to a thickness of a siding material used in the construction of the building.
According to the first aspect of the embodiments the plurality of water channels are substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the gasket is further adapted to be affixed to the framing material of the building, such that the plurality of water channels are substantially vertically aligned with a surface of the earth to that water can pass through the gasket material, and wherein a first piece of siding material can be located adjacent to a first side of the spacer ridge, and a second piece of siding material can be located adjacent to a second side of the spacer ridge.
According to a second aspect of the embodiments, a system for use in construction of a building is provided, comprising: a gasket adapted to provide a sealing surface between a first and second piece of siding material used in the construction of an exterior shell of the building, and wherein the gasket is further adapted to provide a water passage through which water can pass, the gasket comprising a substantially planar mounting portion, adapted to be affixed to a framing component of the building, a side opposite to the substantially planar mounting portion, wherein the side opposite comprises—a plurality of water channels formed in the side opposite, each of which is adapted to channel water through the gasket when the gasket is mounted on the framing component, and a spacer ridge substantially centrally located on the side opposite, wherein the spacer ridge height is formed at a first height, and wherein the plurality of water channels are formed on the remaining portion of the side opposite and on both sides of spacer ridge; and a spacer adapted to be located between the framing material and the gasket.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the spacer comprises: a substantially wedge shaped spacer, adapted to be located between the gasket and the framing component and provide a proper amount of spacing such that a bottom portion of the siding material is located on top of a lower one of the siding material, comprising a substantially planar mounting portion (912), adapted to be located on a framing component of the building; a sloped surface (902) upon which the gasket can be located; and a bottom portion of a first thickness, wherein the first thickness is substantially equal to a second thickness of a siding material.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the side opposite comprises: a first and second water channel formed on a first side of the spacer ridge, and a third and fourth water channel formed on a second side of the spacer ridge; a first ridge formed between the first and second water channel; a second ridge formed between the third and fourth water channel; a first mounting surface formed at a first outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the first ridge; and a second mounting surface formed at a second outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the second ridge.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the side opposite further comprises: an upper surface, substantially planar, formed of the upper surfaces of the first and second ridges, and the first and second mounting surfaces, all of substantially equal height corresponding to a second height, and wherein the first height is greater than the second height, and wherein the difference between the first height and the second height is substantially equal to a thickness of a siding material used in the construction of the building.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the plurality of water channels are substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the gasket is further adapted to be affixed to the framing material of the building, such that the plurality of water channels are substantially vertically aligned with a surface of the earth to that water can egress through the gasket material.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the system further comprises: a trim assembly gasket, adapted to provide a sealing interface between an end of the siding material and trim material used in the construction of an exterior shell of a building, and wherein the spacer comprises: a substantially wedge shaped spacer, adapted to be located between the gasket and the framing component and provide a proper amount of spacing such that a bottom portion of the siding material is located on top of a lower one of the siding material, comprising a first sloped surface and at least one ridge component adapted to be located on a framing component of the building, a substantially planar mounting portion upon which the gasket can be located, and a bottom portion of a first thickness, wherein the first thickness is substantially equal to a second thickness of a siding material.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the side opposite comprises: a first and second water channel formed on a first side of the spacer ridge, and a third and fourth water channel formed on a second side of the spacer ridge; a first ridge formed between the first and second water channel; a second ridge formed between the third and fourth water channel; a first mounting surface formed at a first outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the first ridge; and a second mounting surface formed at a second outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the second ridge.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the side opposite further comprises: an upper surface, substantially planar, formed of the upper surfaces of the first and second ridges, and the first and second mounting surfaces, all of substantially equal height corresponding to a second height, and wherein the first height is greater than the second height, and wherein the difference between the first height and the second height is substantially equal to a thickness of a siding material used in the construction of the building.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the plurality of water channels are substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the gasket is further adapted to be affixed to the framing material of the building, such that the plurality of water channels are substantially vertically aligned with a surface of the earth to that water can pass through the gasket material.
According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the system further comprises: a trim assembly gasket, adapted to provide a sealing interface between an end of the siding material and trim material used in the construction of an exterior shell of a building; a starter piece adapted to provide a predetermined angle to an attached lowermost row of siding material, wherein the starter piece comprises an angled surface with the predetermined angle upon which the lowermost row of siding material can be placed.
According to aspects of the embodiments, a method for the construction of an exterior shell of a building is provided, the method comprising: determining whether to use vertical siding material or horizontal siding material; selecting a vertical siding gasket assembly if the vertical siding material is to be used, and selecting a horizontal gasket assembly if a horizontal siding gasket assembly is to be used, and wherein each of the vertical and horizontal gasket assemblies are adopted to provide a sealing surface between a first and second piece of siding material used in the construction of the exterior shell of the building, and wherein the gasket is further adapted to provide a water passage through which water can pass; attaching the selected siding gasket assembly to the selected siding material; and attaching the combined selected siding gasket assembly and selected siding material to an exterior wall assembly of the building.
According to the third aspect of the embodiments, the method further comprises selecting a spacer to be placed between the selected gasket assembly and the framing material; and attaching the selected spacer to a back surface of the selected gasket assembly prior to attachment of the selected gasket assembly and selected siding material to the exterior wall assembly of the building, and wherein the selected spacer is adapted to provide a proper amount of spacing such that a bottom portion of the selected siding material is located on top of a lower one of the siding material.
The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the following Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various Figures, unless otherwise specified, and wherein:
The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments are discussed, for simplicity, with regard to the terminology and structure of general construction of new homes. However, the embodiments to be discussed next are not limited to general construction of new homes, but can be applied to construction of other types of buildings and renovations/refurbishments as well.
Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” on “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
According to embodiments, the problems described above can be addressed by, for example, a butt-joint flashing article of manufacture or apparatus. The butt-joint flashing comprises a relatively flat, planar back surface, and a ridged front surface, the back facing a framed wall with structural sheathing, and the front the surface adapted such that upon it the siding planks or sheets will be fitted against it. The butt-joint flashing apparatus according to embodiments includes a center ridge that separates the apparatus in half; in use, the center ridge of the butt-joint flashing is generally centrally aligned with a stud centrally located under the structural sheathing. According to further aspects of the embodiments, the center ridge is higher than the other portions of the front surface; it is used to separate a first siding plank or sheet placed to the right of it from a second siding plank or sheet placed to the left of it, thereby providing a gasket, sealing function between the two siding planks (or sheets). The butt-joint flashing apparatus provides the gasket, sealing function between the two siding planks or sheets since the butt-joint flashing apparatus is made from a clear rubber or clear plastic material with a shore rating at about a first shore rating value that provides for flexibility over an expected temperature range. Located on either side of the center ridge are a plurality of channels and surfaces between the channels that provide a substantially flat, planar mating surface for the siding planks or sheets and wherein the channels can provide a path for water, ostensible rain water, to pass through while running down a surface exterior to the structural surface but interior to the siding planks or sheets.
Used throughout the specification are several acronyms, the meanings of which are provided as follows:
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials BJF Butt Joint Flashing EPF Expanded Polystyrene Foam OC On-CenterThe following is a list of the elements of the Figures in numerical order:
- 100 Butt-Joint Flashing (BJF) Assembly
- 102 First Mounting Surface
- 104 Second Mounting Surface
- 106 First Outer Water Channel
- 108 Second Outer Water Channel
- 110 First Ridge
- 112 Second Ridge
- 114 First Inner Water Channel
- 116 Second Inner Water Channel
- 118 Spacer Ridge
- 120 Back Surface
- 122 Adhesive Assembly
- 202 Glue/Adhesive
- 204 Peel Tape
- 400 First Building Assembly
- 402 Studs
- 404 Structural Sheathing
- 406 Water Restrictive Barrier
- 408 Starter Strip
- 408′ Second Starter Strip
- 409 Shim
- 410 Cementitious Horizontal Siding (Horizontal Siding)
- 412 Chalk Line
- 414 Trim
- 416 Foundation
- 418 Wall Assembly
- 420 Securing Means
- 502 Water
- 506 First End Horizontal Siding
- 508 Second End Horizontal Siding
- 510 Back Surface Horizontal Siding
- 512 Front Surface Horizontal Siding
- 600 Second Building Assembly
- 602 Cementitious Vertical Siding (Vertical Siding)
- 700 Method for Use of Butt-Joint Flashing in Construction of a Building
- 702-712 Steps of Method 700
- 800 Trim Assembly
- 802 Trim Portion
- 804 First Planar Portion
- 806 First Channel
- 808 Second Planar Portion
- 900 Solid Wedge-Shaped Spacer
- 902 Front Surface
- 904 Top Surface
- 906 Bottom Surface
- 908 Left Side
- 910 Right Side
- 912 Rear Surface
- 1500 Partitioned Wedge-Shaped Spacer
- 1502 Wedge Portion Surface
- 1504 Support Ridge
- 1506 Front Planar Surface
- 1508 Left Side
- 1510 Right Side
- 1512 Rear Surface
- 1514 Top Surface
- 1516 Bottom Surface
- 1902 Structural Sheeting
- 1904 Moisture Barrier
- 2002 Angled Front Surface of Second Starter Strip
- 2004 Rear Surface of Second Starter Strip
- 2006 Bottom Surface of Second Starter Strip
- 2008 Alignment Guide Second Starter Strip
- 2202 Front Surface of Shim
- 2204 Rear Surface of Shim
- 2206 Bottom Surface of Shim
As shown in
BJF assembly 100 includes first and second mounting surfaces 102, 104, which are generally narrow, rectangular shaped, and substantially planar portions of BJF assembly 100 upon which will rest the siding as shown and described in regard to
As discussed above, and shown in
First and second outer water channels 106, 108 are formed in BJF assembly 100 between first and second mounting surfaces 102, 104 and first and second ridges 110, 112, respectively. According to further aspects of the embodiments, the height of first and second mounting surfaces 102, 104, and first and second ridges 110, 112 are substantially equal, and can be designated as h1. According to an aspect of the embodiments, h1 is about 0.062″, and according to further aspects of the embodiments, h1 ranges from about 0.052″ to about 0.067″. According to further aspects of the embodiments, the height of first and second mounting surface 102, 104, and first and second ridges 110, 112 is measured with respect to substantially planer and smooth back surface 120. As shown in
Centrally located on BJF assembly 100 is spacer ridge 118. Spacer ridge 118 forms the main gasket function between two pieces of siding, as described in greater detail below. According to an aspect of the embodiments, spacer ridge 118 is formed along a centerline of BJF assembly 100, and each side of BJF assembly 100 is a mirror image of the other, as is apparent from
Formed between first and second ridges 110, 112 and spacer ridge 118, which is substantially centrally located on BJF assembly 100, are first and second inner water channels 114, 116, respectively. According to further aspects of the embodiments, the widths of first and second outer water channels are substantially similar to each other, the widths of first and second inner water channels 114, 116 are substantially similar to each other, and all of the widths of the water channels (106, 108, 114, 116) are substantially similar to each other, though that need not necessarily be the case. According to an aspect of the embodiments, the width of first and second inner water channels 114, 116, w4, is about 0.75″, and according to a further aspects of the embodiments, w4 ranges from about 0.70″ to about 0.80″.
According to further aspects of the embodiments, the widths of any of the water channels, or mounting surfaces, or ridges, can be the same, or different, or some can be the same, and so on. Further, even though BJF assembly 100 is shown and described herein as generally being symmetrical about spacer ridge 118 that need not necessarily be the case. Generally, however, spacer ridge 118 is of a smaller width as it functions to provide a temperature resilient sealing-gasket function between two pieces of siding (as shown and described below) and structural sheathing as shown and described in regard to
Also shown in
Application of adhesive assembly 122 can be done in the following non-limiting manner. As those of skill in the art can appreciate, application of adhesive assembly 122 can be performed in manner different ways, and all such manners of application are considered to be within the scope of the embodiments. In fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity, however, discussion will be made of application of adhesive assembly to only second mounting surface 104, though those of skill in the art can appreciate that, as discussed above, adhesive assembly 122 can be applied to any of the planar surfaces, 102, 104, 110, 112, in any combination. To apply adhesive assembly 122, a glue material is applied to second mounting surface 104, and the peel/tape is applied to the glue/adhesive such that the glue/adhesive is protected until needed. According to further aspects of the embodiments, adhesive assembly 122 can be manufactured as one assembly and applied to second mounting surface 104, in a process known to those of skill in the art (e.g., doubles sided tape).
As described in greater detail below, BJF assembly 100 can be attached to a first piece of siding 410, 602, and then the assembly properly located and nailed to the structure of the house or building. A more detailed description of the operation of adhesive assembly 122 is provided below. According to further aspects of the embodiments, adhesive assembly 122 can also be applied to first and second ridge 110, 112, or can be applied there in place of first and second mounting surfaces 102, 104, or on any combination thereof. In place of adhesive assembly 122, a glue can be applied to any or all of first and second mounting surfaces 102, 104, and first and second ridges 110, 112 to adhere BJF assembly 100 to the siding before securing the same to the building. According to still further aspects of the embodiments, BJF assembly 100 can be secured to wall assembly 418 (described in greater detail below) without any glue on first and second mounting surfaces 102, 104, and first and second ridges 110, 112. According to additional aspects of the embodiments, other means for securing BJF assembly 100 to side planks or sheets can be used, including the use of heat activated materials, staples, or even screws or other securing mechanisms. Those of skill in the art should appreciate that any and all such securing mechanisms, whether listed or not, and those not yet contemplated, are considered to be within the aspects of the embodiments.
Attention is now directed to
As can be seen in
As can be further appreciated by those of skill in the art, when cutting to length horizontal siding 410, the width of spacer ridge 118 must be taking into account as well. As described above, the width of spacer ridge 118, w5, is about 0.062″, and according to further aspects of the embodiments, w5 ranges from about 0.052″ to about 0.067″. Such practices, however, are well known to those of skill in the art.
Following cutting to the appropriate length, BJF assembly 100 is attached to horizontal siding 410. According to aspects of the embodiments, BJF assembly 100 contains adhesive assembly 122. To attach BJF assembly 100 to horizontal siding 410, peel tape 204 is removed from BJF assembly 100 in a manner as shown in
The combined assembly of BJF assembly 100 and horizontal siding 410 is then attached to an exterior side of wall assembly 418. As shown in
When the combined assemblies of BJF assembly 100 and horizontal siding 410 are located against trim part 414—i.e., at the beginning and end of a row of horizontal siding 410, a slightly different procedure for securing BJF assembly 100 to horizontal siding 410 occurs. In those cases, because BJF assembly can be fabricated from a relatively soft plastic or rubber material, it can be easily cut with a utility knife. Thus, either before attachment to horizontal siding 410, or after, a craftsman can cut away the unused portion of BJF assembly 100 just to the right or left of spacer ridge 118, as the case might be. The cut-to length of horizontal siding 410 at either end of row positions must take into account the extra width of space ridge 118 (for each row, one end or the other will have two spacer ridge 118 widths to contend with). This ensures that spacer ridge 118 forms a substantially impenetrable seal between all pieces of horizontal siding 410 with respect to each other, and to trim portion 414 of first building assembly 400 according to aspects of the embodiments. According to further aspects of the embodiments, polyurethane caulking can be used at the trim locations. According to still further aspects of the embodiments, trim assembly 800 can be used as shown in
Trim assembly 800 is made of the same materials, and in a substantially similar process as that of BJF assemblies 100, 100′, and with substantially similar dimensions, such that a detailed description of such features of trim assembly 800 according to aspects of the embodiments is not needed. As shown in
As described above, adhesive assembly 122 can also be applied to first and second ridges 110, 112, such that adhesive 202 would also be on those surfaces, and further adhere BJF assembly 100 to horizontal siding 410 according to further aspects of the embodiments. Also shown in
Attention is now directed to
Although butt-joint flashing assemblies 100 and 100′ have been described with a specific configuration of first and second mounting surfaces 102, 104, for example, those of skill in the art can appreciate that according to still further aspects of the embodiments, BJF assembly is not limited to any particular number of surfaces, ridges, or channels. That is, there could be only one mounting surface on each side, and only one water pass-through channel on each side of BJF assembly 100, or there could be several of the mounting surfaces, and ridges, and different numbers of water channels. According to still further aspects of the embodiments, the embodiments are not limited to an apparatus that is substantially symmetrical about center ridge 118.
As discussed in regard to
Following either of steps 704, 706, method 700 proceeds to method step 708, wherein, if necessary, horizontal siding 410 or vertical siding 602 is cut to the proper dimensions. In method step 710 BJF assembly 100, 100′ is attached to horizontal siding 410 or vertical siding 602, as appropriate, using adhesive assembly 122 according to one non-limiting aspects of the embodiments. In optional method step 711, spacer 900 or spacer 1500 can be attached to stud 402 through structural sheathing 404 and barrier 406, or to BJF assembly 100, and then, in method step 712, the combined BJF assembly 100 (with spacer 900 or spacer 1500) and piece of horizontal siding 410, or BJF assembly 100′ and vertical siding 602 is secured to the exterior of wall assembly 418, in the manner described above, with securing means 420.
Attention is now directed towards
Spacer 900 comprises a front sloped surface 902, top surface 904, with a thickness t1, of about 0.06″ plus or minus 0.01″, left side 908, right side 910, bottom surface 906, with a thickness t2, of about 0.312″ plus or minus about 0.01″, and rear surface 912. Spacer 900 has a height hs. As described above, in regard to BJF assembly 100, there can be numerous different embodiments of spacer 900 that pertain to, or that can be used with, different sizes of sidings 410.
Referring now to
Spacer 1500 comprises wedge portion surface 1502, and first and second support ridges 1504a,b. According to aspects of the embodiments, there be one, two, three, or even more of ridges 1504, depending on the dimensions of spacer 1500; as mentioned above, spacer 1500 can be dimensioned proportionally to the particular size of siding 410 that will be used with it, and thus if the height h of spacer 1500 is relatively large, then according to the type of material being used to fabricate spacer 1500, more ridges 1504 could be necessary. Spacer 1500 further comprises front planar surfaces 1506a,b (there could be one, two, three or more of such surfaces 1506), left side 1508, right side 1510, top surface 1510, rear surface 1512, and bottom surface 1516. Also shown in
Referring now to
Attention is now directed towards
Attention is now directed towards
Angled front surface 2002 provides a suitable angle for a first row of siding material 410, as shown in
Attention is now directed towards
As discussed in regard to the Figures, reference is made to several dimensions, including angles, height, among others. Those of skill in the art can appreciate that although examples of dimensions are provided, these should not be taken in a limiting manner; that is, the aspects of the embodiments are not to be construed as defined or limited by the specific example of the dimensions shown and discussed, but instead are provided merely for illustrating an example of what a device that incorporates the aspects of the embodiments could, in a non-limiting manner, look like. Furthermore, as those of skill in the art can appreciate, since the aspects of the embodiments are directed towards a physical object, with dimensional characteristics, all of the parts will have various dimensions, some of which are not shown in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity. According to still further aspects of the embodiments, some of these objects will have dimensional characteristics that lend themselves to aesthetic aspects; in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity, dimensions in this regard have also been omitted. Therefore, as the aspects of the embodiments are directed towards BJF assembly 100, 100′, trim assembly 800, and spacers 900, 1500, it is to be understood that the dimensions of the different objects, some dimensions shown, some dimensions not shown, will be understood by those of skill in the art.
The embodiments describe herein provide system, means, and methods for sealing gaps associated with the use of one or more pieces of vertical or horizontal siding planks or sheets used in construction of new buildings, or refurbishment of old ones as well. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments can be practiced without such specific details.
Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described being in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.
This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.
The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items.
All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, and publications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Claims
1. A gasket for the use in the construction of a building, comprising:
- a substantially planar mounting portion, adapted to be affixed to a framing component of the building;
- a side opposite to the substantially planar mounting portion, wherein the side opposite comprises— a plurality of water channels formed in the side opposite, each of which is adapted to channel water through the gasket when the gasket is mounted on the framing component, and a spacer ridge substantially centrally located on the side opposite, wherein a spacer ridge height corresponds to a first height, and wherein the plurality of water channels are formed on the remaining portion of the side opposite and on both sides of spacer ridge.
2. The gasket according to claim 1, wherein the side opposite comprises:
- a first and second water channel formed on a first side of the spacer ridge, and a third and fourth water channel formed on a second side of the spacer ridge;
- a first ridge formed between the first and second water channel;
- a second ridge formed between the third and fourth water channel;
- a first mounting surface formed at a first outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the first ridge; and
- a second mounting surface formed at a second outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the second ridge.
3. The gasket according to claim 2, wherein the side opposite further comprises:
- an upper surface, substantially planar, formed of the upper surfaces of the first and second ridges, and the first and second mounting surfaces, all of substantially equal height corresponding to a second height.
4. The gasket according to claim 3, wherein
- the first height is greater than the second height, and wherein
- the difference between the first height and the second height is substantially equal to a thickness of a siding material used in the construction of the building.
5. The gasket according to claim 2, wherein
- the plurality of water channels are substantially parallel to each other, and wherein
- the gasket is further adapted to be affixed to the framing material of the building, such that the plurality of water channels are substantially vertically aligned with a surface of the earth to that water can pass through the gasket material, and wherein a first piece of siding material can be located adjacent to a first side of the spacer ridge, and a second piece of siding material can be located adjacent to a second side of the spacer ridge.
6. A system for use in construction of a building, comprising:
- a gasket adapted to provide a sealing surface between a first and second piece of siding material used in the construction of an exterior shell of the building, and wherein the gasket is further adapted to provide a water passage through which water can pass, the gasket comprising a substantially planar mounting portion (120), adapted to be affixed to a framing component of the building, a side opposite to the substantially planar mounting portion, wherein the side opposite comprises— a plurality of water channels formed in the side opposite, each of which is adapted to channel water through the gasket when the gasket is mounted on the framing component, and a spacer ridge substantially centrally located on the side opposite, wherein the spacer ridge height is formed at a first height, and wherein the plurality of water channels are formed on the remaining portion of the side opposite and on both sides of spacer ridge; and
- a spacer adapted to be located between the framing material and the gasket.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the spacer (900) comprises:
- a substantially wedge shaped spacer, adapted to be located between the gasket and the framing component and provide a proper amount of spacing such that a bottom portion of the siding material is located on top of a lower one of the siding material, comprising a substantially planar mounting portion (912), adapted to be located on a framing component of the building; a sloped surface (902) upon which the gasket can be located; and a bottom portion of a first thickness, wherein the first thickness is substantially equal to a second thickness of a siding material.
8. The gasket according to claim 7, wherein the side opposite comprises:
- a first and second water channel formed on a first side of the spacer ridge, and a third and fourth water channel formed on a second side of the spacer ridge;
- a first ridge formed between the first and second water channel;
- a second ridge formed between the third and fourth water channel;
- a first mounting surface formed at a first outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the first ridge; and
- a second mounting surface formed at a second outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the second ridge.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the side opposite further comprises:
- an upper surface, substantially planar, formed of the upper surfaces of the first and second ridges, and the first and second mounting surfaces, all of substantially equal height corresponding to a second height.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein
- the first height is greater than the second height, and wherein
- the difference between the first height and the second height is substantially equal to a thickness of a siding material used in the construction of the building.
11. The system according to claim 8, wherein
- the plurality of water channels are substantially parallel to each other, and wherein
- the gasket is further adapted to be affixed to the framing material of the building, such that the plurality of water channels are substantially vertically aligned with a surface of the earth to that water can egress through the gasket material.
12. The system according to claim 7, further comprising:
- a trim assembly gasket, adapted to provide a sealing interface between an end of the siding material and trim material used in the construction of an exterior shell of a building.
13. The system according to claim 6, wherein the spacer comprises:
- a substantially wedge shaped spacer, adapted to be located between the gasket and the framing component and provide a proper amount of spacing such that a bottom portion of the siding material is located on top of a lower one of the siding material, comprising a first sloped surface and at least one ridge component adapted to be located on a framing component of the building, a substantially planar mounting portion upon which the gasket can be located, and a bottom portion of a first thickness, wherein the first thickness is substantially equal to a second thickness of a siding material.
14. The gasket according to claim 13, wherein the side opposite comprises:
- a first and second water channel formed on a first side of the spacer ridge, and a third and fourth water channel formed on a second side of the spacer ridge;
- a first ridge formed between the first and second water channel;
- a second ridge formed between the third and fourth water channel;
- a first mounting surface formed at a first outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the first ridge; and
- a second mounting surface formed at a second outer periphery of the side opposite, adjacent to the second ridge.
15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the side opposite further comprises:
- an upper surface, substantially planar, formed of the upper surfaces of the first and second ridges, and the first and second mounting surfaces, all of substantially equal height corresponding to a second height.
16. The system according to claim 16, wherein
- the first height is greater than the second height, and wherein
- the difference between the first height and the second height is substantially equal to a thickness of a siding material used in the construction of the building.
17. The system according to claim 14, wherein
- the plurality of water channels are substantially parallel to each other, and wherein
- the gasket is further adapted to be affixed to the framing material of the building, such that the plurality of water channels are substantially vertically aligned with a surface of the earth to that water can pass through the gasket material.
18. The system according to claim 13, further comprising:
- a trim assembly gasket, adapted to provide a sealing interface between an end of the siding material and trim material used in the construction of an exterior shell of a building;
- a starter piece adapted to provide a predetermined angle to an attached lowermost row of siding material, wherein the starter piece comprises an angled surface with the predetermined angle upon which the lowermost row of siding material can be placed.
19. A method for the construction of an exterior shell of a building, the method comprising:
- determining whether to use vertical siding material or horizontal siding material;
- selecting a vertical siding gasket assembly if the vertical siding material is to be used, and selecting a horizontal gasket assembly if a horizontal siding gasket assembly is to be used, and wherein each of the vertical and horizontal gasket assemblies are adopted to provide a sealing surface between a first and second piece of siding material used in the construction of the exterior shell of the building, and wherein the gasket is further adapted to provide a water passage through which water can pass;
- attaching the selected siding gasket assembly to the selected siding material; and
- attaching the combined selected siding gasket assembly and selected siding material to an exterior wall assembly of the building.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising:
- selecting a spacer to be placed between the selected gasket assembly and the framing material; and
- attaching the selected spacer to a back surface of the selected gasket assembly prior to attachment of the selected gasket assembly and selected siding material to the exterior wall assembly of the building, and wherein the selected spacer is adapted to provide a proper amount of spacing such that a bottom portion of the selected siding material is located on top of a lower one of the siding material.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 4, 2015
Publication Date: Jun 9, 2016
Inventor: Richard Randlett (Paradise, CA)
Application Number: 14/959,279