FLOOD-RESISTANT WEEP HOLE APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

Abstract

This disclosure provides for a valve assembly for regulating the flow of fluid through a weep hole, including a flow regulator positioned within the weep hole. The flow regulator has an open position where fluid is allowed to flow through the weep hole, and a closed position where fluid is prevented from flowing through the weep hole. Also provided is a building having a plurality of flow regulators positioned relative to external sheathing of the building to regulate flow between a wall cavity of the building and an external environment. Additionally, a method for regulating the ingress and egress of fluid through external sheathing of a building is provided. The method includes positioning a plurality of flow regulators relative to external sheathing, and regulating flow between the wall cavity and an external environment using the flow regulators.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/559,304 (pending), filed on Sep. 15, 2017, entitled “Weep Hole Flood Proofing”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of the present disclosure.

FIELD

The present application relates methods, systems, and apparatus for providing for the egress of fluids (e.g., drainage of moisture and ventilation of air) from a wall structure, while preventing the ingress of liquids (e.g., flood water) into the wall structure, and, more particularly, to flood-resistant weep holes, and methods of making and using the same.

BACKGROUND

Flooding can cause tremendous and costly damage to homes, business, and other buildings and structures. On average, between 1955 and 1999, flooding has been estimated to cost more than $6 billion per year (e.g., see https://biotech.law.lsu.edu/disasters/insurance/nfip_eval_costs_and_consequences.pdf). Costs associated with flooding have increased in recent years. The 2016 floods in Baton Rouge, La. are estimated to have done more than $8 billion in damage alone (e.g., see https://weather.com/news/weather/news/h istoric-august-louisiana-flooding-billion-dollar-disaster). The 2017 flood in Houston, Tex., due to Hurricane Harvey, is estimated to have done more than $50 billion in damage and to have flooded more than 70,000 residential structures (e.g., see http://www.chron.com/news/houston-weather/hurricaneharvey/article/Harvey-s-broad-reach-12171168.php). When flood water enters a home, the water damages the contents of the home, the structure of the home, and can cause various long-lasting problems, such as mold and mildew. Homes in flood-prone areas often get more than a foot of water in the home, which is typically dirty, disease-prone water. Flooding can cause tremendous grief and worry, as home owners must deal with finding shelter and overcoming the expense and hassle associated with restoring their lives. Permanent solutions, such as raising the elevation of their home or rebuilding at a higher elevation, are expensive and can be cost-prohibitive.

One issue associated with home flooding, which has not been adequately addressed, is understanding how flood water actually enters a home. Most external sheathing of homes, such as brick and mortar or stucco, are essentially impermeable to water, at least with short-term exposures. While some flood water may enter a house through space under doors, weather stripping used on most door sills typically mitigates this particular water entry pathway. Furthermore, these spaces surrounding doors may be temporarily sealed, such as by using tape or plastic sheathing.

Since 2013, it has been estimated that more than 23% of new homes use brick (see, e.g., http://eyeonhousing.org/2014/09/vinyl-is-the-most-widely-used-siding-on-new-homes-started/), with weep holes, and there are tens of millions of older brick homes with weep holes. Weep holes provide a useful function, allowing water out from between brick sheathing and wall sheathing, and allowing the cavity between the bricks and the wall sheathing to dry out. The water present between the bricks and the wall sheathing may be the result of condensation formed when moist air contacts a relatively cooler house wall or from heavy, wind-driven rain. While brick and mortar are relatively impermeable, long-duration, wind-driven rain may find a pathway through brick. When water enters the cavity behind the bricks, such as from flooding, the water may have access to the interior of the home for days as the flood water around the house slowly subsides. The problem of weep holes in flood-prone areas has been recognized, but an adequate solution has yet to be developed. Thus, while weep holes provide the useful functions of letting water escape from the cavity between bricks and sheetrock (or other wall material) and of providing for ventilation of air through the cavity to facilitate drying, weep holes also allow flood waters to enter the cavity and get inside interior of homes, causing significant damage. Nonetheless, many home builders and inspectors do not recommend sealing weep holes, even in flood-prone areas (see, e.g., http://inspectapedia.com/structure/Brick_Wall_Weep_Flood_Leaks.php) because this would thwart the useful functions provided by weep holes.

One approach to addressing this problem of weep holes has been to temporarily seal the weep holes when there is a flood threat and then to unseal the weep holes after the flood threat passes. For example, weep holes may be sealed with a sealing material, such as silicone, and then the silicone may be cleaned out of the weep holes after the flood threat has passed. Alternately, the weep holes could be sealed using a temporary elastomer or rubber plug, which may be removed after the flood threat has passed. At least one company makes such a plug (see, e.g., http://rts.vents.co.uk/blog/product-details/rytons-damryt-slim-vent-protector-damslimvent/). However, such temporary sealing approaches are seldom used due to the time that it takes to install and uninstall, as well as the potential unreliability of the seal provided by such techniques (depending, of course on the particular product). Weep holes are typically spaced every 3 ft along the outer perimeter of a house. For a house that is 60 ft along each side, 80 weep holes would need to be sealed prior to a potential flood and then unsealed at a later time.

It would be desirable to have a more permanent installation within every weep hole of a house that can reliably provide for the beneficial functions of weep holes (i.e., ventilation and drainage) while also preventing the ingress of flood water.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a valve assembly for regulating the flow of fluid through a weep hole. The valve assembly includes a flow regulator positioned within a weep hole to regulate flow of fluid through the weep hole. The flow regulator has an open position and a closed position. In the open position, fluid is allowed to flow through the weep hole. In the closed position, fluid is prevented from flowing through the weep hole.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a building. The building includes an internal wall at least partially defining an interior environment of the building, an external sheathing, and a cavity positioned between the external sheathing and the internal wall. A plurality of flow regulators are positioned relative to the external sheathing to regulate flow between the cavity and an external environment.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for regulating the ingress and egress of fluid through an external sheathing of a building. The method includes positioning a plurality of flow regulators relative to external sheathing of a building, and regulating flow between the cavity and an external environment using the flow regulators. The method may be implemented in a building that includes an internal wall at least partially defining an interior environment of the building, an external sheathing, and a cavity positioned between the external sheathing and the internal wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the systems, apparatus, products, and/or methods of the present disclosure may be understood in more detail, a more particular description briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings that form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only various exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the disclosed concepts as it may include other effective embodiments as well.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a building with a brick sheathing having weep holes;

FIG. 1B is a front view of bricks with a weep hole;

FIG. 1C is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building showing flow paths where fluid can enter and exit the building;

FIG. 1D is another view of the building of FIG. 1C showing flood water entering the building;

FIG. 1E is a detail view of a portion of the building of FIG. 1D showing flood water entering the building;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a ball valve assembly installed within a weep hole for controlling the flow of flood water therethrough;

FIG. 2B is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building with the ball valve assembly of FIG. 2A installed therein and arranged in an open position for drainage and ventilation;

FIG. 2C is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building with the ball valve assembly of FIG. 2A installed therein and arranged in a closed position for preventing flood water from entering the building;

FIG. 3A is a front view of an automatic fill valve assembly installed within a weep hole for controlling the flow of flood water therethrough;

FIG. 3B is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building with the automatic fill valve assembly of FIG. 3A installed therein and arranged in an open position for drainage and ventilation;

FIG. 3C is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building with the automatic fill valve assembly of FIG. 3A installed therein and arranged in a closed position for preventing flood water from entering the building;

FIG. 3D is a schematic of a fill valve assembly including a float with a seal member positioned within a chamber;

FIG. 3E is a schematic of the fill valve assembly of FIG. 3D in the closed position;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a check valve assembly installed within a weep hole for controlling the flow of flood water therethrough;

FIG. 4B is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building with the check valve assembly of FIG. 4A installed therein and arranged in an open position for drainage and ventilation;

FIG. 4C is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building with the check valve assembly of FIG. 4A installed therein and arranged in a closed position for preventing flood water from entering the building;

FIG. 4D is a flapper-type check valve in the open position;

FIG. 4E is the flapper-type check valve of FIG. 4D in the closed position;

FIG. 5A is a vertically oriented check valve including a water-swellable material as a valve member in the open configuration;

FIG. 5B is the check valve of FIG. 5A in the closed configuration;

FIG. 6A is a horizontally oriented check valve including a water-swellable material as a valve member in the open configuration;

FIG. 6B is the check valve of FIG. 6A in the closed configuration;

FIG. 7A is a front view of an electronically actuable ball valve assembly installed within a weep hole for controlling the flow of flood water therethrough;

FIG. 7B is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building with the ball valve assembly of FIG. 7A installed therein and arranged in an open position for drainage and ventilation;

FIG. 7C is a partial, cross-sectional view of a building with the ball valve assembly of FIG. 2A installed therein and arranged in a closed position for preventing flood water from entering the building;

FIG. 8A depicts a flow regulator that includes a water-swellable material positioned within a weep hole of a building in the open configuration;

FIG. 8B depicts the flow regulator of FIG. 8A in the closed configuration;

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of a portion of brick sheathing of a building having a valve assembly installed in a lower weep hole, and a new weep hole installed there-above; and

FIG. 10 is a front view of a building with a brick sheathing having valve assemblies installed in lower weep holes, and new weep holes installed there-above.

Products, apparatus, systems and methods according to present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments. Concepts according to the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited by the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough as well as complete and will fully convey the scope of the various concepts to those skilled in the art and the best and preferred modes of practice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present disclosure, reference is made to “building structures”. As used herein, “building structures” refers to any of a variety of buildings including, but not limited to, houses (also referred to as homes), townhouses, apartment buildings, condominiums, warehouses, and any other residential, commercial, industrial, or other buildings, structures and facilities, whether private or public. “Building structures” may also be referred to herein as “buildings” or “structures”.

Weep Holes

Weep holes, such as are typically in the bricks of brick buildings, can provide a pathway for water to enter a building. FIG. 1A depicts a typical brick building 100 having weep holes 110 extending through the exterior brick sheathing 112 of building 100. In FIG. 1A, weep holes 110 are not intended to be to scale, and are shown for explanatory purposes. As would be understood by one skilled in the art, weep holes 110 provide for the ventilation of air through the space behind brick sheathing 112, as well as the drainage of water from this space, such as rainwater or condensation. Weep holes 110 are typically positioned between or through bricks that are directly above or relatively close to the foundation of the building 100. FIG. 1B depicts a detail view of two bricks 112a and 112b of building 100, including weep hole 110 positioned there-between.

FIG. 1C depicts a cross-sectional view of building 100, showing foundation 114, external sheathing 112, roof 116, and internal walls 118. Internal wall space 120 (cavity) is defined between external sheathing 112 and internal walls 118, and internal building space 122 is defined between roof 116, foundation 114, and internal walls 118. As weep holes 110 of building 100 are open holes, weep holes 110 allow for both egress and ingress of fluids: into weep holes 110, as indicated by flow paths 124a; and into and out of internal wall space 120, as indicated by flow paths 124b. Also, as there are typically spaces or cracks 126 between internal walls 118 and foundation 114, weep holes 110 allow for both egress and ingress of fluids into and out of internal building space 122, as indicated by flow paths 124c. Thus, weep holes 110 provide a pathway for water, such as flood water 200 shown FIG. 1D, to enter a building and contact the external sheathing 112; the internal wall structure 118, which may include sheetrock, framing (e.g., studs), and insulation; and the internal building space 122, which may include flooring, appliances, furniture, equipment, or other items. Thus, flood waters 200 contact the building materials of building 100, as well as the contents of building 100. Damp building materials, such as sheetrock and other materials, can often lead to the formation of mold (e.g., black mold). FIG. 1E depicts a detail, cross-sectional view of a portion of building 100, which has been inundated with flood water 200. Throughout the disclosure, like reference numbers designate like parts and elements, unless stated otherwise.

Flow Regulators for Reducing or Preventing the Ingress of Flood Water

The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatus, and methods for reducing or preventing the occurrence of flooding due to the ingress of flood water through weep holes. The present methods, systems, and apparatus provide for the egress of fluids, such as the drainage of moisture (e.g., rainwater and condensation) and the ventilation of air through a wall structure, while also reducing or preventing the ingress of liquids (e.g., flood water) into the wall structure. Thus, in some aspects, the present disclosure provides for flood-resistant or flood-proof weep holes, structures including the same, and methods of making and using the same. In certain aspects, the systems, apparatus, and methods provided herein reduce or prevent flood water from entering cavities positioned between brick and sheetrock of buildings, while allowing water to escape from such cavities and allowing air to ventilate such cavities.

In some aspects, the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein provide for a flow regulator positioned within weep holes to reduce or prevent flood water from entering a building through the weep holes. Such flow regulators may be positioned within existing weep holes of existing building structures, or may be incorporated into new building structures during the construction thereof. In some such aspects, the flow regulators are configured to reduce or prevent flood water from entering buildings, while allowing water to escape from buildings and providing for air ventilation through portions of the buildings. Such flow regulators may be or include valves that may selectively open and close to prevent or allow for fluid flow therethrough; or materials capable of at least two states, including a first state where the material provides for passage of fluid through-through or there-around (e.g., a shrunken state) and a second state where the material reduces or prevents the passage of fluid through-through or there-around (e.g., a swollen state). While the flow regulators are shown and described as valves and/or swellable materials, the flow regulators may be any structure or material capable of at least two positions or at least two states, including one where fluid flow between the wall cavity and the external environment is prevented and one where fluid flow between the wall cavity and the external environment is allowed.

The flow regulators may be permanently installed and/or sealed within the weep holes of a building. Some exemplary flow regulators that may be used in accordance with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, on/off valves, such as ball valves and fill valves, that close when surrounding water reaches a preset level; check valves, such as a low-opening-pressure or low cracking pressure check valves; valves containing smart, water-swellable materials that allow air and water to pass at low water saturations, but expand and seal at higher water saturations; a smart, water-swellable material positioned directly in the weep holes, where the shape and swelling characteristics of the water swellable material allows air and relatively small quantities of water to flow out through the weep holes, but prevents or substantially prevents flood water from entering through the weep holes.

Various exemplary flow regulators will now be described with references to FIGS. 2A-8B. One skilled in the art would understand that the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein are not limited to these particular exemplary flow regulators.

Flow Regulator—Ball Valve

FIGS. 2A-2C depict one exemplary flow regulator in accordance with the present disclosure, including an on/off, ball valve. One skilled in the art would understand that on/off valves other than ball valves may be used.

FIG. 2A is a detail view of two sheathing bricks 112a and 112b. Where a typical weep hole would normally be present (see FIG. 1B), ball valve 210 is installed to provide for fluid communication through the sheathing. In some aspects, ball valve 210 is cemented or sealed into the sheathing. Ball valve 210 may be hand operable, via turning handle 211, to move ball valve between the open and closed positions. Ball valve 210 is coupled with conduit 215 (e.g., pipe). In some aspects, conduit 215 is cemented or sealed within sheathing 112, such as at a bottom of the space where a typical weep hole would be, and extends there-through. As shown in FIG. 2B, ball valve 210 is in the open position, defining flow path 213 through conduit 215 positioned through the sheathing. Sealing material 217 is positioned within the remainder of the space (the space not occupied by ball valve 210 and conduit 215) where a typical weep hole would normally be present (see FIG. 1B). Sealing material 217 may be or include any of various materials capable of sealing the space between bricks 112a and 112b such that water may not flow there-through. For example, sealing material may be mortar, silicone, or another material.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, ball valve 210 is shown in the open position, with flow path 213 allowing for passage through sheathing 112 via conduit 215 positioned there-through. For example, and without limitation, conduit 215 may be a PVC or other such pipe positioned through sheathing 112 to provide for fluid communication between external environment 201 and the internal environment of the building, including internal wall space 120 and internal building space 122. As would be understood by one skilled in the art, ball 219 is coupled with handle 211, such that turning handle 211 turns ball 219. Flow path 213 is defined through ball 219, such that flow path 213 is movable between the open and closed positions by moving ball 219. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2B, with ball valve 210 in the open position, ball valve 210 allows for the passage of water out of the building via flow paths 124a, 124b 124c, and 213 (e.g., drainage of rainwater that has made it into space 120), and ball valve 210 allows for the passage of air into and out of the building (air circulation) via flow paths 124a, 124b, 124c, and 213 (e.g., to allow for ventilation and drying of space 120). Thus, the configuration of ball valve 210 in FIG. 2B may be the typical configuration within which ball valve 210 is maintained during environmental conditions where flooding is not occurring or expected.

When a flooding event is occurring or is expected, ball valve 210 may be placed into the closed position or configuration, such as by turning handle 211 until ball 219 is turned sufficiently that flow path 213 is no longer in fluid communication with conduit 215. FIG. 2C depicts ball valve 210 in the closed configuration. As shown, flood water 200 in the external environment 201 is prevented from entering spaces 120 and 122 by ball vale 210 because flow path 213 is arranged to fluidically isolate conduit 215 from external environment 201. While flood water 200 may enter into a portion of conduit 215 (not shown), flood water is prevented from flowing past ball valve 210 while ball valve 210 is in the closed configuration. As such, flood water 200 is prevented from contacting internal wall 118 and any contents within internal building space 122, or at least the amount of flood water 200 that contacts internal wall 118 and any contents within internal building space 122 is reduced. After the flooding or risk of flooding is diminished, ball valve 210 may be reopened. While one ball valve is shown and described in FIGS. 2A-2C, one skilled in the art would understand that a building may include a plurality of such ball valve assemblies.

Flow Regulator—Fill Valve

FIGS. 3A-3C depict another exemplary flow regulator in accordance with the present disclosure, including a fill valve or automatic fill valve. One skilled in the art would understand that the fill valves suitable for use herein are not limited to the particular structures shown in FIGS. 3A-3C C.

FIGS. 3A-3C are substantially similar to FIGS. 2A-2C with like numerals indicated like structures, with the exception that the ball valve of FIGS. 2A-2C has been replaced with fill valve 310. Like the ball valve, fill valve 310 is coupled with conduit and configured to be arranged in an open position and a closed position. In the open position, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, fill valve 310 defines flow path 313 through conduit 215 positioned through the sheathing to provide for fluid communication between external environment 201 and the internal environment of the building, including internal wall space 120 and internal building space 122. Thus, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, fill valve 310 allows for the passage of water out of the building via flow paths 124a, 124b, 124c and 313, and allows for the passage of air into and out of the building via flow paths 124a, 124b, 124c and 213. Thus, the configuration of fill valve 310 in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be the typical configuration within which fill valve 310 is maintained during environmental conditions where flooding is not occurring.

Fill valve 310 may include chamber 321 coupled with and in fluid communication with conduit 215 through opening 323. Fill valve ball 319 may be positioned within chamber 321. In some aspects, chamber 321 includes a fluid permeable bottom surface 325 (e.g., grating or screen) that prevents passage of fill valve ball 319 therethrough, such that fill valve ball 319 is maintained within chamber 321.

With reference to FIG. 3C, when a sufficient flooding event is occurring, flood water 200 enters chamber 321 and lifts fill valve ball 319 until fill valve ball 319 seals opening 323 such that conduit 215 is no longer in fluid communication with chamber 321 or external environment 201; thereby, reducing or preventing the amount of flood water that passes through conduit 215 and into spaces 120 and 122. As such, flood water 200 is prevented from contacting internal wall 118 and any contents within internal building space 122, or at least the amount of flood water 200 that contacts internal wall 118 and any contents within internal building space 122 is reduced. Fill valve ball 319 rises and lowers concurrently with the rising and lowing flood waters 200, such that fill valve reopens upon flood waters 200 subsiding. While one fill valve is shown and described in FIGS. 3A-3C, one skilled in the art would understand that a building may include a plurality of such ball valve assemblies.

Thus, in operation fill valves 310, also referred to as automatic fill valves or liquid level valves, remain open until flood waters reach a certain preset level. Once the flood waters reach the preset level (i.e., the level sufficient to raise fill valve ball 319 to seal opening 323), fill valve 310 closes. Fill valve ball 319 may open and close due to buoyant force acting on fill valve ball 319. Fill valve ball 319 is sometimes referred to as a float, as fill valve ball 310 floats on or at the surface of water.

In operation of at least some embodiments of fill valves, such as fill valve 310, the opening or closing of the valve is responsive to the occurrence of and/or degree of flooding, rather than requiring manual or other user input to open or close the valve. Thus, in one example, if a user is not at home when a sudden and unexpected flooding event occurs, fill valves 310 will close in response to the flooding conditions as a result of buoyant forces, without requiring the user to travel home and close the valves or even be aware of the flooding event.

FIG. 3D depicts another exemplary liquid level valve. In the liquid level valve of FIG. 3D, float 310a is cylindrical-shaped float having a cavity 327 that contains gas (e.g., air) or is at vacuum to facilitate buoyancy of float 310a in flood waters. Sealing material 329 is positioned at a top end of float 310a. Float 310a is positioned within chamber 321a, which is fluidly coupled with conduit 215. In operation, by adjusting the dimensions of float 310a, the sealing force between sealing material 329 and seat 331 can be adjusted. When sealing material is seated on seat 331, sealing material 329 closes off fluid communication between chamber 321a and conduit 215 and, thus, between external environment and the interior of a building. Chamber 321a includes drain holes 333, which allow fluid to flow there-through when sealing member 329 is not sealed against seat 331. In some aspects, the fill valve design shown in FIG. 3D has zero cracking pressure (i.e., the pressure required to open the valve); thereby, allowing the wall cavity of the building to drain when there is no flooding, while also providing sufficient sealing pressure to ensure that flood water does not enter the weep holes of the building. FIG. 3E depicts the valve of FIG. 3D in the closed position.

Flow Regulator—Check Valve

FIGS. 4A-4C depict one exemplary flow regulator in accordance with the present disclosure, including a check valve. One skilled in the art would understand that check valves other than the specific check valve shown may be used.

FIG. 4A is a detail view of two sheathing bricks 112a and 112b. Where a typical weep hole would normally be present (see FIG. 1B), check valve 410 is installed to provide for fluid communication through the sheathing. In some aspects, check valve 410 is cemented or sealed into the sheathing. Check valve 410 may be biased to be open when flood conditions are not present, but may close upon flood water impending therewith.

With reference to FIG. 4B, check valve 410 is shown in the open position, with flow path 413 allowing for passage through sheathing 112 via conduit 215 positioned there-through. Check valve 410 is coupled with conduit 215 (e.g., pipe). In some aspects, conduit 215 is cemented or sealed within sheathing 112, such as at a bottom of the space where a typical weep hole would be, and extends there-through. Conduit 215 may be a PVC or other such pipe positioned through sheathing 112 to provide for fluid communication between external environment 201 and the internal environment of the building, including internal wall space 120 and internal building space 122. In some aspects, conduit 215 is not used, and check valve 410 regulates flow into and out of a weep hole. Check valve 410 includes valve seat 431 and valve member 435 (e.g., plug). Valve member 435 is responsive to the pressure in external environment 201, such as flood water, such that sufficient pressure results in valve member 435 engaging (seating) with valve seat 431. As shown in FIG. 4B, check valve 410 is open, with valve member 435 disengaged from valve seat 431, such that flow path 431 is defined by space between valve member 435 and valve seat 432. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4B, with check valve 410 allows for the passage of water out of the building via flow paths 124a, 124b, 124c and 413 (e.g., drainage of rainwater that has made it into space 120), and allows for the passage of air into and out of the building (air circulation) via flow paths 124a, 124b, 124c and 413 (e.g., to allow for ventilation and drying of space 120). Thus, the configuration of check valve 410 in FIG. 4B may be the typical configuration within which check valve 410 is maintained during environmental conditions where flooding is not occurring or expected.

When a flooding event is occurring, check valve 410 enters the closed position or configuration as a result of water pressure on check vale 410. FIG. 4C depicts check valve 410 in the closed configuration. As shown, flood water 200 in the external environment 201 is prevented from entering spaces 120 and 122 by check valve 410 because flow path 413 is no long present such that external environment 201 is fluidically isolated from conduit 215. While flood water 200 may enter into a portion of conduit 215 (not shown), flood water is prevented from flowing past check valve 410 seated on seat 431 while check valve 410 is in the closed configuration. As such, flood water 200 is prevented from contacting internal wall 118 and any contents within internal building space 122, or at least the amount of flood water 200 that contacts internal wall 118 and any contents within internal building space 122 is reduced. After the flooding or risk of flooding is diminished, check valve 410 opens as a result the removal of the water pressure. While one check valve is shown and described in FIGS. 4A-4C, one skilled in the art would understand that a building may include a plurality of such check valve assemblies.

In some aspects, the check valve disclosed herein may be a flapper-type valve system that is normally open, but closes when the flapper is exposed to flood water. For example, FIGS. 4D and 4E depict such a check valve in the open and closed positions, respectively. Check valve 410a includes a flapper 411, which may be hinged (via hinge 423) or otherwise movable attached with sheathing 112 over conduit 215 or weep hole. Flapper 411 of check valve 410a may be biased to the open position, but may close when water pressure is extorted thereon.

As the check valves disclosed herein open and or close is response to the occurrence of and/or degree of flooding, the check valves do not necessarily require manual or another user input to open or close the valve. Thus, in one example, if a user is not at home when a sudden and unexpected flooding event occurs, check valves will close in response to the flooding conditions as a result of water pressure, without requiring the user to travel home and close the valves or even be aware of the flooding event.

In some aspects, the check valves disclosed herein are designed, when in the closed position, to be responsive to open when rain or condensation water is present within the wall cavity. In some aspects, the check valves have a cracking pressure responsive to as low as 2 inches of water. As such, any significant amount of water that gets into the wall cavity, such as from rain passing through the brick and mortar or cracks, may essentially flow out of the cavity via the check valves. Any remaining water may easily evaporate via new weep holes placed above the 100-year base flood elevation and the eaves at the top of the wall. In some aspects, the check valves have zero cracking pressure. In certain aspects, the check valves are relatively low cost. In some aspects, the operation and functioning of the check valves is not affected by the orientation of the valve.

Flow Regulator—Swellable Check Valve

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict check valve 510 including a swellable member in the open and closed positions, respectively. Check valve 510 includes a swellable smart material, shown as 470a in the un-swollen state in FIG. 5A and as 470b in the swollen state in FIG. 5B. When dry, swellable member 470a has a size and shape such that it is clear of drain holes 433 in conduit 215. However, when sufficiently wet, swellable material 470b swells to a size (volume) and shape sufficient to block drain holes 433 thereby preventing the ingress of flood water into conduit and the interior of the building. That is, when water contacts the swellable material, the swellable material expands and seals the entrance holes 433. After the swellable material dries, it returns or substantially returns to the un-swollen state. In some aspects, gaps or grooves 441 are provided in conduit 215 such that water flows about the sides of the swellable material to enhance the swelling thereof. The swellable material may be a water swellable elastomer or polymer or other such material, as would be known to those skilled in the art.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the check valve assembly has a vertical orientation. FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a substantially similar valve assembly, but in a horizontal orientation. The horizontal orientation may be suitable for applications where there is insufficient room between the weep hole and the ground level to use the vertically oriented valve assembly.

Flow Regulator—Electrical Actuable Ball Valve

In some aspects, the valves disclosed herein may be electrically actuable. With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, valve assemblies identical to those shown in FIGS. 2A-2C are shown, with the exception that the valve assemblies are wired to an electrical controller. Ball valves 210 may include a sensor 299 in data and electrical communication with a controller 297 via wire 298, such as a programmed logic controller (PLC). Sensor 299 may detect whether or not water is present (e.g., water above a certain height measured from the ground), and may send a data signal to controller 297 indicating the presence of water. Controller 297 may operate to close valve 210 upon an indication of the presence of water and to open valve 210 when the presence of water is not indicated, or is contraindicated. For example, the electronically controlled valve assembly may be the same or similar to those used to control water sprinkler systems. Such sensor assemblies are well known to those skilled in the irrigation and HVAC arts. One skilled in the art would understand that the disclosure is not limited to electronically controlling ball valves, and that such control may be applied to other types of valves. Also, the present disclosure is not limited to wired control, and my used wireless communication to control the valves. Furthermore, in some aspects, the valve may be controlled remotely via a user, such as from a computer or smart phone that is in data communication with the controller. For example, the user may transmit a control signal over a wired and/or wireless network to the controller to open or close the valve.

Flow Regulator—Water Swellable Weep Hole Fill

In some aspects, a water swellable material is placed within a weep hole and functions to open and close the weep hole in response to the presence of water. With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, un-swollen material 470a is positioned within weep hole 110. Upon contact with a sufficient amount of water, material 470a swells to material 470b, such that material 470b is of sufficient shape and size to fill weep hole 110 and prevent the ingress of water therethrough (closed position). Upon drying, the material shrinks back to material 470a to allow for the passage of fluids out of wall cavity (open position). When the water swellable material 470a is dry, there are passages around and perhaps through the material that allows air and moisture to flow out of the weep hole 110. When the material 470a is wet, due to flooding, the material expands to seal the weep hole 110, preventing or substantially preventing flood water from passing through the weep hole 110. Some example of swellable materials suitable for use in any of the aspects of the present disclosure include hydrophilic thermoplastic polymers (TPE), such as DRYFLEX® WS discussed at https://www.hexpoltpe.com/en/dryflex-ws.htm rubber composites, such as those disclosed at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/app.42786.

In some aspects, to facilitate installation, the swellable material may be placed into a permeable pockets or bag 471, which is then inserted into the weep holes 110.

Raised-Height Weep Holes

In some aspects, to ensure rapid drying of moisture in the wall space cavity, additional weep holes are installed at a level that would not be typically subjected to flood waters. With reference to FIG. 9, a valve 910 in accordance with the present disclosure is installed where previously or typically there would be a weep hole. Above this, such as at a height above the 100-year base flood elevation, weep hole 110b is installed through sheathing 112.

FIG. 10 depicts house 100 having a series of valves 910 in accordance with the present disclosure installed where previously or typically there would be a weep hole. Above this, such as at a height above the 100-year base flood elevation, a series of weep hole 110b are installed through sheathing 112.

In some aspects, a water-proofing material is coated onto the external surface of the sheathing 112, such as to a height up to the 100-year base flood elevation to ensure that flood water will not pass through the brick and mortar. One skilled in the art would understand that such brick sealants are commercially available.

Method

Thus, in some aspects, the present disclosure provides for a method for preventing or reducing flood damage to a building by placing an on-off valve assembly in or adjacent to the weep holes of the external sheathing material of a building by sealing the weep holes with a sealing material and by configuring the on-off valves to be closed when a flood event is anticipated and open otherwise. In certain aspects, the material used to seal the weep holes is the same as or similar to silicone or polyurethane or grout or foamed sealant.

At least a portion of the sheathing (brick and mortar and/or stucco) may be sealed using a sealing material placed on the external surface of the brick and mortar. The sealing material may be applied to a height that is above the base flood elevation of the building. New weep holes may also be placed at an elevation that is higher than the base flood elevation.

In certain aspects, the valves are ball valves, gate valves, cylinder valves, or any type of valves that has configurations that selectively allow and block the flow of water. In certain aspects, the valves are electrically operated. The electric valves are controlled by a controller that is connected to a sensor that senses the height of water above ground level.

Other aspects provide for a method for preventing or reducing flood damage to a building by using one or more liquid level valve assemblies to control fluid entry through the weep holes of the external sheathing material of the building and by sealing the weep holes with a sealing material. The liquid level valve uses the force of buoyancy to close the valve and substantially block fluid entry through the weep holes. The liquid level valves may have a cracking pressure less than 0.5 psi. The liquid level valve may use an air-filled float with dimensions that are adjustable to increase the buoyant sealing force.

Other aspects provide for a method for preventing or reducing flood damage to a building by placing one or more check valves in the weep holes of the external sheathing material of the building and by sealing the weep holes with a sealing material. The check valves may have a cracking pressure less than 0.5 psi. The check valves may be any type of device or substance that allows water to pass essentially in one direction.

Other aspects of the present disclosure provide for a method for preventing or reducing flood damage to a building by placing a swellable material valve assembly in the weep holes of the external sheathing material of the building where the swellable material valve assembly blocks flood water from passing through the weep holes but allows moisture and air in the wall cavity between the external sheathing material and the wall of the structure to flow out. The smart material expands in the presence of water. The swellable smart material may include a water swelling elastomer or a hydrophilic polymer. The shape of the material may be used to allow water and air passage when the material is exposed to small water flows (e.g., <5 cc/min) of water, but to seal when the material is exposed to larger water flows (e.g., >5 cc/min). The water permeability of the material may reduce when the material is exposed to water.

Further aspects of the present disclosure provide for a method for preventing or reducing flood damage to a building by placing a swellable material directly in the weep holes of the external sheathing material of the building where the swellable material blocks flood water from passing through the weep holes, but allows moisture and air in the wall cavity between the external sheathing material and the wall of the structure to flow out. The swellable material may be positioned in one or more permeable packets.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to building having a slab foundation, the disclosure is not limited to such buildings and may be applied to other buildings, such as those with pier and beam foundations.

Although the present embodiments and advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for regulating the flow of fluid through a weep hole, the valve assembly comprising:

a flow regulator fluidically coupled with a weep hole to regulate flow of fluid through the weep hole, wherein the flow regulator has an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position fluid is allowed to flow through the weep hole, and wherein in the closed position fluid is prevented from flowing through the weep hole.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes a conduit positioned through the weep hole and a valve fluidically coupled with the conduit, wherein the valve has an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position fluid is allowed to flow through the weep hole, and wherein in the closed position fluid is prevented from flowing through the weep hole.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. The valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the valve is a ball valve, a fill valve, a check valve, a gate valve, or a cylinder valve.

7. (canceled)

8. The valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the fill valve includes a chamber fluidically coupled with the conduit and with the external environment, and a fill valve member positioned within the chamber, wherein, when a sufficient volume of water enters the chamber the water buoyantly lifts the fill valve member until the fill valve member fluidically isolates the chamber from the conduit.

9. (canceled)

10. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the fill valve member includes a float having a cavity and a sealing member positioned on the float, wherein when the sufficient volume of water enters the chamber the water buoyantly lifts the float until the seal member fluidically isolates the chamber from the conduit.

11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the fill valve has cracking pressure ranging from 0 to 0.5 psi.

12. (canceled)

13. The valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the check valve includes a valve seat and a valve member, wherein the valve member is biased to the open position, and wherein the valve member is responsive to pressure in the external environment such that sufficient pressure results in the valve member engaging with the valve seat to close the check valve.

14. (canceled)

15. The valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the check valve includes a swellable member positioned within the conduit or within a chamber fluidically coupled with the conduit, wherein the swellable member swells in the presence of water and shrinks upon drying, wherein when the swellable member is swollen the conduit is fluidically isolated from the external environment, and wherein when the swellable member is shrunk the conduit is fluidically coupled with the external environment.

16. The valve assembly of claim 15, wherein, in the shrunken state, gaps are present between the swellable member and the chamber or conduit facilitating the flow of water thereabout.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the check valve has a cracking pressure ranging from 0 to 0.5 psi.

21. The valve assembly of claim 2, further comprising:

an electrical controller coupled with the valve and positioned to open and close the valve, wherein the valve is electronically actuable; and

a sensor in data and electrical communication with the controller, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the presence of water transmit data signals to the controller indicating the presence of water, and wherein the controller is configured to open or close the valve in response to the data signals from the sensor.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. The valve assembly of claim 21, wherein the valve is remotely actuable to open and close.

25. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes a swellable member positioned within the weep hole, wherein the swellable member swells in the presence of water and shrinks upon drying, wherein when the swellable member is swollen the weep hole is sealed, and wherein when the swellable member is shrunk the weep hole is fluidically coupled with the external environment.

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. The valve assembly of claim 25, wherein the swellable member is positioned within a permeable pocket or bag that is positioned within the weep holes.

30. (canceled)

31. A building comprising:

an internal wall at least partially defining an interior environment of the building;

an external sheathing;

a cavity positioned between the external sheathing and the internal wall; and

a plurality of flow regulators positioned relative to the external sheathing to regulate flow between the cavity and an external environment.

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. The building of claim 31, further comprising:

weep holes through the sheathing, wherein the weep holes are positioned at a height on the building that is above the flow regulators;

a water-proofing material coated onto the external sheathing; or

combinations thereof.

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. (canceled)

44. (canceled)

45. (canceled)

46. (canceled)

47. (canceled)

48. A method for regulating the ingress and egress of fluid through an external sheathing of a building, the method comprising, in a building including an internal wall at least partially defining an interior environment of the building, an external sheathing, and a cavity positioned between the external sheathing and the internal wall:

positioning a plurality of flow regulators relative to external sheathing of a building; and

regulating flow between the cavity and an external environment using the flow regulators.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein positioning each flow regulator includes positioning a conduit through the external sheathing and fluidically coupling a valve with the conduit.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein regulating the flow between the cavity and the external environment includes opening the valves to allow fluid to flow through the valves and exit the cavity into the external environment, and closing the valves to prevent fluid from flowing through the valves and entering the cavity from the external environment.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the valves are closed during the occurrence of flooding.

52. (canceled)

53. (canceled)

54. (canceled)

55. (canceled)

56. (canceled)

57. (canceled)

58. (canceled)

59. (canceled)

60. (canceled)

61. (canceled)

62. (canceled)