BUILDING VENTING SYSTEM

Abstract

A building venting system for use proximate a juncture of vertical and horizontal surfaces comprises a first support, at least one spacer, and a second support. The first support is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the horizontal surface proximate the vertical surface. The at least one spacer is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the first support and on a portion of the vertical surface. The second support is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the at least one spacer proximate the vertical surface.

Description

BACKGROUND

It is important to have adequate venting, air and moisture vapor ventilation, proximate the junctures of vertical and horizontal surfaces of buildings, such as where roof decks meet vertical structures. If not adequately vented, the building materials can absorb moisture and eventually rot.

For these and other reasons, a need exists for an improved building venting system.

SUMMARY

An embodiment building venting system for use proximate a juncture of vertical and horizontal surfaces comprises a first support, at least one spacer, and a second support. The first support is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the horizontal surface proximate the vertical surface. The at least one spacer is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the first support and on a portion of the vertical surface. The second support is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the at least one spacer proximate the vertical surface.

An embodiment building venting system for use proximate a juncture of vertical and horizontal surfaces comprises a first support, at least one spacer, and a second support. The first support is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the horizontal surface proximate the vertical surface. The at least one spacer is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the first support and on a portion of the vertical surface. The at least one spacer includes a corrugated member forming channels configured and arranged to allow air and moisture vapor ventilation. The corrugated member includes a first leg configured and arranged to be positioned proximate the vertical surface and a second leg configured and arranged to be positioned proximate the first support. The second support is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the at least one spacer proximate the vertical surface.

An embodiment method of installing a building venting system proximate a juncture of vertical and horizontal surfaces comprises positioning a first support on a portion of the horizontal surface proximate the vertical surface, positioning a first leg of a first spacer proximate the vertical surface and a second leg of the first spacer proximate the first support, and positioning a second support on the second leg proximate the vertical surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross section view of an example building venting system constructed in accordance with the present invention installed on a building.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a spacer of the building venting system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an end view of a portion of the spacer shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment spacer of the building venting system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of another embodiment spacer of the building venting system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C is an end view of a portion of the spacer shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment spacer of the building venting system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of another embodiment spacer of the building venting system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4C is an end view of a portion of the spacer shown in FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide a building venting system including one or more spacers proximate a juncture of vertical and horizontal surfaces, the one or more spacers providing air gaps to assist in venting, air and moisture vapor ventilation, which assists in moisture reduction in these areas. For example, the horizontal surface can be a roof.

An example embodiment building venting system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1 shown installed proximate junctures of vertical and horizontal surfaces of an example building structure. The example building structure includes vertical and horizontal surfaces, a vertical support structure 200 (e.g., a parapet wall) and roof joists 201, but it is recognized that the present invention can be used with other types of building structures including but not limited to roof structures. In this example, a roof includes a slip plate 202 and a roof joist 203 operatively connected to the vertical support structure 200 as is well known in the art. A roof deck 204 is positioned on the roof joist 203, and then a vapor retarder 205 is positioned on the roof deck 204. An example roof deck includes but is not limited to corrugated steel panels. A typical flashing assembly well known in the art includes a support 209 positioned on the vapor retarder 205 proximate the vertical support structure 200, insulation 210 on the vapor retarder 205 proximate the support 209, a cant strip 212 on the support 209, a roof membrane 213 on the cant strip 212 and the insulation 210, and roof flashing 214 extending along the vertical support structure 200 and a portion of the roof membrane. Metal counter flashing 215 is operatively connected to the roof flashing 214 with a fastener 216, and the metal counter flashing 215 engages a reglet 217 operatively connected to the vertical support structure 200. This and other suitable building structures are well known in the art.

The example building venting system 100 includes a first support 101, at least one spacer, and a second support 209. The first support 101 is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the horizontal surface (e.g., vapor retarder 205) proximate the vertical surface 200. The at least one spacer 104 is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the first support 101 and on a portion of the vertical surface 200. The second support 209 is configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the at least one spacer 104 proximate the vertical surface 200. The first support 101 and the second support 209 are preferably made of 2×6 inch wood, but it is recognized that any suitable material can be used.

The at least one spacer includes a spacer 104 and optionally one or both of spacers 103 and 105. As shown in FIG. 2A, the spacer 104 includes a first leg 104a and a second leg 104b extending at approximately 90 degrees from one another. Preferably, the spacer 104 has a width W1 of approximately 4 feet. The first leg 104a has a length L1 of approximately 5 inches and the second leg 104b has a length L2 of approximately 9 inches. Spacer 104 includes longitudinally extending channels to create air gaps to facilitate venting, air and moisture vapor ventilation. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the spacer 104 is a corrugated member that is crimped, folded, or otherwise shaped to form channels, such as downwardly extending channels 108a and upwardly extending channels 108b. The spacer 104 is preferably made of high impact polystyrene, having a thickness T1 of approximately 0.024 inch (0.6 mm) and a corrugated thickness T2 of approximately 3/16 inch. The channels 108a and 108b are preferably approximately 3/16 inch wide. An example of a suitable spacer material is Floor Edging, Part No. FE 8555, from Masonry Technology, Inc. It is recognized that other suitable materials can be used.

The optional spacers 103 and 105 also preferably include longitudinally extending channels. For example, spacer 103 includes a corrugated portion 103a onto which a filter portion 103b is secured, as shown in FIG. 3A. The spacer 103 preferably has a width W2 of approximately 50 feet. The corrugated portion 103a has a length L3 of approximately 15.75 inches, and the filter portion 103b extends along the length L3 and downward from the corrugated portion 103a an additional length L4 of approximately 4 inches. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the corrugated portion 103a is a corrugated member that is crimped, folded, or otherwise shaped to form channels, such as downwardly extending channels 107a and upwardly extending channels 107b. The corrugated portion 103a is preferably made of high impact polystyrene, having a thickness T3 of approximately 0.024 inch (0.6 mm) and a corrugated thickness T4 of approximately 3/16 inch. The channels 107a and 107b are preferably approximately 3/16 inch wide. An alternative spacer 103′ is shown in FIG. 3B and is similar to spacer 103 but includes a corrugated portion having a length L5 of approximately 31.5 inches. The filter portion extends along the length L5 and downward an additional length of approximately 4 inches.

Spacer 105 includes a corrugated portion 105a onto which a filter portion 105b is secured, shown in FIG. 4A. The spacer 105 preferably has a width W3 of approximately 50 feet. The corrugated portion 105a has a length L6 of approximately 15.75 inches, and the filter portion 105b extends along the length L6 and downward from the corrugated portion 105a an additional length L7 of approximately 4 inches. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the corrugated portion 105a is a corrugated member that is crimped, folded, or otherwise shaped to form channels, such as downwardly extending channels 109a and upwardly extending channels 109b. The corrugated portion 105a is preferably made of high impact polystyrene, having a thickness T5 of approximately 0.024 inch (0.6 mm) and a corrugated thickness T6 of approximately 3/16 inch. The channels 109a and 109b are preferably approximately 3/16 inch wide. An alternative spacer 105′ is shown in FIG. 4B and is similar to spacer 105 but includes a corrugated portion having a length L8 of approximately 31.5 inches. The filter portion extends along the length L8 and downward an additional length of approximately 4 inches.

An example of a suitable spacer material that can be used is Sure Cavity, Part No. SC 5016 or SC 5032, from Masonry Technology, Inc. The corrugated portion is preferably made of high impact polystyrene, approximately 0.024 inch (0.6 mm) thick, and the filter portion is preferably made of spunbond polypropylene fabric. The filter portion can be optional but it is preferred as it adds structural stability to the spacer, which is beneficial for surfaces on which people walk, such as spacer 103. It is recognized that other suitable materials can be used for the spacers.

Optionally, the system 100 can include insulation 102 and 210 positioned adjacent the supports 101 and 209, respectively, proximate their distal ends.

In an example installation method, to install the building venting system 100 on the building structure, the support 101 is positioned on the vapor retarder 205 proximate the vertical surface, and optional insulation 102 is positioned on the vapor retarder 205 adjacent the support 101, proximate a distal end of the support 101. The optional spacer 103 is positioned on the support 101 and the insulation 102 with the corrugated portion channels positioned generally perpendicular to the vertical axis of the vertical surface 200. The first leg 104a of spacer 104 is positioned proximate the vertical surface, and the second leg 104b of spacer 104 is positioned on the support 101 or the spacer 103, if used. Support 209 is positioned on the second leg 104b, and optional insulation 210 is positioned on the insulation 102 or the spacer 103, if used, adjacent support 209, proximate a distal end of the support 209. The optional spacer 105 is positioned with the corrugated portion 105a proximate the first leg 104a, the filter portion 105b proximate a proximal end of the support 209, and an optional skirt portion 105c of the filter portion 105b extending between the support 209 and the second leg 104b. The cant strip 212 is positioned on the support 209. A roof membrane is positioned on the cant strip 212 and the insulation 210. Roof flashing 214 extends along a portion of the vertical surface or the spacer 105, if used, over the roof membrane beyond the cant strip 212. Metal counter flashing 215 is secured to the roof flashing 214, optional spacer 105, and vertical surface 200 with a fastener 216. A reglet 217 interconnects the counter flashing and the vertical surface 200 as is well known in the art.

It is recognized that other suitable installation methods can be used. It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A building venting system for use proximate a juncture of vertical and horizontal surfaces, comprising: a first support configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the horizontal surface proximate the vertical surface;at least one spacer configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the first support and on a portion of the vertical surface; anda second support configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the at least one spacer proximate the vertical surface.

2. The building venting system of claim 1, wherein the at least one spacer includes a corrugated member forming channels configured and arranged to allow air and moisture vapor ventilation.

3. The building venting system of claim 2, wherein the corrugated member includes a first leg configured and arranged to be positioned proximate the vertical surface and a second leg configured and arranged to be positioned proximate the first support.

4. The building venting system of claim 3, wherein the at least one spacer includes a first spacer being the corrugated member, a second spacer configured and arranged to be positioned between the first support and the second leg, and a third spacer configured and arranged to be positioned between the first leg and a proximal end of the second support.

5. The building venting system of claim 4, further comprising: a first insulation configured and arranged to be positioned between the horizontal surface and the second spacer proximate a distal end of the first support;a second insulation configured and arranged to be positioned on the second spacer proximate a distal end of the second support;a cant strip configured and arranged to be positioned on the second support;a roof membrane configured and arranged to be positioned on the cant strip and the second insulation; anda roof flashing configured and arranged to be positioned on the corrugated portion and on the roof membrane.

6. The building venting system of claim 4, wherein the second spacer includes a corrugated portion and a filter portion, the filter portion configured and arranged to be positioned between the corrugated portion and the second leg.

7. The building venting system of claim 1, wherein the vertical and horizontal surfaces are proximate a roof perimeter.

8. A building venting system for use proximate a juncture of vertical and horizontal surfaces, comprising: a first support configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the horizontal surface proximate the vertical surface;at least one spacer configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the first support and on a portion of the vertical surface, wherein the at least one spacer includes a corrugated member forming channels configured and arranged to allow air and moisture vapor ventilation, wherein the corrugated member includes a first leg configured and arranged to be positioned proximate the vertical surface and a second leg configured and arranged to be positioned proximate the first support; anda second support configured and arranged to be positioned on a portion of the at least one spacer proximate the vertical surface.

9. The building venting system of claim 8, wherein the at least one spacer includes a first spacer being the corrugated member, a second spacer configured and arranged to be positioned between the first support and the second leg, and a third spacer configured and arranged to be positioned between the first leg and a proximal end of the second support.

10. The building venting system of claim 9, further comprising: a first insulation configured and arranged to be positioned between the horizontal surface and the second spacer proximate a distal end of the first support;a second insulation configured and arranged to be positioned on the second spacer proximate a distal end of the second support;a cant strip configured and arranged to be positioned on the second support;a roof membrane configured and arranged to be positioned on the cant strip and the second insulation; anda roof flashing configured and arranged to be positioned on the corrugated portion and on the roof membrane.

11. The building venting system of claim 9, wherein the second spacer includes a corrugated portion and a filter portion, the filter portion configured and arranged to be positioned between the corrugated portion and the second leg.

12. The building venting system of claim 8, wherein the vertical and horizontal surfaces are proximate a roof perimeter.

13. A method of installing a building venting system proximate a juncture of vertical and horizontal surfaces, comprising: positioning a first support on a portion of the horizontal surface proximate the vertical surface;positioning a first leg of a first spacer proximate the vertical surface and a second leg of the first spacer proximate the first support; andpositioning a second support on the second leg proximate the vertical surface.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning a vapor retarder on the horizontal surface proximate the vertical surface, wherein the first support is positioned on the vapor retarder.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning insulation on the vapor retarder adjacent a distal end of the first support.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning a second spacer on the first support and then positioning the first leg of the first spacer proximate the vertical surface and the second leg of the first spacer proximate the second spacer.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning a second spacer on the second leg.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning insulation adjacent a distal end of the second support.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning a cant strip on the second support and positioning a roof membrane on the cant strip.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising positioning roof flashing along a portion of the vertical surface and over a portion of the roof membrane beyond the cant strip.