Patent Application
20250020346
The present invention relates generally to ventilation systems for wall structures and, more particularly, to ventilation screeds of ventilation systems for wall structures.
Vinyl siding or fiber cement siding or wood or engineered siding or panels or other surface materials such as plastic or stone veneer are typically used for exterior surfaces in home or commercial building construction. For example, felt paper and/or a weather resistant barrier or a rain screen may be applied over plywood or other sheathing material and the siding or panels may be installed over the felt paper and/or weather resistant barrier or rain screen. The siding or panels may be installed flat or in a shiplap configuration. In order to provide a smooth edge where the surface material meets a soffit or any surface that needs venting to dry the interior wall, it is known to provide a vented barrier or border to define the edge of the surface material. These walls frequently have moisture venting and draining problems as moisture becomes trapped behind the finishing surface material, which may promote mold growth and cause water damage to the building walls.
A ventilation screed may include an attachment flange configured for attachment at a vertical or upright wall structure. With the attachment flange attached at the vertical wall structure, the attachment flange includes (i) a first side that faces away from the vertical wall structure and (ii) a second side that faces the vertical wall structure. The first side is opposite the second side. An upper flange, with the attachment flange attached at the vertical wall structure, extends from the first side of the attachment flange along an upper edge region of the attachment flange. A bead wall extends partially along the upper flange, and the bead wall, with the attachment flange attached at the vertical wall structure, is spaced from and below the upper flange. A terminal end of the bead wall is spaced from the attachment flange. A return bead extends from the bead wall away from the upper flange and partially along the first side of the attachment flange. The return bead is spaced from the attachment flange. A drainage hole extends through the bead wall. A spacing element is disposed along an outer surface of the upper flange. The spacing element, with the attachment flange attached at the vertical wall structure, extends between the outer surface of the upper flange and a horizontal structure above the ventilation screed to space the upper flange from the horizontal structure. A first adhesive element is disposed along the second side of the attachment flange. The first adhesive element, with the attachment flange attached at the vertical wall structure, engages the vertical wall structure to secure the ventilation screed at the vertical wall structure.
These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
In building construction, exterior and interior surfaces are often made of vinyl siding, wood or engineered siding, panels, stone veneer and other finishing surface materials. As described herein, a ventilation screed positioned at a vertical or upright wall structure along an upper terminal edge of the finishing wall surface material provides a drainage or ventilation pathway for water and water vapor to escape from behind the wall surface material and exterior the vertical wall structure. The wall structure may include a vertical wall structure or upright and angled wall structure where moisture or water vapor vents upward along the wall structure toward the upper terminal edge. At least some moisture or liquid water may exhaust downward along the vertical structure toward a lower terminal edge. Further, the ventilation screed receives the finishing wall surface material along the upper terminal edge to provide a neat and uniform edge of the exterior surface, improving the appearance of the vertical wall structure. Moreover, the ventilation screed may include one or more attachment elements or adhesive members for securing the ventilation screed at the vertical wall structure, reducing the time and costs necessary to install smooth finishes. The ventilation screed may further include a spacing member configured to engage a horizontal structure above the upper edge of the vertical wall structure to provide uniform spacing between the horizontal structure and the terminal edge of the vertical wall material and to accommodate expansion of the horizontal structure and vertical wall structure relative to one another.
Referring now to the drawings and the illustrated embodiments depicted therein, the self-adhering ventilation screed 10 includes a substantially planar attachment flange 12 that, with the ventilation screed 10 installed at the vertical wall structure, extends along the vertical wall structure and behind the wall surface material (
Construction of the vertical wall structure may include the installation of a felt layer of a backing wall (e.g., plywood or similar material), a weather resistant barrier such as a rain screen and/or an insect screen, and the siding or other surface material such as vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, wood or engineered siding or panels, plastic or stone veneer and the like. Optionally, construction may include attaching furring strips (such as wood or plastic furring strips) at the backing wall. Such construction occurs in layers. For example, the felt paper may be applied over the backing wall, with the attachment flange 12 of the ventilation screed 10 disposed over the felt paper. Optionally, the attachment flange 12 of the ventilation screed 10 is disposed at the backing wall with the felt paper applied over the attachment flange 12. A moisture seal and/or a rain screen or other suitably porous material or weather resistant barrier may be installed behind the attachment flange 12 or over the attachment flange 12 and the finishing material (e.g., the vinyl siding) is then applied over the attachment flange 12 of the ventilation screed 10, with the bead wall 16 at least partially receiving the siding to define an upper terminal edge of the wall material. The finishing material may be installed in any suitable manner, such as flat at the vertical wall structure or in a shiplap configuration with adjacent pieces at least partially overlapping one another.
Referring to
The ventilation screed 10 may be configured for attachment at the vertical wall structure at or near a juncture between the vertical wall structure and a horizontal structure extending above an upper end of the vertical wall structure, such as a ceiling or soffit or overhang. Thus, with the ventilation screed 10 installed at the vertical wall structure, the upper flange 14 extends from the upper end of the attachment flange 12 away from the vertical wall structure and at least partially along the horizontal structure. The upper flange 14 may extend at an angle that is substantially perpendicular relative to the attachment flange 12 and/or the vertical wall structure, such as within five degrees of perpendicular, within one degree of perpendicular, within one half of a degree of perpendicular and the like.
The connecting arm 18 extends from the upper flange 14, spaced from and at least partially along the attachment flange 12, with the bead wall 16 extending toward the attachment flange 12, spaced from and at least partially along the upper flange 14. In other words, the bead wall 16 extends at least partially along the upper flange 14 and is below and spaced from the upper flange 14, with the connecting arm 18 extending between and connecting the upper flange 14 and the bead wall 16. In the illustrated example, the connecting arm 18 extends from the distal end of the upper flange 14 distal from the attachment flange 12 and substantially perpendicular to the upper flange 14, with the bead wall 16 extending toward the attachment flange 12 from the end of the connecting arm 18 that is distal from the upper flange 14.
The return bead 20 extends from the bead wall 16, away from the upper flange 14 and at least partially along the attachment flange 12. For example, the return bead 20 extends from the end region of the bead wall 16 that is distal from the connecting arm 18. Thus, the end of the bead wall 16 distal from the connecting arm 18 is spaced from the attachment flange 12 such that a channel or space between the return bead 20 and the attachment flange 12 is in fluid connection with a channel or space between upper flange 14 and the bead wall 16.
Space between the attachment flange 12, upper flange 14, connecting arm 18, bead wall 16 and return bead 20 cooperatively defines a substantially L-shaped ventilation cavity 22, where water vapor behind the wall surface material is allowed to flow or move along the vertical wall structure and into the ventilation cavity 22 along the channel between the return bead 20 and the attachment flange 12. The ventilation path may cause the water vapor to collect between the upper flange 14 and the bead wall 16, where the water vapor then flows out of the ventilation screed 10 and the vertical wall structure through one or more ventilation holes or slots 24 formed in at least one of the bead wall 16, the connecting arm 18 and the upper flange 14. For example, the water vapor may condense within the ventilation cavity 22 and liquid water may drain out of the ventilation cavity 22 through one or more ventilation or drainage holes or slots 24 formed through the bead wall 16. Optionally, airflow may move from behind the wall surface material, into the ventilation cavity 22, and through the ventilation slots 24 to reduce moisture within the wall structure. The ventilation slots 24 may comprise any suitable configuration, such as circular through holes, elongated slots or substantially oval shaped slots, and are uniformly spaced from one another along the length of the ventilation screed 10.
An upper inner surface of the upper flange 14 includes a protrusion or bead 26 extending toward the inner surface of the bead wall 16 within the ventilation cavity 22. The protrusion 26 is disposed between the attachment flange 12 and the connecting arm 18 and promotes the formation of condensation as water vapor moves along the ventilation cavity 22. In other words, as water vapor moves from within the vertical wall structure and through the ventilation cavity 22, the water vapor passes along the protrusion 26 and may collect and form condensation at the protrusion 26. The protrusion 26 may comprise any suitable shape or cross-section, such as a rounded or semi-circular or oval shape or a rectangular or square shape. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 26 has a substantially square cross-section and extends along the length of the ventilation screed 10.
Further, one or more inner corners or surfaces of the ventilation screed 10 within the ventilation cavity 22 may be curved or chamfered (as opposed to square) to promote movement and condensation of water vapor within the ventilation cavity 22. For example, the transition between the upper flange 14 and the connecting arm 18 includes a curved inner surface.
Thus, liquid water may condense and drip from the water vapor fins or protrusion 26 and/or other inner surfaces of the ventilation cavity 22 and flows along the inner surface of the bead wall 16 toward the one or more slots 24. Optionally, the bead wall 16 (e.g., the inner surface of the bead wall) may be angled or sloped or slanted downward toward the slots 24 to promote drainage. That is, with the ventilation screed 10 attached at the vertical wall structure, the bead wall 16 may be at an oblique angle relative to the vertical wall structure and extending downward toward the slots 24. For example, the slots 24 may be formed through the bead wall 16 at an edge region of the bead wall 16 adjacent to or at or near the connecting arm 18, with the bead wall 16 extending at an oblique angle relative to the connecting arm 18. For example, the bead wall 16 and connecting arm 18 may form any non-right angle, such as 89 degrees, 85 degrees, 80 degrees, 60 degrees, 45 degrees and the like.
With the ventilation screed 10 at the vertical wall structure, the channel between the return bead 20 and the outer side of the attachment flange 12 may align with the rain screen. The outer surface of the bead wall 16 and the return bead 20 at least partially receive the upper edge of the vinyl siding or wall panel to form the neat and uniform terminal edge of the vertical wall and to preclude the siding or wall panel from entering and/or blocking the ventilation path through the ventilation cavity 22.
Further, a flange or tab 28 may extend from the outer surface of the bead wall 16 between the slots 24 and the return bead 20, such as to the siding or wall panel from extending over and blocking the slots. The tab 28 may be tapered and/or flexible relative to the bead wall 16, such as to accommodate installation of the siding or wall panel at the vertical wall structure and the ventilation screed 10 and between the return bead 20 and the tab 28, where the tab 28 may flex to accommodate the siding or wall panel and secure the siding or wall panel between the tab 28 and the return bead 20.
A spacing element 30 is disposed at an upper outer surface of the upper flange 14 so that, with the ventilation screed 10 attached at the vertical wall structure, the spacing element 30 is disposed between the upper flange 14 and the horizontal structure extending above the vertical wall structure. The spacing element 30 engages the horizontal structure to assist in positioning the ventilation screed 10 at a uniform height along the vertical wall structure relative to the horizontal structure. Further, if the horizontal structure and vertical wall structure move relative to one another (such as during thermal expansion or contraction of one or both of the vertical wall structure and horizontal structure), the spacing element 30 may flex between the horizontal structure and the upper flange 14 to accommodate the movement without imparting movement of the ventilation screed 10. Thus, the spacing member 30 may be flexible or compressible to accommodate expansion and contraction of the adjacent horizontal structure, such as due to changes in humidity or temperature. For example, the spacing member 30 may include an outer surface 32 spaced from the upper flange 14 and that flexes or compresses towards the upper flange 14 to accommodate the changes in the horizontal structure. For example, the spacing member 30 may comprise a flexible or deformable material, such as a flexible exterior grade vinyl or flexible metal or a foam or the like (or any other suitable material, such as a rubber material, gasket material, PLA (polylactic acid) material, stiff vinyl material or the like).
The surface 32 of the spacing member 30 may comprise any suitable shape or configuration, such as a convex surface, a concave surface, a flat surface, or the like. For example, the surface or wall 32 comprises a convex wall that curves at least partially outward from the upper flange 14 and toward the horizontal structure. The spacing member 30 has a hollow construction and is attached to or extends from the upper flange 14 via the pair of side walls or support arms, referred to as an outer or first side wall or support arm 34a and an inner or second side wall or support arm 34b. The wall 32 is integrally formed with the support arms and spaced from the upper flange 14 via the support arms, and the spacing member 30 may be integrally formed with, or extruded from, the upper flange 14 or may be separately attached thereat. For example, the attachment flange 12, upper flange 14, connecting arm 18, bead wall 16, return bead 20 and tab 28 may be formed (such as integrally formed as a unitary component) and the spacing member 30 may be attached to the upper flange 14 such as via adhesive or heat welding. The convex wall 32 may compress into the hollow space of the spacing member 30 and toward the upper flange 14 to accommodate expansion of the horizontal structure and/or one or more of the support arms 34a, 34b may bend or flex to accommodate the expansion.
The outer arm or surface 34a of the spacing element 30 may be spaced from the outer edge of the upper flange 14 (e.g., at the connecting arm 18). In other words, the spacing element 30 is offset from the outer edge of the upper flange 14. The space between the outer arm 34a and the outer edge of the upper flange 14 may be configured to receive a bead of caulk or sealant or adhesive that extends between the horizontal structure and the upper flange 14, thus providing additional protection from excess moisture within the vertical wall.
The self-adhering ventilation screed 10 includes at least one adhesive member or attachment element (e.g., an adhesive strip or foam or tape such as double sided tape or glue) for attaching the ventilation screed 10 at the vertical wall structure and/or horizontal structure during installation. For example, a first adhesive member 36 is disposed along the inner side of the attachment flange 12 along an upper edge region of the attachment flange 12 for engaging the vertical wall structure and securing the ventilation screed 10 along the vertical wall structure during installation. Furthermore, a second adhesive member 38 is disposed along the convex outer wall 32 of the spacing member 30 for engaging the horizontal structure and securing the ventilation screed 10 and the spacing member 30 along the horizontal structure during installation. Optionally, additional adhesive members may be disposed at the ventilation screed 10, such as at a lower edge region of the attachment flange 12, to secure the ventilation screed during installation. Optionally, the attachment members may provide temporary attachment of the ventilation screed 10 during installation while an additional fastener (e.g., a screw, a nail, an anchor and the like) is used to further secure the ventilation screed 10.
A tab or fin or protrusion 33 may extend from the outer wall 32 of the spacing member 30, such as from an end of the outer arm 34a and over or along an edge of the second adhesive member 38 so that, with the ventilation screed 10 at the vertical wall structure and the spacing member 30 engaging the horizontal spacing member 30, the fin engages the horizontal spacing member to provide a barrier between the caulk or sealant at the outer arm 34a and the second adhesive member 38. The fin 33 may flex when engaging the horizontal surface to provide a watertight barrier. Thus, the fin 33 prevents or precludes the caulk or sealant or moisture or other environmental contaminants from interfering with the second adhesive member 38.
Optionally, outer surfaces of the ventilation screed may include an overcoat or covering or capping 40, such as a metallic coating, a hardened vinyl coating, a water resistant coating, a paint coating and the like. The coating 40 may extend along an outer surface of the upper flange 14, an outer surface of the spacing element 30, an outer surface of the connecting arm 18, and at least a portion of the bead wall 16. For example, the vinyl coating 40 may be colored or tinted to match the vinyl siding installed at the vertical wall structure. The coating may have a thickness of about 0.01 inches.
The drainage screed may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the drainage screed 10 may be formed from PVC plastic, a metallic material, or any formable material.
Optionally, a ventilation screed may be configured to receive the wall surface material along the attachment flange. For example, and referring to
Optionally, the spacing member of the ventilation screed may be configured to engage and flex against and extend along the horizontal structure when the ventilation screed is installed at the vertical wall structure. For example, and referring to
Examples of the ventilation screed may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the wall thickness of the attachment flange, the upper flange, the connecting arm, the bead wall and/or the return bead may be any suitable dimension, such as 0.07 inches. The wall thickness may be increased compared to traditional ventilation screeds (e.g., typical ventilation screeds may have a wall thickness of 0.06 inches or less). The upper flange may extend any suitable length from the attachment flange, such as 1.13 inches, with the spacing element offset from the distal end of the upper flange by 0.25 inches. The connecting arm may extend any suitable length from the upper flange to space the bead wall from the upper flange, such as 0.386 inches. Further, the slots may be formed through the bead wall at any suitable position between the connecting arm and the tab, such as at or near the connecting arm (e.g., 0.025 inches from the connecting arm) and have a width of 0.08 inches. The tab may extend from the bead wall by 0.188 inches and be spaced from the return bead by 0.375 inches. Moreover, the return bead may extend from the bead wall and along the attachment flange by 0.67 inches and be spaced from the attachment flange by 0.233 inches.
The ventilation screed, associated vertical wall drainage system, and method of installation at the vertical wall structure may include characteristics of the screeds and drainage systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,494,818; 10,731,335; 11,180,913; 10,774,545; 10,669,721; 11,639,603; 10,731,354 and/or U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. US-2022-0205250 and/or US-2022-0074196, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The ventilation screed may include one or more adhesive elements or attachment elements for attaching the ventilation screed at the vertical wall structure during installation. Thus, the self-adhering ventilation screed reduces or eliminates the need for additional fasteners, such as nails and screws, and prevents nail holes through the wall structure. In other words, attachment of the ventilation screed may utilize one or more adhesive elements or tapes applied to the back of the attachment flange to adhere the ventilation screed to the wall to prevent nail penetration through the wall, which can cause water intrusion. Further, the ventilation screed may include the spacing element between the ventilation screed and a wall or surface (e.g., a horizontal structure). For example, the ventilation screed and attachment element and/or spacing element may include characteristics of the devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,279,247 and/or U.S. Publication No. US-2023-0374791, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.
The present application claims the filing benefits of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/587,734, filed Oct. 4, 2023, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/512,955, filed Jul. 11, 2023, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63587734 | Oct 2023 | US | |
| 63512955 | Jul 2023 | US |
