AU2013101399A4 - A cladding support member - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An elongate cladding support member 101 is described. The support member 101 has an attachment portion 1, a cladding support portion 2 and a connecting portion 3 connecting the attachment portion 1 and the cladding support portion 2 . The cladding support member 101 further comprises a capping portion 5 extending from the attachment portion 1 and a window frame overlap portion 6 extending from the capping portion 5, wherein a front face of the cladding support portion 2 forms an angle of between 60and 90to the attachment portion 1. 303153658 I.DOC:RC:rc Figure 8

Description

A CLADDING SUPPORT MEMBER The present invention relates to a support member and assembly for weatherboards or siding which includes a head flashing portion. 5 Background to the Invention Weatherboards are used as exterior cladding in many countries. o Weatherboard cladding requires a closure beneath the lowermost weatherboard. The closure must be capable of excluding vermin such as rats and mice, but must still allow for air to circulate into the space behind the weatherboards. The closure component must also be installed level. 5 In order to support the lowermost weatherboard at the correct angle, timber wedges are typically cut to suit. This can be time consuming. Similar procedures are required for the weatherboard which is installed immediately above a window. However, the installation of this weatherboard is further complicated by the need to O correctly install a head flashing over the window. The reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country. ?5 Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a cladding support member and/or a method of installing a weatherboard which will overcome or ameliorate problems with such support 0 members and/or methods at present, or at least one which will provide the public with a useful choice. Other objects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only. 5 2 Brief Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate cladding support member comprising an attachment portion, a cladding support portion and a connecting portion 5 connecting the attachment portion and the cladding support portion, the cladding support member further comprising a capping portion extending from the attachment portion and a window frame overlap portion extending from the capping portion, wherein a front face of the cladding support portion forms an angle of between 60 and 9' to the attachment portion. 0 Preferably the attachment portion, capping portion and window frame overlap portion comprise a flashing component and the connecting portion and cladding support portion comprise a cladding support component, and wherein the flashing component and cladding support component are connectable. 5 Preferably the cladding support component comprises two spaced apart pairs of outwardly extending flange formations and the flashing component comprises a pair of inwardly directed lips. Preferably the flashing component is manufactured from aluminium and the cladding support 0 component is manufactured from uPVC or polyethylene. Preferably the capping portion extends from the attachment portion at an angle of between 1000 and 110* 25 Preferably the capping portion extends from the attachment portion at an angle of substantially 1050. Preferably the window frame overlap portion extends from the capping portion at an angle of between 1000 and 110*. 30 Preferably the window frame overlap portion extends from the capping portion at an angle of substantially 105*. Preferably the window frame overlap portion is substantially parallel to the attachment portion. 15 Preferably the window frame overlap portion comprises a lip.

3 Preferably the connecting portion comprises ventilation apertures therethrough. Preferably the ventilation apertures have a cross-sectional area of at least 1000mm 2 of cross 5 section open area per metre of length of the cladding support member. Preferably the cladding support portion forms an angle of substantially 6" to the attachment portion. 0 Preferably the distance between the centre of an outer face of the cladding support portion and an outer face of the attachment portion is between substantially 25mm and 35mm. Preferably the distance between the centre of the outer face of the cladding support portion and the outer face of the attachment portion is substantially 30mm. 5 Preferably the distance between the centre of an outer face of the cladding support portion and an outer face of the attachment portion is between 5mm and 15mm. Preferably the distance between the centre of the outer face of the cladding support portion and 0 the outer face of the attachment portion is substantially 10mm. Preferably the cladding support member has a substantially uniform transverse cross-section. Preferably the attachment portion, cladding support portion, capping portion and window frame .5 overlap portion are generally planar. Preferably the attachment portion, cladding support portion, capping portion and window frame overlap portion are of substantially constant thickness. O According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cladding support assembly comprising the cladding support member of the first aspect and an end cap engaged between the connecting portion and the flashing portion. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a 5 weatherboard above a window in a structure, the method comprising the steps of: 4 i. attaching a cladding support member of the first aspect to the structure above the window, such that the window frame overlap portion overlaps an upper portion of a frame of the window; ii. applying a sealant to an outer face of the cladding support portion; and 5 iii. installing a weatherboard above the cladding support member such that an inner surface of the weatherboard abuts the outer surface of the cladding support portion. Preferably the method further comprises the step of installing the weatherboard such that at 0 least 5mm clearance is provided between a bottom surface of the weatherboard and the flashing portion. Preferably the method further comprises the step of inserting at least one end cap into a space between the connecting portion and the capping portion. 5 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a cladding support member substantially as herein described, with reference to Figures 1 to 5, Figure 6 or Figures 7 and 8. O According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a weatherboard above a window in a structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to 25 or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 30 According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a cladding support member and/or a method of installing a weatherboard is substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will 5 become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments of the invention.

5 Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view from one side of a cladding support assembly according to 5 an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of the opposite side of the cladding support assembly of Figure 1. Figure 2A is a side view of the opposite side of the cladding support assembly of Figure 1, o with the end-cap removed for clarity. Figure 3 is a rear view of the cladding support assembly of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a plan view of the cladding support assembly of Figure 1. 5 Figure 5 is a cross-section side view of the cladding support member of Figure 1 in use. Figure 6 is a cross-section side view of a cladding support member according to another embodiment of the invention in use. 0 Figure 7 is a side view of a flashing component according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 is a side view of an assembled cladding support member incorporating the 25 flashing component of Figure 7. Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring first to Figures 1 - 4, a cladding support assembly according to one embodiment of the 30 present invention is generally referenced by arrow 100. The embodiment shown in Figures 1 - 4 is adapted for use in a "direct fix" construction, rather than a cavity construction. The cladding support assembly 100 comprises a substantially uniform elongate cladding support member 101 comprising an attachment portion 1 which can be penetrated by a plurality 35 of fasteners when in use, to connect the support member 101 to a frame of a structure. The 6 support member 101 is preferably a unitary body, more preferably an extrusion. In preferred embodiments the support member may be made from aluminium. The support member 101 further comprises a cladding support portion 2 which is connected to 5 the attachment portion 1 by a connecting portion 3. The support member 101 further comprises a flashing portion 4. The flashing portion 4 comprises a capping portion 5 and a window frame overlap portion 6. 0 Each of the attachment portion 1, cladding support portion 2, capping portion 5 and window frame overlap portion 6 are preferably generally planar, and of substantially constant thickness. Referring next to Figures 2 and 2A in particular, an outer face 2A of the cladding support portion 2 forms an angle A of between 6* and 9* to an outer surface 1A of the attachment portion 1, 5 most preferably around 80. The distance D between the centre of the outer face 2A of the cladding support portion 2 and the outer face 1A of the attachment portion 1 is typically between 25mm and 35mm, preferably around substantially 30mm, for embodiments which are to be used with a cavity spacer, and 0 between 5mm and 15mm, preferably around substantially 10mm for embodiments which are used without a cavity spacer. The capping portion 5 extends from the attachment portion 1 at an angle B of between 100* and 1100, most preferably at substantially 1050. 25 The window frame overlap portion 6 extends from the capping portion 5 at an angle C of between 1000 and 1100, most preferably at substantially 1050. The window frame overlap portion 6 is preferably substantially parallel to the outer surface 1A of the attachment portion 1. 30 The window frame overlap portion 6 preferably comprises an outwardly extending lip 7. The lip 7 is preferably substantially parallel to the capping portion 5. Referring back to Figures 1 to 4, an end cap 8 may be provided to cap the sides of the support member 101 in use. The end cap 8 may be adapted to fit into the space between the '5 connecting portion 3 and the capping portion 5 in an interference fit, as best seen in Figure 1. The end cap 8 may comprise an outer face 9 which overlaps the ends of the connecting portion 7 3 and capping portion 5. In preferred embodiments the assembly 100 comprises an end cap 8 at either end of the support member 100. Referring next to Figure 4 in particular, the connecting portion 3 is preferably substantially 5 continuous, but comprises a plurality of ventilation apertures 10 therethrough. The ventilation apertures 10 preferably have a cross-sectional area of at least 1000mm 2 of cross-section open area per metre of length of the cladding support member, but are preferably sufficiently narrow that vermin such as rats and mice cannot pass through them. 0 Referring next to Figure 5, a cladding support member 101 is shown installed on a frame member 20 of a structure, above a window frame 21. The cladding support member 101 is typically installed such that its longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal. 5 The cladding support member 101 is mounted to the frame member 20 by means of suitable fasteners, typically nails 22, which are driven through the attachment portion 1 and into the frame member 20. The support member 101 is mounted such that the window frame overlap portion 6 overlaps the top of the window frame 21 by at least 10mm. 0 A suitable sealing tape or building underlay product 23 is preferably used to seal the top of the attachment portion 1. A bead of suitable sealant is provided along the outer surface 2A of the cladding support portion 2. A weatherboard 24 is then fastened to the frame 20, with its inner surface 24A resting 25 on the cladding support portion 2. The weatherboard is installed such that a gap of at least 5mm is provided between the lower surface 24B of the weatherboard and the capping portion 5 of the flashing portion 4. This ensures a suitable space for air to flow to and from the ventilation apertures 10. 30 Referring next to Figure 6, the installation procedure for installing a cladding support member 101 A which is adapted for use with a cavity wall construction is substantially the same as that described above with reference to Figure 5, with the exception that a cavity batten or furring strip 25 is installed after the support member 101A and tape 23, but before the first weatherboard. 35 8 Referring next to Figures 7 and 8, in a preferred embodiment the cladding support member 101 comprises a cladding support component 102 comprising the cladding support portion 2 and connecting portion 3, and a separate flashing component 103, comprising the attachment portion 1 and the flashing portion 4. 5 The flashing component 103 comprises a connecting formation 30 for engagement with a suitable complementary connecting formation 31 on the cladding support component. In a preferred embodiment the cladding support portion 102 comprises two spaced apart pairs of outwardly extending flange formations 33. The attachment portion 1 is provided with a pair of 0 inwardly directed lip formations 34 which are adapted to fit snugly in the spaces between the spaced apart flange formations 3. The engagement between the connecting formations 30, 31 is achieved by sliding the components 102, 103 together in the longitudinal direction. However, in alternative 5 embodiments (not shown) the engagement may be achieved by a suitable "snap fit", In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the attachment portion 1 is provided with a pair of inwardly directed lips 34, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, but the cladding support component 102 comprises a substantially "T" shaped formation at the end of the connecting portion 3 which is 0 adapted to snugly engage the space between the lips 34 and the front face of the attachment portion 1. Separating the flashing component 103 from the cladding support component 102 allows the two components to be made from different materials. In one embodiment the flashing 25 component 103 may be manufactured from aluminium, while the cladding support component 102 is manufactured from a suitable plastics material such as uPVC or polyethylene. Both components may be manufactured by extrusion. The cladding support component may be adapted for direct fix or cavity wall constructions. 30 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides a cladding support member which provides a suitable window head flashing, a ventilated vermin strip, and a support for a weatherboard or similar cladding. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the 35 words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as 9 opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or 5 integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made 0 thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

Claims (26)

1. An elongate cladding support member comprising an attachment portion, a cladding support portion and a connecting portion connecting the attachment portion and the 5 cladding support portion, the cladding support member further comprising a capping portion extending from the attachment portion and a window frame overlap portion extending from the capping portion, wherein a front face of the cladding support portion forms an angle of between 6* and 9* to the attachment portion. 0

2. The elongate cladding support member of claim 1 wherein the attachment portion, capping portion and window frame overlap portion comprise a flashing component and the connecting portion and cladding support portion comprise a cladding support component, and wherein the flashing component and cladding support component are connectable. 5

3. The elongate cladding support member of claim 2 wherein the cladding support component comprises two spaced apart pairs of outwardly extending flange formations and the flashing component comprises a pair of inwardly directed lips. 0

4. The elongate cladding support member of claim 2 or 3 wherein the flashing component is manufactured from aluminium and the cladding support component is manufactured from uPVC or polyethylene.

5. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the a5 capping portion extends from the attachment portion at an angle of between 1000 and 1100

6. The elongate cladding support member of claim 5, wherein the capping portion extends from the attachment portion at an angle of substantially 1050. 30

7. The elongate cladding support member of claim of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window frame overlap portion extends from the capping portion at an angle of between 1000 and 1100. 5

8. The elongate cladding support member of claim 5 wherein the window frame overlap portion extends from the capping portion at an angle of substantially 1050. 11

9. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims wherein the window frame overlap portion is substantially parallel to the attachment portion. 5

10. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window frame overlap portion comprises a lip.

11. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion comprises ventilation apertures therethrough. 0

12. The elongate cladding support member of claim 11, wherein the ventilation apertures have a cross-sectional area of at least 1000mm 2 of cross-section open area per metre of length of the cladding support member. 5

13. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cladding support portion forms an angle of substantially 60 to the attachment portion.

14. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims wherein the distance between the centre of an outer face of the cladding support portion and an 0 outer face of the attachment portion is between substantially 25mm and 35mm.

15. The elongate cladding support member of claim 14 wherein the distance between the centre of the outer face of the cladding support portion and the outer face of the attachment portion is substantially 30mm. 25

16. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims wherein the distance between the centre of an outer face of the cladding support portion and an outer face of the attachment portion is between 5mm and 15mm. 30

17. The elongate cladding support member of claim 16 wherein the distance between the centre of the outer face of the cladding support portion and the outer face of the attachment portion is substantially 10mm.

18. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims wherein the 5 cladding support member has a substantially uniform transverse cross-section. 12

19. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment portion, cladding support portion, capping portion and window frame overlap portion are generally planar. 5

20. The elongate cladding support member of any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment portion, cladding support portion, capping portion and window frame overlap portion are of substantially constant thickness.

21. A cladding support assembly comprising the cladding support member of any one of 0 claims 1 to 20 and an end cap engaged between the connecting portion and the flashing portion.

22. A method of installing a weatherboard above a window in a structure, the method comprising the steps of: 5 i. attaching a cladding support member of any one of claims 1 to 20 to the structure above the window, such that the window frame overlap portion overlaps an upper portion of a frame of the window; ii. applying a sealant to an outer face of the cladding support portion; and iii. installing a weatherboard above the cladding support member such that an inner 0 surface of the weatherboard abuts the outer surface of the cladding support portion.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of installing the weatherboard such that at least 5mm clearance is provided between a bottom surface of the weatherboard 25 and the flashing portion.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23 further comprising the step of inserting at least one end cap into a space between the connecting portion and the capping portion. 30

25. A cladding support member substantially as herein described, with reference to Figures 1 to 5, Figure 6 or Figures 7 and 8.

26. A method of installing a weatherboard above a window in a structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. '5