AU2016226619B2

AU2016226619B2 - A building flashing

Info

Publication number: AU2016226619B2
Application number: AU2016226619A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Simon Paul Jeremy HOPLEY; Chad Joel Tozer
Original assignee: Dynex Extrusions Ltd
Current assignee: Dynex Extrusions Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-14
Filing date: 2016-09-12
Publication date: 2022-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-12
Also published as: AU2016226619A1; AU2022201890A1

Abstract

A building flashing comprising a unitary elongate strip including a bendable portion extending the length of the strip and one or more beads integrated with or attached to the unitary elongate strip. 1/12 1 3 Figure 1A 3 Figurel1B

Description

1/12

1

3

Figure 1A

3

Figurel1B

A BUILDING FLASHING FIELD

This invention relates generally to a building flashing, particularly though not solely to a synthetic flashing for vertical cladding joins.

BACKGROUND

Building flashings may be required for certain cladding systems for buildings under the building codes in various countries. For example in New Zealand the building code requires a waterproof material formed around junctions and corners of a building, to ensure that any water that may penetrate the cladding is dispersed back to the exterior of the building.

Traditionally flashings for these junctions was provided by galvanized steel strips. These are expensive, time consuming to install and may degrade quickly when exposed to atmospheric conditions. More recently extruded polymers have been used for flashing applications.

The present invention may provide an improved building flashing, or may at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY

According to one example embodiment there is provided a building flashing comprising: a unitary elongate strip including a bendable portion extending the length of the strip;

and two or more beads integrated with or attached to the unitary elongate strip, one of the beads being located on each side of the bendable portion.

According to a second example embodiment there is provided a building flashing comprising: a elongate strip; and a sealing bead integrated with or attached to the unitary elongate strip; wherein the elongate strip including an affixing portion extending the length of the strip, the affixing portion being outwardly disposed of the sealing bead.

According to a third example embodiment there is provided a building flashing comprising: a synthetic extruded elongate strip of indefinite length; and a retainer; wherein the strip is configured to form a roll within or about the retainer.

It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning - i.e., they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly references, and possibly also of other non-specified components or elements.

Reference to any document in this specification does not constitute an admission that it is prior art, that it forms part of the common general knowledge or that it can be validly combined with any other documents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Figures 1A-1B are perspective views of example embodiments of a building flashing; Figure 2A is a perspective view of the building flashing;

Figure 2B is a sectional view of the building flashing; Figures 3A-3C are sectional views of alternative angle installations that can be achieved with the building flashing in Figures 2A-2B; Figure 4A is a perspective view the building flashing mounted on a roll retainer; Figure 4B is a sectional view of the building flashing mounted within a box retainer; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative building flashing; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further alternative building flashing; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a still further alternative building flashing; Figure 8A is a perspective view of a further alternative building flashing; Figure 8B is a sectional view of the building flashing of Figure 8A once the flashing of Figure 8A is bent; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a further alternative building flashing; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further alternative building flashing; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further alternative building flashing; Figures 12A-D are sectional views of alternative hinge configurations; Figure 13 is a plan view of flashing installed on an external corner of cavity battens; Figure 14 is a plan view of flashing installed on a straight section of cavity battens; Figure 15 shows a plan view of flashing installed on an internal corner of cavity battens; Figure 16 shows a side view of flashing installed between cavity battens and a bevelled back weatherboard. Figure 17A is a perspective view of a still further alternative building flashing; and Figures 17B-D are sectional views of alternative hinge configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1A and 1B generally show a flashing product 1 which is installed between a building frame 2 and an exterior cladding 3 to provide a secondary waterproof barrier in any instances where water passes a join in the cladding. The flashing 1 includes a plastic main portion, consisting of a unitary elongate strip. The main portion is manufactured in lengths with two flexible beads 6 running the full length of the main portion 1 fixed to the front face and set in from each edge. The centre of the main portion 1 is manufactured thinner or otherwise modified along its full length to allow it to bend lengthwise.

Figure 1A shows an internal 900 junction. Figure 1B shows an external 900 junction with the flashing between the framing 2 and the cladding 3.

The flashing product 1, due to being able to be curved to various angles, can be used in multiple applications on a building, examples being, but not limited to; external frame corners, internal frame corners, cladding transitions.

The flashing 1 comprises a flexible and durable (not brittle) plastic, which does not crack when fixings (such as nails, staples etc.) are passed through. The material should also seal around nails/staples which are nailed through the material. For example the main flashing body 1 may be extruded from UV stabilized polypropylene.

The flashing 1 (excluding the beads) may have a thickness of between 0.5mm to 3mm, and in particular 1.15mm. The thickness and material type should allow the material to be rolled into a roll, and be durable/provide weather resistance/water tightness. . The flashing 1 may have a width 100mm, 150mm and 200mm.

As shown in Figure 2 the flashing includes a much thinner and striated portion 4 in the centre which may function similar to a hinge. A nailing strip 5 is provided on either edge for affixing the flashing to the building framing. Flexible beads 6 are then provided inset from the nailing strip 5. The beads 6 may be rib-like portions extending the length of the flashing to stop water ingress/act as a sealant.

The nailing strip/s 5 may also include striations/grooves, which may be less deep than the hinge striation/s. These may make it easier to place and hammer in nails, and may also provide reference points for nail positioning. Nailing through the nailing strips 5 provide the benefit of not having to nail through the main flashing body, reducing the chance of water ingress as a result. The nailing strip 5 may be wide enough to allow for the head of a fixing used in these applications. Usually a clout type nail with a flat head is used. So the fixing strip 5 should be at least 5mm,for example between 9mm wide to 12mm wide (edge of the bead to the outer edge of the flashing).

For example a single nailing strip striation may have a depth of between 0.05mm to 1mm. Striations on the nailing strip may have any suitable profile, e.g. semi-circular or v-shaped. Preferably the striations are configured to facilitate positioning and securing of nails or other suitable fasteners.

The inner portions may also include striations, which may be less deep than the hinge striation/s which also allow a degree of conformity for curved junctions. These striations may have the same profile as the nailing striations, or a different profile. Preferably the striations are uniformly spaced from each other along the width of the plastic main portion strip of the flashing. Striations may be distributed across both faces of the plastic main portion strip of the flashing. Preferably, the striations on both sides/faces of the flashing do not mirror each other, so that they do not create a weak area/further hinge points. In other words, the striations on one face of the flashing may be offset width-wise from the striations on the other face of the flashing.

Generally a single pair of beads is provided, symmetrically inset from the edge of the flashing. However as will be described in some of the examples below, further pairs of beads may be provided, and in some cases the flashing may not include any beads.

The beads 6 may be made from a flexible material, such that it can be rolled, and the beads may also provide sealing when compressed between building parts to protect against the ingress of water. For example they may comprise co extruded elastomer polymer or rubber, such as co-extruded black santoprene (containing carbon black for UV stability).

When the flashing is installed the beads 6 face outward, facing the cladding. When the cladding is nailed down the beads are squashed down to improve sealing performance.

The beads 6 may have a width between 1mm to 10mm and a thickness of between 1mm to 10mm. The cross-sectional shape of the beads 6 may be curved, square, triangular, circular, or any other suitable shape.

The beads 6 may be located between 5mm to 30mm from the edges of the flashing, so as to allow room for appropriate fixing methods.

The flashing acts as a water tightness back-up system to direct water which may have bypassed the cladding back to the outside. Gravity, air currents, capillary suction, surface tension, condensation, kinetic energy, air pressure or hydrostatic pressure can cause water penetration through building gaps onto the flashing. In particular, rain driven by wind may be carried at an angle by air currents and strike the cladding of a building. Wind patterns create swirling currents which may increase the wetted area at certain building locations (e.g. the tops and edges of buildings), increasing the risk of wind-driven rain penetration. Negative pressure created by wind further encourages thin sheets/blades of water to be sucked into wall cavities.

When a drop of water comes into contact with a material, it may be attracted to the surface and resist gravity and adhere to the surface. On hydrophobic surfaces with a low attraction to water, water drops 'bead' up. On hydrophilic surfaces with a strong attraction to water (e.g. weathered paint, bare timber, unsealed fibre cement, plaster or concrete), drops flatten out and some water may be absorbed into the surface.

The flashing may have a low attraction to water, encouraging the formation of water drops. The flashing is configured to encourage water drainage, by providing paths for any water that penetrates the cladding to allow quick removal back to the outside before it can damage wall components.

The striations provide channels, which by capillary action/surface tension may help prevent water from entering the building, and draw the water downwards, away from the building internals. The beads provide a final wall of defence for any residual moisture, ensuring it runs downwards rather than laterally.

As water droplets form on the hydrophobic surface of the flashing, capillary forces draw water from the droplets into the striations. Capillary forces then draw the water downwards until it reaches the ground or is directed to the outside of the building.

Various profiles and/or configurations of the central hinge may be used according to the application. A wide hinge portion 4 as shown in Figure 2 provides a radiused bending point which is suitable for flashing surfaces containing curves. The hinge portion 4 consists of two striations directly opposite each other to form a weak area to allowbending. For flashing sharp corners, a single linear hinge maybe more suitable as it is easier to bend into position and install. Depending on the application, multiple or single striations may be provided to form the hinge. The hinge may be at the midpoint of the flashing, or it may be offset from the midpoint.

The hinge striation/s may have any suitable cross sectional profile, e.g. curved or V shaped. It may have a depth similar to that of the other striations, i.e. between 0.05mm to 1mm. Alternatively, hinge striations may be deeper than those in the nailing strip/the striations between the beads and the hinge point.

Figures 3A to 3C show top views of examples of various angles that the flashing in Figure 2 can be used to mount on. Figure 3A shows an internal 900 junction. Figure 3B shows an external 900 junction. Figure 3C shows an external junction of an obtuse angle.

The flashing may be installed by: 1. Cutting a desired length 2. Bending the flashing in a desired configuration 3. Placing over the building surface onto which it is being fastened

4. Fastening the flashing to the building surfaces. A nail gun and/or staple gun may be used to secure the flashing to the surface.

Figure 4a shows that the flashing 1 can be stored and dispensed in a roll. It is shown rolled on a retainer 7. The retainer 7 may take the form of something about which the flashing is rolled such as a pipe or roll, a drum, or something used to retain the roll in a coil such as cable ties, strapping, a box or plastic wrapping.

For example Figure 4b shows the retainer 7 taking the form of a box. The flashing 1 is stored rolled up in the box 7. The flashing 1 is dispensed from an opening 15 of the box by pulling the desired length through the opening 15.

The desired lengths of flashing may then be cut from the roll in any suitable manner, including PVC shears, scissors or using a staple knife.

The roll may include markings to indicate certain lengths. For example there may be metre or centimetre markings on the fasting to facilitate cutting to a particular length without needing to measure it separately. This may assist determining the desired length for cutting, when dispensing from the box 7.

By providing flashing in rolls, wastage may be reduced as any desired length may be cut directly from a roll. Rolls also provide compact storage of flashing which is easy to transport.

Figure 5 shows a no hinge version of the flashing 1. This may be used where there is no need to create an angle or for the ability to bend the flashing at any point, such as a flat junction. A uniformly striated portion is located between the beads 6.

Figure 6 shows a wider width version, for example in various back flashing applications where different sizes are required. In particular, the striated portions between the hinge 4 and beads 6 are wider.

Figure 7 shows a no bead version (as a generic flashing with no beads required).

Figures 8a and 8b show a stepped or multi-bend version. The two ends of the hinge portion 4 are bent in opposite directions. This may be used for example in the transition between a cladding on a cavity and a cladding direct fix.

Figure 9 shows the beads 6 in different locations. The beads 6 are located closer to the hinge 4, providing wider nailing strips 5.

Figure 10 shows modular beads 6 that can be clipped in place into slots at predetermined locations on the internal face of the flashing.

Figure 11 shows a double bead configuration. A pair of beads 6 is provided near both ends of the flashing 1, on either sides of the hinge portion 4.

Figures 12A to 12D show different versions of the hinge. Figure 12A shows a hinge comprising single "V"-shaped striation. The hinge 4 creates a linear hinge point which is particularly suitable for external bends. A single striation provides an additional benefit in that it defines the mid-point of the flashing, allowing it to be easily bent precisely in half and applied to building surfaces symmetrically.

Figure 12B shows a hinge comprising two striations with a slight gap (approximately two striations-wide) between them. Figure 12C shows a hinge comprising three striations. Figure 12D shows a relatively wide hinge portion with six striations side by-side. The hinge may comprise any suitable number of striations.

Figure 13 shows a plan view of flashing 1 installed on an external corner of cavity battens 8. The building corner includes wall underlay 10, cavity battens 8 and cladding 3.

Typically any penetration, join, transition or junction in a cladding creates gaps that are potential air leakage paths. This air can carry water with it. At vertical corner or flat junctions where these flashings are most likely to be used, water may penetrate at gaps where the claddings meet.

The flashing 1 sits between the cavity battens 8 and the cladding 3, with the beads 6 facing towards the cladding 3. Striations (not shown) also face towards the cladding 3 and by capillary action trap any water which may have penetrated the cladding 3, and aid in drawing the water downwards. This prevents or at least minimises the ingress of water into the building through any potential gaps in the cladding systems.

Figure 14 shows a plan view of flashing installed on a straight section of cavity battens. The flashing is situated between two parallel cavity battens 8 and cladding 3 (which are of two different types), with the beads 6 acting as seals against the ingress of water into the gap 13 between the battens 8. This prevents water from reaching the building underlay 10.

Figure 15 shows a plan view of flashing installed on an internal corner of cavity battens. Again, the flashing 1 sits between the cavity battens 8 and the cladding 3, with the beads 6 facing towards the cladding 3. Striations (not shown) also face towards the cladding 3 and by capillary action trap any water which may have penetrated the cladding 3. This prevents the ingress of water into a gap 13.

Figure 16 shows a side view of flashing installed between cavity battens and a bevelled back weatherboard. The flashing 1 creates a water barrier between the batten 8 and the weatherboard 11. The beads 6 of the flashing 1 are compressed by the weather board 11 at the bevelled portions 14 of the weather boards 11. In the remaining parts of the flashing 1 gaps 13 are disposed between the flashing 1 and the weatherboard 11, such that the beads 6 are uncompressed.

The beads are squashed between the cladding and the battens, however they may still hold the cladding off from the flashing, sufficient to allow the passage of water. Even in the case that bevelled portions block water flow, these portions are only a small part of the board, and there may still be voids between battens at corners to allow water downwards.

Figures 17A-17D show a multi configurable flashing 1 of 200mm width. Figure 17A shows the multi configurable flashing 1 in a flat junction. Figure 17B shows the multi configurable flashing 1 in an external 900 junction.

Figures 17C and 17D show a stepped or multi-bend version. In Figure 17C one end 1702 of the hinge portion 4 and the centre hinge 1704 are bent in opposite directions. This results in a Z flashing with a 20mm step, or an offset stepped junction. In Figure 17D the two ends 1702, 1706 of the hinge portion 4 are bent in opposite directions. This results in a Z flashing with a 40mm step, or a stepped junction.

The flashing may have the advantage(s) that it: • is a universal design can be used in multiple flashing applications, • is provided in coils of practical lengths for easy transportation and handling, • includes a nailing strip located outside the water ingress beads, • comes with marked lengths for easy measuring, • is made from 100% recyclable material • is grooved back flashing body for directing water downward, and/or • is UV stabilized for harsh NZ conditions.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A building flashing comprising:

a unitary elongate strip including a bendable portion extending the length of the strip; and

two or more beads integrated with or attached to the unitary elongate strip, one of the beads being located on each side of the bendable portion.

2. The building flashing of claim 1

wherein the elongate strip includes an affixing portion extending the length of the strip, the affixing portion being outwardly disposed of the sealing bead(s) on one side of the bendable portion.

3. A building flashing system comprising:

the building flashing of claim 1; and

a retainer;

wherein the strip is a synthetic extruded strip and is configured to form a roll within or about the retainer.

4. The flashing system in claim 3 wherein the retainer is a tube, and the strip is configured to form a roll about the tube.

5. The flashing system in claim 3 wherein the retainer is a box, and the strip is configured to form a roll within the box.

6. The flashing in claim 1 or claim 2 or the flashing system in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the elongate strip includes striations, each striation extending the length of the strip.

7. The flashing or flashing system in claim 6 wherein the striations are uniformly distributed across the width of the strip.

8. The flashing or flashing system in claim 7 wherein striations on one face of the strip are offset from striations on the other face of the strip.

9. The flashing or flashing system in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the striations are of a size and cross sectional shape configured to attract fluid by capillary action.

10. The flashing or flashing system in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the striations are configured to allow the strip to curve along the width of the strip.

11. The flashing or flashing system in any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the striations are between 0.05mm and 1mm deep.

12. The flashing or flashing system in any preceding claim wherein the elongate strip is between 0.5mm and 3mm thick.

13. The flashing in claim 1 wherein the beads are co extruded elastomer polymer or rubber spaced from either longitudinal edge of the elongate strip.

14. The flashing in claim 13 wherein the beads are configured to face outward and seal against cladding subsequently affixed to a building structure.

15. The flashing in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the beads are between 5mm and 30mm from the edges of the elongate strip.

16. The flashing in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the beads are between 1mm and 10mm wide.

17. The flashing in any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the beads are between 1mm and 10mm thick.

18. The flashing in claim 1 wherein the beads include one or more sealing bead of elastomer polymer or rubber spaced from either longitudinal edge of the elongate strip and configured to detach and attach to predetermined locations on the elongate strip.

19. The flashing or flashing system in any preceding claim further comprising distance markings on the elongate strip.

20. The flashing or flashing system in any preceding claim wherein the elongate strip is extruded plastic.

21. The flashing or flashing system in any preceding claim wherein the elongate strip includes a hinged portion.

22. The flashing or flashing system in any preceding claim wherein the elongate strip is configured to conform to a junction selected from the group consisting of: a flat junction; an external 900 junction; an internal 900 junction; a curved junction; a stepped junction; an offset stepped junction; and an angled junction.

23. The flashing or flashing system of any preceding claim, wherein the flashing is configured to be installed between framing and cladding of a building.