CA2414055A1 - Air gap spacer for use in building construction - Google Patents

Air gap spacer for use in building construction Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2414055A1
CA2414055A1 CA002414055A CA2414055A CA2414055A1 CA 2414055 A1 CA2414055 A1 CA 2414055A1 CA 002414055 A CA002414055 A CA 002414055A CA 2414055 A CA2414055 A CA 2414055A CA 2414055 A1 CA2414055 A1 CA 2414055A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
air gap
gap spacer
building
spacer
exterior
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002414055A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Clarence Thibeau
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002414055A priority Critical patent/CA2414055A1/en
Priority to CA002449772A priority patent/CA2449772C/en
Priority to US10/725,051 priority patent/US20040112007A1/en
Publication of CA2414055A1 publication Critical patent/CA2414055A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04CSTRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C5/00Reinforcing elements, e.g. for concrete; Auxiliary elements therefor
    • E04C5/16Auxiliary parts for reinforcements, e.g. connectors, spacers, stirrups
    • E04C5/20Auxiliary parts for reinforcements, e.g. connectors, spacers, stirrups of material other than metal or with only additional metal parts, e.g. concrete or plastics spacers with metal binding wires
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/62Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
    • E04B1/70Drying or keeping dry, e.g. by air vents
    • E04B1/7069Drying or keeping dry, e.g. by air vents by ventilating
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04DROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D1/00Roof covering by making use of tiles, slates, shingles, or other small roofing elements
    • E04D1/29Means for connecting or fastening adjacent roofing elements
    • E04D1/2907Means for connecting or fastening adjacent roofing elements by interfitted sections
    • E04D1/2949Means for connecting or fastening adjacent roofing elements by interfitted sections having joints with fluid-handling feature, e.g. a fluid channel for draining
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04DROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D1/00Roof covering by making use of tiles, slates, shingles, or other small roofing elements
    • E04D1/29Means for connecting or fastening adjacent roofing elements
    • E04D1/2984Means for connecting or fastening adjacent roofing elements with spacing or space-forming features, e.g. braces, fillers or drains
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04DROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D13/00Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage; Sky-lights
    • E04D13/17Ventilation of roof coverings not otherwise provided for
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/007Outer coverings for walls with ventilating means
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F17/00Vertical ducts; Channels, e.g. for drainage

Abstract

An air gap spacer for use in building construction which can provide adequate spacing between the exterior surface of a building under construction, and the cladding or other exterior material being placed on the outer surface of the building, whereby the air gap spacer is disposed therebetween in order to provide an adequate air space which facilitates improved ventilation and water drainage through to the internal air gap, while allowing a firm backing to which exterior siding, shingles or brick may be attached. The air gap spacer is advantageously manufactured in 4' x8' sheets of corrugated plastic, and, as such, will not rot. Application of the air gap spacer in 4' x 8' sheets involves less installation time, and, if necessary, a utility knife can be used to easily cut the air gap spacer sheet to size to fill in smaller areas.

Description

AIR GAP SPACER FOR USE IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
The present invention relates to an air gap spacer which is designed to be attached to an exterior surface of a building during construction, and, more specifically, as an air gap spacer to be applied between an exterior surFace of a building and the cladding or other exterior material being placed on the outer surface of the building, in order to provide a sufficient air space and facilitate improved water drainage and ventilation while allowing a firm backing to which exterior siding, shingles or brick may be attached.
In the construction industry, National Building Code requirements normally stipulate that a minimum air gap be provided between the exterior sheathing of a building being constructed and the exterior siding or brick being placed thereon. As an example, the National Building Code of Canada requires that the minimum air gap be 3/8 " or 10mm. This is because climate changes could result in the external siding, shingles or brick expanding or contracting in response to variations in temperature, which may compromise the exterior surface of the building. Siding manufacturers also generally specify that a minimum air gap be provided to ensure their product does not warp or buckle in ever changing conditions of temperature and humidity.
In the past, construction of an air space of this type was usually achieved using wood (1" x 3" or milled strips) pieces which would be attached to the wall at required spacing intervals. Utilizing such a method would create an air gap when
2 installed horizontally, but this limits air circulation and water drainage.
Further, the wooden strips can eventually rot, causing structural damage and risk of insect infestation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
There are numerous examples of prior art devices designed for use in the construction industry when it is necessary to achieve support and uniform spacing between adjacent lengths of materials, such as when applying siding or clapboard to the side of a house, or shingles to the roof of a house.
U.S. Patent No. 4,936,021 describes an adjustable support/spacer device for facilitating desired spacing between two adjacent surface members, such as siding and the exterior surface of a building under construction. The device described therein is self-clamping to the material, such as shingles or siding, being applied to the exterior surface of the building under construction. However, utilization of such a device is time-consuming, because to achieve the desired spacing necessitates continual manual adjustment of the device, and does not adequately provide for a spacer device which efficiently provides for improved ventilation and drainage characteristics.
Other types of prior art devices describe installing siding panels onto a support structure. U.S. Patent No. 3,236,932 describes elongated metal strips which are used for applying metallic siding panels to a building structure without the use of nails or other fasteners penetrating the siding panels. Thus, no holes are formed into
3 the siding panels. Each of the elongated metal strips has a central box portion with side flanges containing holes. The metal strips are fastened with nails or screws along the flanges to the support wall. The strips also have vertically spaced clips for engaging the upper and lower edges of the siding panels.
Another example of this type of prior art device is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,047,349, which teaches a sheet material attaching device for securing siding panels to a building. The attaching device is a longitudinal strip constructed from bendable sheet metal or plastic with support tabs which are integrally stamped-out segments of the strip. Preformed slots in the siding panel are engaged with the bendable support tabs which are then bent to secure the siding panel to the sheet material attaching device. However these types of devices do not provide for an air gap spacer meant to provide spacing between the exterior surface of a building under construction, and the materials being placed on the outer surface of the building, in order to provide an air space and facilitate water drainage to the internal air gap, while allowing a firm backing to which exterior siding, shingles or brick may be attached.
Accordingly, there is a need in the construction industry to provide a durable air gap spacer which requires less installation time to install and which facilitates improved air circulation and water drainage capabilities. The present invention satisfies this need and provides these benefits.
4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an air gap spacer having improved ventilation and drainage characteristics, as well as increased durability, and which is easily installed.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air gap spacer which can provide a firmer and more even backing over a wider area than conventional construction methods, with respect to the exterior shingles, siding or brick being applied thereon, over the exterior of the building.
According to one aspect of the present invention, an air gap spacer comprises a sheet material of substantially uniform thickness comprising a framework of interconnecting spacer members advantageously configured in a lattice-like pattern and having apertures therebetween, the sheet material being adapted for placement between a building construction sheathing material and an exterior cladding layer so as to provide an air gap therebetween, wherein the spacer members include internally formed passages or openings therein, so as to permit air circulation and water drainage from between the sheathing material and the exterior cladding layer.
In another aspect of the present invention an air gap spacer comprises a sheet material of substantially uniform thickness comprising a framework of interconnecting spacer members, the sheet material being adapted for placement between a building construction sheathing material and an exterior cladding layer so as to provide an air gap therebetween, wherein the spacer members include ventilation and drainage means formed therein, so as to permit air circulation and water drainage from between the sheathing material and the exterior cladding layer.
The air gap spacer of the present invention is advantageously formed with ventilation and drainage apertures or internal passages or openings therein so as to facilitate improved air circulation and water drainage. The ventilation and drainage apertures can, for example, be in the form of a depression or groove which is formed on an underside of the air gap spacer, particularly at the intersection of a pair of spacer members. If, for example, moisture or condensation water accumulates between the construction sheathing material and the exterior cladding layer, the apertures or internally formed passages or openings of the air gap spacer of the present invention permit the moisture or rain water to run along the air gap spacer, and away from the construction sheathing material, e.g. plywood or chipboard, and the exterior cladding layer, which may be e.g. aluminum or vinyl siding, shingles, brick, stone or stucco. The apertures or internally formed passages or openings then allow for water to pool thereon and drain within and out from below the air gap barrier formed therebetween.
The internally formed passages of the air gap spacer will normally comprise vertically oriented passages, but it is conceivable that the internally formed passages can also be formed in a diagonal orientation, or that some passages may be formed in a horizontal, or somewhat horizontal, orientation.

Preferably, the air gap spacer of the present invention is manufactured as 4' x 8' sheets of a corrugated recyclable plastic material, such as Coroplast T"" , and is preferably 3/8" (l0mm) thick, though it is possible to have different thicknesses of, for instance, from 10mm-20mm, and is designed to be attached to the cladding on an exterior wall of a building during construction. As it is preferably made of plastic, the product will not rot and saves on lumber. The manufacturing of the air gap spacer in 4' x 8' sheets also means less installation time is required to instaN and provide such an air gap, as compared to conventional construction methods, and facilitates improved air circulation and water drainage capabilities. The air gap spacer is normally to be installed in a vertically oriented manner, but it is conceivable that it can also be applied in a somewhat horizontal orientation.
If needed, a utility knife can quickly cut the air spacer sheet to size to fill smaller areas, as required, and to allow for window and door openings, eliminating "boxing in" the opening.
Preferably, the design of the air gap spacer in 4' x 8' sheets is in the form of a diamond pattern, effectively creating a lattice-like structure. Normally, utilizing such a diamond pattern configuration for the air gap spacer normally results in each 'diamond' in the sheet of plastic material having 4" x 6" dimensions. Since the minimum surface of shingles exposed to the elements is 4", this design provides a firmer and more even backing over a wider area than conventional construction methods, with respect to the exterior shingles, siding or brick being applied thereon, over the exterior of the building. However, it is conceivable that each 'diamond' in each diamond pattern within the sheet of plastic material may have 4" x 8"
dimensions, though in such an embodiment, it may be preferable to have an additional bridging portion stretching from side to side across the center of each individual diamond pattern, so as to provide additional stability and strength to the air gap spacer. It is also conceivable that the interconnected spacer elements can be manufactured in square, hexagonal and rectangular configurations, rather than strictly a diamond pattern. It is further conceivable that the air gap spacer of the present invention could be collapsible for storage purposes, wherein the framework of interconnecting spacer members comprising the air gap spacer can be folded upon itself.
The 4" x 6", or 4" x 8", dimensions for the diamond pattern result in 4 "diamonds" with a total horizontal width of 16", thereby facilitating nailing or screwing to the underlying studs of a sheathed wall. Similarly, two 8" wide "diamonds"
also result in a 16" width.
The air gap spacer can be secured to the exterior wall of the building being constructed, and the siding, shingles or brick positioned on the exterior surface of the building by way of securing means such as nails, screws or the like. As the spacer is made of plastic material, the securing means can be driven straight through the spacer to secure the spacer to the adjacent material, or, in an embodiment of the present invention, the air gap spacer can be formed having a plurality of mounting holes therein, so as to facilitate the securing means being placed therethrough.

Prior to siding, brick or shingle installation, a strip of insect screen, eg:
12 "
wide, is advantageously attached to the bottom of the sheathing, and then lapped over the bottom of the air gap spacer, so as to restrict bugs and insects from entering and nesting within the air barrier located between the exterior wall of the building being constructed, and the siding, shingles or brick to be positioned later on the exterior surface of the building. Alternatively, the bottom of the air gap spacer can be manufactured with a strip of screen attached thereto.
As described above, the present invention provides for an easily and rapidly installed air gap spacer that provides for improved ventilation and drainage characteristics, and that can provide a more firm and even backing over a wider area than conventional construction techniques, with respect to the exterior shingles, siding or brick being applied thereon, over the exterior of the building.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an uncut 4' x 8' sheet of the air gap spacer provided in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an air gap spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates drainage holes formed on a surface of the air gap spacer;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of the air gap spacer illustrated in FIG. 2, which illustrates an air gap spacer system according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the air gap spacer is provided with nail mounting holes, whereby the air gap spacer can be attached to an adjacent material; and FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an air gap spacer according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the air gap spacer provides for a plurality of drainage and ventilation openings which are formed therein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a large uncut 4' x 8' sheet of the air gap spacer 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the uncut sheet utilizes a diamond pattern configuration 2.
Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, whereby the air gap spacer of the present invention is formed with an indentation 3 on an underside thereon, so as to facilitate water drainage away from the exterior wall of the building and the siding, shingles or brick positioned on the exterior surface of the building, and to facilitate improved air circulation. The air gap spacer is formed of a corrugated plastic material 4, and the diamond pattern of the uncut sheet results in open areas 5 being formed within the uncut sheet. The open areas 5 within the uncut sheet reduces the total weight of the air gap spacer 1, making the air gap spacer easier to secure to adjacent surfaces, and permits improved water drainage and air circulation.
Referring to Figure 3, this figure illustrates the embodiment of the present invention introduced in Figure 2, wherein the air gap spacer is provided with nail mounting holes 7, whereby the air gap spacer can be secured to the exterior of a building.
Referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated another embodiment of the present invention, whereby the air gap spacer is formed of a corrugated plastic material having a first surface 9 which overlies, and is spaced in parallel relationship to, a second surface 11. Spacer elements 13 are positioned along the length of the air gap spacer, these being positioned at spaced intervals between the first 9 and second surfaces 11, whereby the spacer elements 13 are perpendicularly positioned in relation to the first 9 and second 11 surfaces. The spacer elements 13 create a plurality of openings 15 within the air gap spacer of the present invention, to provide for drainage and ventilation.
The foregoing are exemplary embodiments of the present invention and a person skilled in the art would appreciate that modifications to these embodiments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

CA002414055A 2002-12-12 2002-12-12 Air gap spacer for use in building construction Abandoned CA2414055A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002414055A CA2414055A1 (en) 2002-12-12 2002-12-12 Air gap spacer for use in building construction
CA002449772A CA2449772C (en) 2002-12-12 2003-11-18 Air gap spacer for use in building construction
US10/725,051 US20040112007A1 (en) 2002-12-12 2003-12-01 Air gap spacer for use in building construction

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002414055A CA2414055A1 (en) 2002-12-12 2002-12-12 Air gap spacer for use in building construction

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2414055A1 true CA2414055A1 (en) 2004-06-12

Family

ID=32477035

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002414055A Abandoned CA2414055A1 (en) 2002-12-12 2002-12-12 Air gap spacer for use in building construction

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20040112007A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2414055A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8572917B2 (en) * 2006-08-11 2013-11-05 Pactiv LLC Underlayment with improved drainage
US8490355B2 (en) 2010-08-24 2013-07-23 James Walker Ventilated structural panels and method of construction with ventilated structural panels
US8534018B2 (en) 2010-08-24 2013-09-17 James Walker Ventilated structural panels and method of construction with ventilated structural panels
US8615945B2 (en) 2010-08-24 2013-12-31 James Walker Ventilated structural panels and method of construction with ventilated structural panels
US9604428B2 (en) 2010-08-24 2017-03-28 James Walker Ventilated structural panels and method of construction with ventilated structural panels
US9091049B2 (en) 2010-08-24 2015-07-28 James Walker Ventilated structural panels and method of construction with ventilated structural panels
US9050766B2 (en) 2013-03-01 2015-06-09 James Walker Variations and methods of producing ventilated structural panels
US8919070B2 (en) 2012-08-30 2014-12-30 Technoform Holding GmbH Spacer for retaining cladding element on structural building element
US20140224420A1 (en) * 2013-02-13 2014-08-14 John Milner McCary Method and process to produce and attach air spacers
CA3108565A1 (en) * 2020-01-03 2021-07-03 Benjamin Obdyke Incorporated Openwork spacer for use within an exterior building structure
CN113513075A (en) * 2021-08-03 2021-10-19 佛山市房建集团有限公司 Dismantled and assembled archaize building structure

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US1537588A (en) * 1923-05-31 1925-05-12 Youngstown Pressed Steel Compa Expanded-metal lath
US3236932A (en) * 1963-02-19 1966-02-22 Daniel P Grigas Apparatus for applying metallic siding
US4047349A (en) * 1976-05-14 1977-09-13 Johns-Manville Corporation Sheet material attaching device and wall arrangement using this device
US4936021A (en) * 1989-06-02 1990-06-26 Frenette Eugene R Adjustable support/spacer device for the construction industry
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US5256007A (en) * 1991-06-21 1993-10-26 Robert Imhoff Ground support system
US5335423A (en) * 1992-09-08 1994-08-09 Mclaughlin Michael F Siding spacer and method
US5383314A (en) * 1993-07-19 1995-01-24 Laticrete International, Inc. Drainage and support mat
US6222492B1 (en) * 1994-05-09 2001-04-24 Optim Microwave, Inc. Dual coaxial feed for tracking antenna
US5692348A (en) * 1996-06-24 1997-12-02 Ambrosino; Michael Building water-draining spandrel
US5768844A (en) * 1996-12-16 1998-06-23 Norandex Building siding panels and assemblies
US6230468B1 (en) * 2000-02-02 2001-05-15 Hal Klaus Foundation waterproofing system
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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued