GB2188075A - Waterproof cladding - Google Patents

Abstract

A cladding system comprises vertical supports 32 and panels 10 mounted to the supports, which panels 10 are spaced from one another with no seals between them. Ingress of water to the building structure is substantially prevented by the panels 10 and the vertical supports 32 together with provision of designed voids between the panels and the building face. Panel flanges 10a and 10b are angled to the horizontal to shed water away from the main structure. Flanges 10b carries drainage holes 11. Panel flanges 10c are secured by screws or bolts 13 to angle members 28 and 30 fixed to the vertical supports 32. Hook-shaped brackets 48 fixed to the lower panel flanges engage over other angle members 28 and 30. The assembly is supported spaced from the existing building by angle section member 16, 18. Anti-drumming material 50 covers the internal face of each panel. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Building cladding This invention relates to cladding for existing building structures basically intended to enhance the life expectancy of buildings which have suffered early in their life from structural deterioration and other problems. The invention can also be applied to new building structures.

Over the past thirty or forty years many buildings have been erected, especially tall buildings, making use of novel building constructions, frequently devised with the intention of saving costs. However, a very high proportion of these buildings have deteriorated exceptionally rapidly for the most part because of poor design in the first instance often coupled with inferior workmanship resulting in buildings becoming expensive to maintain, and at best uncomfortable for the inhabitants. In extreme cases the structural faults have been so severe that there has been no option but to demolish such buildings, not infrequently long before the initial cost has been fully amortized.

Buildings which suffer a number of defects, but are not so inherently weak that they have to be demolished, can only be rendered acceptable to the inhabitants by very extensive and correspondingly costly repairs, and it has therefore been proposed in the recent past to overcome the problem by providing an external cladding which serves to protect the main building structure from the effects of weather.

Various forms of over-cladding have been proposed and a few put into practice, but the numerous problems have not been satisfactorily overcome and the objective of the present invention is broadly to meet certain essential criteria both initially and in the long term.

According to the present invention there is provided a cladding system for use with a building comprising vertical supports, and panels mounted to the supports which panels are spaced from one another with no seals between them, ingress of water to the existing building structure being substantially prevented by the panels and the vertical supports together with the provision of designed voids between the panels and the building face.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a cladding system for use with a building, the system comprising a plurality of sheet-like panels, continuous elongate vertical structural support members extending over the whole height of the building, and secured at intervals to the building structure, and means mounting the panels to the support members with freedom for expansion and contraction in orthogonal directions, adjacent panels being spaced from one another with no sealing means between them.

A building cladding system embodying the invention will now be described, by way of exampie only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevation showing, in outline, one cladding panel and, again in outline, the fixings employed to mount the panel on support means; Figure 2 is a horizontal section illustrating details of the cladding system; Figure 3 is a section in a vertical plane on the line 3-3 of Figure 2 illustrating details (a) and (b) of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a section on a line 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a section on the line 55 of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a vertical section, with a central portion omitted, showing details of a window head and a window sill incorporated in the cladding system; and Figure 7 is a horizontal section illustrating the incorporation of a window jamb in the cladding system.

Before considerina the drawings in detail, the various criteria which need to be observed in developing a satisfactory cladding system are considered to be as follows: (a) The system must be as free as possible from the need for regular maintenance; (b) A durability of at least thirty years; (c) Flexibility in design so as to accommodate macro and detail dimensional variations of the existing building structure; (d) A frame or support structure of the cladding system should require fixing at least at floor levels but preferably at other points additionally; (e) The total weight of the cladding system must not exceed the load bearing capacity of the building structure or its foundations; (f) At certain geographical locations resistance to vandalism is essential;; (g) Thermal movement of the building structure and thermal movement of the cladding must not be intercommunicated to the detriment of either structure; (h) The external appearance and the structural integrity must meet the requirements of the local Planning and By-Law Authorities; (j) The installation of the cladding should result in minimum disturbance to the occupants, where appropriate.

The cladding system hereinafter described as the preferred embodiment is believed to meet satisfactorily all the criteria referred to above, and tests already carried out under laboratory conditions have confirmed that the criteria will be met.

Referring nowto Figure 1 atypical panel 10 extends between two floor levels 12, 14 and pairs of angle section members 16, 18 are secured to the existing structure 20 by bolts inserted through holes 22 (broken lines) only at the floor levels 12, 14 indicated in broken lines in Figure 1.The panels 10 are secured by assemblies 24, 26 indicated at detail (a) and intermediate the floor levels as indicated at detail (b) and will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to Figure 3.

Reference will now be made to these details in relation to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. The angle section members 16, 18 are unequal angles, extend vertically and are spaced from one another at their shorter limbs 16a, 1 8a by an amount sufficient to accommodate two further, but equal angle, angle section members 28,30, and a spacer in the form of a channel section member 32 the free edges of the limbs 32a, 32b of which are contiguous with the outer surfaces of one limb 28a, 30a of each of the equal angle section members. The channel member is continuous or at least effectively continuous over the whole height of the existing building and opposed faces of the other limb 28b, 30b of each of the equal angle section members 28,30 are welded at 34,36.As is apparent from Figure 2 the two pairs of angle section members are bolted together by bolts (not shown) passing through holes 38,40 (broken lines) and, together with the channel section member 32, which faces outwardly, an internal space 42 is defined which will accommodate a layer of rockwool or other insulation 44 which is secured to the facing of the existing building 20. As is apparent from Figure 3 the angle section members 16,18 have only a very limited vertical extent to avoid excessive weight loading on the existing structure.

Each panel 10 has upper and lower flanges 10a, 1 0b which, as is apparent in Figure 3 are not perpendicular to the main plane ofthe panel but are angled so as to discourage rainwater from flowing towards the main structure of the building but to encourage itto flow down the outside of the corresponding panel or the one below. The lower flanges 10b have drainage holes 11 at intervals along their lengths. Again as indicated in Figure 3 each panel has an additional vertically extending flange 10c lying parallel to the main portion of the panel and at the upper edge this additional flange 1 0c serves for positively securing by screws or bolts 13 the panel to the outer limbs 28a, 30a of the equal angle members 28,30.The lower edge flange lOb of each panel is secured by rivets or other appropriate securing means indicated at 46 to a bracket 48 having a lower flange 48a configured to correspond to the lower flange 1 Ob of each panel, a vertical portion 48b extending to the upper edge 28c or 30c of the associated equal angled channel member 28, 30, a transverse, horizontal portion 48c engaging the upper edge 28c or 30c and a vertically, downwardlyextending, portion 48d engaging that face of the equal angle limb 28a or30a extending substantially parallel to the main building and facing it. It will be readily apparent from Figure 3 that the bracket 48 is only secured to the panel 10 at the flange 10b and it is not positively secured to the associated angle member.There is, however, no possibility that a panel could be blown off even under extreme wind conditions because the corresponding upper flange is permanently secured and the portion 48d will resist any generally horizontal forces seeking to detach the panel. The arrangement of the bracket ensures, however, that no constraints will be imposed on the panel as a result of thermal expansion and contraction in orthogonal directions to the obvious detriment of the appearance and the longevity of the panels.

The internal face of each panel is provided with a layer of anti-drumming material 50 the edges of which are spaced from the upper and lower flanges 10a, Ob by a mastic 52 or other non-setting material to accommodate movement between the material 50 and the material of the panel. This antidrumming material is preferably adhered to the panel 10 so as to minimize the generation of vibrations in the panel which could give rise to sound and will have an appropriate stiffness.

As shown in Figure 2 two adjacent panels do not contact one another vertically, typical tolerance space being of the order of 15 to 25 mm. This space ensures that whatever the climatic conditions expansions and contractions can take place without actual contact of the panels. The manner of fixing of detail (a) again provides no constraint in the horizontal, as in the vertical direction. It will also be apparent that the cladding does not rely upon mastic seals or indeed any form of seal which is liable to deterioration and, because the fixings are only intermittent, the faces of the panels directed towards the building are subject to air flows so that there is no possibility of interstitial damp. However, the possibility is provided of additional insulation without the latter acting as a moisture absorbent.

The continuous channel 32 prevents rain water penetration vertically and the flanges 1 Oa, Ob and 10c prevent rain penetration horizontally.

In addition to the main mountings as shown in detail Athe panels may be mounted to the vertical channels 32 at intermediate locations as shown in detail B (Figures 3,4 and 5). These mountings comprise a pair of plates 56 which are secured to the limbs 32a, 32b of the channel 32 by bolts or rivets (not shown) accommodated in holes 58, each plate having an open slot 59. Each slot 59 receives a pin 60 of rectangular section and having a wedge profile together with a plate like square head 62. The head 62 is riveted or otherwise secured to a vertical flange 1 Od of a panel 10. During assembly the panels can be located by the pins 60 and slots in the plates 56 prior to securing at the upper flanges 10c. At this time the brackets 48 will also provide support.When finally assembled the upper flanges 10c and associated screws or bolts 13 act primarily as a restraint against horizontal forces and need provide only minimal resistance for the self-weight of the panels.

It is a very important aspect of a cladding system that it should be adaptable to specific features of an existing building without any risk that the criteria referred to above are not fully met. Because buildings are inevitably widely divergent in their characteristics it is not possible to illustrate all possible variations and Figures 6 and 7 only illustrate a typical construction at a window opening. Like parts are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 5.

An existing or replacement window assembly 70 is shown as being of a sliding type but, obviously, the specific type of window is irrelevant whilst the details of the interreiationship with the overcladding can readily be adapted to other specific types of window assemblies. Referring first to Figure 6, an upper cladding panel 10 is secured at its bottom flange 1 Ob by the bracket 48 to an upstanding limb 72a of an equal angle member 72, the other limb 72b of which extends horizontally and is bolted or otherwise secured to one limb 74b of a further equal angle member 74 which is itself secured at its other limb 74a by a bolt to a member 76 forming part of the main structure of the building.

A compressible sealing strip 78 is provided between the vertical limb 74a of the equal angle member 74 and this extends over an inclined portion of a shaped head section or lintel 80 of the window surround. The compressible sealing strip is separated from the vertical limb 74a of the secondmentioned equal angle member 74 by one portion 82 of a continuous head drip member 84 which also includes an inclined portion 86 and a lower vertical flange 88 which extends into a shaped channel section 92 of a specially-shaped cladding panel 90.

The latter includes a vertical upper flange 90a engaged between the bracket 48 and the vertical limb 72a of the first-mentioned equal angle member 72, an inclined portion 90b, a vertical portion 90c extending to a line which will avoid risk of unduly obscuring the view from the associated window. A horizontal portion 90d with drain holes 90e forms the bottom of the channel 92 which receives the vertical flange 88 of the head drip member 84, the other portion of the channel being defined by a further inclined portion 90f being defined by a further inclined portion 90f which leads to an inclined portion 90g extending to a final shallow flange 90h engaged behind a portion 94 of the associated window frame assembly 70.

Immediately adjacent the shallow flange 90h is an edge 94 of a channel section member 96 with unequal limbs 96a, 96b and this member is reinforced by fixing brackets 98 (broken lines) secured both to the window assembly and to the surround 80 making use, if necessary, of shims 100 (broken lines) to take up any slack in the dimension.

The shorter limb 96b engages against the shaped head section through a sealing member or strip 102 with mastic pointing 104.

At the lower edge of the window assembly there is a corresponding unequal channel section member 96 and bracket 98 together with mastic 104 and seal 102. A panel 110 extends below the window opening and in this instance there is an upper relatively shallow flange 11 Oa engage behind a portion 112 of the window frame, an inclined portion 110b leading to the outer overall surface of the cladding system, a vertical flange 110c lying in the plane of the main cladding and a final horizontal flange 11 0d directed towards the main structure of the building. The flange 11 Od is engaged by a horizontal flange 48e of a bracket 48 otherwise similar to the upper corresponding bracket but is not secured thereto to avoid constraint during expansions and contractions.The bracket 48 engages over the upper edge 28c of one limb of an angle member 28 similar to the angle section arrangement used for general cladding of the building face. In the drawing a lower, inverted, channel section member 112 is illustrated but this does not form part of an actual construction, the member forming part of the structure of a test rig.

The original window sill 114 of the building lies immediately below the lower one of the unequal limbed channel section members 96. Other parts essentially associated with the test rig are illustrated but will not be described.

Turning now to Figure 7, the window frame assembly 70 is directly surrounded by a pressed metal channel section member 96 with unequal limbs which abuts a jamb member 120 of the frame which is itself supported by vertical members 122, 124 which form part of the building and serve to support two angle members 126, 128, one of them 126 being an equal angle the other an unequal angle 128.

Unlike the general arrangement as illustrated in Figure 2, the iast mentioned angle section members are secured on corresponding faces of limbs 126a and 1 28a and not opposed faces to two further angle section members 28,30 with their limbs 28a, 30a extending parallel to the main structure but in opposite directions. As in the general cladding arrangement of Figures 1 to 5 a continuous vertical channel member 32 is welded between limbs 28b and 30b.

The vertical cladding panel member 120 has a flange 120a which lies inwardly of a flange 122 of the window frame assembly 70, a portion 120b inclined to the plane of the main building and of the window, a further portion 120c lying parallel to the main plane of the face of the building, and a flange 120d at right angles to the latter and directed towards it. The portion 1 20c of the cladding member lying parallel to the plane of the main building carries a bracket 48 similar to the bracket illustrated in Figure 3 and engages over the upper edge 28c of the second mentioned angle member 28. The manner of mounting is exactly the same as in arrangements of Figures 1 to 5. It will be noted that there is a space between vertical flange 120d and flange 10d of the adjacent panel 10.

It will be apparent that no seals are provided between adjacent panels and that the space between the inner faces of the panels, are open to atmosphere so that there will always be air circulation and hence no risk that any moisture on the face of the basic building can penetrate and thus cause internal dampness.

Claims (12)

1. A cladding system for use with a building comprising vertical supports and panels mounted to the supports, the panels being spaced from one another and having no seals between adjacent panels, ingress of water to the building being substantially prevented by the panels and by the vertical supports together with the provision of designed voids between the inner faces of the panels and the outer face of the building.

2. A cladding system for use with a building, the system comprising a plurality of sheet-like panels, at least substantially continuous elongate vertical support members extending at least substantially over the whole height of the building and secured at invervals to the building, and means mounting the panels to the support members with freedom for expansion and contraction in orthogonal directions, adjacent panels being spaced from one another with no sealing means between them, ingress of water to the building face being substantially prevented by the panels and by the support members together with the provision of designed voids between the inner faces of the panels and the outer face of the building.

3. A cladding system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the vertical supports or vertical support members comprise channel section members with the opening of a channel directed outwardly and spanning the space between adjacent vertical edges of corresponding panels.

4. A cladding system according to claim 3 wherein the channel section members are secured to angle section members with one limb thereof having one face parallel to the plane of the corresponding panel, said face also being contiguous with the free edges of the channel section member.

5. A cladding system according to claim 4 wherein the channel section members have the other limb thereof extending perpendicularly to the planes of the panels and wherein said other limbs are secured to further pairs of angle section members which are secured to the face of the corresponding building.

6. A cladding system according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the panel associated with each of the first mentioned angle section members is mounted thereon buy a bracketwhich engages the limb of the angle section member lying parallel to the plane of the corresponding panel.

7. A cladding system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each panel has on its face directed towards the building a layer of antidrumming material.

8. A cladding system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each panel has edge flanges, vertical flanges being substantially normal to the plane of the panel itself whereas horizontal flanges are inclined from a normal relationship to that plane in such a manner that when assembled any water tends to run towards the outer plane face of that panel.

9. A cladding system according to claim 8 wherein the upper substantially horizontal flange is extended by a vertical flange, and this vertical flange is positively secured to a part of the vertical support or vertical support members.

10. A cladding system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising support means for each panel intermediate the upper and lower edges of that panel and secured in the vertical support or vertical support members.

11. A cladding system according to claim 10 wherein the intermediate support members comprise a pair of plates secured to the vertical support members and each having a slot receiving a pin having a head thereof secured to a vertical flange of the corresponding panel.

12. A cladding system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.