GB2533420A

GB2533420A - Exterior anti-cold bridge architectural profiles

Info

Publication number: GB2533420A
Application number: GB1422815.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Jones Graham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-19
Publication date: 2016-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-19
Also published as: GB2533420B

Abstract

An insulating product for providing insulation around the peripheral edge of a window or door positioned in a structure. The insulating product comprises a body 0 and a core 1 coated in an elastomeric material 2. A first abutment surface 4a for abutting a window or door reveal and a second abutment surface 4b for abutting an outer wall of the structure are provided. The core may comprise foam, such as expanded polystyrene. The coating may include polyurea, epoxy or polyurethane-polyurea hybrid, and may also include a particulate material adhered to the elastomeric material. The insulating product may be L-shaped. Also claimed is a method of installing the insulating product. The present invention enables a reduction in cold bridging on buildings using profiles that may be decorative surrounds (Fig. 3 and 4).

Description

-I-

EXTERIOR ANTI-COLD BRIDGE ARCHITECTURAL PROFILES

The invention relates to reducing cold bridging on buildings using profiles that may be architecturally designed.

Over the years some construction methods and materials have changed but some methods and materials have been continued as standard practice. Some of these methods have caused inherent problems that have now been realised and understood.

Recently there has been a need to scrutinise building construction to assess the insulating ability of all aspects of the construction and identify areas in need of attention. One of the major areas not fully understood in the past is cold bridging (thermal bridging). Cold bridging is often talked about as a major concern for anyone who has an interest in making their property more energy efficient. Cold bridging occurs when you have a relatively small area of heat loss envelope exposed to thermal loss through poorly insulated areas of the construction particularly around the periphery of windows and doors. An added problem with cold bridging is that it can cause a focal point for condensation, leading to surface water and mould growth causing deterioration of the paintwork.

In the openings in the building structure cold bridging is caused because the window or door is normally connected to a construction element such as the outer brick or block, or a construction clement that is connected outside. This is standard practise and is still seen as the normal position to install these elements. Thus millions of properties in the UK have had no measures to prevent this occurrence even when new windows have been installed or buildings constructed with cavity wall insulation. Efforts have been made over the last ten years in modern construction to reduce the effects of this by installing "cavity closers". These are usually a combination of insulation and plastic designed to fit into the edge of the cavity on the inside of the window. This does give some protection however these are ineffective where steel lintels are installed. The nature of their installation and design makes them difficult or impossible to install in the older stock of existing houses pre 1970s.

In the UK the effects of cold bridging have been included in the SAP calculations of new and old buildings. This is calculated as the w value or (Psi Value) in the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation, which is the methodology used by the UK Government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of dwellings. The purpose is to provide accurate and reliable assessments of dwelling energy performances that are needed to underpin energy and environmental policy initiatives. The present invention provides a simple and effective means of reducing the effect of cold bridging.

According to the present invention there is an insulating product for providing insulation around the peripheral edge of a window or door positioned in a structure, the insulating product comprising the body having a core coated in an elastomeric material, a first abutment surface for abutting a window or door reveal and a second abutment surface for abutting an outer wall of the structure.

Such an insulating product effectively encompasses the external area in a structure responsible for producing the direct path of a cold bridge significantly improving the insulation properties of the structure.

The core preferably comprises a foam material. The foam material may comprise, for example, expanded polystyrene, polyurethane foam, or blown polyethylene foam. Expanded polystyrene is typically utilised due to the low cost and ease of accessibility.

The coating beneficially includes polyurea, epoxy or polyurethane polyurea hybrid. Such 25 materials arc extremely resistant to the environment, are flexible and adhere extremely well to the core material.

The coating beneficially includes a particulate material adhered to the elastomeric material. The particulate material forms the outer surface of the insulating product and provides the 30 surface finish that is visible. The particulate coating is preferably a natural mineral coating.

The first and second abutment surfaces are preferably substantially planar and are preferably not in the same plane. The first and second abutment surfaces are beneficially substantially perpendicular to each other. The body preferably comprises a substantially "L" shaped profile portion defined by the first and second abutment surfaces. Such a profile fits a significant number of window or door reveals whereby the surface of the window or door reveal is substantially perpendicular to the wall of the structure meaning that the insulating product seats in communication with the window or door reveal and the wall of the structure.

The body preferably comprises a first body portion carrying the first abutment surface and a second body portion carrying the second abutment surface, wherein the first body portion is a protrusion extending from the second body portion.

The body preferably comprises a third abutment surface provided for abutting a window or 15 door frame. The third abutment surface beneficially extends from the first abutment surface.

The insulating product is beneficially elongate and has a longitudinal length. The insulating product beneficially has a substantially constant profile along the longitudinal length. The insulating product is beneficially cut to length prior to installation to fit the appropriate window or door reveal size. The longitudinal length of the first abutment surface is preferably less than the longitudinal length of the second abutment surface.

The present invention also extends to a method of installing an insulating product for 25 providing insulation around a peripheral edge of a door or window positioned in a structure, the insulating product comprising a body having a core coated in an elastomeric material and comprising a first abutment surface, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the fu-st abutment surface to abut a window or door reveal; positioning the second abutment surface to abut an outer wall of the structure.

The method preferably further comprises the further step of applying an adhesive to the first and second abutment surfaces.

The method preferably further comprises a step of cutting the insulating product to a selected length. The length approximately matches the length of the window or door reveal and beneficially extends beyond the edge of the window or door reveal in order to ensure effective insulation properties and also to provide a neat finish. It is unnecessary for any cutting into the structure itself. Rather, a section may be cut from the first abutment surface meaning that the second abutment surface projects beyond the end point of the door or window reveal. Accordingly, the body of the insulating product preferably further comprises a third abutment surface, and the method comprises the step of positioning the third abutment surface to abut against a window or door frame. The method further preferably comprises the step of applying elastomeric material to the cut surface to ensure coverage of the product and achieve longevity. The elastomeric material preferably matches that of the coating.

It will he appreciated that as described herein the term door or window reveal has been used. The door or window reveal is part of the side of a window or door opening that is between the outer surface of a wall and the window or door frame.

Accordingly the present invention in one aspect introduces an exterior retrofit product profile with a core constructed of polystyrene (EPS) insulation designed to wrap around the exterior reveal of a window or door opening providing an insulating barrier encompassing the external area responsible for producing the direct path of the cold bridge.

The retrofit design enables it to be simply adhered to any surface effected by cold bridging lowering the w value. The invention relates to exterior lightweight insulating mineral coated architectural decorative profiles, producing retrofit insulated window surrounds sills and decorative cornerstones and facades that mimic stone that can he produced in an infinite number of styles and designs.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross section of an insulated product produced in the shape of a typical window sill according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross section of another insulated product produced in the shape of a typical window sill according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a cross section of an insulated product produced in the shape of a typical architecturally decorative window/door surround according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of another insulated product produced in the shape of a typical architecturally decorative window/door surround according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window sill product positioned horizontally in the window still depicted in a modern insulated cavity block construction post UK 1970s according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window sill product positioned horizontally in the window sill depicted in a non-insulated cavity brick construction pre 1980s according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window sill product positioned horizontally in the window sill depicted in a modern insulated cavity timber frame construction post UK 1990s according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window sill product positioned horizontally in the window sill depicted in a non-insulated solid stone construction pre UK 1920s according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window sill product positioned horizontally in the window sill depicted in a non-insulated solid nine inch brick construction pre UK 1060s according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window/door surround product positioned horizontally in the window head depicted in a non-insulated cavity brick construction pre UK 1980s according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window/door surround profile positioned horizontally in the window head depicted in a modern insulated cavity block construction post UK 1980s.

Figure 12 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window/door surround product positioned vertically in the window side depicted in a non-insulated cavity brick construction pre UK 1980s according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 shows a cross section of a typical insulated window/door product positioned vertically in the window side depicted in a non-insulated solid nine inch brick construction pre UK 1960s.

Figure 14 shows an insulated product produced in the shape of a typical corner stone design according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 shows a cross section of a typical corner stone product positioned vertically on the corner of a building, depicted in a non-insulated solid nine inch brick construction pre UK 1960s according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 shows a visual depiction of the thermal loss created by a computer program designed to produce SAP calculations, this calculation is based on the input of materials given in the drawing element to the left with standard sill.

Figure 17 shows a visual depiction of the thermal loss created by a computer program designed to produce SAP calculations, this calculation is based on the input of materials given in the drawing element to the left with sill profile 0.

Figure 18 shows a visual depiction of the thermal loss created by a computer program designed to produce SAP calculations, this calculation is based on the input of materials given in the drawing element to the left with standard sill.

Figure 19 shows a visual depiction of the thermal loss created by a computer program designed to produce SAP calculations, this calculation is based on the input of materials given in the drawing element to the left with sill profile 0.

Figure 20(a) to 20(j) show preparation and assembly steps according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In figure 1, the product profile or body 0 is produced in the shape of a typical window sill, the core of the body 0 is made from a solid polystyrene foam block cut with a hot wire machine to produce the core 1. This insulating core provides the thermal resistance of the invention. The sill profile 0 has a cut side with an L shape 4 that provides two abutment surfaces 4(a), 4(b) for attaching the profile 0 to the building opening. The protrusion 4(c) forms part of the body 0. The protrusion 4(c) forms a first body portion, and the remainder forms a second body portion 4(d). A third abutment surface 4e is provided substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface 4(a). The protrusion 4(c) is designed to locate in the window reveal and can be manufactured or trimmed to suit any reveal depth, the shape of the preferably polystyrene core 0 is cut to pre-determined standard lengths of any size up to 4m, the polystyrene is encapsulated with a fast-curing elastomeric polyurea material using spray techniques whereby a homogeneous, non-porous, and monolithic coating is formed this coating of between 1min and 2mm provides extreme durability, strength and waterproofing, this coating can be left as a finish texture if required, if not a further textured finish coat 3 is applied in which the finish coating is produced to mimic natural traditional stone, natural granular minerals at various particle sizes are set into an epoxy resin giving the effect of natural window sills, surrounds and features. The mineral coating can also be supplied painted or painted after installation if required.

In figure 2, the profile or body Oa is produced in the shape of an alternative embodiment of a typical windowsill, the core of the body 0 is made from solid polystyrene foam block cut with a hot wire machine to produce the core 1 of the insulator, this insulation provides the thermal resistance of the invention, the sill profile Oa has a cut side with an L shape 4 that provide two areas for attaching the profile Oa to the building opening, the top protrusion 4 is designed to locate in the window reveal and can be manufactured to trimmed to suit any reveal depth, the shape of the polystyrene core 1 is cut to pre-determined standard lengths of any size up to 4m, the polystyrene is encapsulated with a fast-curing elastomeric polyurea material using spray techniques whereby a homogeneous, non-porous and monolithic coating is formed this coating of between 1mm and 2mm provides extreme durability, strength and waterproofing, this coating can be left as a finish texture if required, if not a further textured finish coat 3 is applied in which the finish coating is produced to mimic natural traditional stone, natural granular minerals at various particle sizes are set into an epoxy resin giving the effect of natural window sills, surrounds and features. The mineral coating can also be supplied painted or painted after installation if required.

In figure 3, the profile of body Oh is produced in the shape of another alternative embodiment of a typical window surround, the core of the body 0 is made from a solid polystyrene foam block cut with a hot wire machine to produce the core 1 the insulator, this insulation core provides the thermal resistance of the invention, the surround profile Ob has a cut side in an L shape 4 that provide two areas for attaching the profile to the building opening the top protrusion 4 is designed to locate in the window reveal and can be manufactured or trimmed to suit any reveal depth, the shape of the polystyrene core 1 is cut to pre-determined standard lengths of any size up to 4m, the polystyrene is encapsulated with a fast-curing clastomeric polyurca material using spray techniques whereby a homogeneous, non-porous, and monolithic coating is formed this coating of between lmm and 2mm provides extreme durability, strength and waterproofing, this coating can he left as a finish texture if required, if not a further textured finish coat 3 is applied in which the finish coating is produced to mimic natural traditional stone, natural granular minerals at various particle sizes are set into an epoxy resin giving the effect of natural window sills, surrounds and features. The mineral coating can also be supplied painted or painted after installation if required.

In figure 4 the profile or body Oc is produced in the shape of another alternative embodiment of a typical window surround, the core of the body l is made from a solid polystyrene foam block cut with a hot wire machine to produce the core 1 the insulator, this insulation core provides the thermal resistance of the invention, the surround profile Oc has a cut side in an L shape 4 that provide two areas for attaching the profile to the building opening the top protrusion 4 is designed to locate in the window reveal and can be manufactured or trimmed to suit any reveal depth, the shape of the polystyrene core 1 is cut to pre-determined standard lengths of any size up to 4m, the polystyrene is encapsulated with a fast-curing elastomeric polyurea material using spray techniques whereby a homogeneous, non-porous, and monolithic coating is formed this coating of between 1mm and 2mm provides extreme durability, strength and waterproofing, this coating can be left as a finish texture if required, if not a further textured finish coat 3 is applied in which the finish coating is produced to mimic natural traditional stone, natural granular minerals at various particle sizes are set into an epoxy resin giving the effect of natural window sills, surrounds and features. The mineral coating can also be supplied or painted after installation if required.

In figure 5 shows the sill profile or body 0 typically installed in a cross section of a modern concrete block cavity construction consisting of: concrete blocks 9, a cavity 15, cavity insulation 10, outside render 11, inside plaster 13, inner window still 14, cavity closer 21 and an insulated PVC window unit 8. The profile 0 is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile 0 is simply glued over the existing building element using a wat4erproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is sealed with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 6 shows the still profile or body 0 typically installed in a cross section of a brick cavity construction pre 1980s consisting of: bricks 9, a cavity 15, inside plaster 13, the inner window sill 14, and an insulated PVC window unit 8. The profile 0 is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile 0 is simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is sealed with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of old bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area gently reducing its effects.

In figure 7 shows the sill profile or body 0 typically installed in a cross section of a modern timber frame and brick construction post 1990s consisting of: timber frame inner leaf 25, a cavity 15, cavity insulation 10, inside plaster 13, inner window sill 14, cavity closer 21 and an insulated PVC window unit 8. The profile 0 is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile 0 is simply glued over the existing building clement using a waterproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is sealed with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 8 shows the sill profile or body Oa typically installed in a cross section of a solid stone construction 24 pre 1980s consisting of: stone wall 24, inside plaster 13, inner window sill 14, and an insulated PVC window unit 8. An old existing window sill 23 is cut back to facilitate the attachment of the new sill profile Oa. The profile Oa is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile Oa is simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is scaled with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 9 shows the sill profile or body 0 typically installed in a cross section of a solid brick construction pre n1980s consisting of: solid brick wall 12, inside plaster 13, outside render 11, inner window sill 14, and an insulated PVC window unit 8. An old existing window sill 23 is cut back to facilitate the attachment of the new sill profile 0. The profile 0 is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile 0 is simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6t, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is sealed with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 10 shows the window/door surround profile Oc typically installed in a cross section of a modern concrete block cavity construction head of the window consisting of: concrete blocks 9, a cavity 15, cavity insulation 10, steel lintel 17, outside render 11, inside plaster 13, inner window sill 14, interior window header 18 and an insulated PVC window unit 8. The profile Oc is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile Oc is simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is sealed with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 11 shows the window/door profile or body Oh typically installed in a cross section of a brick cavity construction head of the window pre 1980s consisting of: bricks 9, a cavity 15, inner concrete lintel 19, outer steel angle lintel 20, inside plaster 13, inner window sill 14, interior window header and an insulated PVC window unit 8. The profile Oh is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile Oh is simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is sealed with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 12 shows the window/door profile or body Oh typically installed in a cross section of a brick cavity construction side of the window pre 1980s consisting of: bricks 9, a cavity 15, internal window reveal, inside plaster 13, inner window sill 14, interior window header and an insulated PVC window unit 8. The profile Ob is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile Oh is simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is scaled with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 13 shows the window/door profile or body Oc typically installed in a cross section of a solid brick construction side of the window pre 1960s consisting of: bricks 9, internal window reveal 22, and outer plaster 11, inside plaster 13, inner window sill 14, and an insulated P VC window unit 8. The profile Oc is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile Oc is simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior SPR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction and the window casement is sealed with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 14, the profile or body Od is produced in the shape of another alternative embodiment of a typical cornerstone, the core of the body lis made from a solid polystyrene foam block cut with a hot wire machine to produce the core 1 the insulator, this insulation core provides the thermal resistance of the invention, the cornerstone profile 0 has a cut side with an L shape 4 that provide 2 areas for attaching the profile Od to the building corner, the shape of the polystyrene core 1 is cut to pre-determined standard sizes to match existing cornerstone designs, the polystyrene core 1 is encapsulated with a fast-curing elastomeric polyurea material 2 using spray techniques whereby a homogeneous, non-porous, and monolithic coating is formed this coating of between 1mm and 2mm provides extreme durability strength and waterproofing, this coating 2 can he left as a finish texture if required, if not a further textured finish coat 3 is applied in which the finish coating is produced to mimic natural traditional stone, natural granular minerals at various particle sizes are set into an epoxy resin giving the effect of natural window sills, surrounds and features. The mineral coating can also he supplied painted or painted after installation if required.

In figure 15 shows the cornerstone profile or body Od typically installed in a cross section of a solid brick construction comer of the building pre 1960s consisting of: bricks 12, outer plaster 11, inside plaster 13. The profile Od is attached to the construction using no mechanical fixings, the profile Od is simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior SPTR grip adhesive 6, the periphery of the profile where it meets the construction is sealed with exterior colour match water proof mastic 5. The arrow 16 shows the area exposed to the effects of cold bridging the invention is designed to wrap around this area greatly reducing its effects.

In figure 16 shows a typical modern cavity wall construction similar to figure 5 with full filled insulation to the cavity, a granite sill has been built into the construction in a traditional manner. A calculation has been made by way of computer program to evaluate the W value for this detail. The W value is 0.1495 W/mK.

In figure 17 shows a typical modern cavity wall construction seen in figure 5 with full filled insulation to the cavity, window sill profile or body 0 has been retrofitted to the construction. A calculation has been made by way of computer program to evaluate the w value for this detail. The w value for this detail is 0.0245 W/mK. The use of the invention shows a 344% increase in the thermal efficiency for this modern construction.

In figure 18 shows a typical older cavity wall construction similar to figure 6 with no insulation to the cavity, a granite sill has been built into the construction in a traditional manner. A calculation has been made by way of computer program to evaluate the w value 15 for this detail. Calculated w value for this detail 0.1705 W/mK.

In figure 19 shows a typical older cavity wall construction seen in figure 6 with no insulation to the cavity, a window sill profile 0 has been retrofitted to the construction. A calculation has been made by way of computer program to evaluate the w value for this detail. Calculated w for this detail 0.0495 W/mK. The use of the invention shows a 610% increase in the thermal efficiency for this older construction.

Referring now to figures 20(a) to (j), preparation and installation steps of the product according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are identified. Referring to figure 20(a) the window or door opening from wall to wall at the base is measured and recorded. This measurement is identified by reference 100. Referring to figure 20(b) in plan view the depth of the window or door reveal 102 is measured and recorded. The window is identified by reference 101, the inside window sill 105 and the exterior window reveal 103. Referring to figure 20(c), measurement 104 is taken. This is important in the event that decorative trim is being provided around the entire peripheral edge of the opening in the structure as for aesthetic purposes it is beneficial to ensure that the insulating product positioned on the sill extends sufficiently far beyond the edge of the opening to match the reveal trim.

The product is then prepared by adding the measurement of the opening 100 plus the measurement of the width of the trim 104 twice and this is marked on the product. It is beneficial to use a powered mitre saw big enough to cut the sill. The total length of the product comprising measurement 100 plus two lots of measurement 104 is identified by 106. The product is then cut. The length of the second body portion 4(d) which is effectively the sill profile is now in its final form.

The first body portion 4(c) comprising the protrusion is then cut to correspond to the depth measured at 102. Referring to figure 20(f), the measurement 104 is then utilised and measured inwardly from each end of the protrusion 4(c) following which a notch 108 is cut from the protrusion 4(c) such that the protrusion 4(c) measures the length of the window opening 100. The second body portion 4(c) projects beyond the length of the window opening and thus the notch 108 is required in order to ensure fitting.

Referring to figure 20(g), any part of the body that has been cut is refinished with a finishing kit comprising an elastomeric material, preferably of epoxy resin which is mixed, 20 painted onto the exposed surfaces of the body 0 as presented in figure 20(h) and covered with the required covering such as, for example, textured stone.

As present in figure 20(i), an adhesive 110 is applied to the first and second abutment surfaces 4(a), 4(h) and is positioned into the window opening as presented in figure 20(j). 25 As presented in figure 20(j), this window has been presented with a reveal trim 112 to provide a complete aesthetic appearance.

The present invention is an insulating decorative external retrofit profile designed to attach to a building envelope around window or door reveals providing insulation externally to 30 reduce the effect of cold bridging.

The profile has in one embodiment an elongate foam core of hot wire cut resilient expanded polystyrene foam solid, coated with a waterproof base of hot spray polyurca giving extreme durability and weather protection reducing the possibility of deterioration and improving the product longevity.

The finish coating is produced to mimic natural traditional stone, natural granular minerals at various particle sizes are set into an epoxy resin giving the effect of natural window sills, surrounds and features. The mineral coating can also be supplied painted or painted after installation if required.

The retrofit profile window sills, door/window surrounds, and facades can be supplied made to measure or can he uniquely supplied in DIY form of standard lengths to enable the purchaser to cut and fit on site using standard carpentry tools removing the expanse of made to measure masonry or manufactured systems.

The core of the insulating product heats up absorbing the energy from the sun storing it in the insulation core, this is slowly released during the low solar activity adding to the insulation value giving further reductions in cold bridging for a limited period.

Waterproof mineral/colour match finishing fast cure repair kits are supplied to enable the installer to quickly and easily repair the cut ends of the product.

The profiles are very lightweight facilitating the ability to have no mechanical fixings the profiles are simply glued over the existing building element using a waterproof exterior 25 SPR grip adhcs8ivc removing the need to build into the structure as existing natural stonc.

It is to he understood that the examples herein are illustrative embodiments and that his invention is not to he limited by any of the examples or details in the description. Those skilled in the art will recognise that the present invention is capable of many modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the detail description and examples are meant to be illustrative and are not meant to limit in any manner the scope of the invention as set forth in the previous claims. Rather, the claims appended hereto are to be construed broadly within the scope of the invention.