GB2607373A

GB2607373A - A structural support for a bay window

Info

Publication number: GB2607373A
Application number: GB2118903.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Coyle Sean
Original assignee: Keystone Lintels Ltd
Current assignee: Keystone Lintels Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-23
Filing date: 2021-12-23
Publication date: 2022-12-07
Also published as: GB202118903D0; GB202020569D0

Abstract

A prefabricated structural support panel 1 adapted for spanning along a bay window structure for structurally supporting building components which are located above the prefabricated structural support panel. The prefabricated structural support may be positioned above and/or below the window and may be an SIP (structural insulated panel) panel. It may be mechanically couplable to a building wall which may be via straps which may be preinstalled on the panel. The panel may be mountable on a ring beam which may be couplable to a building wall. The panel may comprise joist hangers or ledgers and the panel may comprise a timber stud panel 19 with an insulation 25 between two layers of OSB (orientated strand board). The panel main comprise a main panel and two lateral panels to form a bay window structure. A bay window structure comprising the panel is also claimed.

Description

A STRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR A BAY WINDOW

The present invention relates to a structural support for a bay window and in particular to a prefabricated structural support for a bay window arrangement.

There are numerous ways in which windows are placed in walls for buildings. Brick walls, for example, are formed by placing layers of brick or block courses to a desired height, whereas timber frame walls are typically formed by erecting a timber frame and right sized apertures are left in the walls for inserting windows into. Another common type of window is a to bay window which involves setting the wall carrying the bay window backwards and outwards from the main wall of the building thereby creating additional space in the room. Bay windows are often designed as multi storey bay windows as part of multi storey buildings and the bespoke construction between these multi storeys bay window is specialist and slow. Typically, a cavity wall is built up to a certain height from bricks or blocks and bay posts are set on the corners of the bay window structure on bay post base plates spanning the cavity wall. The bay posts extend upwardly along the sides of the bay windows to carry one or more bay window lintels above single storey bay windows. Additional complexities arise where multi storey bay windows are being installed.

The existing base plates are a continuous flat plate as they are designed to sit on two opposing bricks and/or blocks spanning the insulation in the cavity there between. As with all cavity walls, the risk of moisture from rain fall gathering in the joints of the external wall and subsequent ingress across the cavity via any connecting members spanning the cavity wall must be addressed due to the detrimental nature of damp occurring on the internal wall of cavity walls. Furthermore, where multi storey bay windows are being installed additional problems of structural support between the storeys of the building also arise.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the above-mentioned problems regarding bay windows.

Accordingly, there is provided a prefabricated structural support panel adapted for spanning along a bay window for structurally supporting building components locatable above the prefabricated structural support panel.

Advantageously, the prefabricated structural support panel significantly reduces the amount of bespoke masonry build time on site and the structural support panel can be accurately designed and sized offsite in a factory environment based on the building specification. Further advantageously, the prefabricated structural support panel increases the internal room space available on the internal side of the bay window where the prefabricated structural support panel is located.

Ideally, the prefabricated structural support panel spans above and/or below the bay window. Advantageously, the masonry below a bay window can be replaced by the prefabricated structural support panel and/or masonry between a ground floor bay window and first storey bay window can be replaced by the prefabricated structural support panel as well as the masonry between subsequent storey bay windows.

Ideally, the prefabricated structural support panel is a SIP panel. Advantageously, these strong, lightweight, and highly efficient building panels are generally constructed from a thermal insulating core, formed from a material such as polyurethane foam, sandwiched between two oriented strand boards (OSB's), which are generally wood flakes or strands bonded together with resins, binders, and waxes. SIP panels have greater strength in terms of both axial loading and racking than conventional timber framing, are relatively simple to build with and provide extremely good thermal insulation.

Ideally, the prefabricated structural support panel is mechanically coupled to a masonry wall of the building.

Ideally, the prefabricated structural support panel is mechanically coupled to an inner leaf of a masonry wall.

Preferably, a vertical upright surface of the prefabricated structural support panel is mechanically coupled to an upright surface of the inner leaf of the masonry wall.

Preferably, a vertical upright surface of the prefabricated structural support panel is mechanically coupled to an upright surface of the inner leaf of the masonry wall via a strap.

Ideally, the strap is preinstalled on the prefabricated structural support panel. Preferably, the strap is factory fitted on the prefabricated structural support panel. Ideally, a plurality of straps are pre-fitted to the one or both vertical upright surfaces of the prefabricated structural support panel.

Ideally, the prefabricated structural support panel is mounted on a ring beam.

Preferably, the ring beam is separately mounted onto the wall.

Alternatively, the ring beam is prefabricated together with the prefabricated structural support panel. In this embodiment the entire assembly can be set into position on the wall. Preferably, the ring beam is mechanically coupled to the masonry wall of the building.

Ideally, the ring beam is mechanically coupled to an inner leaf of the masonry wall.

Preferably, the ring beam is mechanically coupled to the masonry wall via at least one wall mounting bracket.

Ideally, the ring beam is mechanically coupled to the inner leaf of the masonry wall via at least one wall mounting bracket.

Preferably, the ring beam is supported at the corners of the bay window by bay window posts.

Ideally, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises joist hangers.

Preferably, the joist hangers are pre-fitted in the factory or fitted on site.

Preferably, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises timber ledgers to support floor joists.

Ideally, the timber ledgers are pre-fitted in the factory or fitted on site.

Preferably, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises an internal plasterboard finish spaced apart from the OSB by spacers preferably battens.

Ideally, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises a service zone between the OSB and the plaster board.

Preferably, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises a pre-fitted breather to membrane on an outer surface of the panel.

Ideally, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises a pre-fitted vapour control layer on an inner surface of the panel.

Preferably, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises a timber stud panel comprising an insulation means disposed between two layers of OSB (oriented strand board).

Preferably, the structural support panel is designed to contribute to a whole wall U-Value of between 0.13 Wm2K and 0.23 Wm2K.

Ideally, the structural support panel is designed to contribute to a whole wall U-Value of 0.18 Wm2K.

Preferably, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises a main panel and two lateral panels.

Ideally, the main panel and the two lateral panels form a right angle corner bay window arrangement.

Alternatively, the main panel and the two lateral panels form an obtuse angle corner bay window arrangement.

Ideally, the main panel and the two lateral panels are comprised of the same materials to provide the same U-Value proportionately.

Ideally, the main panel and the two lateral panels are prefabricated together in the factory environment.

Alternatively, the main panel and the two lateral panels are assembled together on site.

Ideally, the main panel and the two lateral panels are coupled together via timber joints, most preferably bevelled solid timber filet joints. Advantageously, this jointing arrangement allows for vertical load transfer across from posts and/or allows for strong panel to panel connection in case of pre-manufacturing.

Ideally, the bay window is coupled to the ring beam using straps, similar to straps used to attach windows to the structural components forming the reveals around the window.

Preferably, the prefabricated structural support panel comprises a weather proofing means mounted on the outside surface of the panel.

Ideally, the weather proofing means comprises any one of or any combination of tiles, slates, slips or render.

Preferably, the bay window comprises a bay window post base plate having a means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate thereby preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window cavity wall.

Advantageously, providing a means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate and thereby preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window cavity wall closes off another avenue for moisture ingress across the cavity wall of a building thereby further reducing the risk of damp on an internal leaf of the cavity wall.

Ideally, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate.

Preferably, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate is disposed on the lower surface of the base plate.

Ideally, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate is disposed on the upper surface and/or the lower surface of the base plate.

Preferably, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate is disposed on the portion of the base plate located in the cavity.

Ideally, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate is disposed on the portion of the base plate resting on the outer leaf of the cavity wall.

Ideally, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate is disposed on the portion of the base plate resting on the inner leaf of the cavity wall.

Preferably, the bay window post base plate has two longitudinal sides extending along the length of the outer and inner leaves of the cavity wall.

Ideally, the longitudinal sides bend at an angle to extend around a corner of the bay window cavity wall Ideally, the bay window post base plate has two lateral sides extending between the longitudinal sides and the outer and inner leaves of the cavity wall.

Preferably, the lateral sides of the bay window post base plate are linear, most preferably rectilinear.

Ideally, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate bend at an angle to extend around a corner of the bay window cavity wall.

Preferably, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate is disposed on a central portion of the base plate between the two longitudinal sides of the base plate resting on the outer and inner leaf of the cavity wall.

Ideally, the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate comprises a barrier means.

Preferably, the barrier means comprises a physical barrier to prevent the ingress of moisture past the barrier.

In one embodiment, the barrier is an upstand.

Ideally, the barrier means comprises a channel formed along the length of the bay to window post base plate.

Preferably, the channel is formed by a break in the base plate. Advantageously, the channel prevents the ingress of moisture particularly that which may percolate across the top of the bay window post base plate.

Ideally, the base plate comprises an outer portion and an inner portion extending in a coplanar fashion between the inner and outer leaves of the cavity wall and defining a central gap therebetween a connecting piece extending below and bridging the central gap for connecting the outer portion and an inner portion of the bay window post base plate. Preferably, the base plate comprises an outer planar portion and an inner planar portion extending in a coplanar fashion between the inner and outer leaves of the cavity wall and defining a central gap therebetween a connecting piece extending below and bridging the central gap for connecting the outer planar portion and an inner planar portion of the means for preventing the ingress of moisture.

Preferably, the inner portion and outer portion and the connecting piece are rigid plate members.

Ideally, the connecting piece is a planar portion.

Preferably, the connecting piece is mechanically fixed to the outer portion and the inner portion of the bay window post base plate.

Preferably, the connecting piece is mechanically fixed to the underside of the outer portion and the inner portion of the bay window post base plate. Advantageously, the connecting piece prevents the ingress of moisture particularly that which may percolate across the underside of the bay window post base plate.

Ideally, the connecting piece is welded to the outer portion and the inner portion of the bay window post base plate.

Alternatively, the connecting piece is rivetted or bolted or connected using other similar mechanical fasteners to the outer portion and the inner portion of the bay window post base plate.

Preferably, the connecting piece is made from the same material as the outer planar portion and the inner planar portion.

Ideally, the base plate is manufactured from a metal or metal alloy.

Ideally, the bay window post is mechanically coupled to the bay window post base plate extending upright therefrom.

Preferably, the bay window post is a tubular structural support member.

Ideally, the bay window post is mounted at the corner of the bay window post base plate bridging the central gap of the bay window post base plate.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a building, the building to comprising a bay window having a prefabricated structural support panel adapted for spanning along a bay window for structurally supporting building components locatable above the prefabricated structural support panel.

Ideally, the building comprising a bay window post base plate mounted thereon having a means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate thereby preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window cavity wall.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a bay window wherein the method comprises constructing at least part of the bay window structure by providing at least one prefabricated structural support panel adapted for spanning along a bay window for structurally supporting building components locatable above the prefabricated structural support panel.

Ideally, the method further comprising constructing an inner leaf and an outer leaf of masonry, the outer leaf being spaced apart from the inner leaf.

Ideally, the method further comprising providing at least one bay window post base plate thereon having a means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate thereby preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate and ultimately across the bay window cavity wall.

Ideally, the method comprises providing the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate as a barrier means.

Ideally, the method comprises providing the means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate as a barrier means having a channel formed along the length of the bay window post base plate.

The invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Figure 1 shows a vertical section view of a masonry bay window cavity wall and a bay window post base plate; Figure 2 shows a top view of a masonry bay window cavity wall and a bay window post base plate according to the invention; Figure 3 is a three part view showing two detail views and one isometric view of a bracket for supporting a ring beam for supporting the prefabricated structural support panel; Figure 4 is a plan view of a bay window with an obtuse angle corner having an obtuse angle bay window post location plate mounted on a corner of the ring beam; Figure 5 is a plan view of a bay window with an obtuse angle corner having a SIP panel mounted on the ring beam and to the masonry wall of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a horizontal section view of the joint between the masonry wall and the prefabricated structural support panel; Figure 7 is a vertical section view of the prefabricated structural support panel, ring beam and bay window post; Figure 8 is a second horizontal section view of the left hand side joint between the masonry wall and the prefabricated structural support panel; Figure 9 is a horizontal section view of the right hand side joint between the masonry wall and the prefabricated structural support panel; Figure 10 is a vertical section view of a prefabricated structural support panel mounted between a lower floor bay window and an upper floor bay window showing additional weathering members; Figure 11 is a vertical section view of a bay window cavity wall and foundation; Figure 12 is a vertical section detail view of a bay window and prefabricated structural support panel header section.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures 5 to 10, there is illustrated a prefabricated structural support panel indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 adapted for spanning along a bay window for structurally supporting building components such as windows 3 see Figure 10 or other components of a bay window structure locatable above the prefabricated structural support panel 1.

Advantageously, the prefabricated structural support panel 1 significantly reduces the amount of bespoke masonry build time on site and the structural support panel 1 can be accurately designed and sized offsite in a factory environment based on the building specification. Further advantageously, the prefabricated structural support panel 1 increases the internal room space available on the internal side of the bay window where the prefabricated structural support panel is located, see the grey hatched area of Figures 8 and 9.

S

The prefabricated structural support panel 1 spans above and/or below the bay window. Advantageously, the masonry 11 see Figures 1 and 11 below a bay window can be replaced by the prefabricated structural support panel 1. Additionally or alternatively masonry between a ground floor bay window and first storey bay window can be replaced by the prefabricated structural support panel 1 optionally as well as the masonry between subsequent storey bay windows.

The prefabricated structural insulated panel 1 is a SIP panel. Advantageously, these strong, lightweight, and highly efficient building panels are generally constructed from a thermal insulating core, formed from a material such as polyurethane foam, sandwiched between two oriented strand boards (OSB's), which are generally wood flakes or strands bonded together with resins, binders, and waxes. SIP panels have greater strength in terms of both axial loading and racking than conventional timber framing, are relatively simple to build with and provide extremely good thermal insulation. It will of course be appreciated that other structural insulated panels using stud timber framing having insulation in the gaps between the studs can also be used and are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. A combination of the two types of panel is also possible where the OSBs are spaced apart by framing studs with insulation sandwiched between the OSBs and the framing studs.

Referring to Figures 5 to 10, the prefabricated structural support panel 1 is mechanically coupled to a masonry wall 14 of the building. The prefabricated structural support panel 1 is mechanically coupled to an inner leaf of the masonry wall 14. The vertical upright surface of the prefabricated structural support panel 1 is mechanically coupled to an upright surface of the inner leaf of the masonry wall 14. A vertical upright surface of the prefabricated structural support panel 1 is mechanically coupled to an upright surface of the inner leaf of the masonry wall via a strap 15. The strap 15 is preinstalled on the prefabricated structural support panel 1 in the factory. A plurality of straps 15 are pre-fitted to both vertical upright surfaces of the prefabricated structural support panel 1. In one embodiment the strap 15 is a 1mm thick by 50 mm deep strap which is fixed to the vertical wall plate 17 of the structural support panel for example at 225mm centres. Air sealing tape 16 is installed continuously around the inside face of the structural insulated panel to prevent any air leakages. The detailed structure of the prefabricated structural panel 1 is now described with reference to Figures 5 to 10. Referring initially to Figure 5, the prefabricated structural support panel 1 is formed from a prefabricated timber stud panel 19 comprising in one embodiment an insulation panel sandwiched between two layers of OSB. The panel 19 is designed to contribute to a whole wall U-Value of between 0.13 Wm2K and 0.23 Wm2K. More precisely, the panel 19 is designed to contribute to a whole wall U-Value of 0.18 Wm2K.

A vapour control layer 20 is disposed on the inside surface of the internal OSB. A breather membrane 21 is disposed on the outer surface of the external OSB. Battens 22 are disposed on the outer surface of the external OSB. A bevelled solid timber corner filet 23 is provided between two prefabricated structural support panels 1 to allow for vertical load transfer across from the posts 10 and also to allow for strong panel to panel connection in case of pre manufacturing of the entire bay window panel 1 in the factory. A gap 24 for example 15 mm is provided between the structural support panel 1 and the masonry 11 which is filled with an expanding insulation foam 25. The front face of the panel 26 is set back from the front face of the masonry 11. Lead flashing 27 is lapped with the breather membrane 21 and it is disposed over the vertical DPC and extends under the render.

Referring now specifically to Figure 6, the breather membrane 21 is left loose and then wrapped around the end of the battens 22. All of the other reference numerals are referring to the same features already described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 7 illustrates vapour control layer 20 and the breather membrane 21 lapped over the panel head. An SW tilt filet 31 is fitted to the battens 22 and the breather membrane 21 is fitted to the outer surface of external OSB. Again, the prefabricated structural support panel 1 is formed from a prefabricated timber stud panel 19 comprising an insulation panel sandwiched between two layers of OSB and timber studs. The vapour control layer 20 is disposed on the inside surface of the internal OSB. A timber packer piece 32 is provided on the timber ledger 33.

The timber packer piece 32 allows for site tolerance of the floor. The timber ledger 33 is provided to support the floor joists. Battens 22 stop short to allow for the panel to lintel/ring beam 41 fixing.

The breather membrane 21 is to be dressed over the DPC and terminated at the lower SW timber tilting fillet 35. The DPC is to be lapped over and under the SW timber tilting fillet 35 and terminated at the window water bar 36. A ring beam/lintel 41 for supporting the prefabricated structural wall panel 1 is illustrated below the panel 1 and is described below in greater detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

Further details of the integration of the panel into the building are illustrated with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Tiles or similar weathering units 43 are cut at an angle 44 to sit flush with the face of the render or similar masonry covering. The vertical battens 22 are fixed to the timber studs/vertical wall plates 17 framing the structural insulated panels 1. A gap 45 of approximately 15mm between the panels 1 and the masonry of the building wall is filled with expanding insulation foam 25. Counter battens 46 are provided for supporting the tiles 43. The prefabricated structural support panel 1 comprises an internal plasterboard finish 18 spaced apart from the OSB by spacers preferably battens 22 creating a service zone 18. The hatched grey area of Figures 8 and 9 shows the increased internal floor space available to inhabitants of the building as a result of the structural insulated panels 1 being used for forming at least part of the bay window structure.

Further details of a structural insulated panel 1 disposed between a lower storey window 3 and an upper storey window 3 of a bay window structure is illustrated in Figure 10.

The window sill 51 has mastic sealant applied to the underside. Lead flashing 52 is lapped over the eaves/top file below the sill 51. The SW tilt filet 31 is fitted to the battens 22 at the head of the tiles 43 with lead flashed over to the allow sill drip. The free edge of the lead flashing is adequately secured by clips such as copper clips 54 to the eaves tile 55. The external weathering has an eaves tile 55 above the remaining tiles or other similar weather units 56 mounted on counter battens 46 which in turn are mounted on counter battens 22.

Floor joist hangers 58 are disposed on the structural insulated panel 1 for further integration with structural floor components. Battens 22 stop short to allow for the panel to lintel/ring beam 41 fixing. The breather membrane 21 is to be dressed over the DPC and terminated at the lower SW timber tilting fillet 35. The DPC is to be lapped over and under the SW timber tilting fillet 35. A cover trim 59 is located on the soffit. A ring beam/lintel 41 for supporting the prefabricated structural wall panel 1 is illustrated below the panel 1 and is described below in greater detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of bay window structure where the base is provided by masonry 11 mounted on a foundation. The windows 3 are located relative to the bay window posts 10 so that the bay window posts 10 are contained within the boundary of the window frames. A window bead 61 is installed to stop any material getting into a water trap on the base plate 62. This water trap is described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 13. The base plate 62 is fixed to a concrete padstone 64, preferably concrete. The window sill 51 has a sealant 65 such as mastic applied to the underside.

Figure 12 is a detail view of the bay window header detail and illustrates the breather membrane 21 to be dressed over the DPC and terminated at the tiling filet 35. The DPC 69 is to be lapped over and under the tiling filet 35 and terminated at the window bar. A cover trim 59 is located on the soffit.

Referring to the drawings and now to Figures 3 and 4, the prefabricated structural insulated panel 1 is mounted on a ring beam 41. The ring beam 41 is separately mounted onto the wall. Alternatively, the ring beam 41 is prefabricated together with the prefabricated structural support panel 1. In this embodiment the entire assembly can be set into position on the wall. The ring beam 41 is mechanically coupled to an inner leaf of the masonry wall of the building. The ring beam 41 is mechanically coupled to the masonry wall via at least one wall mounting bracket 71. The mounting bracket 71 is mechanically fastened to the wall via fasteners 72 and the ring beam 41 is mechanically fastened to the mounting bracket 71 via fasteners 73. The mounting bracket 71 has a mounting spigot 75 extending downwardly from the mounting bracket 71 and it is formed for receiving the end of the bay window post 10. These bay window posts 10 provide structural support for the ring beam 41 at the point of connection with the walls and at the corners of the bay window structure. The ring beam 41 is supported proximal the walls and at the corners of the bay window by bay window posts 10. The bay window posts 10 are formed for operably engaging with the mounting spigots 75 of the mounting brackets 71, most preferably telescopic engagement. Figure 4 illustrates a corner mounting bracket 71 with a downwardly depending spigot 75 for engaging with the corner post 10 there below.

Figures 1 and 2 show a masonry foundation 11 for the bay window structure with a bay window post base plate 62 having a barrier 81 for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate 62 thereby preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window cavity wall.

Advantageously, providing a well 81 for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate 62 and thereby preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window cavity wall closes off another avenue for moisture ingress across the cavity wall of a building thereby further reducing the risk of damp on an internal leaf of the cavity wall. The barrier 81 for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate 62 is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 62. The barrier 81 for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate 62 is disposed on the portion of the base plate located in the cavity. The bay window post base plate 62 has two longitudinal sides extending along the length of the outer and inner leaves of the cavity wall. The longitudinal sides bend at an angle to extend around a corner of the bay window cavity wall. The bay window post base plate 62 has two lateral sides extending between the longitudinal sides and the outer and inner leaves of the cavity wall. The lateral sides of the bay window post base plate 62 are linear, most preferably rectilinear. The barrier 81 for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate 62 bends at an angle to extend around a corner of the bay window cavity wall. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the barrier 81 comprises a channel formed along the length of the bay window post base plate 62. The channel 81 is formed by a break in the base plate 62.

Advantageously, the channel 81 prevents the ingress of moisture particularly that which may percolate across the top of the bay window post base plate. The base plate 62 is manufactured from a metal or metal alloy. The bay window post 10 is mechanically coupled to the bay window post base plate 62 extending upright therefrom. The bay window post 10 is a tubular structural support member. The bay window post 10 is mounted at the corner of the bay window post base plate 62 bridging a part of the central gap of the bay window post base plate 62. The bay window post 10 can be galvanised and/or fire proof painted.

The skilled person will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A prefabricated structural support panel adapted for spanning along a bay window structure for structurally supporting building components locatable above the prefabricated structural support panel.
2. A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel spans above and/or below the window of the bay window structure.
3. A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel is a SIP panel.
4. A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel is mechanically couplable to a wall of the building.
5. A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 4, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel is mechanically couplable to an inner leaf of a masonry wall.
6. A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein a vertical upright surface of the prefabricated structural support panel is mechanically couplable to an upright surface of the inner leaf of the masonry wall.
7. A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 4, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel is mechanically couplable to a wall of the building via a mechanical fastening means.
8. A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mechanical fastening means is a strap preinstalled on the prefabricated structural support panel.
9. A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 8, wherein a plurality of straps are pre-fitted to the one or both vertical upright surfaces of the prefabricated structural support panel.
A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel is mountable on a ring beam.
11 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 10, wherein the ring beam is separately mountable onto the building wall.
12 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 10, wherein the ring beam is prefabricated together with the structural support panel.
13 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the ring beam is mechanically couplable to the wall of the building.
14 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ring beam is mechanically couplable to an inner leaf of the masonry wall.
A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ring beam is mechanically couplable to the wall via at least one wall mounting bracket.
16 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 15, wherein the ring beam is mechanically couplable to the inner leaf of the masonry wall via at least one wall mounting bracket.
17 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 10, wherein the ring beam is supported at the corners and/or ends of the bay window structure by bay window posts.
18 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel comprises joist hangers and/or timber ledgers to support floor joists.
19 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel comprises a timber stud panel comprising an insulation means disposed between two layers of OSB (oriented strand board).
A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the structural support panel is designed to contribute to a whole wall U-Value of between 0.13 Wm2K and 0.23 Wm2K.
21 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the prefabricated structural support panel comprises a main panel and two lateral panels, the main panel and the two lateral panels form a right angle corner bay window structure or an obtuse angle corner bay window structure.
22 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 21, wherein the main panel and the two lateral panels are prefabricated together in the factory environment.
23 A prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the main panel and the two lateral panels are coupled together via timber joints, most preferably bevelled solid timber filet joints.
24 A bay window structure comprising a prefabricated structural support panel as claimed in any preceding claim.A bay window structure as claimed in claim 24, the bay window structure comprising a bay window post base plate having a means for preventing the ingress of moisture across the bay window post base plate thereby preventing the ingress of moisture across a bay window cavity wall.