Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Disparate sheet lamina between exposed surfaces of wall,...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-11
2001-08-28
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Disparate sheet lamina between exposed surfaces of wall,...
C052S105000, C052S481100, C052S483100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279284
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a building panel for use in stud wall framing typically used in North American residential construction. The panel provides additional thermal and acoustic insulation to the building structure, as well as air and vapour barriers required by building codes. In particular, the building panel of the present invention comprises a semi-rigid structural insulating component and a layer of air and moisture impermeable material integrally adhered to one surface of the insulating component. Preferably, the insulating component comprises a low or medium density fibreboard material and the air and vapour barrier is a metal foil or metallized plastic film which is adhered to one face of the insulating component during the manufacturing process.
Prior Art
It is known, in building constructions such as residential stud wall framing, to provide an air barrier in order to substantially reduce or prevent air infiltration into or out of the building envelope. As well, use of a vapour barrier is known to prevent moisture present in the building interior from passing into insulation which has been applied to the structure. In cold climates, the vapour barrier prevents ingress and subsequent freezing of any moisture in the insulation installed in the stud wall cavities. The use of air barriers and vapour barriers is mandated by many building codes. For example, under the National Building Code of Canada, Section 5.4.1.2 requires an air barrier, and Section 5.5.1.2 requires a vapour barrier on the warm side of an insulated stud wall frame.
It is known that the air barrier may be comprised of sheathing on the exterior of a stud wall structure, or may be combined with the vapour barrier on the interior of the stud wall structure. Typically, a combined air and vapour barrier has been formed from polyethylene or polypropylene film of varying thicknesses, typically 6 to 8 mils.
In a conventional stud wall structure, therefore, typically there will be positioned an exterior sheathing material (which also provides racking strength and may replace diagonal or sway bracing) The sheathing is attached to a stud wall structure comprising top and bottom plates and intermediate vertical studs, typically of 4-6 inch thickness. Countries having seasonally cold climates normally utilize insulation in the walls to prevent loss of heat during the cold seasons. Accordingly insulation such as glass fiber or rock wool material is inserted between the studs. A vapour barrier of polyethylene film is glued or stapled to the interior of the stud wall face, and an interior finishing material such as gypsum board, plaster board or other panelling material is applied directly over the vapour barrier.
In the type of construction described above, the mechanical structure as well as vapour and air barriers required by typical building codes is provided. However, this minimal structure is subject to degradation over time, and does not provide other attributes which may be desirable in residential construction.
In such typical construction, the polyethylene vapour barrier film is suspended between vertical studs, and has lateral support only on the interior surface, against the plaster board or other interior surface materials. Consequently, although the vapour barrier is supported against a positive air pressure into the structure, whereby the film will be pressed against the rigid surface of the plaster board, negative air pressure will tend to draw the vapour barrier away from the interior surface of the plaster board, causing flexing, stress, and, over time, ultimately may cause failure of the integral barrier through material failure of the film. The risk of material failure can be reduced by use of heavier or specialized polyethylene film, but cannot be entirely eliminated in the absence of a further lateral supporting surface for the film against negative pressures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a composite insulating and vapour barrier building panel comprising a first semi-rigid structural insulation component and a second laminar barrier component integral with said first component, the second component being substantially impervious to atmospheric moisture and air penetration. This novel panel overcomes the deficiencies of a suspended film vapour barrier by providing a laminated air and vapour barrier supported on and bonded to a semi-rigid structural panel, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of mechanical failure of the vapour barrier. Continuity of the vapour barrier is provided by compatible sealing material at all joints of the panels. In addition, the present invention provides augmented insulating value to the structure, additional sound absorption properties and inhibits loss of radiated heat from the structure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a panel of low density fibreboard having integral layer of metal foil on one surface. Adjacent panels are abutted in a finished wall structure with a sealer tape applied over the abutting joint to provide vapour impermeability and integrity. In still a further embodiment, a laminate of metal foil on kraft paper is applied to the fibreboard in place of the previously disclosed foil layer, with the kraft surface of the laminate adjacent to the fibreboard.
REFERENCES:
patent: 965595 (1910-07-01), Nicholson
patent: 1914345 (1933-06-01), Roos
patent: 3159882 (1964-12-01), Slayter
patent: 3165791 (1965-01-01), Valsvik
patent: 3826055 (1974-07-01), Bobzin et al.
patent: 4109043 (1978-08-01), DeLapp
patent: 4564554 (1986-01-01), Mikuski
patent: 4924644 (1990-05-01), Lewis
patent: 5134831 (1992-08-01), Avellanet
patent: 5214894 (1993-06-01), Glesser-Lott
patent: 5732520 (1998-03-01), Maietta
patent: 5743058 (1998-04-01), Boomsma
patent: 5768841 (1998-06-01), Swartz et al.
patent: 5925211 (1999-07-01), Rakauskas
patent: 5953883 (1999-09-01), Ojala
patent: 1109382 (1981-09-01), None
patent: 2006652 (1989-12-01), None
patent: 2070489 (1992-06-01), None
patent: 2076515 (1994-02-01), None
patent: 2156145 (1995-08-01), None
patent: 1 400 922 (1975-07-01), None
EMCO Limited
Glessner Brian E.
Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
Stephan Beth A.
LandOfFree
Composite vapor barrier panel does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Composite vapor barrier panel, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Composite vapor barrier panel will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2460440