Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Exterior-type flashing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-09
2001-10-23
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Exterior-type flashing
C052S062000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305130
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to building materials in general, in particular to seals for windows.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One of the most common failure points where water enters a building's envelope is around windows and doors. Water penetration is one of the most significant factors leading to premature failures of structures. Most windows and doors, whether aluminum or vinyl, are secured in the rough opening by a nailing flange. As an example, the window is placed in the rough opening from the outside and secured using nail fasteners that are driven through the window's nailing flange. Installation methods vary significantly and range from as little as building paper lapping over or under the window flange to flashing materials being shingled in the rough opening prior to window installation, application of caulking installed from a tube caulk gun under the window flange and various flashing or adhesive tapes applied over the window flange. Installation is often performed from ladders or scaffolding at various levels above the ground. Flashing materials are often misaligned or applied in an inconsistent manner that leaves wrinkles or voids in the material leading to leaks, i.e., direct water pathways to the underlying building materials. The flashing is assembled from numerous separate components that when installed cover each other making inspection of the completed flashing assembly extremely difficult. Further, since there is often a time lapse between installation of the various components they are often damaged by wind, rain or other mechanical disturbances.
Given these problems, there is a need for an improved method of ensuring a weather-tight barrier for window installations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a window flashing assembly that includes an inner lip that fits within the interior surface of a rough opening. Bonded to the inner lip is an outer flange that covers a portion of the wall surrounding the rough opening. The outer flange has an outer flap having an adhesive material on its inside surface. The adhesive is preferably covered with a backing material. A seal may be placed around the outer flange to engage the rear surface of a nailing flange.
Upon placing the window into the rough opening, the backing material is removed and the outer flap is adhesively secured over a nailing flange on the window in order to provide a water-tight seal.
In one embodiment of the invention, the window flashing assembly is formed as L-shaped sections that can be fitted into a variety of rough opening sizes by varying an amount of overlap of the L-shaped sections. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the window flashing assembly is formed as straight sections that can be used alone or in combination with the L-shaped sections to fit within differently sized rough openings.
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Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
Safavi Michael
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