U.S. patent application number 11/253042 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for sill pan flashing for doors and windows.
This patent application is currently assigned to PACC Systems I.P., LLC. Invention is credited to P. Michael Collins.
Application Number | 20060101726 11/253042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36406166 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060101726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collins; P. Michael |
May 18, 2006 |
Sill pan flashing for doors and windows
Abstract
A flashing system and associated method controls water and air
intrusion around the sills of windows, doors, louvers and other
wall penetrations. More specifically, a sheet material is creased
and folded to form a sill flashing component to control water and
air intrusion. Prior to this invention, a separate pre-molded
termination accessory was required to effectively seal corner areas
around window and door rough openings. The invention provides for
sill flashing and supplemental sealing at selected joint locations
prior to installation of a closure member in the opening to prevent
water and air intrusion around windows, doors and other building
openings.
Inventors: |
Collins; P. Michael;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP
2700 CAREW TOWER
441 VINE STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
PACC Systems I.P., LLC
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
36406166 |
Appl. No.: |
11/253042 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60628327 |
Nov 16, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/58 ; 52/61;
52/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 1/62 20130101; E06B
1/705 20130101; E06B 2001/628 20130101; E06B 1/702 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/058 ;
052/061; 052/062 |
International
Class: |
E04D 3/38 20060101
E04D003/38; E04D 13/14 20060101 E04D013/14 |
Claims
1. A flashing system for preventing intrusion of water and air
through a sill area of an opening in a wall, the flashing system
comprising: a sill pan membrane having a top face and a bottom
face; a first portion of the sill pan membrane adapted to be
positioned on the sill and an adjacent portion of a jamb of the
wall opening; a second portion of the sill pan membrane adapted to
extend rearwardly from the sill and jambs of the wall opening, the
second portion being adapted to be formed into a sill rear dam
adjacent the sill and jambs of the wall opening; a first adhesive
layer on the bottom face of the first portion of the sill pan
membrane; and a second adhesive layer on the top face of the second
portion of the sill pan membrane.
2. The flashing system of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of
sill end dams each formed by folds in the sill pan membrane, each
sill end dam being adapted to be juxtaposed to a juncture of the
sill and one jamb of the wall opening.
3. The flashing system of claim 1 further comprising: a front
downwardly depending flange formed in the sill pan membrane and
adapted to be juxtaposed to the wall opening subjacent to the sill
and jambs.
4. The flashing system of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of
gusset folds in the sill pan membrane, each gusset fold being
adapted to be positioned proximate a juncture between the sill and
one jamb of the wall opening.
5. The flashing system of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layers each
further comprise a pressure sensitive self adhesive applied
generally uniformly and continuously over the respective faces of
the associated portions of the sill pan membrane.
6. The flashing system of claim 1 wherein the top face of the first
portion and the bottom face of the section portion of the sill pan
membrane do not have any adhesive thereon.
7. The flashing system of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of
juncture sealing strips each adapted to be applied at one of the
junctures of the sill and one of the jambs and over the sill pan
membrane when installed in the wall opening.
8. The flashing system of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of
termination membranes each adapted to at least partially overlap
one another and be applied adjacent the juncture of the sill and
one of the jambs over the sill pan membrane when installed in the
wall opening, one of the termination membranes being adapted to be
applied on the sill of the wall opening and extend forwardly and
outwardly therefrom toward the adjacent jamb and the other
termination membrane adapted to be applied on the jamb of the wall
opening and extend forwardly and downwardly therefrom.
9. A flashing system for preventing intrusion of water and air
through sill area of an opening in a wall, the flashing system
comprising: a flexible sill pan membrane having a top face and a
bottom face; a first portion of the sill pan membrane adapted to be
positioned on the sill and an adjacent portion of a jamb of the
wall opening; a second portion of the sill pan membrane adapted to
extend rearwardly from the sill and jambs of the wall opening, the
second portion being adapted to be formed into a sill rear dam
adjacent the sill and jambs of the wall opening; a first adhesive
layer on the bottom face of the first portion of the sill pan
membrane; a second adhesive layer on the top face of the second
portion of the sill pan membrane; wherein the adhesive layers each
further comprise a pressure sensitive self adhesive applied
generally uniformly and continuously over the respective faces of
the associated portions of the sill pan membrane; a pair of sill
end dams formed by folds in the sill pan membrane, each sill end
dam being adapted to be juxtaposed to a juncture of the sill and
one jamb of the wall opening; a pair of juncture sealing strips
each adapted to be applied at one of the junctures of the sill and
one of the jambs and over the sill pan membrane when installed in
the wall opening; a front downwardly depending flange formed in the
sill pan membrane and adapted to be juxtaposed to the wall opening
subjacent to the sill and jambs; a pair of gusset folds in the
second portion fo the sill pan membrane, each gusset fold being
adapted to be positioned proximate a juncture between the sill and
one jamb of the wall opening; and a pair of termination membranes
each adapted to at least partially overlap one another and be
applied adjacent the juncture of the sill and one of the jambs over
the sill pan membrane when installed in the wall opening, one of
the termination membranes being adapted to be applied on the sill
of the wall opening and extend forwardly and outwardly therefrom
toward the adjacent jamb and the other termination membrane adapted
to be applied on the jamb of the wall opening and extend forwardly
and downwardly therefrom.
10. The flashing system of claim 9 wherein the top face of the
first portion and the bottom face of the section portion of the
sill pan membrane do not have any adhesive thereon.
11. A method of flashing a sill of an opening in a wall comprising
the steps of: applying a first portion of a flexible sill pan
membrane on the sill of the opening and portions of the jambs
adjacent to the sill; and folding a second portion of the flexible
sill pan membrane into a sill rear dam rearwardly from the sill and
jamb portions of the wall opening.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the sill rear dam is generally
perpendicular to the sill and jamb portions of the wall
opening.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: forming pair of
gusset folds in the second portion of the flexible sill pan
membrane, each gusset fold being adjacent one of the jambs of the
wall opening.
14. The method of claim 11 further comprising: adhesively securing
the first portion of the flexible sill pan membrane to the sill and
jamb portions.
15. The method of claim 11 further comprising: applying a juncture
sealing strip over at least part of the first portion of the
flexible sill pan membrane at a juncture of the sill and one jamb
portion of the wall opening, the juncture sealing strip extending
angularly downwardly from the juncture.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: applying a first
termination membrane over part of the first portion of the flexible
sill pan membrane and a part of the juncture sealing strip, the
first termination membrane extending angularly downwardly from the
juncture.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: applying a second
termination membrane over one of the jamb portions and portions of
the juncture sealing strip and the first termination membrane.
18. The method of claim 11 further comprising: inserting a frame
into the wall opening atop the sill; and tacking the sill rear dam
to the frame.
19. The method of claim 11 further comprising: peeling a first
protective strip from a bottom face of the first portion of the
flexible sill pan membrane to expose a first adhesive layer adapted
to secure the first portion to the sill and jamb portions.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: peeling a second
protective strip from a top face of the second portion of the
flexible sill pan membrane to expose a second adhesive layer
adapted to secure the second portion into a configuration of the
rear dam.
Description
[0001] This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/628,327, filed Nov. 16, 2004 and hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to prohibiting
weather-related moisture from entering a building and, in
particular, to a sill pan and threshold flashing unit for window
and door openings in a building.
[0003] In recent years, many attempts have been made to find a
solution to the ever present problem of unwanted water and air
intrusion into buildings. Historically, flashing is the term used
to identify the means or components utilized to prevent water
intrusion. In this invention, the flashing can be used to control
water intrusion and/or air intrusion. Controlling water and air
intrusion is a very serious concern which may result in exterior
and interior damage if not prevented or corrected in a timely
manner. Recent studies have shown that the extent of such damage,
on an annual basis, has run into millions of dollars. In addition,
heat loses through air leakage around window, door and louver
openings have taken on new significance due to today's high energy
costs. It has become imperative that a more serious approach be
taken to control water and air intrusion to reduce heating
costs.
[0004] In the past, one method for dealing with the potential for
water intrusion at a door or window frame opening in an exterior
building wall was to provide a pre-formed sill pan to collect and
control the water. This objective was accomplished with preformed
plastic or metal pieces mounted along the sill of the opening in
the wall construction, to protect the underlying material from
damage. However, such sill pans have proven to be too expensive for
all building applications. The high cost of manufacture and wide
variety of sizes required for a vast array of door and window
opening sizes has limited the desirability of this type of device
for more widespread application.
[0005] Alternatively, a surface sealed approach has been used.
Putty-like components are used to caulk around openings between the
window and door frames in an attempt to seal the gaps and prevent
inward seepage of water and air into the building. However, after a
period of time, the putty-like compounds had a tendency to dry up,
shrink and produce gaps or openings. This provides a passageway for
water and air to penetrate the building enclosure ultimately
resulting in deterioration beneath the window and door frames at
the sheathing or structural components adjacent thereto.
[0006] Tar is another option that has been used. The application of
a wad of tar at strategic locations surrounding the window or door
opening may be economical, but it is seldom effective over the long
term. Moreover, it is very messy and difficult to efficiently
apply.
[0007] In an effort to overcome the inadequacies inherent with
caulking and tar, advances in the chemical field have produced new
sealant materials which are better equipped to withstand the sun,
temperature variations and exposure to the elements for a longer
period of time. Nevertheless, these improved sealants eventually
break down or are not initially installed properly resulting in
water and air intrusion. Something more than caulking, tar and
sealants is desirable and new flashing materials and techniques are
needed to provide long-term and economical protection against water
and air intrusion.
[0008] Known prior art attempts to provide flashing devices for the
sills of window and door openings are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
993,861; 1,677,130; 4,555,882; 5,899,026; 6,401,401; and 6,401,402,
each of which is hereby incorporated by reference entirely.
[0009] All known approaches suffer from significant problems,
including limited long-term effectiveness, inability to
economically accommodate a variety of opening sizes, substantial
expense, limited operating temperature ranges, labor intensive
construction and installation procedures, and unreliable moisture
penetration prevention.
[0010] In view of the above described conditions and consequences
of prior art solutions, a need exists for a weatherproofing
solution for window and door opening sills or thresholds that is
not subject to these shortcomings and installation errors and lasts
the life of the building structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] These and other problems in the prior art have been overcome
by this invention which in one embodiment includes a number of
flexible membrane flashing components utilized in combination as a
uniquely formed termination accessory for providing sill or
threshold and end dam corner protection at the sill or threshold
areas of a roughed-in window door or other opening. The flashing of
this invention seals the sill or threshold of the opening with or
without the use of pre-formed or molded termination accessory units
in the lower left and right corners of the opening.
[0012] As a result of unique components and their associated
installation and folding sequence, a sill or threshold flashing is
created to form the required closure at the corner areas thus
eliminating the need for a termination accessory unit of the type
previously utilized. The uniquely folded and assembled flashing
components of this invention are creased and folded and formable in
a variety of sizes which can then be cut in-situ by the installer
to the required dimensions of a particular job. It has been found
that a typical window sill rough opening can be completely flashed
by utilizing a single section of the flashing membrane by
installing it in a particular sequence with associated components
to form a pair of folded end dams.
[0013] In one embodiment of this invention, the flashing system for
preventing intrusion of water and air through the sill or threshold
areas of an opening in a wall for a window, a door, and other
through wall penetrations includes a sill pan membrane having a top
face and a bottom face. A first portion of the sill pan membrane is
adapted to be positioned on the sill or threshold and an adjacent
portion of a jamb of the wall opening. A second portion of the sill
pan membrane is adapted to extend rearwardly from the sill or
threshold and jambs of the wall opening. The second portion is
adapted to be formed into a sill rear dam adjacent the sill or
threshold and jambs of the wall opening. The sill pan membrane
includes a first adhesive layer on the bottom face of the first
portion of the sill pan membrane and a second adhesive layer on the
top face of the second portion. The adhesive layers each may
include a pressure sensitive self adhesive applied generally
uniformly and continuously over the respective faces of the
associated portions of the sill pan membrane.
[0014] The flashing system also includes in one embodiment a pair
of sill end dams formed by folds in the sill pan membrane. Each
sill end dam is adapted to be juxtaposed to a juncture of the sill
or threshold and one jamb of the wall opening. A pair of juncture
sealing strips are each adapted to be applied at one of the
junctures of the sill and one of the jambs and over the sill pan
membrane when installed in the wall opening. A front downwardly
depending flange formed in the sill pan membrane is adapted to be
juxtaposed to the wall opening subjacent to the sill and jambs
thereof. A pair of gusset folds in the sill pan membrane are each
adapted to be positioned proximate a juncture between the sill and
one jamb of the wall opening. Further, a pair of termination
membranes are each adapted to at least partially overlap one
another and be applied adjacent the juncture of the sill or
threshold and one of the jambs over the sill pan membrane when
installed in the wall opening. One of the termination membranes is
adapted to be applied on the sill or threshold of the wall opening
and extend forwardly and outwardly therefrom toward the adjacent
jamb and the other termination membrane is adapted to be applied on
the jamb of the wall opening and extend forwardly and downwardly
therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The objectives and features of the invention will become
more readily apparent from the following detailed description taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1A is front elevational view of an exemplary rough
opening in a wall with selected sill pan flashing components
according to one embodiment of this invention installed
therein;
[0017] FIG. 1B is a view similar to FIG. 1A with the flashing
components and a window installed in the opening in the wall;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a membrane sheet from which
the sill plan flashing component of FIG. 1A can be formed according
to this invention;
[0019] FIG. 2A is a perspective view from the rear of the membrane
sheet of FIG. 2 folded into the sill pan flashing component when
installed in the rough opening in the wall;
[0020] FIGS. 3-4 are perspective views of additional flashing
components according to one embodiment of this invention to be
installed at a juncture of the sill and a jamb of the rough
opening; and
[0021] FIGS. 5A-5D are sequential perspective views of components
of the sill pan flashing kit according to one embodiment of this
invention being installed in the rough opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, one embodiment of the components
of a sill pan flashing kit 10 is shown installed along the sill 12
and adjacent lower portions of jamb members 14 in a rough opening
16 in a wall 18 intended to receive a window frame 20, door frame
(not shown) or the like. The opening 16 also includes a header 22
spaced from the sill 12 and extending between the spaced jamb
members 14. While the flashing kit 10 is shown and described with
respect to a window frame 20 and associated opening 16, it should
be readily appreciated that the kit can be utilized for other wall
openings, door thresholds and the like. As such, the term sill or
variations thereof is used herein without limiting the invention to
exclude door thresholds or any other application.
[0023] One component of an embodiment of the sill pan flashing kit
1o according to this invention is a flexible sill pan membrane 24
shown particularly in FIGS. 1A and 2. In one embodiment, the
flexible sill pan membrane 24 is a polyethylene cross-laminated
sheet, although other materials may be readily utilized within the
scope of this invention. The sill pan membrane 24 has a top face 26
and a bottom face 28. The sill pan membrane 24 is adapted to be
installed along the sill 12 of the rough opening 16 and folded
along fold lines 30 as shown in FIG. 2 to extend upwardly along the
lower portion of each jamb 14 in the rough opening 16. The sill pan
membrane 24 also has a fold line 32 extending substantially the
entire width of a central sill region 34 of the membrane 24. The
fold line 32 separates a sill region 34 of the membrane from a
front downwardly depending flange 36 of the membrane 24 adapted to
cover the front face 38 of the wall 18 underlying the sill 12 as
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The sill pan membrane 24 is preferably
cut or sliced along lines 40 and along the fold line 32 at the
outward lateral ends thereof so that the jamb panel 42 of the sill
pan membrane 24 can be applied to the jambs 14 of the rough opening
16 and the downwardly depending flange portion 36 can likewise be
installed as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0024] Advantageously, the sill pan membrane 24 includes two
distinct portions 44, 46. A first adhesive layer 48 is on the
bottom face 28 of the first portion 44 of the sill pan membrane 24
as shown in FIG. 2. A second adhesive layer 50 is positioned on the
top face 26 of the second portion 46 of the sill pan membrane 24.
The second portion 46 containing the second adhesive layer 50 is
separated from the first portion 44 of the membrane 24 by a fold
line 52 extending substantially the entire major dimension of the
sill pan membrane 24. In one embodiment, the first and second
adhesive layers 48, 50 may be rubberized asphalt adhesive or a
pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and covered by a protective peel
strip 48a, 50a until the sill pan membrane 24 is to be installed in
the rough opening 16.
[0025] The sill pan membrane 24 also includes an angular fold line
54 in each outward lateral corner area 56 of the second portion 46
as shown in FIG. 2. The function of these angular fold lines 54
will be described later herein.
[0026] Additional components of the flashing kit 10 according to
one embodiment of this invention include a pair of juncture sealing
strips 58, each adapted to be applied at one of the junctures of
the sill 12 and one of the jambs 14 of the rough opening 16. The
juncture sealing strips 58 are intended primarily to block exposed
corners 60 formed in the sill pan membrane 24 when it is initially
installed in the rough opening 16 as shown in FIG. 1A. The juncture
sealing strips 58 preferably include an adhesive on one surface
thereof for application of the juncture sealing strip 58 over top
of the top face 26 of the sill pan membrane 24. The juncture
sealing strips 58 cover the juncture between the associated jamb 14
and sill 12 of the rough opening 16 on top of the sill pan membrane
24 and extend downwardly and outwardly therefrom to the front face
38 of the wall 18 adjacent the rough opening 16.
[0027] The flashing kit 10 according to one embodiment of this
invention also includes a pair of termination membranes 62, 64
(FIGS. 3 and 4) which are particularly adapted for installation at
the left end of the sill 12 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that complementary
termination membranes, which are mirror images of those shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, are utilized at the right side end of the sill 12
according to this invention. The termination membranes 62, 64 are
each adapted to at least partially overlap one another and be
applied adjacent the juncture of the sill 12 and one of the jambs
14 over the sill pan membrane 24 and juncture sealing strips 58
when installed in the wall opening. The termination membrane 64
shown in FIG. 4 includes a generally rectangular portion 66
separated by a fold line 68 from a downwardly depending flange 70
having an angular edge 72. The rectangular portion 66 of the
termination membrane 64 of FIG. 4 is intended to overlap the sill
pan membrane 24 on the sill 12 of the rough opening 16 with edge 74
of the membrane 64 juxtaposed to the jamb 14. The downwardly
depending flange 70 is intended to overlap a portion of the flange
36 of the sill pan membrane 24 and be folded downwardly along the
fold line 68. The angular outwardly projecting edge 72 extends
outwardly from the rough opening 16 as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0028] The other termination membrane 62 of FIG. 3 includes a pair
of rectangular portions 76, 78 separated by a fold line 80. The
termination membrane 62 is intended to be applied along the jamb 14
of the rough opening 16 adjacent to the sill 12. The downwardly
projecting portion 78 of the termination membrane 62 extends below
the sill 12 of the rough opening 16 and overlaps the angular
projection 72 of the termination membrane 64. The termination
membranes 62, 64 each include an adhesive layer 62a, 64a on a
bottom face thereof for convenient and easy application and
installation.
[0029] The installation of the components of the flashing kit 10
according to this invention is shown sequentially in FIGS. 5A-5D.
Prior to installing the flashing kit 10, any housewrap should be
removed from the sill 12 and adjacent portions of the jambs 14. The
surfaces of the sill 12 and jambs 14 should be smooth, dry and free
from dirt, debris, ice and other foreign material. These surfaces
of the sill 12 and jambs 14 should be primed.
[0030] The sill 12 of the rough opening 16 is covered by the sill
region 34 and sill pan membrane 24 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 5A with
the second portion 46 extending rearwardly from the rough opening
16 and the downwardly depending flange 36 positioned along the face
38 of the wall 18 subjacent to the rough opening 16 as shown in
FIGS. 1A and 5A. Advantageously, the first adhesive layer 48 on the
bottom face 28 of the first portion 44 of the sill pan membrane 24
securely mounts the sill pan membrane 24 to the sill 12 and lower
jamb portions 14 once the peel strip 48a is removed. Then the
membrane 24 is folded along the fold lines 30 and slit or cut along
cut lines 40. The sill pan membrane 24 may be conveniently cut from
a roll of membrane material to a length appropriate for the size of
the sill 12 and rough opening 16 to be flashed. The first portion
44 should extend about three inches up each jamb 14 from the sill
12. One technique for installing the first portion 44 of the sill
pan membrane 24 is to begin application on one of the jambs 14 and
proceed downwardly toward the sill 12, across the sill 12 and then
up the other jamb 14, removing the peel strip 48a as needed.
[0031] Next, the juncture sealing strips 58 are installed at the
juncture between each jamb 14 and the sill 12 as shown in FIGS. 1A
and 5A to cover the exposed corners 60. Additional flashing
protection is provided by the installation of the termination
membranes 62, 64. The termination membrane 64 is installed as shown
in FIG. 5B adhesively secured in place on top of portions of the
sill pan membrane 24 and juncture sealing strip 58.
[0032] Next, the termination membrane 62 is installed along the
lower portion of the jamb 14 adjacent the sill 12 to cover the
exposed portion of the juncture sealing strip 58 and the jamb
portions 42 of the sealing membrane 24. Likewise, the angular
projecting portion 72 of the termination membrane 64 is also
covered by the downwardly projecting portion 78 of the termination
membrane 62. Once the sill membrane 24, juncture strips 58 and
termination membranes 62, 64 are installed as shown and described
in FIGS. 5A-5C for both jamb portions 14 of the rough opening 16,
the window frame 20, door frame or the like is installed in the
rough opening 16 as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0033] A sill rear dam 82 is then formed in the second portion 46
of the sill pan membrane 24 as shown in FIG. 5D. After the peel
strip 50a is removed, the second adhesive layer 50 is exposed on
the second portion 46 of the sill pan membrane 24. The second
portion 46 is then folded upwardly along the fold line 52 as shown
by arrow A in FIG. 5D. Advantageously, the second adhesive layer 50
is on the top face 26 of the sill pan membrane 24. When the second
portion 46 is folded upwardly, it is likewise folded along each of
the angular fold lines 54 to form a gusset 84 extending outwardly
from the rough opening 16 as shown by arrow B in FIG. 5D and
attached to the frame 20. The confronting surfaces of the corner
area 56 on the second portion 46 of the sill pan membrane 24
contain portions of the second adhesive layer 50 and are therefore
readily sealed with each other to form the gusset and maintain the
second portion 46 of the sill pan membrane 24 into the sill rear
dam 82 adjacent the jambs 14 of the wall opening 16. The
configuration of the sill pan membrane 24 when cut and folded is
shown from a rear perspective view in FIG. 2A. Once folded into
this configuration, fasteners such as staples, tacks, nails or the
like 86 may be inserted through the rear of the sill rear dam 82
and into the wall 18 and/or window frame 20 installed in the rough
opening 16.
[0034] After the components of the flashing kit lo are assembled
and installed as described and shown herein, the window frame 20,
door frame or the like may be inserted into the rough opening 16 as
shown in FIG. 1B with the sill area thereof being sealed against
air and water intrusion through the wall 18. Advantageously, the
materials of the flashing kit lo according to one embodiment of
this invention do not tear or deform when the frame 20 is being
installed in the rough opening 16 nor do they mar or fowl the frame
20 as with prior art materials such as tar and the like. The sill
rear dam 82 can be formed with the gussets 84 after the frame 20 is
installed and then tacked to the frame 20 as shown in FIG. 2A.
[0035] Advantageously, the membrane 24 can be cut and sized to
flash the sill 12 of an opening 16 of any size in the wall 18
on-site thereby providing an efficient and economical solution to
inhibit water and moisture from entering the building structure
through the opening 16.
[0036] The various components of the flashing kit 10 according to
this invention may be made of any of a variety of known materials
suitable for flashing a rough opening 16 in a wall 18. Presently
preferred materials for the membrane are uncured rubber, cured
rubber and cross-laminated polyethylene. Another material for the
flashing member 24 according to this invention is Flexwrap.TM.
commercially available from Tyvek.RTM.. Generally, the Flexwrap.TM.
product is a butyl compound containing melamine, cyanurate and
aluminum hydroxide as fire retardants. The adhesive 32 may be a
pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or butyl adhesive containing a
non-halogen fire retardant additive and is covered with a release
liner or peel strip as is well known. Other materials which may be
suitable for one or more of the components of the flashing kit 1o
of this invention may be sheet metal, with or without adhesive for
mounting to the opening 16 in the wall 18.
[0037] Preferably, the membrane 24 is available in roll form and
can be cut to the approximate dimensions. The membrane 24 is
provided with the peel strips 48a, 50a and a pressure sensitive
adhesive 48, 50 on opposite sides. Finger pressure is applied to
insure good contact and removal of any air bubbles which may reside
thereunder. Again, as with the silicone rubber adhesive sealant,
this product readily bonds and adheres to the itself and the
surface on which it is applied.
[0038] As can be seen from the foregoing drawings and their
descriptions, there has been set forth several embodiments and
options available to a builder to prevent water and air intrusion
around windows and door openings. This system provides an
economical, less time consuming, effective procedure for solving a
very serious problem in the construction industry.
[0039] From the above disclosure of the general principles of this
invention and the preceding detailed description of at least one
preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will readily
comprehend the various modifications to which this invention is
susceptible. Therefore, I desire to be limited only by the scope of
the following claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *