U.S. patent application number 11/109336 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for apparatus, system, and method for extending an exterior wall surface below a debridge of a weep screed.
Invention is credited to Christopher S. McFadden.
Application Number | 20060254169 11/109336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37417716 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060254169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McFadden; Christopher S. |
November 16, 2006 |
Apparatus, system, and method for extending an exterior wall
surface below a debridge of a weep screed
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and method extend the exterior surface of
a wall below a debridge of the weep screed. An exemplary weep
screed includes an upper vertical flange, a debridge, and a lower
screed portion that allows an exterior surface material to be
applied below the debridge. The lower screed portion includes a
lower vertical flange that extends form a lower debridge member to
a tool guide. In addition to application of the exterior surface
material above the debridge, the exterior surface is applied over
the lower screed portion. The resulting exterior surface extends
the full height of the wall while damage due to moisture is
minimized since the debridge facilitates the weeping of water from
the exterior surface above the debridge. The "high tide" appearance
is eliminated while meeting building code requirements and
maintaining a dependable, weather resistant, and structurally sound
building wall.
Inventors: |
McFadden; Christopher S.;
(Bermuda Dunes, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES D. GAVRILOVICH, JR.,;GAVRILOVICH, DODD & LINDSEY, LLP
985 PASEO LA CRESTA, SUITE B
CHULA VISTA
CA
91910-6729
US
|
Family ID: |
37417716 |
Appl. No.: |
11/109336 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/344 ;
52/673 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/06 20130101;
E04F 2013/063 20130101; E04F 2013/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/344 ;
052/673 |
International
Class: |
E04F 13/04 20060101
E04F013/04 |
Claims
1. A weep screed comprising: an upper vertical flange; an upper
debridge flange extending from a bottom of the upper vertical
flange at an angle greater than ninety degrees from the upper
vertical flange; a lower debridge flange extending from a debridge
apex toward a plane of the upper vertical flange, the debridge apex
formed at a lower end of the upper debridge flange and an upper end
of the lower debridge flange; and a lower vertical flange extending
down from the lower debridge flange.
2. A weep screed in accordance with claim 1, wherein the angle is
between 110 degrees and 130 degrees.
3. A weep screed in accordance with claim 2, wherein the angle is
approximately 120 degrees.
4. A weep screed in accordance with claim 1, wherein a lower flange
angle formed between the lower debridge flange and the lower
vertical flange is between 20 and 160 degrees.
5. A weep screed in accordance with claim 4, wherein the lower
flange angle is between 90 degrees and 150 degrees.
6. A weep screed in accordance with claim 5, wherein the lower
flange angle is between approximately 120 degrees.
7. A weep screed in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lower
debridge flange is curved.
8. A weep screed in accordance with claim 1, wherein the weep
screed has a plurality of openings.
9. A weep screed in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a
tool guide extending from a bottom of the lower vertical flange and
having a width substantially the same as a distance from the plane
of the upper vertical flange to the debridge apex.
10. A building wall comprising: a concrete wall stem extending
upward from ground; a wall substructure having a sill adjacent to a
top of the concrete wall stem, the wall substructure extending
upward from the wall stem; and a weep screed secured to the wall
substructure to position a debridge apex of the weep screed
approximately level with the top of the wall stem; the weep screed
comprising: an upper vertical flange; an upper debridge flange
extending from a bottom of the upper vertical flange at an angle
greater than ninety degrees from the upper vertical flange; a lower
debridge flange extending from the bridge apex toward a plane of
the upper vertical flange, the debridge apex formed at a lower end
of the upper debridge flange and an upper end of the lower debridge
flange; and a lower vertical flange extending down from the lower
debridge flange.
11. A building wall in accordance with claim 10, further
comprising: an upper exterior surface material adjacent to the
upper vertical flange; and a lower exterior surface material
adjacent to the lower vertical flange.
12. A building wall in accordance with claim 11, wherein lower
exterior surface material extends at least to a top of exterior
grade adjacent to the wall.
13. A building wall in accordance with claim 12, wherein the lower
exterior surface material extends below the top of the exterior
grade.
14. A building wall in accordance with claim 12, wherein the lower
exterior surface material is stucco.
15. A building wall in accordance with claim 12, wherein the
exterior grade is planters grade.
16. A building wall in accordance with claim 12, wherein the
exterior grade is hardscape.
17. A building wall in accordance with claim 12, wherein weep
screed further comprises a tool guide extending from a bottom of
the lower vertical flange and having a width substantially the same
as a distance from the plane of the upper vertical flange to the
debridge apex, an outermost surface of the lower exterior surface
material extending outward to an exterior plane defined by the
debridge apex and an outer edge of the tool guide.
18. A building wall in accordance with claim 10, wherein a height
of the stem wall from exterior grade to the top of the wall stem is
within a code regulated height and a distance from the exterior
grade to the debridge apex is within a code regulated distance.
19. A weep screed comprising: a substantially planar upper vertical
flange having an inner surface configured to be positioned adjacent
to a wall substructure; an upper debridge flange extending
outwardly and downwardly from a bottom of the upper vertical flange
at an angle greater than ninety degrees from the upper vertical
flange away toward a front surface opposite the rear surface; a
lower debridge flange extending from a bridge apex inwardly toward
a plane of the upper vertical flange, a lower end of the upper
debridge flange and an upper end of the lower debridge flange
forming the debridge apex; a substantially planar lower vertical
flange extending down from the lower debridge flange substantially
within the plane of the upper vertical flange; and a tool guide
extending outwardly from a bottom of the lower vertical flange and
having an edge positioned at a distance substantially the same as a
debridge width from the plane to the debridge apex.
20. A weep screed in accordance with claim 19, wherein the upper
vertical flange, the upper debridge flange, the lower debridge
flange, and the lower vertical flange are formed from a single
piece of material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates in general to building construction
and more specifically to an apparatus, system, and method for
extending an exterior surface below a debridge of a weep
screed.
[0002] Buildings often include exterior surface materials such as
stucco that are applied to the exterior of the building walls. Weep
screeds are attached near the bottom of exterior wall to provide
support for the exterior surface and maintain a moisture barrier
between the exterior surface material and the interior structure of
the wall. Exterior surface materials are typically porous and allow
water to permeate through the exterior surface to a moisture
barrier such as building paper. Water is pulled down the wall by
gravity until it reaches a protruding portion of the weep screed
which directs water toward the exterior of the wall where the
moisture is dissipated by the environment. The protruding portion,
sometimes referred to as a debridge, forms an air gap near the
substructure that facilitates the removal and dissipation of
moisture. An excessive accumulation of water in the exterior
surface can lead to cracking and damage to the wall above the
horizontal line of the debridge due to induced tension on the upper
wall section caused by excess weight.
[0003] Conventional weep screeds, however, are limited in several
ways. For example, building codes and conventional techniques
require that the exterior surface material extend no higher that
six inches above a plant grade or two inches above a hardscape
surface such as a concrete patio or driveway. As a result,
conventional techniques result in a finished stucco wall having a
"high tide" appearance where the bottom of the exterior wall is
positioned above the finished grade. The discontinuous surface is
undesired by many building owners that prefer the stucco wall to
extend to the surface of the landscape or hardscape.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus, system, and
method for extending an exterior surface below a debridge of a weep
screed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of a section
of weep screed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
a building wall including the exemplary weep screed where the
exterior grade is a finished planter grade.
[0007] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a
building wall including the exemplary weep screed where the
exterior grade is hardscape such as concrete.
[0008] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
a building wall including the weep screed where the exterior grade
is a finished planter grade and the foundation includes a two-pour
stem wall.
[0009] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
a building wall including the weep screed where the exterior grade
is hardscape and the foundation includes a two-pour stem wall.
[0010] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of the
building wall including the weep screed where the exterior grade is
hardscape and the foundation includes a two-pour stem wall.
[0011] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
weep screed in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
weep screed in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
weep screed in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
weep screed in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] An apparatus, system, and method extend the exterior surface
of a wall below a debridge of the weep screed. An exemplary weep
screed includes an upper vertical flange, a debridge, and a lower
screed portion that allows an exterior surface material to be
applied below the debridge. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower
screed portion includes a lower vertical flange that extends form a
lower debridge member to a tool guide. In addition to application
of the exterior surface material above the debridge, the exterior
surface is applied over the lower screed portion. The resulting
exterior surface extends the full height of the wall while damage
due to moisture is minimized since the debridge facilitates the
weeping of water from the exterior surface above the debridge. The
"high tide" appearance is eliminated while meeting building code
requirements and maintaining a dependable, weather resistant, and
structurally sound building wall.
[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of a section
of weep screed 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention. The weep screed 100 includes an upper portion 102
and a lower portion 104 connected through a debridge 106. When
installed within a building wall, an inner side 108 of the weep
screed 100 faces a wall substructure, such as framing, and the
debridge 106 extends outwardly away form the wall substructure. The
upper portion 102 extends upward from an upper debridge flange 110
and the lower portion 108 extends downward from a lower debridge
flange 112 of the debridge 106. The upper debridge flange 110 and
the lower debridge flange 112 meet at a debridge apex 114. The
upper portion 102 comprises a substantially planar upper vertical
flange 116 in the exemplary embodiment and is configured to be
positioned and secured adjacent to a wall substructure. The weep
screed 100 is attached to building by securing the upper vertical
flange 116 to the wall substructure using nails or screws such that
the debridge 106 extends outwardly from the wall substructure and
forms a debridge cavity 118 between an inner debridge surface 120
and the plane of the upper vertical flange 116. In the exemplary
embodiment, the lower portion 104 comprises a substantially planar
lower vertical flange 122 extending downward from the lower
debridge flange 112 within the same plane as the upper vertical
flange 116. A tool guide 124 extends from the bottom of the lower
vertical flange 122 outwardly from the lower vertical flange 122
such that an outer surface plane is defined by the debridge apex
114 and the edge 126 of the tool guide 124. The tool guide 124
facilitates the uniform application of exterior surface material
such as stucco plaster by allowing the builder to apply the uncured
stucco plaster using a trowel or other tool while using the
debridge apex 114 and the tool guide 126 as guides.
[0017] The weep screed 100 is formed from any material having
sufficient strength, moisture resistance, and elasticity properties
for application during building construction and durability. In the
exemplary embodiment, the weep screed 100 is formed from a single
piece of 22 gauge cold rolled aluminum sheet metal using a forming
press. Examples of other suitable materials include plastics,
galvanized sheet metal and wire lath products such as "weep aid".
In the exemplary embodiment, the weep screed 100 has a plurality of
openings 128 to facilitate bending and installation of the weep
screed 100 and to facilitate adherence of portland cementations
products on and below the debridge 106. The openings 128 also
benefit the capillary effect of horizontal moisture movement along
the debridge 106. In general, the upper debridge flange 110 slopes
down from the upper vertical flange at an angle (.alpha.) 130
greater than ninety degrees. An example of a suitable angle 130 is
120 degrees from the plane of the upper vertical flange 116. The
angle (.alpha.) 130, however, may be anywhere from 92 degrees to
178 degrees. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower debridge flange
112 slopes back toward the inner side 108 to the lower vertical
flange 122 to form an 120 degree angle between the lower debridge
flange 110 and the lower vertical flange 114. The angle (.beta.)
132 between the lower debridge flange 110 and the lower vertical
flange 114, however, may be any value between two and 178 degrees.
As discussed below with reference to FIG. 7 through FIG. 10, the
debridge 106 may have any of number shapes and sizes, however. The
lower debridge flange 112, for example, may be curved in some
circumstances.
[0018] The dimensions of the weep screed 100 depend on the
particular application. Generally, the upper vertical flange
extends approximately 3 to 4 inches from the debridge 106 to the
top edge of the weep screed 100. The lower vertical flange extends
about 6 inches down from the debridge 106 to the lower edge of the
weep screed 100. The distance from the plane of the vertical upper
flange 112 to the debridge apex 118 is approximately the same as
the total thickness of the exterior surface material. For example,
where an exterior stucco layer of a wall is 7/8'' the weep screed
is formed to position the debridge apex 118 at a distance of 7/8''
from the plane of the upper vertical flange 112. Accordingly, after
the exterior surface material is applied the debridge apex 114 is
substantially flush with the surface of the exterior surface
material.
[0019] Therefore, the exemplary weep screed 100 includes a
substantially planar upper vertical flange 116 having an inner
surface 108 configured to be positioned adjacent to a wall
substructure, a debridge 106 extending outwardly to form a debridge
cavity 118 between the plane of the upper vertical flange 116 and
the inner debridge surface 120, and a substantially planar lower
vertical flange 122 extending down from the debridge within the
plane of the upper vertical flange 116. The debridge 106 includes
an upper debridge flange 110 extending outwardly from a bottom of
the upper vertical flange 116 at an angle greater than ninety
degrees from the upper vertical flange and a lower debridge flange
112 extending from a bridge apex toward the plane of the upper
vertical flange 116 to the lower vertical flange 122. The lower end
of the upper debridge flange 110 and the upper end of the lower
debridge flange 112 meet to form the debridge apex 114. The tool
guide 126 extends outwardly from a bottom of the lower vertical
flange 122 and has an edge 126 positioned at a distance
substantially the same as the distance from the plane of the upper
vertical flange to the debridge apex 114.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
a building wall 200 including the weep screed 100 where the
exterior grade 202 is a finished planter grade 202. In the
exemplary wall shown in FIG. 2, a wall substructure 204 of the wall
200 includes framing, such as a sill 206 framing studs 208, and
sheathing 210. Although other materials may be used in some
circumstances, the sill 206 and studs are "2 inch" lumber planks
such as "two by fours" or "two by sixes" for example. As is known,
the actual dimensions of lumber are less that the descriptive
lumber dimensions. Although pressure treated lumber is used for the
sill 206, other materials may be used in some situations. The
sheathing 210 is 3/8'' or 1/2'' plywood in the exemplary
embodiment. The wall 200 rests on a foundation 212 such as a
Monolithic poured concrete foundation. The foundation 212 may be
constructed using other techniques and, as discussed below with
reference to FIG. 4, the foundation may be a two-pour foundation as
in commercial applications. The weep screed 100 is attached to the
wall substructure 204 of the wall 200 such that the debridge 102 is
positioned approximately level with the bottom of the sill 206. The
weep screed 100 is attached to the wall substructure 204 by
securing the upper vertical flange to plywood sheathing 210 using
screws or nails in the exemplary embodiment. In some circumstances,
the weep screed 100 is attached to the sill 206 and/or the studs
208.
[0021] A moisture barrier 214 such as building paper is applied
over the sheathing 210 and the upper vertical flange 112. A metal
lath 216 such as a "chicken wire" mesh is secured over the moisture
barrier 214 before the exterior surface 218 material is applied. In
the exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface material 218 is
exterior stucco applied using a three step "scratch, brown and
finish" coat process. Examples of other exterior surface materials
218 that can be used include two step stucco applications such as
EIFS (exterior insulation and finish systems) where the finish
stucco coat is applied over an insulating substrate or interlocking
foam board such as "Power Wall" and "Tyvek". In accordance with the
exemplary embodiment, a trowel is used to level the lower portion
220 of the exterior surface material that is applied below the
debridge 106 and above the tool guide 116 over the lower vertical
flange 114. When the exterior surface material 218, 220 has cured,
the exterior surface of the wall 200 extends past the debridge apex
114 down to the finish grade 102.
[0022] Most, if not all, building codes require a foundation
supporting wood to extend a minimum height (h) 222 above the
adjacent finish grade. Building codes also require that the weep
screed be applied a minimum height above the finish grade. The
codes often require different minimum heights depending on the type
of grade. For example, a code may require that the weep screed
extend a minimum of 4 inches above earth and a minimum of 2 inches
above paved surfaces. Since the bottom of a conventional weep
screed determines the bottom of the exterior surface, conventional
designs result in a "high tide look" where the bottom of the
exterior surface of a wall ends several inches above the finish
grade. Therefore, among other advantages, the weep screed 100 in
accordance with the exemplary embodiment provides an esthetically
pleasing exterior wall surface that does not result in a "high tide
look".
[0023] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
a wall 200 including a weep screed 100 where the exterior grade 302
is hardscape 302 such as concrete. In the exemplary embodiment, the
debridge apex 102 is positioned approximately level with the bottom
of the sill 206 and at least 2 inches above the top surface of the
hardscape. After the exterior surface material is applied over the
lower portion of the weep creed 100 as described above, a fiber
expansion material 304 is applied to the entire face of stucco
above and below the debridge and cut at the debridge to allow
moisture to escape. The finish coat is applied using a hand trowel
onto the surface to achieve a smooth pool trowel finish. Standard
machine finishes can be applied to conventional scratch and brown
coats without the use of fiberglass expansion material in some
situations. In most situations, therefore, exterior materials are
separated from the face of the exterior surface adjacent to the
lower vertical flange 114. The use of the exemplary weep screed 100
results in wall 200 having an exterior surface material that
extends down to, or below, the top of the hardscape 302. The
resulting configuration includes hardscape 302 that abuts the
exterior surface material 220. Accordingly, walls 200 near
driveways, patios, concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, or tile have a
substantial uniform exterior finish extending to the top of the
hardscape 302 without the "high-tide" look.
[0024] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of
a building wall 400 including the exemplary weep screed 100 where
the exterior grade 202 is a finished planter grade 202 and the
foundation 212 is a two pour stem wall. As is known, a two pour or
stem wall construction is typically used in commercial construction
for slab-on grade installations where the tenant layouts are not
determined (shell construction) prior to construction. Such a
technique is often used in shopping centers and retail strip malls.
The technique is also gaining popularity in higher-end residential
construction is also used for residential garage perimeters where
the floors are sloped. A stem wall 402 is typically formed before
the interior floor 404 is poured. The weep screed 100 is secured
and installed as described above with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG.
3.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view and
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of the wall 400
including the exemplary weep screed 100 where the exterior grade
302 is hardscape 302 and the foundation is a two-pour stem wall.
During the formation of the stem wall 402, sections near entry ways
are obstructed in order to create thresholds 502. Regulations,
laws, and building codes may require that the difference between
the height of the threshold 402 and the height of the hardscape 302
be within a maximum differential (d). Coupled with the requirements
of the relative location of a debridge 114, the maximum
differential may result in troublesome construction using
conventional methods where an aesthetically appealing configuration
of the exterior surface 218 is desired. Accordingly, the exemplary
technique of construction using the weep screed 100 allows for
minor variations and inconsistencies between the location of the
debridge 114 and the hardscape 302 while conforming to all of the
building codes and laws.
[0026] FIG. 7 through FIG. 10 are illustrations of cross-sectional
side views of exemplary embodiments of the weep screed. FIG. 7 is
an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of weep screed 700
in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. The angle between
the lower vertical flange 122 and the lower debridge flange 112 is
approximately ninety degrees in the second exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of weep
screed 800 in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment. The
lower debridge flange 112 is shaped in an arc in the third
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 is an illustration of a
cross-sectional side view of weep screed 900 in accordance with a
fourth exemplary embodiment. The angle between the lower vertical
flange 122 and the lower debridge flange 112 is less than ninety
degrees in the fourth exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is an
illustration of a cross-sectional side view of weep screed 1000 in
accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment. The angle between the
lower vertical flange 122 and the lower debridge flange 112 is
greater than ninety degrees in the fifth exemplary embodiment.
Those skilled in the art will recognize the various other shapes
and angles that can be used for the debridge 114 based on these
teachings.
[0027] Clearly, other embodiments and modifications of this
invention will occur readily to those of ordinary skill in the art
in view of these teachings. The above description is illustrative
and not restrictive. This invention is to be limited only by the
following claims, which include all such embodiments and
modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above
specification and accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention
should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above
description, but instead should be determined with reference to the
appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
* * * * *