U.S. patent application number 11/454735 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for window backdam assembly for preventing water intrusion.
This patent application is currently assigned to Homer T. Hayward Lumber Co.. Invention is credited to Rudi Hendricus Lokkart.
Application Number | 20070289226 11/454735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38860214 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070289226 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lokkart; Rudi Hendricus |
December 20, 2007 |
Window backdam assembly for preventing water intrusion
Abstract
A window backdam assembly includes an elongate backdam placed
flat on top of a window sill near an interior end. A portion of the
window sill adjacent to the exterior end is temporarily uncovered.
A one-piece waterproof adhesive material is placed over the entire
backdam and uncovered portion of the window sill. The elastic
adhesive material is generously sized to cover the backdam, the
uncovered window sill, and lower portions of the jambs of the
window frame and structural panel. Thin flashing material may be
applied horizontally to the structural panel beneath the sill,
vertically along the two jambs of the panel, and horizontally on
the top portion of panel, thereby forming a border around the panel
opening.
Inventors: |
Lokkart; Rudi Hendricus;
(Arroyo Grande, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kenneth L. Sherman, Esq.;Myers Dawes Andras & Sherman, LLP
11th Floor, 19900 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine
CA
92612
US
|
Assignee: |
Homer T. Hayward Lumber Co.
Monterey
CA
|
Family ID: |
38860214 |
Appl. No.: |
11/454735 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 1/62 20130101; E06B
2001/628 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/62 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/14 20060101
E04D013/14 |
Claims
1. A window assembly for preventing water intrusion, comprising: a
window sill including a surface with an exterior end, an interior
end, a surface depth defined between the interior end and the
exterior end, and a surface width; an elongate material having a
height of at least 0.1 inch, a material depth greater than the
height and less than the surface depth, and a material width that
is substantially similar to the surface width, the elongate
material being disposed on top of the horizontal bottom surface
adjacent to the interior end such that the elongate material does
not cover a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the exterior
end; and a one-piece waterproof adhesive material disposed over the
elongate material and the portion of the bottom surface adjacent to
exterior so as to create a slope directing any liquids on top of
adhesive outwardly toward the exterior end of the bottom
surface.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongate material comprises
plywood.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the material depth is less than
the surface depth such that the elongate material does not cover a
portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the exterior end.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the height of the material is
less than 0.75 inches.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the material depth is between
0.5 inches and 3 inches.
6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a frame defining a
window opening, the frame comprising the window sill, an interior
side and an exterior side; and at least one structural panel
coupled to the exterior side of the frame, the structural panel
including a bottom portion disposed beneath the window sill.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the window sill comprises a
first side and a second side, the first side and the second side
defining the surface width, the assembly further comprising: a
flashing coupled to the bottom portion of the structural panel, the
flashing extending horizontally beyond the first side and the
second side of the window sill.
8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one structural
panel comprises oriented strand board.
9. A method for forming a window assembly that prevents water
intrusion, comprising: providing a window frame with a window sill
having an interior end and an exterior end; providing a backdam
having a height, a width, and a depth greater than the height;
placing the backdam horizontally flat on the window sill adjacent
to the interior end so to as temporarily expose a portion of the
window sill adjacent to the exterior end; and covering the backdam
and the exposed portion of the window sill with a one-piece
adhesive material.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: providing a
structural panel having at least a bottom portion; and coupling the
structural panel to an exterior side of the window frame.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: applying a flashing
horizontally to the bottom portion of the structural panel beneath
the window sill; and wherein covering the backdam and the exposed
portion of the window sill with the one-piece adhesive material
comprises covering the flashing disposed beneath the window
sill.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein covering the backdam and the
exposed portion of the window sill with the one-piece adhesive
material comprises covering the backdam and the exposed portion of
the window sill with a waterproof adhesive material.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the backdam having the
height, the width, and the depth greater than the height comprises
forming the backdam from plywood.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the backdam having the
height, the width, and the depth greater than the height comprises
forming the backdam with a backdam width that corresponds to a
width of the sill.
15. A method for forming a window assembly that prevents water
intrusion, the window assembly being included as part of a
building, comprising: providing a first material being used in
constructing the building; providing a waterproof adhesive material
being used in constructing the building; providing a window frame
with a window sill having an interior end and an exterior end;
providing a backdam composed of the first material; forming the
backdam with a height, a width, and a depth greater than the
height; placing the backdam horizontally flat on the window sill
adjacent to the interior end so to as temporarily expose a portion
of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end; and covering the
backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill with the
waterproof adhesive material.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing a
structural panel having at least a bottom portion; and coupling the
structural panel to an exterior side of the window frame.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: applying a flashing
horizontally to the bottom portion of the structural panel beneath
the window sill; and wherein covering the backdam and the exposed
portion of the window sill with the waterproof adhesive material
comprises covering the flashing disposed beneath the window
sill.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the backdam composed
of the first material comprises forming the backdam from
plywood.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the backdam having
the height, the width, and the depth greater than the height
comprises forming the backdam with a backdam width that corresponds
to a width of the sill.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to window assembly
installation and structures to prevent air and water intrusion.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information
[0004] One of the easiest ways for water to intrude into a home or
building is through areas surrounding windows. A typical window
sill provides a convenient entrance for water to enter through the
window opening and into the building structure. Though it is never
desirable to have water leaking into a home, severe water intrusion
caused by natural occurrences, such as storms and heavy rains, can
lead to extensive, costly damage in a building.
[0005] Accordingly, prior art attempts to resolve this problem
include a variety of awkward mechanisms, including differently
shaped pans and so forth. One primary drawback of these mechanisms
is that they require the builder or user to purchase an additional
structural item which must be incorporated into a window frame or
assembly. Where a home or building includes several windows, the
purchase and assembly of individual pans for every window can be a
costly and time consuming exercise.
[0006] Moreover, the dimensions of each window opening vary. These
variances make it more burdensome to employ prior structure
accessories in the prior which come prefabricated. For example,
certain rigid components might need to be cut, trimmed, or altered
in various other means, in order to accommodate a particular window
opening. Once again, in a home or building with several differently
sized window openings, the need to alter prior art fittings for
each individual window leads to a very toilsome and lengthy task,
which inevitably leads to greater costs in terms of labor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides structures and methods which
overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.
[0008] In one aspect, a window assembly is provided for preventing
water intrusion. The window assembly comprises a window sill
including a surface with an exterior end, an interior end, a
surface depth defined between the interior end and the exterior
end, and a surface width. An elongate material is disposed on top
of the horizontal bottom surface adjacent to the interior end such
that the elongate material does not cover a portion of the bottom
surface adjacent to the exterior end. The elongate material has a
height preferably between 0.30 to 0.75 inches, a material depth
greater than the height and less than the surface depth, and a
material width that is substantially similar to the surface width.
The elongate material is disposed on top of the horizontal bottom
surface adjacent to the interior end such that the elongate
material does not cover a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to
the exterior end. A one-piece waterproof adhesive material is
disposed over the elongate material and the portion of the bottom
surface adjacent to exterior so as to prevent any moisture from
entering the structure and to cause the moisture to exit the
structure toward the exterior end of the bottom surface.
[0009] The elongate material preferably comprises plywood. The
material depth is less than the surface depth such that the
elongate material does not cover a portion of the bottom surface
adjacent to the exterior end. The height of the material is
preferably less than 0.75 inches. The material depth is preferably
between 0.5 inches and 3 inches.
[0010] The assembly further comprises a frame that defines a window
opening and comprises the window sill. The frame also includes an
interior side and an exterior side. At least one structural panel
coupled to the exterior side of the frame. The structural panel
includes a bottom portion disposed beneath the window sill. The
structural panel preferably comprises oriented strand board
("OSB").
[0011] The window sill comprises a first side and a second side.
The first side and the second side define the surface width. A
flashing is coupled to the bottom portion of the structural panel.
The flashing extends horizontally beyond the first side and the
second side of the window sill.
[0012] In another aspect, a method is provided for forming a window
assembly that prevents water intrusion. The method includes
providing a window frame with a window sill having an interior end
and an exterior end, providing a backdam having a height, a width,
and a depth greater than the height, placing the backdam
horizontally flat on the window sill adjacent to the interior end
so to as temporarily expose a portion of the window sill adjacent
to the exterior end, and covering the backdam and the exposed
portion of the window sill with a one-piece elastic adhesive
material.
[0013] The method further comprises providing a structural panel
having at least a bottom portion, and coupling the structural panel
to an exterior side of the window frame. The method may also
comprise applying a flashing horizontally to the bottom portion of
the structural panel beneath the window sill, such that the step of
covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the window sill
with the one-piece adhesive material comprises covering the
flashing disposed beneath the window sill.
[0014] The step of covering the backdam and the exposed portion of
the window sill with the one-piece adhesive material preferably
comprises covering the backdam and the exposed portion of the
window sill with a waterproof adhesive material. The step of
providing the backdam having the height, the width, and the depth
greater than the height preferably comprises forming the backdam
from plywood. The step of providing the backdam having the height,
the width, and the depth greater than the height preferably
comprises forming the backdam with a backdam width that corresponds
to a width of the sill.
[0015] In a further aspect, a method is provided for forming a
window assembly that prevents water intrusion using existing
materials already being employed in the construction of a building
housing the window assembly. The method comprises providing a first
material being used in constructing the building, providing a
waterproof adhesive material being used in constructing the
building, providing a window frame with a window sill having an
interior end and an exterior end, providing a backdam composed of
the first material, forming the backdam with a height, a width, and
a depth greater than the height, placing the backdam horizontally
flat on the window sill adjacent to the interior end so to as
temporarily expose a portion of the window sill adjacent to the
exterior end, and covering the backdam and the exposed portion of
the window sill with the waterproof adhesive material.
[0016] The method further comprising providing a structural panel
having at least a bottom portion, coupling the structural panel to
an exterior side of the window frame, and applying a flashing
horizontally to the bottom portion of the structural panel beneath
the window sill. Accordingly, the step of covering the backdam and
the exposed portion of the window sill with the waterproof adhesive
material preferably comprises covering the flashing disposed
beneath the window sill.
[0017] The step of providing the backdam composed of the first
material preferably comprises forming the backdam from plywood. The
step of providing the backdam having the height, the width, and the
depth greater than the height preferably comprises forming the
backdam with a backdam width that corresponds to a width of the
sill.
[0018] In summary, a window backdam assembly includes an elongate
backdam placed flat on top of a window sill near an interior end. A
portion of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end is
temporarily uncovered. A one-piece waterproof adhesive material is
placed over the entire backdam and uncovered portion of the window
sill. The elastic adhesive material is generously sized to cover
the backdam, the uncovered window sill, and lower portions of the
jambs of the window frame and structural panel. Thin flashing
material may be applied horizontally to the structural panel
beneath the sill, vertically along the two jambs of the panel, and
horizontally on the top portion of panel, thereby forming a border
around the panel opening.
[0019] The invention, now having been briefly summarized, may be
better appreciated by the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
window assembly in part, including a window frame and structural
panel;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
a window assembly in part, showing placement of a backdam;
[0022] FIG. 3 close-up perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of a window assembly in part;
[0023] FIG. 4 is close-up perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of a window assembly in part, showing placement of a
one-piece waterproof adhesive material;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
window assembly in part, including vertical flashing materials;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
window assembly in part, showing placement of a window;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
window assembly, showing placement of a top flashing material;
and
[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a preferred method for installing a
window and preventing water intrusion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better
understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein
illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly
understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as
examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as
ultimately defined in the claims.
[0029] The preferred apparatuses and methods according to the
invention are directed to using known, inexpensive materials for
preventing water intrusion through the window sill area of any
sized window opening. In particular, the preferred embodiments of
the invention incorporate existing construction and building
materials which typically are already being used in the building
process. It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiments
obviate the need to purchase and install additional materials and
components which are not already being used in the construction of
the building.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a partial window
frame assembly 10. The partial assembly 10 includes a generally
rectangular window frame 20 that may be composed of wood. The frame
20 includes a top portion 22, a first side portion 24, a second
side portion 26, and a bottom portion, or window sill, 28, all of
which collectively define a frame opening 31 for receiving a
window. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame opening 31 is
illustrated as rectangular though it is to be expressly understood
that the window frame 20 may define a variety of different window
openings with different shapes (e.g., arched top, circular,
polygonal, etc.) and varying dimensions.
[0031] The frame 20 includes an interior side 33, configured to
face an interior of the building to which the frame is installed,
and an oppositely facing exterior side 35. The window sill 28
includes a horizontal top surface, or sill surface, 37 with an
interior end 39, an exterior end 40, a sill depth 42 defined
between the interior end 39 and the exterior end 40, and a sill
width 44 defined between the first side portion 24 and the second
side portion 26 of the frame 20.
[0032] A structural panel 46 is coupled to the exterior side 35 of
the frame 20. The structural panel 46 preferably comprises single
sheet with a top panel portion 48, a first side portion, or first
jamb, 50, a second side portion, or second jamb, 52, and a bottom
board portion 54, all of which define a panel opening 56 that
substantially conforms to, and aligns with, the frame opening 31.
Thus, the panel opening 56 and the frame opening 31 collectively
define a window opening 58 for receiving a window. The structural
panel 46 may be composed of natural wood, or engineered board
material such as oriented strand board ("OSB").
[0033] In FIG. 2, a backdam 60 is disposed on the window sill 28
adjacent to the interior end 39. The backdam 60 is preferably
composed of a commonly used material which is typically already
being used in the construction of the building. For example, in the
preferred embodiment, the backdam 60 may comprise plywood, natural
wood, particle board, engineered board material (e.g., OSB),
plastic, or any other commonly used construction material which may
be formed into an elongate strip.
[0034] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the backdam 60 comprises a backdam depth
62 that is less than the sill depth 42 such that when the backdam
60 is disposed adjacent to the interior end 39, a transverse
elongate portion 64 of the top sill surface 37 adjacent to the
exterior end is temporarily uncovered or exposed. The backdam 60 is
transversely elongate and is, thus, configured with a backdam width
66 that is substantially similar to the sill width 44. The backdam
60 is preferably laid flat, as opposed to upright, on the sill
surface 37 such that its backdam height 68 is generally less than
the backdam depth 62. In the preferred embodiment, the backdam 60
preferably has a height 68 in the range from 0.30 inch to 0.75
inches, a depth in the range of 0.5 inches to 3.0 inches, and a
width 66 substantially similar to the window sill width 44. It is
to be expressly understood that these ranges are provided for
illustrative purposes, and that the dimensions may be lesser or
greater depending upon the size of the window/window frame to be
assembled.
[0035] In FIG. 3, a thin flashing material 70 is coupled to the
bottom portion 54 of the structural panel 46. The flashing 70
extends transversely beneath the sill surface 37 and traverses
preferably beyond the sill width 44. In the preferred embodiment,
the flashing 70 is coupled to an exterior surface 71 of the bottom
board portion 54 preferably at a top flashing section 72, such as
with staples, thereby leaving a bottom flashing section 74
loose.
[0036] In FIG. 4, a thin elastic adhesive material 76 is disposed
over the backdam 60 and the temporarily exposed portion 64 of the
sill surface 37. The elastic adhesive material 76 in the preferred
embodiment comprises a commonly known waterproof material, such as
TYVEK.RTM., that is generally already being used in the
construction of the building. The adhesive material 76 is
preferably a unitary, one piece material configured with larger
dimensions than that of the sill surface 37, namely, with a width
greater than the sill width 44 and a length greater than the sill
depth 42 such that the adhesive material 76 generously covers the
sill surface 37 and beyond. In particular, the adhesive material 76
covers bottom sections of the first jamb 52 and the second jamb 54,
bottom sections of the side portions 24, 26 of the frame 20, the
bottom flashing 70, and an interior surface (not shown) of the
bottom portion 28 of the frame 20.
[0037] With the application of the adhesive material 76 onto the
backdam 60 and surrounding areas of the window sill 28 as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, it will be appreciated that a one-piece watertight
pan assembly, or backdam assembly, 80 is formed over the window
sill 28 with a slope 82 that directs any fluid thereon outwardly
away from the interior of the building. It will be further
appreciated that the backdam assembly may be formed quickly and
inexpensively with common materials which are already being used in
the construction of the building. Accordingly, there is no need to
purchase additional components and accessories to formulate the
preferred embodiment, thereby saving time and money.
[0038] Additional flashings 84 are applied vertically on the first
and second jambs 50, 52 as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, a window 86
is installed onto the structural panel 46, the window 86 being
aligned with the window opening 58 shown in FIG. 5. A head flashing
88 may be coupled to the structural panel 46 as shown in FIG.
7.
[0039] It will be appreciated that a highly effective and
inexpensive mechanism for preventing water intrusion through a
window, particularly at the window sill, is provided when
installing a new window. By using commonly known materials which
are already being elsewhere in the construction of the building,
both time and money is saved.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred method 100 for installing a
window and preventing water intrusion. The method 100 comprises
step 110 of coupling a structural panel to a window frame to align
a panel opening with a frame opening. This step 110 may also
include trimming the structural panel, which is preferably composed
of engineered material such as oriented strand board (OSB), so to
conform the panel opening to the frame opening and thereby
collectively form a window opening for receiving a window.
[0041] Step 120 comprises providing a backdam that is composed of a
material already used in the construction of the building. A
building may comprise a residence, commercial building, or any
other type of structure requiring windows. In the preferred method,
step 120 comprises forming the backdam from plywood, or any other
inexpensive material already being used in the construction of the
building. Thus, step 120 also includes providing the materials
which are being used elsewhere in constructing the building. Step
130 comprises disposing the backdam on a window sill of the window
frame adjacent to an interior end of the sill so as to expose an
elongate portion of the sill adjacent to an exterior end.
[0042] Step 140 comprises coupling a strip of flashing to the
bottom portion of the structural panel beneath the sill in a
generally horizontal direction.
[0043] Step 150 comprises applying a one piece adhesive waterproof
material over the backdam and exposed portion of the window sill to
form an outwardly directing slope. In the preferred method, step
140 comprises utilizing a generously larger piece of adhesive
material that is also adhered to bottom portions of the jambs of
the structural panel and wood frame, the flashing coupled to the
bottom board portion, and an interior surface of the bottom portion
of the frame.
[0044] In step 160, strips of flashing are applied in a vertical
orientation along the jambs of the structural panel. The vertical
flashing strips are preferably coupled at medial sections adjacent
to the panel opening.
[0045] Step 170 comprises installing a window onto an exterior side
of the structural panel opposite the window frame. Step 180, a
flashing strip is coupled to a top protion of the structural panel
in a generally horizontal direction.
[0046] In the preferred method, it will be appreciated that an
inexpensive and quick step of providing a backdam occurs prior to
installing the window onto the structural panel. Furthermore, the
method utilizes commonly known materials which are typically
already being used in the construction of the building.
Accordingly, it is to be expressly understood that the preferred
method 100 described above in connection with FIG. 8 also comprises
a method for assembling a window using existing materials already
being employed in the construction of the building. Thus, there is
no need to halt construction simply to purchase expensive materials
which may not even be suitable for the dimensions of each
particular window assembly.
[0047] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the
purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting
the invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0048] The words used in this specification to describe the
invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only
in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by
special definition in this specification the generic structure,
material or acts of which they represent a single species.
[0049] The definitions of the words or elements of the following
claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only
include the combination of elements which are literally set forth.
In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent
substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the
elements in the claims below or that a single element may be
substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements
may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that
one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases
be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination
may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a
subcombination.
[0050] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
[0051] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is
conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and
also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
* * * * *