U.S. patent application number 10/590917 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-10 for batten mounting water management system.
This patent application is currently assigned to JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE B.V.. Invention is credited to Simon Trevethick.
Application Number | 20080163582 10/590917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34891652 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080163582 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trevethick; Simon |
July 10, 2008 |
Batten Mounting Water Management System
Abstract
An elongate batten (1) adapted for positioning intermediate an
inner wall framing member (2) and an outer wall cladding sheet (3)
to facilitate dispersion and evaporation of moisture from a wall
cavity. The batten includes at least one channel to facilitate
migration and drainage of moisture between the batten and the
framing member.
Inventors: |
Trevethick; Simon;
(Whitianga, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDERE / JAMES HARDIE;GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL, LLP
1601 ELM STREET, SUITE 3000
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Assignee: |
JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
B.V.
AMSTERDAM
NL
|
Family ID: |
34891652 |
Appl. No.: |
10/590917 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
February 28, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2005/050709 |
371 Date: |
December 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/716.2 ;
52/717.05; 52/741.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/707 20130101;
E04F 13/007 20130101; E04B 1/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/716.2 ;
52/717.05; 52/741.4 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/70 20060101
E04B001/70; E04C 2/38 20060101 E04C002/38; E04G 9/10 20060101
E04G009/10; E04C 2/20 20060101 E04C002/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2004 |
AU |
2004901017 |
Claims
1-40. (canceled)
41. An elongate batten adapted for positioning intermediate an
inner wall framing member and an outer wall cladding sheet to
facilitate dispersion and evaporation of moisture from a wall
cavity, said batten including at least one longitudinally extending
channel to facilitate migration and drainage of moisture between
the batten and the framing member along the length of the
batten.
42. A batten according to claim 41, wherein the at least one
longitudinal channel is formed in an inner surface of the batten
adapted for face-to-face engagement with an adjacent outer surface
of the underlying framing member.
43. A batten according to claim 41, wherein the at least one
longitudinal channel is formed in an outer surface of the batten
adapted for face-to-face engagement with an adjacent inner surface
of the overlying cladding sheet.
44. A batten according to claim 41, wherein the at least one
longitudinal channel extends through the batten.
45. A batten according to claim 41, including a plurality of said
longitudinal channels disposed in generally parallel side-by-side
relationship and extending along substantially the entire length of
the batten.
46. A batten according to claim 45, wherein the longitudinal
channels are respectively formed between adjacent pairs of a
corresponding plurality of longitudinal ridges, said ridges
collectively defining the inner surface of the batten.
47. A batten according to claim 41, wherein the batten includes a
generally transverse channel to facilitate migration and drainage
of moisture across the batten.
48. A batten according to claim 47, wherein said transverse channel
is formed in the inner surface of the batten adapted for
face-to-face engagement with the adjacent outer surface of the
framing member.
49. A batten according to claim 47, wherein the transverse channel
is formed in an outer surface of the batten adapted for
face-to-face engagement with an adjacent inner surface of the
overlying cladding sheet.
50. A batten according to claim 47, wherein the transverse channel
extends through the batten.
51. A batten according to claim 41, including a plurality of said
longitudinal channels disposed in generally parallel side-by-side
relationship and extending along substantially the entire length of
the batten, the longitudinal channels being respectively formed
between adjacent pairs of a corresponding plurality of longitudinal
ridges, said ridges collectively defining the inner surface of the
batten, and a plurality of said transverse channels to facilitate
migration and drainage of moisture across the batten, said
transverse channels being disposed in generally parallel
side-by-side relationship.
52. A batten according to claim 51, wherein the transverse channels
are defined by a corresponding series of openings formed in the
respective longitudinal ridges.
53. A batten according to claim 52, wherein the openings defining
the respective transverse channels are transversely aligned.
54. A batten according to claim 52, wherein the openings defining
the respective transverse channels are transversely staggered.
55. A batten according to claim 51, wherein the transverse and
longitudinal channels form a ventilation and drainage matrix
adapted to permit migration of moisture in liquid or vapour form
across, along and through the batten.
56. A batten according to claim 55, wherein the longitudinal and
transverse channels are disposed in generally orthogonal
relationship.
57. A batten according to claim 55, wherein at least some of the
transverse and longitudinal channels respectively intersect.
58. A batten according to claim 41, being formed from a plastics
material adapted to resist moisture permeation, and adapted to be
readily cut to desired lengths using conventional sawing tools.
59. A batten according to claim 41, incorporating pre-formed lines
of weakness disposed at predetermined intervals, to permit the
batten to be manually divided into small sections of desired
length, without the need for cutting or sawing.
60. A batten according to claim 41, being formed substantially from
PVC.
61. A batten according to claim 41, being formed substantially from
FRC.
62. A batten according to claim 41, being between 30 and around 60
mm in width.
63. A batten according to claim 41, being approximately 45 mm in
width.
64. A batten according to claim 41, being between 10 mm and around
30 mm in thickness.
65. A batten according to claim 41, being approximately 19 mm in
thickness.
66. A batten according to claim 51, including three longitudinal
channels, each being approximately 9.5 mm in width and
approximately 17 mm in height, defined by respective intermediate
ridges being approximately 2.5 mm in thickness.
67. A batten according to claim 66, wherein the transverse channels
are defined by a series of cutouts in the ridges, each cutout being
generally U-shaped with a length of around 20 mm and a height of
around 8 mm, the cutouts being spaced apart along the respective
ridges with approximately 50 mm between centers.
68. A batten according to claim 67, wherein corresponding cutouts
on adjacent ridges are staggered.
69. A batten according to claim 41, having any preformed length of
around 2400 mm, and being adapted for division into smaller
predetermined lengths on-site.
70. A batten according to claim 41, wherein the outer surface is
grooved, to facilitate the downward passage past the batten of
water passing along the inner surface of the outer cladding
material.
71. A method of building construction, said method comprising the
steps of: forming a structural frame from framing members, such
that the framing members define cavities therebetween; securing a
plurality of battens to outer surfaces of at least some of the
framing members, wherein each of said plurality of battens include
at least one longitudinally extending channel to facilitate
migration and drainage of moisture between the batten and the
framing member along the length of the batten, applying an outer
cladding material to substantially cover the framing members and
the battens; such that the battens collectively form a clearance
space between the framing members and the cladding material; the
battens thereby facilitating drainage and ventilation of the
cavities.
72. A method according to claim 71, wherein the structural frame is
formed substantially from a material selected from the group
comprising timber, metal, FRC and plastics, and wherein the method
is employed to construct a wall section of a building.
73. A method according to claim 71, wherein the cladding material
is FRC sheet.
74. A method according to claim 71, wherein the battens are secured
so as collectively to cover more than approximately 50% of the
combined outer surface area of the framing members to which the
method is applied.
75. A method according to claim 71, wherein the battens are secured
to the framing members by a fasting technique selected from the
group comprising nailing, screwing, tacking, stapling, gluing,
welding, chemical bonding, frictional engagement, and mechanical
engagement.
76. A method according to claim 71, including the further step of
applying an internal lining material such that the framing members
are effectively sandwiched, directly or indirectly, between the
external cladding material and the internal lining material.
77. A method according to claim 76, wherein the internal lining
material is plasterboard.
78. A method according to claim 71, including the step of
pre-attaching the battens to the cladding sheets to form a batten
and cladding sub-assembly, and subsequently securing the
sub-assembly to the frame.
79. A method according to claim 71, including the step of forming
the at least one longitudinal channel or a generally transverse
channel in the batten by a process selected from the group
comprising: extruding; machining; milling; routing; casting;
moulding; and fabricating; or a combination of those processes.
80. A building or building section constructed by the method
comprising: forming a structural frame from framing members, such
that the framing members define cavities therebetween; securing a
plurality of battens to outer surfaces of at least some of the
framing members, wherein each of said plurality of battens include
at least one longitudinally extending channel to facilitate
migration and drainage of moisture between the batten and the
framing member along the length of the batten, applying an outer
cladding material to substantially cover the framing members and
the battens; such that the battens collectively form a clearance
space between the framing members and the cladding material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to building
construction, and more particularly to a mounting batten and an
associated building method for improved moisture tolerance and
water management.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] The following discussion of the prior art and any other
prior art references throughout the specification are intended to
provide an appropriate technical context for the invention and to
enable the advantages of it to be more fully understood. Any such
references, however, should not be construed as an express or
implied admission that such art was well known or formed part of
common general knowledge in the field at the priority date.
[0003] The invention has been developed primarily for use in
conjunction with timber framing and fibre reinforced concrete (FRC)
cladding materials, in the context of housing construction. It will
be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to this
particular combination of materials or this particular form of
building.
[0004] In housing and other forms of building, it is a common
construction technique to form a frame from timber, steel or other
suitable materials, and apply a cladding material such as FRC
sheet, weatherboard, masonry, or other suitable materials over the
external perimeter of the frame. The interior of the building is
usually lined with plasterboard, or other suitable materials. The
frame typically comprises a series of spaced apart vertically
extending framing elements, known as studs, and a series of spaced
apart framing elements extending generally horizontally between the
studs, known as noggins. Other framing members such as top plates,
bottom plates and diagonals are also typically used, as is well
known and understood by those skilled in the art.
[0005] In climatic regions prone to sustained or heavy rainfall or
high humidity, it is common for moisture to permeate through or
around the external cladding, and into the wall cavities between
the framing members. Once this moisture permeation has occurred, it
can be difficult to dry the wall cavity, which results in numerous
problems including rotting of framing members, moisture damage to
internal lining or external cladding materials, accelerated
corrosion of metal fasteners, peeling of paint on internal and
external surfaces, propagation of mould, rising damp, and the
like.
[0006] It is known that these problems are minimized by
facilitating the drainage and ventilation of the wall cavities. One
known method of achieving this is to secure a series of timber
battens onto the outer faces of the vertical and horizontal framing
members during construction. The external cladding sheets are then
fixed to, or through, the timber battens, usually by nailing or
screwing. Importantly, the battens are not coextensive with the
outer surfaces of the framing members, but rather are cut short.
The resultant gaps allow migration of moisture, as both liquid and
vapour, within the wall cavities, around the battens, in a plane
immediately behind the external cladding sheets and immediately in
front of the outer faces of the structural framing members. While
the precise mechanics behind these water transport and evaporation
processes are not necessarily fully understood, it is known
empirically that this arrangement does in fact facilitate
evaporation and/or dispersion of retained moisture, and
consequential drying of the wall cavities and framing members.
There are, however, difficulties and limitations associated with
this technique.
[0007] Firstly, it has been found in practice that the timber
battens themselves are prone to moisture absorption. This is not a
useful characteristic in a system specifically intended to
facilitate moisture dissipation, and inevitably impedes the drying
process.
[0008] Secondly, because the timber battens cover the majority of
the outer surfaces of the framing members, they inhibit the rate at
which moisture that has permeated the framing members themselves is
able to migrate outwardly toward the front faces of those members
from where it can begin to evaporate. Accordingly, not only may the
battens themselves remain wet or damp for some considerable time
following moisture permeation, they also impede drying of the
underlying framing members.
[0009] Another problem with conventional battens is that when used
on horizontal framing members, any condensation or other water must
pool and flow to the end of the batten, in order to drain to the
next level. In the case of standard timber framing construction
using studs at 600 mm centers, the water would typically need to
track for up to around 500 mm to the end of the batten, before
reaching a vertical gap through which to flow. Even this relies on
the builder being assiduous in providing the necessary gaps,
inclinations, and tolerances to allow the process to occur as
intended. In practice, this does not always happen.
[0010] A further problem relates to corrosion of metal fasteners.
The usual method of treatment for timber battens exposed to
moisture for prolonged periods involves the use of an acidic
solution of copper, chromium and arsenate (CCA), which is designed
to fully penetrate the timber under external pressure. If timber
treated in this way remains wet for prolonged periods, as is
typically the case in the present context, standard galvanized
nails or screws become corroded to an unsatisfactory degree. In
order to ameliorate this problem, it is possible to use stainless
steel nails. However, this adds significantly to the cost of
materials. Furthermore, stainless steel nails are typically not
available in collated magazine form for use in nails guns.
Consequently, in such situations, the builder must nail the battens
to the cladding sheets by hand. This is time-consuming,
inconvenient, and adds significantly to the labour as well as the
material cost.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a batten
and associated framing method, which overcomes or substantially
ameliorates one or more of these disadvantages of the prior art, or
at least provides a useful alternative.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides an
elongate batten adapted for positioning intermediate an inner wall
framing member and outer wall cladding sheet to facilitate
dispersion and evaporation of moisture from a wall cavity, said
batten including at least one channel to facilitate migration and
drainage of moisture between the batten and the framing member.
[0013] Preferably, the channel is formed in an inner surface of the
batten adapted for face-to-face engagement with an adjacent outer
surface of the underlying framing member. Alternatively, the
channel may be formed in an outer surface of the batten adapted for
face-to-face engagement with an adjacent inner surface of the
overlying cladding sheet. In a further alternative, the channel may
extend through the batten.
[0014] Preferably, the channel extends longitudinally to facilitate
migration and drainage of moisture along the length of the batten.
Preferably, the batten includes a plurality of such longitudinal
channels disposed in generally parallel side-by-side relationship
and extending along substantially the entire length of the batten.
Preferably, the longitudinal channels are respectively formed
between adjacent pairs of a corresponding plurality of longitudinal
ridges, the ridges collectively defining the inner surface of the
batten.
[0015] Preferably, the batten additionally or alternatively
includes a transverse channel formed in the inner surface adapted
for engagement with the adjacent outer surface of the framing
member, to facilitate migration and drainage of moisture across the
batten. Alternatively, however, the transverse channel may be
formed in the outer surface of, or extend through, the batten.
Preferably, the batten includes a plurality of transverse channels
disposed in generally parallel side-by-side relationship.
[0016] In one preferred embodiment, the transverse channels are
defined by corresponding series of apertures, slots, cutouts, or
openings formed in the respective longitudinal ridges. The
apertures or cutouts defining each channel may be transversely
aligned, staggered or disposed in some other relationship. In this
way, the transverse and longitudinal channels form a ventilation
and drainage matrix adapted to permit migration of moisture in
liquid or vapour form across, along and through the batten. It
should be appreciated, however, that the respective channels
defining the drainage matrix may or may not be orthogonal, and the
transverse channels may or may not intersect with the longitudinal
channels.
[0017] In the preferred embodiment, the batten is formed from a
plastics or plastic like material adapted to resist moisture
permeation, and to be readily cut to desired lengths using
conventional sawing tools and techniques. In one embodiment, the
batten incorporates pre-formed lines of weakness disposed at
regular intervals, to permit the batten to be manually snapped or
broken into small sections of desired length, without the need for
cutting or sawing. Most preferably, the batten is formed from PVC,
and is ideally formed, at least partially, by extrusion. It should
be appreciated, however, that other suitable batten materials, or
combinations of materials, may be used. Suitable materials are
those that retard or minimise the migration of moisture to the
framing or substrate. One way of limiting the migration of moisture
to the framing or substrate is to form the battens of a material
having a very low absorption characteristics. This inhibits the
batten from becoming water saturated and allowing moisture
migration through the batten to the framing or substrate. Battens
formed from low moisture absorption materials encourage the
migration of water down the batten and thereby promote efficient
moisture egress. In one preferred embodiment, the batten is formed
from fibre reinforced cement (FRC). Low permeability formulations
and/or moisture resistant coatings may ideally be used in this
context to minimise moisture absorption. The channels are
preferably formed by machining, extrusion, casting, moulding or
other suitable production technique or combination of
techniques.
[0018] The batten is preferably between about 30 mm and 60 mm in
width, more preferably between about 40 mm and 50 mm in width, and
in some preferred embodiments is approximately 45 mm in width. The
batten has a thickness preferably between about 10 mm and 30 mm,
more preferably between about 15 mm and 25 mm and in one preferred
embodiment, has a thickness of about 19 mm. The batten preferably
includes three longitudinal channels, each approximately 9.5 mm in
width and approximately 17 mm in height. Preferably, the
intermediate ridges are approximately 2.5 mm in thickness.
[0019] Preferably, the transverse channels are defined by a series
of cutouts in the ridges, each cutout being generally U-shaped,
with a length of around 20 mm and a height of around 8 mm, and
space apart along each ridge at approximately 50 mm between
centers. In the preferred embodiment, the cutouts on adjacent
ridges are staggered. Preferably, the batten is initially formed in
a length of around 2400 mm, but is adapted to be readily cut or
broken into smaller lengths of desired size on-site.
[0020] Preferably, the outer surface of the batten is grooved, to
facilitate the downward passage past the batten of water passing
along the inner surface of the outer cladding material.
[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a
method of building construction, said method comprising the steps
of: [0022] forming a structural frame from framing members, such
that the framing members defining cavities therebetween; [0023]
securing a plurality of battens as previously defined to outer
surfaces of at least some of the framing members; [0024] applying
an outer cladding material to substantially cover the framing
members and the battens; such that the battens collectively form a
clearance space between the framing members and the cladding
material; [0025] the battens thereby facilitating drainage and
ventilation of the cavities.
[0026] Preferably, the structural frame is formed substantially
from timber framing members and the method relates to construction
of a wall section of a building. It will be appreciated, however,
that the framing members may be formed from other suitable
materials including steel, FRC or plastics, and that the
construction technique may be applied to floors, ceilings, roofing
sections, partitions, and the like. Preferably, the cladding
material is FRC sheet. It will be appreciated, however, that any
other suitable cladding material may be used.
[0027] Preferably, the battens are secured so as collectively to
cover more than 50% of the combined outer surface area of the
framing members to which the method is applied. Preferably, the
battens are secured to the framing members by nailing or screwing.
It will be appreciated, however, that any other suitable fastening
means may be used, including tacking, stapling, gluing, welding,
chemical bonding, frictional engagement, or mechanical
engagement.
[0028] Preferably, the method includes the further step of applying
an internal lining material such that the framing members are
effectively sandwiched, directly or indirectly, between the
external cladding material and the internal lining material. The
internal lining material is preferably plasterboard. Again,
however, other suitable materials may be used.
[0029] In one preferred form, the method includes the step of
pre-attaching the battens to the cladding sheets, before securing
the resultant cladding and batten sub-assemblies to the frame.
[0030] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a
building or a section of a building, constructed in accordance with
the method and using the battens, as defined above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a batten according to
the invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the batten shown in FIG.
1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken a long line 4-4 of
FIG. 2;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a
form of wall construction using the battens of FIGS. 1 to 4,
according to the invention; and
[0037] FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail taken from the top-left-hand
corner of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] Referring to the drawings, the invention in a first aspect
provides an elongate batten 1 adapted for positioning between an
inner wall frame 2 and an outer wall cladding layer 3, to
facilitate dispersion and evaporation of moisture from the wall
cavity. As best seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, the batten includes a series
of generally U-shaped longitudinal channels 10 disposed in parallel
side-by-side relationship, and extending along substantially the
entire length of the batten. The channels are respectively formed
between adjacent pairs of ridges 11, such that the ridges
effectively define the inner surface 12 of the batten. The outer
surface 13 of the batten includes a corresponding series of
generally V-shaped grooves 14, again disposed in parallel,
side-by-side relationship and extending along substantially the
entire length of the batten. In the embodiment shown, the grooves
generally correspond in number and alignment with the respective
ridges. This confers the advantage of maintaining a substantially
uniform wall thickness in the batten. It will be appreciated,
however, that this need not necessarily be the case. If desired,
the outer surface of the batten may additionally or alternatively
include transverse grooves (not shown).
[0039] The batten also includes a series of transverse passages or
channels 15, effectively formed in the inner surface. These
transverse channels are collectively defined by a series of
apertures, slots, cutouts, holes or openings 16, formed in each of
the longitudinal ridges 11. In this regard, it will be appreciated
that each transverse passage or channel 15 is not defined by a
single cutout 16, but rather by a sequence of cutouts in each of
the ridges. The cutouts in each such sequence may be transversely
aligned, such that the transverse channels are effectively
straight, or staggered (as shown), such that the transverse
channels effectively follow a zigzag or sinuate path across the
batten. A combination of these or other forms of relative alignment
between the respective sequences of cutouts may also be used,
whereby the resultant shape of the transverse passages or channels
may be regular, irregular, or a combination of both.
[0040] The net result is that the transverse and longitudinal
channels 15 and 11 together form a ventilation and drainage matrix
adapted, in conjunction with the grooves 14, to permit migration of
moisture in liquid or vapour form across, along and through the
batten, as described in more detailed below. It should be noted,
however, that the respective channels, passages and grooves
defining the drainage matrix may or may not be orthogonal, and the
transverse channels may or may not intersect with the longitudinal
channels. Ideally, these channels will intersect at least to some
degree, to enhance the moisture dispersion characteristics. In some
embodiments, however, the longitudinal and transverse channels may
be supplemented or replaced by channels extending obliquely across
the batten, to provide a combination of both longitudinal and
crossflow ventilation.
[0041] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the batten is
formed from a plastics or plastic like material, ideally PVC, and
is thereby well adapted to resist moisture permeation. This
material also enables the batten to be readily cut to desired
lengths using conventional sawing tools and techniques. It also
incorporates pre-formed lines of weakness (not shown) disposed at
regular intervals, to permit the batten to be manually snapped or
broken into smaller sections of desired length, without the need
for cutting or sawing. It should be appreciated, however, that
other suitable batten materials, or combinations of materials, may
alternatively be used. The range of suitable materials may also be
expanded by use in conjunction with waterproof or moisture
resistant coatings. The batten in a preferred alternative
embodiment is formed from fibre reinforced cement (FRC), ideally
using a relatively low permeability fibre cement formulation and/or
a moisture resistant coating. The channels are formed by extrusion,
machining, casting, fabrication or other suitable production
technique or combination of techniques.
[0042] The batten is ideally approximately 45 millimetres in width
and around 19 millimetres in thickness or depth. In the embodiment
shown, it includes three longitudinal channels 10, each
approximately 9 to 10 millimetres in width and approximately 17
millimetres in depth. The batten includes four outer grooves 14,
each approximately 1.5 millimetres in depth. The wall thickness is
generally in the order of 2.5 millimetres, and the sidewalls or
ridges 11 defining the respective channels approximately correspond
to this thickness. The cutouts 16 each have a length of
approximately 20 mm and a depth or height of approximately 8 mm.
The cutouts are spaced along each ridge or sidewall at a distance
of approximately 50 millimetres between centres. The batten is
initially formed in lengths of approximately 2400 millimetres, but
as noted above, is adapted to be cut or snapped into smaller
lengths, as required.
[0043] In a second aspect, the invention also provides a method of
building construction, using battens as described, to facilitate
the management, control and dispersion of water. Using this method,
a structural frame 2 is initially erected using framing members 21,
which may be formed from timber, FRC, steel or other suitable
materials. The embodiment shown uses conventional timber framing
members. In the conventional manner, the frame includes
horizontally and vertically oriented framing members 21 spaced
apart at appropriate intervals to define intermediate wall cavities
24. The framing members 21 include respective inner faces 25 and
outer faces 26, as best seen in FIG. 6. A series of battens 1 is
then secured to the respective outer faces 26 of at least some, and
ideally most, of the framing members 21. The battens may be secured
by gluing, screwing, nailing, stapling, or other suitable fasting
means.
[0044] The outer layer 3 of cladding material is then applied,
using cladding sheets 30 so as to cover the framing members and the
overlying battens. In this way, the battens collectively position
the outer cladding material away from the framing members by a
predetermined distance corresponding to the thickness of the
battens, and form a clearance space 31 therebetween. The outer
cladding material 30 is ideally formed from FRC sheet, but may
alternatively the formed from timber, aluminium, cement render,
masonry, plastic, or other suitable cladding materials. The
cladding material is ideally fastened by nailing or screwing, but
again, other suitable fasting means may be used as appropriate to
the cladding and framing materials, the required strength
characteristics, the prevailing climatic conditions, cost
considerations, aesthetics, and other relevant factors.
[0045] The inner face of the frame is then covered with an internal
lining material such as plasterboard (not shown), whereby the
framing members 21 are effectively sandwiched between the external
cladding and the internal lining materials. The wall cavities may
contain thermal installation, ducting for building services,
soundproofing, or other materials as required. In a variation on
this construction technique, the battens may be pre-attached to the
cladding sheets, and the resultant batten and cladding
sub-assemblies subsequently secured to the building frame.
[0046] Although these construction techniques have been described
primarily with reference to the wall section of the building, it
will be understood that they may be equally applied to the
construction of floors, ceilings, roofing sections, partitions, and
the like.
[0047] Turning now to described the mode of operation of the
battens in more detail, with the wall or building section formed as
described, any water in liquid form that migrates into the wall
cavity is able to run downwardly through the planar clearance space
31 between the framing members and the outer cladding, via the
drainage matrices extending through the respective battens. From
the bottom of the wall section, this water is readily directed out
of the wall cavity and away from the building through appropriately
positioned drainage holes, channels, gutters, ducts, pipes,
flashing, or the like. Moisture in vapour form is readily able to
either condense for removal with the liquid drainage water as
described, or alternatively to rise in gaseous form through the
same clearance space 31, again via the drainage matrices extending
through the respective battens, for egress from the wall cavity
through the top of the wall section.
[0048] It will be appreciated that because the battens are formed
from a plastics or plastic like material, they do not themselves
absorb any moisture. Moreover, because they do not need to be
chemically treated, they do not cause accelerated corrosion of
metal fasteners, and in particular do not require the use of
stainless steel screws or nails. Conveniently, the batten material
is therefore readily fastenable using conventional galvanised nails
in collated nail gun format.
[0049] Furthermore, the longitudinal channels 10 effectively form
vapour diffusion ports, which facilitate the diffusion of water
absorbed into the underlying timber framing members. The only
direct contact area between each batten and the underlying framing
member is essentially four contact strips, each 2.5 mm wide,
corresponding respectively to the four inner faces of the
longitudinal ridges 11. This greatly increases the area of free air
space above wet timber framing members, thereby providing improved
drying conditions at the outer surfaces of any framing members that
have absorbed moisture. These drying conditions are further
improved by the cutouts 16 and associated transverse passages 15 in
the battens, which allow the free movement of air through and
between the individual compartments within the wall cavity. This
free movement of air minimises the accumulation of moisture within
the cavity, and facilitates the migration of absorbed water to the
outer surfaces of the framing members and subsequent dispersion by
drainage and evaporation. Also, in the case of horizontally
oriented battens, any condensation or other liquid water flows are
able to drain directly through the cutouts 16, rather than having
to pool and flow from one end of the batten to the other, as in the
case of the prior art. This means that the system is less dependent
upon precise angles of inclination, end gaps and tolerances upon
installation of the battens, in comparison to prior art
techniques.
[0050] Because of the shape, configuration and material and
properties of the battens, which are preferably formed by
extrusion, the dimensional tolerances in terms of thickness, width,
straightness and the like are superior to those of conventional
timber batten products. Furthermore, there are no significant
dimensional variations in response to changes in ambient humidity.
Yet, as noted above, the battens of the present invention are far
more tolerant of positional variation upon installation. In the
case of PVC battens, they are also lighter than correspondingly
sized conventional solid timber battens, readily handlable without
splintering, and easy to cut. In all these respects, the invention
represents a practical and commercially significant improvement
over the prior art.
[0051] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
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