U.S. patent application number 15/172310 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-29 for high thermal resistance and permeance insulation material.
The applicant listed for this patent is Environmentally Safe Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas W. Dauber, Cory L. Groft.
Application Number | 20160279901 15/172310 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44121252 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160279901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Groft; Cory L. ; et
al. |
September 29, 2016 |
HIGH THERMAL RESISTANCE AND PERMEANCE INSULATION MATERIAL
Abstract
A low-emittance material having improved energy efficiency
protection against air infiltration and moisture build-up in
buildings is disclosed. The aforementioned low-emittance material
utilizes existing framing openings or without increasing the wall
profile of a building. The present invention provides a
low-emittance material which may be implemented on traditional
2.times.4 framing having R-15 mass insulation material within
existing or newly constructed framing cavities. The material of the
present invention also meets requirements for serving as a water
resistive barrier as defined by ICC AC38.
Inventors: |
Groft; Cory L.;
(Littlestown, PA) ; Dauber; Thomas W.; (Spring
Grove, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Environmentally Safe Products, Inc. |
New Oxford |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44121252 |
Appl. No.: |
15/172310 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14973386 |
Dec 17, 2015 |
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15172310 |
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14699413 |
Apr 29, 2015 |
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14973386 |
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13107568 |
May 13, 2011 |
9040143 |
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14699413 |
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61346916 |
May 21, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 2419/00 20130101;
B32B 27/08 20130101; B32B 2266/08 20130101; B32B 15/20 20130101;
B32B 2307/7242 20130101; Y10T 428/24322 20150115; B32B 15/085
20130101; E04B 1/62 20130101; E04B 1/625 20130101; Y02B 30/90
20130101; B32B 2307/416 20130101; B32B 2307/724 20130101; B32B
15/14 20130101; Y10T 156/1057 20150115; B32B 15/046 20130101; B32B
2307/54 20130101; B32B 2405/00 20130101; B32B 27/32 20130101; B32B
37/02 20130101; B32B 2355/00 20130101; B32B 2038/047 20130101; B32B
7/12 20130101; B32B 2307/7246 20130101; B32B 3/02 20130101; B32B
5/18 20130101; B32B 2311/24 20130101; B32B 2307/5825 20130101; E04B
1/76 20130101; E04B 2001/7691 20130101; B32B 2266/025 20130101;
B32B 2305/022 20130101; B32B 38/04 20130101; Y02B 30/94 20130101;
Y02A 30/00 20180101; B32B 2307/304 20130101; B32B 5/028 20130101;
B32B 2607/00 20130101; B32B 3/266 20130101; Y10T 428/24273
20150115; B32B 13/00 20130101; B32B 27/12 20130101; Y02A 30/261
20180101 |
International
Class: |
B32B 7/12 20060101
B32B007/12; B32B 27/32 20060101 B32B027/32; E04B 1/62 20060101
E04B001/62; B32B 15/20 20060101 B32B015/20; B32B 27/08 20060101
B32B027/08; E04B 1/76 20060101 E04B001/76; B32B 3/26 20060101
B32B003/26; B32B 15/085 20060101 B32B015/085 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. A reflective insulation, comprising: a first layer and a second
layer; the first layer being a reflective layer that reflects
radiant heat; and the second layer being an insulating layer having
a side adjoined to the first layer by flame lamination or heat
roller lamination to bond directly or indirectly the first layer
and the second layer together.
27. The reflective insulation of claim 26, further comprising a
third layer being a reflective layer that reflects radiant heat,
where another side of the second layer is adjoined to the third
layer by flame lamination or heat roller lamination.
28. The reflective insulation of claim 26, further comprising a
third layer including a polyolefin, where another side of the
second layer is adjoined to the third layer by flame lamination or
heat roller lamination.
29. The reflective insulation of claim 27, wherein the third layer
includes polyethylene.
30. The reflective insulation of claim 28, further comprising a
plurality of perforations through both the first layer and through
the second layer, the perforations providing the reflective
insulation to have a permeance and water vapor transmission between
about 5 to about 20 perm.
31. The reflective insulation of claim 30, where the perforations
are formed from punchers having a diameter to prevent the
perforations from resealing.
32. The reflective insulation of claim 27, further comprising a
plurality of perforations through the first layer and the second
layer.
33. The reflective insulation of claim 26, wherein the first layer
includes aluminum or a polyolefin.
34. The reflective insulation of claim 26, wherein the second layer
includes aluminum or a polyolefin.
35. The reflective insulation of claim 26, further comprising a
reinforcing layer between the first layer and the second layer.
36. The reflective insulation of claim 26, where the reinforcing
layer is adjoined between the first layer and the second layer by
flame lamination or heat roller lamination.
37. A reflective insulation, comprising: a first layer and a second
layer, the first layer being a reflective layer that reflects
radiant heat, the second layer being an insulating layer; and a
polyethylene layer between the first and second layers to improve
resistance to tearing, the polyethylene layer being activated by
exposure to flame or a heat roller.
38. The reflective insulation of claim 27, the second layer being
adjoined to the first layer by flame lamination or heat roller
lamination to bond directly or indirectly the first layer and the
second layer together.
39. A method for manufacturing a reflective insulation comprising
the steps of: providing a first layer and a second layer, the first
layer being a reflective layer that reflects radiant heat and the
second layer being an insulation layer, where a polyethylene layer
is between the first and second layers; and activating a
polyethylene layer by exposure to flame or a heat roller to adjoin
the first layer and the second layer together.
40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the steps of:
providing a third layer, where a second polyethylene layer is
between the second and third layers; and activating a second
polyethylene layer by exposure to flame or the heat roller to
adjoin the second and third layers together.
41. The method of claim 39, where the polyethylene layer is bonded
to the first layer or the second layer prior to the activating.
42. The method of claim 40, wherein the first or second layers
includes aluminum or a polyolefin, or the third layer includes a
polyolefin.
43. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of
perforating the first and second layers according to a perforation
pattern.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the perforations cause the
reflective insulation to have a permeance and water vapor
transmission between about 5 to about 20 perm.
45. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of rolling
the reflective insulation after the step of activating.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation of application
Ser. No. 13/107,568, filed on May 13, 2011, which claims priority
to provisional patent application entitled, "LOW-E HOUSEWRAP,"
filed on May 21, 2010, and assigned U.S. Application Ser. No.
61/346,916. The contents of these applications are incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to building
structure materials, and more specifically to an infiltration
barrier used in building construction to improve energy efficiency
and to protect against air infiltration and moisture build-up in
buildings.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In order to improve the energy efficiency of new and
existing buildings, it has been common practice in building new
structures, and in residing old structures, to cover the exterior
wall sheathing with an infiltration barrier, for example, prior to
installation of a covering material such as siding. One such
infiltration barrier is a high density polyethylene fiber sheeting.
While infiltration barriers cut down on drafts and thereby
convective heat loss, they provide little other contribution to the
energy efficiency of the structure.
[0006] In addition to addressing energy efficiencies of new and
existing buildings, moisture concerns can be one of the worst
enemies of home or building construction. Water or moisture or
humid air infiltration if allowed to penetrate behind siding or
brick can saturate the wood of a building structure, thereby
creating an environment that encourages mildew or rot. A weather
resistant barrier has for many years been applied to the wood studs
of buildings and homes in order to resist the moisture or water
generated by weather. Such material is typically flexible and in a
film or sheet form. Typically, this weather resistant barrier or
"house wrap" is applied to the wooden stud frame before the
application of a final siding or veneer (e.g. brick, metal, painted
wood). Many such "wrap" products are commercially available such
as, for example: Dupont Tyvek.RTM., Typar.RTM.. Housewrap
(www.typarhousewrap.com), and Barricade.RTM.. building wrap
(www.ludlowcp.com).
[0007] In 2010 the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
and International Residential Code (IRC) increased the thermal
performance requirements for residential walls. Both of these
standards seek to improve thermal performance and reduce energy
needs per dwelling. As of January 2010 the U-value requirement for
geographical area or zones 5-8 is 0.057; the reciprocal R-value for
wall systems is R-20. The U-factor is the inverse, or reciprocal,
of the total R-Value, i.e.: U-factor=1/Total R-Value. The R-Value
is the thermal resistance to heat flow. A larger R-Value means that
the material has greater thermal resistance and more insulating
ability as compared to a smaller R-Value. Such R-Values can be
added together. For instance, for homogeneous assemblies, the total
R-Value of an insulation assembly is the sum of the R-Value of each
layer of insulation. These layers may include sheathing and
finishes, the insulation itself, air films and weatherproofing
elements.
[0008] In order to meet the new building requirements, builders
have employed additional building techniques such as altering
construction of framed openings. For example, typically, builders
have constructed walls on 2.times.4 framing. However, due to the
revised requirements, builders are altering building designs by
constructing walls on 2.times.6 framing and inserting, for example,
R-20 mass insulation within the respective wall cavity in order to
meet the energy/code regulations mandated within the building
industry. These techniques, however, increase construction costs
because of the added and more expensive construction materials. In
addition, the increased size of framing also produces a loss in
living space. Nevertheless, many builders have simply accepted the
added cost and loss of living space created by the newly
implemented thermal code changes.
[0009] Accordingly, a need exists for providing a protective wrap
that improves energy efficiency and protection against air
infiltration and moisture build-up in buildings while satisfying
newly implemented industry-wide energy/code regulations. There is
also a need for employing a protective wrap which meets or exceeds
the newly implemented code requirements on existing framing
structures or openings and/or without increasing the wall profile
of a building.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a low-emittance housewrap
material which may be implemented on traditional 2.times.4 framing
having R-15 mass insulation material within existing or newly
constructed framing cavities. The material of the present invention
also meets requirements for serving as a water resistive barrier as
defined by The International Code Council's (ICC) codes and
standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings,
including homes and schools (e.g., ICC AC38). Thus, by not
increasing the wall profile in the attempt to meet new industry
standards, the builder does not have to perform additional
techniques or provide additional expenses for constructing framed
openings.
[0011] Still other aspects, features and advantages of the present
invention are readily apparent from the following detailed
description, simply by illustrating a number of exemplary
embodiments and implementations, including the best mode
contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present
invention also is capable of other and different embodiments, and
its several details can be modified in various respects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention will be understood more fully from the
detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings
of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not
be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but
are for explanation and understanding only.
[0013] FIG. 1 provides a top view of a low-emittance housewrap
material according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of a low-emittance
housewrap material according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 provides a cut-away perspective view of a
low-emittance housewrap material according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 4 provides a top view of a low-emittance housewrap
materials during an assembly method according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the low-emittance
housewrap materials during the assembly method of FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 provides a top view of a low-emittance housewrap
materials during a continued assembly method according to an
exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the low-emittance
housewrap materials during the assembly method of FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 provides a top view of low-emittance housewrap
materials after assembly according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 9 provides a bottom view of low-emittance housewrap
materials prior to assembly according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 10 provides a top view of low-emittance housewrap
materials during an assembly method according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 11 provides a bottom view of low-emittance housewrap
materials after assembly according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 12 provides an exemplary exterior wall according to an
exemplary disclosed embodiment; and
[0025] FIG. 13 provides a low-emittance housewrap material
application to the exemplary wall structure of FIG. 12 according to
an exemplary disclosed embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] A low-emittance housewrap is described. In the following
description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
exemplary embodiments. It is apparent to one skilled in the art,
however, that the present invention can be practiced without these
specific details or with an equivalent arrangement.
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of low-emittance
housewrap materials according to one disclosed embodiment of the
present invention. By way of example, two pieces of the
low-emittance housewrap materials 10, 12 are shown. Each of the two
pieces of low-emittance housewrap materials 10, 12 may comprise
flap portions 14, 16, respectively, at one end thereof. At another
end the low-emittance housewrap material may include an adhesive
strip 18 such as that provided on low-emittance housewrap material
10. In a preferred embodiment, the top surface 20, 22 of the
low-emittance housewrap materials 10, 12, respectively, is a
reflective material such as a layer of reinforced foil
material.
[0028] Turning to FIG. 2, a cross-section of the low-emittance
housewrap material 12 is shown. The low-emittance housewrap
material 12 may comprise an assembly of product component parts
including, for example, a reflective foil material 34, foil
reinforcement 26, and a foam material 28. In one embodiment, the
reflective material may comprise a facing of approximately 99.4%
polished aluminum. It is noted that the reflective material may
comprise a facing having any suitable amount of aluminum, for
example, greater than about 90%, preferably between about 90% and
about 99.9%, even more preferably between about 99.0% and about
99.9%. The reflective foil material 34 may be non-reinforced on one
side. On the other side, the reflective foil material 34 may
comprise a foil reinforcement 26 including, for example, a scrim
foil reinforcing 30 (e.g., see FIG. 3). Scrim is a term known in
the art to consist of crossed lines of plastics material which
serve to strengthen the overall product and to prevent stretching
damage to the layers. The reflective foil material 34 and foil
reinforcement 26 may be applied over and bonded to the foam
material 28. The scrim foil reinforcing 30 is sufficient to provide
a tensile strength of approximately 23 pounds per inch width in a
machine direction and 25 pounds per inch width in a cross machine
direction on a low-emittance housewrap material test specimen cut
approximately 1'' wide by 9'' long in standard ambient lab
conditions. The foam material 28 serves as a polyolefin thermal
break such as one comprising a closed cell polyethylene foam. In a
preferred embodiment, the nominal thickness of the polyolefin
thermal break is approximately 1/4'' (0.25''). It is noted that the
nominal thickness of the polyolefin thermal break may be any
suitable thickness, for example, greater than about 1/8'' (0.125'')
and less than about 3/8'' (0.375''). Thicknesses above about 1/4''
are within the scope of the present invention. It is noted that a
thickness greater than about 1/4'' may require use of 2.times.6
framing instead of the more traditional 2.times.4 framing. The
low-emittance housewrap 12 may also incorporate a self adhered
drainage plane 24 feature as further described below.
[0029] Thus, the invention includes a layer of polyethylene foam
which serves as a support for the other added component layers.
Polyethylene foam or equivalent polypropylene foam may be utilized,
both being in the chemical family designated as polyolefins. A thin
layer of aluminum foil is bonded indirectly to one or both sides of
said foam layer. Thin polyethylene layers are placed between the
aluminum foil and the foamed layer. The thin polyethylene is bonded
to the aluminum foil layer to greatly improve its resistance to
tearing. This strengthening feature means that the end product has
a much wider use than has been known in the art. A layer of
strengthening scrim may be added to further enhance the product
integrity. In practice of the invention, the various layers adjoin
one another after being flame or heat roller laminated
together.
[0030] In certain embodiments and in practice of the invention,
both sides of the foam layer may be covered with layers as
described above. The end product may thus appear identical on
either side with the aluminum foil layers being externally located.
Thus, use and installation is simplified since the product may be
used with either side facing out since both external faces are
identical. The resulting bonded layers are easily rolled,
transported and installed without requiring special tools or
environmental precautions which must be taken with many other prior
art insulations.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 3, the low-emittance housewrap 12 comprises
perforations 32 sufficiently spaced to ensure that the
low-emittance housewrap material does not act as a vapor barrier.
In one preferred embodiment, the perforations in the low-emittance
housewrap are generated from perforation system consisting of
1/16'' punchers placed in four holes per 1.25 square inch sequence
on a collar mechanism. The collar mechanism is mounted to a drive
roll assembly for perforation of the low-emittance housewrap
wherein a 1.25 square inch perforation pattern is achieved on the
finished product. A perforation pattern of 1.25 square inch allows
low-emittance housewrap 12 to meet the criteria for perms, water
vapor transmission and water resistance while maintaining an
effective emissivity rating. This is unique and contrary to
industry standards wherein in many applications, micro perforations
are generated in housewraps using needles for vapor penetration.
However, in such convention applications, the micro perforations
are susceptible to resealing when exposed to higher temperatures.
This affect may trap moisture and induce undesirable results such
as mold and rot. In contrast, the present perforation pattern of
the prescribed invention eliminates the possibility resealing when
exposed to higher temperatures. Spaced in approximately 1.25''
square perforations, the low-emittance housewrap material achieves
a preferred permeance and water vapor transmission of approximately
7 perm or 40 g/day/m.sup.2. As such, the present low-emittance
housewrap material performs within the optimal permeance and water
vapor transmission range of about 5 to about 20 perm.
[0032] The present low-emittance housewrap material meets the
Standard Specification for Reflective Insulation, C 1224-03,
Section 6, 6.1, which states that "Low emittance materials shall
have a surface with an emittance of 0.10 or less, in accordance
with test Method C 1371." Specifically, the present low-emittance
housewrap material achieves an emittance of 0.10 or less, more
specifically within a range of about 0.03 to about 0.05, in
accordance with test Method C 1371.
[0033] Accordingly, the product low-emittance housewrap material of
the present invention is constructed to include the following
approximate performance characteristics:
TABLE-US-00001 Test Description Test Results Perm Test 7 perms
ASTME-96 Water As Received 23 hrs Resistance Pass ASTM D-779
Weathered 23 hrs Pass Ultraviolet light No Cracking Accelerated
Aging No Cracking Tensile Strength 23 lbs/inch (machine direction)
25 lbs/inch (cross direction) U-value .056 vinyl Wall (zone 5-7)
2010 IECC U-value .051 brick Wall (zone 5-7) 2010 IECC U-value .063
Stone Wall (zone 5-7) 2010 IECC
[0034] Although the use of 1/16'' punchers at a rate of four holes
per 1.25 square inch is described above and represents one of many
preferred embodiments of the present invention, other size punchers
may be used and other rates of holes per given area are within the
scope of the present invention. For example, the diameter of the
puncher may be varied to any suitable size and the rate may be
modified to achieve the particular permeance and emittance
standards required by a particular building code, specification or
other requirement.
[0035] The system U-values described in The Evaluation of Thermal
Resistance of a Building Envelope Assembly demonstrates the
performance of wood framed walls (2.times.4 construction 16'' on
center). The U-value calculations are based on methods outlined by
the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals. The U-value performance of
these systems achieve a U-value between 0.051 (brick), 0.056
(vinyl) and 0.063 (stone) satisfying or exceeding requirements for
zones 1-7 established by 2010 IECC Code Table 402.1.3 or equivalent
UA alternative values established by other code bodies.
[0036] Flap portion 16 is illustrated in FIG. 3. This overlapping
flange serves as a self adhered drainage plane 24. During assembly
of one or more low-emittance housewrap sections, the flap portion
16 may be assembled to cover an edge of an abutting portion of
another low-E housewrap material section in order to seal the edge.
For example, turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first section 10 of
low-emittance housewrap material is positioned near a second
section 12 of low-emittance housewrap material. The flap portion 16
of the second section 12 of low-emittance housewrap material may be
disposed over an edge portion 38 of the first section 10 of
low-emittance housewrap material. In one embodiment, the
aforementioned edge portion 38 may include an adhesive strip 18 for
retaining the flap portion 16 thereon. The adhesive strip 18 may be
employed on the top surface 20 such as on the reflective foil
material 34. While the adhesive strip 18 has been described and
shown in the drawings for illustrative purposes, any means may be
employed which is suitable for retaining the flap portion 14 over
the edge portion 38 in order to provide a water resistive barrier
between the abutting sections of low-emittance housewrap
materials.
[0037] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, a protective film is removed to
expose the adhesive strip 18 in preparation for securing the flap
portion 16 over the edge portion 38. The flap portion 16 is
contacted to the adhesive strip 18 and secured over the edge
portion as illustrated in FIG. 8. This assembly serves to provide a
water resistive barrier between two abutting sections of
low-emittance housewrap materials of the present invention to
effectively seal their respective edges and allow water runoff from
one low-emittance housewrap material section to another
low-emittance housewrap material section.
[0038] A bottom view vantage point of abutting low-emittance
housewrap materials is illustrated in FIGS. 9-10. Again, the first
section 10 of low-emittance housewrap material is positioned near
the second section 12 of low-emittance housewrap material. The flap
portion 16 of the second section 12 of low-emittance housewrap
material is disposed over an edge portion 38 of the first section
10 of low-emittance housewrap material. Edge portion 38 may include
an adhesive strip 18 for retaining the flap portion 16 thereon. As
a sufficient force is applied, for example, to flap portion 16 to
contact the adhesive strip 18, the flap portion 16 is held in
retention over the edge portion 38 as shown, for example, in FIG.
11. It is clear from FIG. 11 that, in a final assembly arrangement,
a foam edge portion 56 of a first low-emittance housewrap material
10 abuts a foam edge portion 58 of a second low-emittance housewrap
12. Accordingly, the assembled sections serve to provide a water
resistive barrier between two abutting sections of low-emittance
housewrap materials of the present invention.
[0039] In order to improve the energy efficiency of new and
existing building structures, application of the herein described
low-emittance housewrap serves to cover the exterior wall sheathing
with an infiltration barrier, for example, prior to installation of
a covering material or exterior finish such as siding, brick,
stone, masonry, stucco and concrete veneers, for examples. The
herein described low-emittance housewrap also serves to protect
against air infiltration and damaging moisture build-up. Air
infiltration may occur in typical construction through, among other
places, sheathing seams and cracks around windows and doors.
Moisture build-up can occur externally in the wall cavity from, for
example, leaking exterior finishes or coverings, and cracks around
windows and doors. The low-emittance housewrap of the present
invention does not trap the water, but rather allows it to flow
downward so as to exit the wall system.
[0040] Installation procedures of the presently described
low-emittance housewrap include those as described, for example, in
the technical manual for ESP Low-E.RTM. Housewrap utilized on
exterior walls and under a primary barrier. The technical manual
for ESP Low-E.RTM. Housewrap is submitted herewith and is hereby
fully incorporated herein by reference. Turning to FIG. 12, an
exemplary exterior wall assembly 40 is constructed and prepared for
receiving the low-emittance housewrap material of the present
invention. In the illustrated example, a window opening 42 is
shown. In a preferred embodiment, the low-emittance housewrap is
employed after the walls have been construction and all sheathing
and flashing details have been installed. The low-emittance
housewrap material is preferably applied before doors and windows
have been set inside framed openings and prior to the installation
of the primary wall covering.
[0041] Turning to FIG. 13, a first low-emittance housewrap material
is applied to the wall assembly 40. The reflective side of the
low-emittance housewrap material is installed facing outwardly. In
one preferred embodiment, a roll of low-emittance housewrap
material is unrolled horizontally starting at the corner of a
preferred exterior wall 40. The flange side or flap portion (e.g.,
14, 16 of FIG. 1) of the roll is installed facing downwardly. The
low-emittance housewrap material is secured to the exterior wall
with fasteners 48 such as staples or cap nails (or any other
suitable fasteners) at preferably every 8-12''. When applying
another horizontal run of low-emittance housewrap material 44, the
foam ends of each applied section of rolled low-E housewrap
material abut together such that the flange 52 of the additionally
applied low-emittance housewrap material 44 is allowed to overlap
the outside edge 50 of the adjacent low-emittance housewrap
material 46. This installation ensures that any intruding water is
encouraged by the drainage plane (e.g., 24 of FIG. 2) to flow
downwardly.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the flange 52 is installed to
overlap the abutting foam edge by approximately 2''. The
low-emittance housewrap material is installed to extend over all of
the sill plates by a minimum of approximately 1''. The vertical and
horizontal seam areas are sealed with suitable low-emittance foil
tape. The low-emittance housewrap material may be trimmed around
each framed opening with additional appropriate detailing applied
as per window/door manufacturer and/or code standards.
[0043] Once installed, an appropriate exterior covering may be
applied/installed over the low-emittance housewrap. Such covering
may include, but not limited to, siding, brick, stone, masonry,
stucco and concrete veneers. The utilization of the herein
described low-emittance housewrap provides, inter alia, a
protective wrap that not only improves energy efficiency in
accordance with newly implemented industry-wide energy/code
regulations, but enhances drainage of damaging moisture build-up
while protecting against air infiltration.
[0044] Moreover, other implementations of the invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the
specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.
Various aspects and/or components of the described embodiments may
be used singly or in any combination. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *