MOISTURE MITIGATION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A moisture mitigation system for buildings includes a rainscreen having a first side and an opposing second side, where the rainscreen is configured to be secured to an exterior structure of a building. The rainscreen includes a fanfold profile as it is folded backwards and forwards in an accordion like pattern. The rainscreen may have a wedge profile formed on the front surface that increases in height from a first end to an opposing second end. The wedge profile of the rainscreen may be formed by the fanfolds that increase in height from the first end to the opposing second end. Drainage channels are formed by a plurality of valleys between the plurality of fanfolds. In another aspect, the wedge profile is formed by a plurality of raised dimples on the front surface, where the raised dimples increase in height from the first end to the opposing second end.

Claims

1. A moisture mitigation system for buildings, the system comprising: a rainscreen having a first side and an opposing second side, the rainscreen configured to be secured to an exterior structure of a building, wherein the rainscreen comprises a fanfold profile as it is folded backwards and forwards in an accordion like pattern; and a plurality of drainage channels formed by a plurality of valleys between folds in the rainscreen on the first side and on the opposing second side of the rainscreen and configured to increase unobstructed drainage pathways.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rainscreen comprises a plurality of nailing guides at predetermined intervals to indicate a nailing pattern.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the rainscreen comprises a plurality of perforations at predetermined intervals and configured for tearing the rainscreen apart to a desired dimension.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of valleys between the folds on the first side and second side of the rainscreen provide drainage pathways when used behind rigid exterior cladding.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising mortar spread into the plurality of valleys between the folds on the first side of the rainscreen for receiving lath.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising rigid cladding secured over the rainscreen.

7. A moisture mitigation system for buildings, the system comprising: a rainscreen having a front surface and an opposing rear surface; and a contour defining a wedge profile formed on the front surface that increases in height from a first end to an opposing second end; wherein the rainscreen is configured to be secured to an exterior structure of a building.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the rainscreen comprises a plurality of fanfolds that are folded backwards and forwards in an accordion like pattern; and a plurality of drainage channels formed by a plurality of valleys between the plurality of fanfolds in the rainscreen on the rear surface.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the rainscreen comprises a plurality of raised dimples on the front surface.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the rainscreen comprises a plurality of nailing guides at predetermined intervals to indicate a nailing pattern.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the contour is formed by the fanfolds increasing in height from the first end to the opposing second end to define the wedge profile of the rainscreen.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the rainscreen comprises a plurality of perforations at predetermined intervals and configured for tearing the rainscreen apart to a desired dimension.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of raised dimples increase in height from the first end to the opposing second end.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the rainscreen further comprises a tapered spacer that increases in height from the first end to the opposing second end.

15. The system of claim 7, wherein the rainscreen further comprising a plurality of field spacers that are spaced apart from each other and increase in height from the first end to the opposing second end of the rainscreen.

16. The system of claim 7, wherein the rainscreen comprises polymer board.

17. The system of claim 7, wherein the front surface of the rainscreen is configured to receive a patterned covering that has overlapping edges.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the patterned covering comprises plank siding, shake shingles, thin brick, or any combination thereof.

19. A moisture mitigation system for buildings, the system comprising: a first row of a plurality of rainscreens configured to be secured to an exterior of a building; and a second row of a plurality of rainscreens configured to be secured to the exterior of the building above the first row; wherein each rainscreen of the first and second rows of rainscreens having a front surface and an opposing rear surface, and each having a contour defining a wedge profile formed on the front surface that increases in height from a first end to an opposing second end.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein each rainscreen of the first row and the second row of the plurality of rainscreens comprises a plurality of fanfolds that are folded backwards and forwards in an accordion like pattern.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein each rainscreen of the first row and the second row of the plurality of rainscreens comprises a plurality of raised dimples on the front surface.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the plurality of fanfolds increase in height from the first end to the opposing second end.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the plurality of raised dimples increase in height from the first end to the opposing second end.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein each rainscreen of the first row and the second row of the plurality of rainscreens further comprises a tapered spacer that increases in height from the first end to the opposing second end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is top view of a rainscreen of the moisture mitigation system in which various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the rainscreen of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the rainscreen having tapered spacers;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the rainscreen of FIG. 3;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of the rainscreen;

[0023] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the rainscreen;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a rainscreen having raised dimples;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken in the direction of line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the moisture mitigation system being installed;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a detail view of the moisture mitigation system of FIG. 9; and

[0028] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the moisture mitigation system of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the present detailed description, embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with the accompanying figures. It should be noted that this by no means limits the scope of the invention, which is also applicable in other circumstances for instance with other types or variants of methods other than the embodiments shown in the appended drawings. Further, that specific features are mentioned in connection to an embodiment of the invention does not mean that those components cannot be used to an advantage together with other embodiments of the invention.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a rainscreen 100 is depicted of a moisture mitigation system. The rainscreen 100 may be configured for use behind stucco or stone thin brick, for example. The rainscreen 100 provides a drainage pathway behind the exterior surface treatment. The rainscreen 100 may have fanfolds 102 or other shapes that provide a drainage pathway. An edge of the rainscreen 100 may have a perforated edge 112 that can be used to separate a desired length of rainscreen 110 to be installed.

[0031] The fanfolds of the rainscreen 100 may have a constant profile with, or without, tapered spacers as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, or have an integrated wedge fanfold profile as illustrated in FIG. 6 created by sequentially increasing the height of the fanfolds.

[0032] The rainscreen 100 with a constant profile provides predictable encapsulation of the lath in mortar. The rainscreen 100 may have nailing guides 114 pursuant to ASTM guidelines or otherwise in compliance with applicable building codes. Another advantage of the rainscreen 100 is that it provides two sided drainage when installed behind cedar shakes and board and batten style products. In addition, the rainscreen 100 has no top or bottom for ease of installation. When the constant profile rainscreen 100 is used behind stucco or stone thin brick, for example, having thicker mortar around the lath also provides better deflection of the stucco/stone underlayment of the walls parge coats. This leads to better deflection or less movement so that the exterior coatings stay on the walls better in higher winds, and support material keyed on surface weight (e.g. natural stone).

[0033] The rainscreen 100 can also be configured to receive plank siding, shake shingles, or any patterned covering that has overlapping edges. With this type of surface treatment, the rainscreen 100 may include tapered spacers 104 that run from a top edge 106 of the rainscreen 100 to a bottom edge 108 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The tapered spacers 104 are configured to accommodate overlapping cladding as discussed in more detail below.

[0034] A rear surface of the rainscreen 100 is depicted in FIG. 3 and is the surface configured to be secured directly to the building structure. The rear surface of the rainscreen 100 is configured to protect against condensation that forms on top of the water resistive barrier (WRB) due to the building air conditioning in high humidity conditions. For example, the rear surface of the rainscreen 100 provides a pathway for condensation to evaporate upwards or for liquid to drain to the bottom and out, without affecting the exterior cladding.

[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a front surface of the rainscreen 100 showing the tapered spacers 104 extending from a surface of the rainscreen 100. The tapered spacers 104 have a smaller height or depth proximate the top of the rainscreen 106 and continuously increase in height to the bottom edge 108.

[0036] The front surface of the rainscreen 100 is configured to be the side that faces outward from a structure when installed. The front surface is configured to protect the water resistive barrier (WRB) covering walls of a building. For example, the front surface, or outward facing side, prevents moisture from reaching the WRB and is configured to provide a pathway for water to drain to the bottom or evaporate upwards and prevent moisture from entering the WRB side or cavity.

[0037] When the rainscreen 100 with a constant fanfold profile is used behind stucco, stone or brick, the valleys between the folds on the front surface of the rainscreen 100 fill with mortar to provide a more solid wall. This is in contrast to existing rainscreens that lack rigidity and are spongy. A ridged surface is the desired surface to adhere surface applied material such as stucco.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, the rainscreen 100 may include include field spacers 110 that are positioned between the tapered spacers 104. Each field spacer 110a, 100b, 110c has a different height that matches a height of a respective tapered spacer 104 at the same horizontal alignment along the rainscreen 100. Accordingly, as overlapping cladding is secured over the rainscreen 100, the field spacers 110 provide structural support to the cladding as it spans across a width of the rainscreen 100 between the tapered spacers 104.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, an elevational view of the rainscreen 100 is depicted to illustrate the change in profile of the tapered spacers 110 and the field spacers 110a 110b, 10cc from the top 120 of the rainscreen 100 to the bottom 122 of the rainscreen 100. For example, the rainscreen 100 has a profile with a height (h1) that increases from the top end 120 to height (h2) at a bottom end 122. The top end 120 and bottom end 122 are configured and oriented for installation in a vertical direction relative to a ground surface. A wedge profile of the rainscreen 100 may be formed by the fanfolds, the tapered spacers, or any combination thereof.

[0040] The rainscreen 100 may have fanfolds 102 as depicted in FIGS. 1-6, where the surface is folded backwards and forwards in a zig-zag or accordion like pattern. The fanfold profile creates a plurality of drainage channels from the valleys between the folds in the rainscreen 100 on the first side of the rainscreen 100 and also on the opposing second side.

[0041] The fanfold profile provides over 95% drainage behind the rainscreen 100 on the rear surface as well as an approximately 100% predictable encapsulation of the lath in mortar on the opposing front surface. Accordingly, the lath is protected and rust is prevented from forming on exposed edges of lath. In addition, the rainscreen 100 is continuous and prevents the absorption of water or condensation from the building into the mortar itself, which could lead to rusting of the unprotected edges of the lath. The rainscreen 100 meets or exceeds International Building Code (IBC) requirements defined in section 2510.6 option one, so no testing is required.

[0042] The rainscreen 100 may include recessed nailing guides 114 at pre-determined vertical intervals, such as every 8 inches. The nailing guides 114 are used for helping an installer know where to nail the rainscreen 100 to the building studs. The nailing guides also indicate to the installer where to secure the lath to the studs once the rainscreen 100 is installed and the studs are no longer visible. Accordingly, successful nailing is achievable quicker and the nailing guides 114 indicate the correct amount of nails required by ASTM c1063 requirements for code approved insurable work. Also, the nail guides 114 are recessed and are configured to fit into the lath without crushing the valleys formed between the folds in the rainscreen 100.

[0043] The rainscreen 100 can be formed in rolls of material, which may be perforated at predetermined intervals, such as every 24 inches. The perforations 112 are configured for easy tearing in the workplace, on a ladder or scaffolding, during installation. In addition, the perforations 112 may provide ventilation between the front and rear surfaces of the rainscreen 100.

[0044] The valleys between the folds of the rainscreen 100 may provide six millimeters of depth of unobstructed drainage, which is 20% more than required by applicable building codes.

[0045] The rainscreen 100 may also include additional guides for placement of the plank siding, shake shingles or thin brick. The folds of the rainscreen 100 are configured to provide continuous support from a top of any thin cladding to the bottom, and from the left to the right of the thin cladding. For example, the spacing of the folds may be every 34 of an inch.

[0046] In another aspect, the rainscreen 200 comprises raised dimples 202 as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. Raised dimples 202 are often used in construction and are made of a sheet of plastic material such as high-density polyethylene or similar materials. The rainscreen 200 includes a pattern of raised dimples 202 on one side. These dimples 202 create an air gap when the rainscreen 200 is applied to a surface, allowing for drainage and protection in various applications. Raised dimples may be used on basement walls or foundation walls to provide a drainage layer that channels water away from the structure, reducing hydrostatic pressure and preventing water infiltration. The raised dimples 202 allows water to move down to a designated drainage system, helping to keep walls dry and act as a vapor barrier, preventing moisture from entering a structure. The raised dimples 202 may be cup shaped, or diamonds or any shape of a printed patterned polymer board.

[0047] Similar to the wedge shaped profile created by tapered spacers 104 discussed above, and/or by sequentially increasing the height of the fanfolds 202, a height (h3) of the raised dimples 202 may be sequentially increased from a top end 206 to a height (h4) at a bottom end 208 of the rainscreen 200 as depicted in FIG. 8.

[0048] The height of the raised dimples 202 adjusts to the angle needed for constant support under siding planks, for example. Thus, the front surface of the rainscreen 200 is configured to receive plank siding, shake shingles, thin brick or any patterned covering that has overlapping edges.

[0049] The rainscreen may include additional nailing guides for more support of the thin cladding. In addition, the rainscreen may be manufactured in different configurations. For example, the rainscreen may be manufactured as a gang panel or in a roll. The dimensions of the rainscreen may be ten inches in height and sixty inches in width, for example.

[0050] For installation, a first rainscreen 100a is secured to framing 250 starting level at a bottom of the exterior structure, e.g., wall. The next rainscreen panel 100b is placed adjacent to the first rainscreen 100a and following the nailing guides 114 for the desired heights of siding. This process is repeated for rainscreens 100c, 100d, and 100e as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. Each rainscreen with the wedge profile is configured to fit all heights of overlapping siding and types of siding such as wood or cement while still maintaining drainage and constant support as described above.

[0051] An object of the moisture mitigation system is to provide a consistent even look around the building more efficiently and with less labor for any surface treatment.

[0052] Many modifications and other embodiments will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.