Cavity Wall System

Abstract

A cavity wall system and a method of forming a cavity wall including: a wall structure (1); a plurality of outer wall cladding panels (2); and a plurality of discrete mounting elements (4, 5, 6) for mounting the cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the wall structure (1) so as to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface (7) and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity (8) between the cladding panels (2) and the wall structure (1); the mounting elements (4, 5, 6) being sized and arranged so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow throughout the cavity (8); and the system further including moisture control means defining a moisture control plane to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity (8) into the wall structure (1). The invention also provides a mounting member (4) and a termination member (5) for use as mounting elements in the cavity wall system and method.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a building system and method of construction of the type providing a wall cavity and a monolithic surface finish.[0002]The invention has been developed primarily for use in the construction of domestic dwellings. However, it will be appreciated the that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use, being readily adaptable to commercial, industrial and other forms of building construction.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0003]The following discussion of the prior art is intended to place the invention in an appropriate technical context and enable the advantages of it to be fully understood. However, these references should not be construed as an admission that any such art is well known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.[0004]Modern residential housing construction is typically in the form of full masonry, timber framing with attached cladding, or a combination of masonry and timber framing ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]the system further including moisture control means defining a moisture control plane to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure.

[0022]providing moisture control means to define a moisture control plane adapted to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure.

[0026]It will be appreciated that in each of these embodiments, the moisture control means defining the moisture control plane may take the form of a separate coating, covering, layering or membrane, whether individual or composite in nature, or may be inherent in the composition of the wall structure itself. In any case, the moisture control plane serves to redirect liquid water within the cavity downwardly for easy escape to the outside of the structure individually or in combination with flashings, while permitting migration of water in vapour form through the moisture control plane so as to facilitate drying of the underlying wall structure.

[0027]Preferably also, the membrane includes an outer reflective surface, or a supplementary sarking membrane having a reflective outer surface is provided, to enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the wall. In situations where maximum thermal insulation is required, outwardly directed reflective surfaces are applied to both the cavity side of the cladding panels and the cavity side of the wall structure, using suitable paints, coatings, sarkings and / or membrane materials.

[0028]Preferably, supplementary spacers are included to maintain the internal wall cavity between the pliable building membrane and the cladding panels, and to reduce wind-induced movement of the membrane, particularly between the framing members. Advantageously, these supplementary spacers minimise any “flapping” of the membrane under high or variable wind conditions.

Problems solved by technology

While providing greater energy efficiency, however, these techniques have given rise to new difficulties, particularly in terms of water management, moisture control and drainage in wall cavities because historically, the complicating factors associated with insulation membranes and building wraps did not arise.

More particularly, it will be appreciated that if moisture is able to penetrate the external envelope of the building and then permeate the internal timber framing, either as a result of inadequate design or faulty construction, and the framing is unable to dry relatively quickly, it can require costly corrective maintenance.

If left unchecked, this can lead to wood rot and accelerated structural deterioration.

This problem is particularly significant in areas of high rainfall or high humidity, especially if in conjunction with strong winds.

Hitherto, however, they have either not provided a significant wall cavity and have therefore afforded sub-optimal insulation characteristics, or have not provided significant water management functionality within the wall cavities.

These techniques have therefore been compromised either in terms of energy efficiency, durability under adverse environmental conditions, or both, particularly in the event of substandard workmanship which is widely prevalent in the building industry.

In many cases, previously known techniques are also compromised aesthetically because the joints between cladding panels are highly visible and are therefore unable to convey a convincing visual impression of monolithic masonry construction.

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