Building system with multi-function insulation barrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a building section including a sub-structure and a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure. A multi-function elongate, flexible insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, facilitating alignment of the cladding, and creating a rainscreen configured to drive out moisture from the wall cavities. In some implementations, the insulating element has at least one insulating layer which is substantially incompressible and which has a substantially constant density in the range of 200 kg / m3 to 300 kg / m3. In certain preferred implementations, the insulating element can be formed of a foam material such as foam tape or thermal break tape.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application Number PCT / AU2010 / 001065 filed Aug. 20, 2010 which claims priority to Australian Patent No. 2009903931 filed Aug. 20, 2009 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of building systems and, in particular, to systems incorporating the use of improved materials and construction techniques for insulating, facilitating alignment, and / or providing a rainscreen for a section of a building.[0003]The invention has been developed specifically for use in connection with internal and external cladding systems and will be described primarily with reference to this application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The following discussion of the prior art is intended to enable the invention to be placed in an appropriate technical context and to allow the advantages of it to be fully appreciated....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The substantially incompressible characteristic of the at least one insulating layer results in this layer substantially maintaining its geometric shape when the cladding member is being connected to the sub-structure by fasteners which pass through the insulating element. Desirably, the at least one insulating layer provides support to the cladding member when the cladding member is being secured to the sub-structure. It will be appreciated that this enables cladding materials such as fiber cement panels to be nailed or screwed to the sub-structure using conventional power tools and the like by providing rear support to the material. Advantageously, the substantial incompressibility of the at least one insulating layer helps facilitate the erection of a building section having a substantially continuous cladding surface at the abutting edges of adjacent cladding members. The substantial incompressibility of the at least one insulating layer also helps to inhibit over driving fasteners when using conventional hand and power tools.

[0054]In some embodiments, the body of the insulating element is a homogenous construction. In other embodiments, the body of the insulating element is a multi-layered construction. In layered embodiments of the insulating element the body at least one layer is formed of a material having at least one different physical property relative to the material used to form one or more of the other layer or layers. The use of multi-layered insulating elements advantageously enables an insulating element to be constructed so as to be suitable for use with particular cladding and framing materials, to account for irregularities in the cladding and / or framing materials, to account for expected environmental conditions and / or to suit the method of construction used for erecting the building section.

Problems solved by technology

However, any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

One difficulty which arises in constructing some cladding systems, is the need to correctly align the mating surfaces of adjacent cladding panels on the frame, and to maintain this alignment after the erection process has been completed.

However, using popular soft foam thermal insulating strips for example, it is often difficult to achieve such a flat surface at the adjoining or abutting edges of adjacent panels, which reduces the aesthetic appeal provided by the final wall.

This difficulty arises, at least in part, due to the physical properties of these soft foam insulating strips and / or irregularities in the frame.

Such misalignment of adjacent cladding panels can give rise to a more serious situation where the building section is a floor of the building.

In particular, such misalignment of adjacent panels or floor boards can give rise to undesirable unevenness in flooring.

While rigid polystyrene foam alternatives used for walls and high density rubber sheets used for floors reduce this problem to some extent, they are slow to install and awkward to transport.

Another issue which arises with the use of soft foam strips is that, when either hand or gun nailing the cladding panels to the frame, the nails are often over driven such that an indentation is formed in the cladding panel and the head of the nail sits beneath the surface of the panel, again reducing the aesthetic appeal provided by the wall.

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