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The Real Facts About EIFS
- Other Patents -
From patent #5,027,572 for Moisture and vapor barrier in exterior insulation finish systems submitted Aug 17, 1989 and approved Jul 02, 1991:
Abstract
A new concept wall system is provided, wherein a moisture and vapor barrier is positioned in an enterior insulation finish system to provide thermal stability regardless of climatic variations. Specifically, a two part membrane of multiple cross-laminated layers of polyethylene film fully bonded to a layer of rubberized asphalt is placed between the substrate and insulation layers of the exterior insulation finish system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) are known in the art. Such systems typically consist of a layer of a substrate such as gypsum, an insulation layer (polystyrene, for example), mesh embedded in a coat of polymer and cement, and a polymeric finish. The polymeric finish can be applied in a variety of textures and colors to satisfy aesthetic requirements. Typical polymeric finishes comprise flexible acrylic latex compositions made by copolymerizing a high Tg monomer such as methylacrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, etc. with a low Tg monomer such as butyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, etc. These compositions are blended with sand to produce the finish. The mesh and polymer-modified cement layers can be applied in multiple layers.
Although such systems are said to be waterproof, problems are caused by water penetration through a variety of avenues such as cracks, joints and sealant failures. Problems include deterioration of the gypsum sheathing facer, loss of attachment of the system, corrosion or rotting of the structural members, spalling and delamination of the coatings and interior building damage. Where deterioration of the gypsum sheathing facer occurs, for example, the result can be the rotting of studs without any conspicuous signs of distress.
Care has been taken in the detailing of termination points such as sills, jambs, heads, parapets, scuffers, corners, and any opening or protrusion in an attempt to make them impervious to moisture. However, such detailing has proven time consuming and ineffective.
The use of waterproofing and vapor barrier membranes in interior insulation systems is known. The placement of the membrane is a function of the climate; the major consideration being that the dew point must occur where the resulting moisture condensation cannot penetrate the insulation. In cold climates, for example, the membrane is placed on the warm side of the insulation (i.e. between the insulation and interior finish) which prevents moisture condensation from penetrating the insulation. However, in regions where variations in climatic temperatures are significant, placement of the membrane to accommodate a colder exterior temperature will be inappropriate when the climate changes to warmer exterior temperatures. That is, in regions with varying climatic temperatures, the location where the dew point occurs and where the resulting moisture condensation forms in the building envelope varies. Heretofore, no suitable solution to the moisture condensation problem has been found.
The complete patent is avilable online at the U.S. Patent Office.
From patent #4,606,168 for Suspended insulated building exterior cladding submitted Nov 29, 1984 and approved Aug 19, 1986:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is often necessary to refurbish building exterior due to a variety of reasons, such as aging, cracking of the existing surface structure, updating of the building exterior to name only a few. Several approaches have been taken in providing a new exterior to an existing building, such as using prefab panels which are affixed to the building wall and other surfaces, or the application of a stucco finish to the building exterior.
Another form of prefabricated building panel is disclosed in Australian Pat. No. 236,934. A prefabricated panel, according to this patent, consists of gluing together a mechanically resisting plate or slab and a heat and sound insulating layer. The building panel is impermeable to moisture, which can cause a problem when applied to building exteriors because moisture vapor should be allowed to freely diffuse into and out of the cladding applied to the building exterior.
The complete patent is avilable online at the U.S. Patent Office.
From patent #4,277,926 for Vented insulation system for existing structure submitted May 30, 1979 and approved Jul 14, 1981:
Abstract
An insulating wall structure for installation over an existing outer wall of a structure comprises an insulating material spaced from said outer wall with a closure means at the bottom and sides of said outer wall and an opening adjacent the top of said insulating wall structure.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to an insulating wall structure for application to an existing wall structure, especially to wood-frame construction.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There is a need to better thermally insulate the exterior wall structures of existing buildings in these times of diminishing and ever more costly energy resources. The escalation of energy costs in recent years has been accompanied by increased concern on the part of home owners, builders and utility companies for economical, high efficiency thermal insulation systems, particularly for wood frame residential construction. One increasingly accepted insulation system developed to meet this need involves an exterior retrofitting method, i.e., the residing of an existing wall structure, with a thermal insulating material being disposed between the existing and new siding.
One problem which can arise from the application of this type of retrofit insulation to existing frame walls is that, where the insulation applied is impermeable, it may promote moisture accumulation within the existing or old section of the retrofitted composite.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved insulated wall system which is designed for application to the exterior side of an existing wall structure, to both improve its thermal insulating efficiency and provide top-only venting for the relief of moisture vapor therefrom.
The complete patent is avilable online at the U.S. Patent Office.
From patent #4,282,691 for Weep hole device submitted Sep 26, 1979 and approved Aug 11, 1981:
Abstract
A device for allowing the escape of water from residential or commercial wall constructions. The device is particularly suitable in brick veneer walls to permit the escape of water which would otherwise penetrate the brick, window, or other wall areas, and collect between an inner structural wall and the brick veneer. The device includes a tube having a water outlet and inlet with an elongated durable porous wick material which extends outwardly from the water inlet to absorb moisture whereby the water seeps from the wick end to the outlet end. The outlet end may also have a screen cap to prevent pests from entering. The extending member prevents debris from clogging the inlet and collects water by sorption for feeding to the entry port whereby the water is channeled through the wall to the exterior of the building. The device prevents severe damage to buildings which might otherwise occur because of water, weather, pests and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Weep hole products are known for removing water from cavity wall or veneer constructions. While the devices which have been employed are relatively inexpensive considering the overall cost of construction, the absence of weep holes can cause water to accumulate in the interior wall construction with substantial damage resulting to the dwelling. In the past, one method of allowing the water to escape from the wall was to include an opening or hole to the outside at spacings along the base of the wall. Another solution was to include a rope-like material between the bricks at the base of the wall such that the water may escape along the channel created by the porous fibers of the rope.
The complete patent is avilable online at the U.S. Patent Office.
From patent #4,019,296 for Facade clad buildings and method submitted Dec 12, 1975 and approved Apr 26, 1977:
Description
In many instances it is desirable from both a utilitarian and aesthetic standpoint to construct buildings using facade cladded panels as the external surface on the vertical walls. In conventional construction techniques, particularly in the temperate climates, often thermal insulation is disposed between the building wall and the facade cladding panels which are suspended or supported in spaced relationship to the wall. Joints between the facade cladding panels are then sealed to prevent the passage of water between adjacent panels into the thermal insulating material disposed behind the panels. Such a method of construction usually requires substantial labor and extreme care in providing a waterproof seal between the facade cladding panels. Once such panels have been installed and sealed, they are subject to expansion and contraction caused by changes in ambient temperatures both on a daily basis and on a seasonal basis. Such expansion and contraction or thermal working of the panels and sealant can cause failure in the joint between adjacent panels at some undetermined future time. The joints between the facade panels provide the principal water seal which protects the building. A failure of such a seal permits entry of water into the thermal insulation disposed in the space between the wall of the building and the facade cladding panel. In the event that certain insulating materials are employed such as thermal insulating materials using fibrous materials such as organic and inorganic fibers such as mineral fibers, glass wool, water-sensitive plastic foam insulation and the like, a substantial loss in insulating value occurs when such materials become wet.
The complete patent is avilable online at the U.S. Patent Office.
From patent #4,327,528 for Insulated Siding System submitted Feb 29, 1980 and approved May 4, 1982:
Description
The invention herein relates to an insulated siding system which is particularly suitable for houses, but is also applicable to structures and buildings of all types. In the covering of the exterior of buildings, either in new construction or as a covering over existing materials, such as wood siding, it is conventional to use a siding system made up of individual panels of metal or plastic. The metal siding is usually aluminum or steel and the plastic siding is usually polyvinyl chloride (commonly referred to as "vinyl"). The siding panels are attached to the structure by nailing, typically through holes formed in a flange on each panel. Trim strips and other siding accessories are used to finish off the building surfaces on the edges, corners and around windows and doors.
The inventive siding panels are shaped to hold an elongated sheet of foam insulation behind them. The insulation is positioned in the panel so that it is spaced from both the panel front and the building, thus providing two air spaces behind the panel. The air space adjacent the structure is designed to provide as little air filtration as possible and thus effectively provide a "dead air space". Notches or openings in each of the panels allow the "dead air spaces" behind all of the panels in an area to be in contact. These openings, together with corresponding passages formed in the soffits or overhangs of the buildings, allow any trapped moisturized air to flow upwardly out of the space and escape preventing moisture damage.
The complete patent is avilable online at the U.S. Patent Office.