OA13335A - Flashing. - Google Patents

Abstract

Flashing (10) comprises an elongate body (12) for overlying a member J, and legs (20) extending for at least part of the body length and protruding from either side of the body. The flashing has a configuration prior to overlying the member whereby one or both legs is/are biased towards a respective member side when positioned thereat. The legs may be detachable from the body along a line of severance (24). In addition, wings (16) can extend out from either side edge of the body (12) to extend for at least part of the body length. One, some or all of the wings can be detachable from the body along a line of severance (22).

Description

013335

.W PeterFLASHING

TECHNICAL FIELD

Flashing is disclosed which finds particular use inthe construction industry, primarily for covering members 5 such as joists, beams, bearers, wall plates, rafters andthe like.

BACKGROÜND ART

Flashing is used in the construction industry to10 provide a barriér against the passage of moisture into and beyond joists, rafters, beams, bearers, wall plates andthe like, especially where such members are formed frommaterials susceptible to moisture such as timber.

Known flashing includes métal strips or métal- 15 containing sheets which are eut and positioned in relationto. the member. It is also known to use adhesive tape inthe place of métal flashing. US 5,148,644 discloses a covering strip of rubber or-plastic. At column 2, Unes 1&2 it is stated that the 20 strip is dimensioned so that the distance between the sideportions substantially corresponds to the width of awooden member on which the strip is placed. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSÜRE . 25 Ίη a first aspect there is provided flashing comprising an elongate body for overlying a member, andlegs extending for at least part of the body length andprotruding from either side of the body, the flashinghaving a configuration prior to overlying the member 30 whereby one or both legs is/are biased towards arespective member side when positioned thereat.

Thus, the flashing can be provided with an in-builtbias which enables it to better grip onto and/or locate on 013335 - 2 - the member on which it is placed. This bias can be pré-configurée! within the flashing body to then be transferredto the legs when the flashing is placed on the member,and/or can be pre-configured within either one or bothlegs. In one form, both legs may hâve such bias.

In addition, whilst the legs may be spaced atapproximately the width of a member (eg. the flashing canbe supplied with leg spacings corresponding to one or morestandard member widths), the legs may also hâve a spacingthat is greater than or, in the case of an elastomericflashing, slightly» lesser than the member width and yetstill be configured to grip onto_the member.

In one form the body can be provided with eg. acontoured profile. For example, the legs may extendinwardly from a concave surface of the body. Then, whenthe flashing is located on the member, the body can assumea generally fiat configuration. The contoured profileprovides one means by which bias can be pre-configuredwithin the flashing.

In one form the flashing is formed from anelastomeric material. Use of an elastomeric materialprovides for noise réduction (especially when used onmétal members such as métal joists) and can provide forimpact absorption between adjacent members (ie. between ·which the flashing is located). In addition, when nailsor screws are driven through the flashing, the elastomericproperties enable the elastomeric material to grip aroundthe nails or screws, thereby preventing water, moisture,liquid and dust movement therepast. The use of anelastomeric material can also enhance the in-built bias ofthe or each.leg.

The term "elastomeric" is intended to include a broadrange of polymers having resiliency and/or shape memory, 013335 - 3 - and includes natural and synthetic rubbers such as EPDMrubber, polymeric resins having flexibility and reslliencysuch as ABS resin and other butadiene and styrene polymersand co-polymers, nylons etc. EPDM rubber is particularlyuseful because it has excellent UV, ozone and Chemicalrésistances, and is long-ageing. In addition, it isrésistant to most paints, lacquers, oils, solvents, acidsand cleaning agents.

The terni "member" as used herein includes joists,beams, bearers, wall plates, rafters, battens and thelike.

In a second aspect there is provided flashingcomprising an elongate body for overlying a member, andlegs protruding from either side of the body and extendingfor at least part of the body length, wherein one, some orail of the legs are détachable from the body along arespective line of severance.

In a third aspect there is provided flashingcomprising an elongate body for overlying a member, andwings extending laterally from either side of the body andextending for at least part of the body length, whereinone, some or ail of the wings are détachable from the bodyalong a respective line of severance.

By providing for leg and wing detachability, variousflashing shapes can be created which can allow foraccommodation of various other adjacent members inabutting or closely positioned relationships. Forexample, when ail legs and wings are detached, therésultant flashing may simply comprise the elongate body,or when one of the legs and one of the adjacent wings aredetached and the flashing is applied to a first member, anadjacent second member can be butted right up against the 013335 - 4 - first member where that leg and wing hâve been removed,etc.

In one form the flashing comprises two legs extendingfor the entire length of the body on opposing sidesthereof, although a plurality of discrète legs arrangedalong part or the entire length of the body on opposing 'sides thereof can also be provided.

In one embodiment, prior to positioning the flashingon the member, legs on opposing sides of the body projectgenerally towards each other. In this regard the flashingmay be extruded or moulded so that the legs in thefinished configuration project generally towards eachother and so that the flashing is manufactured with an in-built bias. Thus, when the legs·are positioned on eitherside of the member, they are biased towards thatrespective side. This enables the flashing to grip ontothe member, making it eaeier to use and tending to preventits inadvertent removal. For example, when the flashingis used in an inverted or vertical configuration, the legsgrip onto the member and prevent the flashing fromdropping off the member.

In addition, by providing legs which extend for theentire length of the body on opposing sides thereof theflashing can prevent stain marks from promulgating downthe side of the member to which the flashing is attached(eg. resin stains, water stains etc that emanate from oroccur on timber members, or from seepage from overlying,abutting or adjacent members etc).

In another embodiment the flashing further compriseswings extending latéral ly from the body beyond the legs(ie. the wings can be provided in addition to the legs) .Again, the wings may extend for the entire length of thebody on opposing sides thereof, although a plurality of 013335 - 5 - discrète wings can be provided for part of or for theentire length of the body on opposing sides thereof. Thewings enable the flashing to overlap adjacent members, andcan also overlap adjacent flashing etc to provide for amore comprehensive barrier against moisture, dust, noiseand the like. A line of severance can also be provided along andadjacent to where each wing is attached to the body toenable wing detachment. In other words, a discrète or anentire length of the wing can be removed to enableposâtioning of the member in close proximity to other ·members and to enable the abutment of adjacent membersetc.

The wings may hâve an elongate rectangular shape andcan respectively be joined to the body along opposingelongate sides thereof. In a further variation, each wingcan taper, from a relatively thicker section where it isconnected to the body to a relatively thinner remote end(ie. the wing having a decreasing cross-sèctionalthickness out to its remote end). This taperingconfiguration can. reduce any distortion between flashingheights in adjacent members where the wing overlapsadjacent flashing (eg. of an adjacent member) . The wingscan also be fastened directly or indirectly to an adjacentmember (eg. by nailing, screwing, adhesive, etc) .

In one embodiment a line of severance is providedalong and adjacent to where each leg attaches to the bodyto enable ail or any of the legs to be detached from thebody as appropriate, in a similar manner to wingdetachment. Again, detaching of one or more legs allowsfor close positioning or abutment of adjacent members etc.

The body may hâve an elongate rectangular shape sothat it can be positioned along a corresponding 013335 - 6 - rectangular face of a member (eg. an upper face of ajoist, bearer etc) . The legs can also hâve an elongaterectangular shape and be respectively joined to the bodyalong opposlng elongate sides thereof (eg. so that theycan run along corresponding rectangular aide faces of amember such as a joist) . Each leg may also taper, fromwhere it is connected to the body to a remote end, or canbe provided with a constant thickness therethrough.

In a fourth aspect there is provided an arrangementbetween first and second members wherein flashing asdefined in the first, second or third aspects is mountedto an in-use upper surface of each member such that theflashing of one member overlaps the flashing of another.

In the fourth aspect selected wing(s) and/or leg(s)of the flashing of each member can be removed to reduce oreliminate the degree of flashing overlap.

The arrangement may be defined as a joint (eg. a buttjoint) between the first and second members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall withinthe scope of the flashing as defined in the Summary,spécifie flashing embodiments will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

Figures IA, IB, IC show respectively plan, end andunderside plan views of an end section of a flashingembodiment;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the flashing endsection of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a side élévation of the flashing endsection of Figure 1; 013335

Figure 4 shows an enlarged end élévation similar toFigure IB and illustrating lines of Beverance in theflashing in greater detail;

Figures 5A-5F show end élévations of various flashingconfigurations in which parts of the flashing hâve beendetached for different applications; and

Figures 6-15 show various in-use configurations ofthe flashing of Figures 1-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, a flashingembodiment 10 comprises an elongate body portion 12 havinga centre line 14 formed (eg. indented or raised) orprinted thereon to enable centring' of the body portion ona member such as a joist or the like. The centre line 14also provides a guide for accurate nailing/screwing ofoverlying members (eg. decking).

Projecting laterally from respective longitudinals ides of the body portion 12 are two wing portions 16.

Each wing portion is attached to the body portion via arespective raised région 18, which supports flexure of thewing portion with respect to the body portion.

It will also been seen that each wing portion tapersin thickness from the raised région out to a free edgethereof. Thus, adjacent to its free edge, each wingportion is relatively thin, and this allows it to overlapadjacent flashing etc (as described below). In addition,each wing portion may extend for the entire length of thebody portion, or may be provided as a sériés of discrètewing portions spaced along a respective longitudinal sideof the body portion. As afurther alternative, discrètewing portions can be eut, torn or severed from a larger 13335 length of' wing portion in use, again depending on theapplication.

Extending downwardly from adjacent longitudinal sidesof the body portion are two leg portions 20. Each leg 5 portion is connected to the body portion adjacent to a respective raised région 18, and each leg portion subtendsan acute angle a (Figure IB) with the body portion. Thus,prior to locating the flashing on a mernber, and as can be ·seen in Figure IB, the leg portions tend to generally 10 point towards each other, which provides the flashing witha pre-application configuration that enables it to griponto a mernber, as described below.

Alternatively, one of the legs may extend generallyorthogonally from its connection to the body portion, and 15 yet the other leg when subtending an acute angle can stillprovide the flashing with a pre-application configurationthat enables it to grip onto a mernber.

Each leg portion can also slightly taper indecreasing thickness from the body portion out to a free 20 edge thereof. This provides the leg portion with a greater degree of stiffness adjacent to the body portionand relatively less stiffness away from the body portion.This also assiste with maintaining an in-built bias in theleg portion orientation to the position as depicted in 25 Figures IB and 2.

Again, each leg portion can extend for a full lengthof the body portion, or can be provided as a sériés ofspaced apart discrète leg portions along the length of thebody portion. In addition, these discrète leg portions 30 can be formed by severing, tearing or cutting sections ofa leg portion from the remainder of the leg portionlength. 013335 - 9 -

As beat shown in Figures IB and 4, the body 12 isprovided with a contoured profile. The legs 20 extendinwardly from a concave surface 21 of the body. Then, whenthe flashing 10 is located on a member, the body 12 willassume a generally fiat configuration (Figure 7) . However,the previously contoured body profile now provides a biaswhich is transferred to the legs 20 so that they grip ontorespective member aides.

In an alternative arrangement the body 12 can besupplied in a generally fiat configuration, with one ortypically both legs 20 generally pointing to each other.Then, when the flashing 10 is located on a member, thebias is provided by the one or both legs, so that the legsthen grip onto the respective member sides.

As best illustrated in Figures IC and 4, a line ofseverance 22 is provided where the wing portion 16connects to raised région 18. This enables each wingportion to be partially or completely severed, eut or tornfrom the body portion (eg. as shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 5C,5F and 13). Similarly, a line of severance 24 is providedwhere each leg portion connects. to the body portion 12.Again, this allows each leg portion to be partially orcompletely severed, eut or torn from the body portion (asshown on Figures 5A, 5D, 5E, 5F and 14). In addition, theUnes of severance 22,24 need not be at the connection points of the wing/leg portions to the body portion and,for some applications, could instead be located partwayalong the wing/leg portions.

Referring now to Figures 5A to 5F, it will be seenthat a number of different wing portion and leg portiondetachment scénarios are possible. Each of these allowsthe flashing to be used in parallel or in various angularrelationships with adjacent flashing on adjacent members Ü13335 - 10 - and allows for various other positional arrangements ofthe flashing on a member to which the flashing is mounted.

Referring now to Figure S, flashing 10 in accordancewith the présent invention is shown positioned on a memberin the form of a joist J, an end of which is butted to awall W (which may also be a beam etc) . The joist J alsosits on top of a member in the form of bearer B. As canbe seen, part of each of the leg portions 2 0 is eut ortorn away, or removed, to define an end région 26 of thebody portion 12. This end région together with the wingportions 16 lap upwardly along the wall W as shown.

This lapping provides a barrier to water, moisture,liquids, dust etc at the joint of joist J to wall W. Theend région can also be sealed against the wall .(eg' bynailing, screwing, adhesive etc) . In addition, the wingportions 16 at the end région overhang laterally eitherside of the joist to provide a. covering effect to thejoint.

As best shown in FigureB 7 and 8, when the flashing10 is mounted to a joist, the leg portions 20 are urgedoutwardly by respective sidewalls of the joist J. Becauseof a pre-configured internai bias in the flashing againstsuch outward movement, the leg portions grip onto eitherside of the joist. This then enables placement onto theflashing of overlying members (eg. battens, decking etc)and fastening of these members to the joist with lesslikelihood of flashing displacement.

Referring specifically to Figure 7, it will be seenhow the flashing 10 covers and protects the top face ofthe joist J, with the wing portions overhanging the joiston either side to prevent moisture (eg. rain etc), fluidseepage and dust etc falling onto the top and sides of thejoist. In addition, it will be seen how the leg portions 013335 - 11 - 20 (biased outwardly by the respective joist side faces)grip on to the joist to hold the flashing firmly in place.If desired, adhesive can also be applied between theflashing and the joist.

When an overlying member (eg. decking, floorboards, panels etc) is positioned on top of the flashing, nails or screws can be driven through the flashing. Where the flashing is formed from elastomeric or déformable matériel, it tends to grip around the side of the nail or screw, thereby also preventing the passage of moisture, dust etc between the flashing and nails/screws and towards» the joist. The flashing can thus act as a complétéwaterproof barrier and can prevent rotting, warping, etcof the joist. The flashing can also prevent moisturevaporisation between the joist and flashing which canotherwise lead to bubbling, buckling etc.

Referring now to Figure 8, parallel joists, J and J'are shown. In this embodiment the left-side flashing 10has one of its wing portions removed (in the manner asshown in Figure 5B) enabling the adjacent right-sideflashing 10' “to overlap in the région shown by arrow O.

As also shown in Figure 8, the leg portions locatedbetween the adjacent joists can be compressed togetherwhen the flashing is formed from an elastomeric ordéformable material.

Because the wing thickness tapers out to its remoteedge, the thickness of the overlap also accordinglytapers. This means that, for any overlying member (eg.batten, floorboard etc) there is not an undue or overlyuneven overlap to underlie that member in use. Forelastomeric flashings, this more minimal degree ofthickness of overlap may also be' readily and easilycompressed in use. 13335 - 12 -

The overlapping of adjacent flashings furtherprovides greater sealing against the passage of moisture,dnst between the adjacent joists, which has manyadvantages. In addition, it provides for increasedsupport for overlying members to enhance impact résistance, sound absorption, cushioning etc.

Referring now to Figure 9, an arrangement forabutting perpendieular joists J and J' is depicted (ie. aso-called "butt" joint). In this arrangement, the joistsare connected by a screw or nail plate P. The left-sidejoist J has a flashing 10 mounted thereto, bimilar to theflashing shape of 5B. The left-side flashing 10 has one ofïts wing portions removed to enable the left-side joist tobe positioned in close facing relation'ship (or abutment)to a wall W. The flashing of Figure 5A can also beemployed in thiB regard.

The right-side joist J' employs a flashing 10' shapedsimilarly to that shown in Figure 4. As can be seen, theleft-side flashing has a wing portion that overlaps theright-side flashing to provide a moisture etc barrier atthe intersection of the two joists. Decking members D canthen be positioned over the two joists and fastened downonto them (eg. by screws or nails) which can extendthrough the respective flashings. The decking D can alsocompress against the overlapping wing portion of the left-side flashing. Again, because of its tapering thickness,the wing portion can be compressed by decking D so thatadjacent decking members can be levelled as depicted.

Figure 10 shows an arrangement of perpendieularjoists J and J' similar to Figure 9, but where a section28 (shown in phantom) of the overlapping wing portion 16has been eut, tom or detached along the line of severance22 and also eut from a remainder of the wing portion 16 013335 13 (eg. where no overlap of the wing portion -is required ordesired) . This arrangement can be employed eg. wheremoisture etc ingress is not critical, such as in indoorapplications.

Referring now to Figure 11, an arrangement isdepicted where the joist J abuts perpendicularly a platemember PL. Once again, sections of leg portions 20 hâvebeen removed adjacent to the plate PL to enable the bodyportion 12 and latéral wing portions 16 to lap over a topsurface of the plate PL. Decking D can be then bepositionèd on top of the joiet ab the intersection of thejoist with the plate.

Referring now to Figure 12, the close positioning ofa joist J against a wall W whilst resting on a bearer B isdepicted. The flashing can employ a shape similar to thatshown in Figure 5B. The location of one of the legportions 20 between the joist and the wall prevents theingress of moisture, dust etc at région E. The over-hanging of wing portions 16 prevents moisture, seepage etcrunning down the side of joist J, the moisture droppingoff the flashing at région G. In addition, the provisionof the right-side leg portion enables the joist to bepainted, or coated with a sealer, and thereby prevents anyoverlying members (such as decking, floorboards etc) from being inadvertently coated with the paint, sealer etc.

Thus, the hottom tip of the leg provides an edge I toenable paint "cutting-in".

As stated above, Figure 13 shows the removal (eg. bycutting, tearing etc) at the line of severance 22 of oneof the wing portions. Figure 14 shows the removal at theUnes of severance 24 of two of the leg portions.

Referring now to Figure 15, a flashing 10 similar tothat depicted in Figure 5E is shown positionèd on a joist 013335 14 σ. In this application, both leg portions 20 of theflashing hâve been removed so that the flashing can bepositioned on top of the joist and so that the wingportions 16 overhang either side of the joist. This 5 arrangement can be employed where it is not necessary forthe flashing to grip onto the joist (eg. where it is notcritical that the flashing be in perfect alignment at acentral position on top of the joist) . Alternatively, tomaintain a central alignment, the flashing can be 10 adhesively fixed to the joist or can be nailed or screwedthereto, prior to then‘ attaching overlying members to thejoist. Vîhilst in Figures 6-12 and 15 the flashing has beendescribedwith reference to its use on joist s, it should 15 be appreciated that the flashing can be used. with manydifferent types of members including beams, bearers,rafters, battens, purlins, gurts, uprights etc.

Whilst typically the flashing is formed from anelastomeric polymer, in some applications it may be formed 2 0 from more, rigid polymers or other materials. Thus, it can be extruded or moulded and supplied in easy to use rolls.As stated above, the flashing provides a number of key features. These include: • The capacity of the flashing to cover and protect 25 the upper surfaces of joists, beams and other members (especially timber joists and beams) to prevent rot,splitting, swelling, staining, discolouration, etc frommoisture and other liquid passage, dust etc. • The in-built’bias in the flashing which enables 3 0 the leg portions to grip onto the side of a member, thus enabling the flashing to be used in a number oforientations, including inverted orientations. • Detachability/severability of the leg portions ΰ13335 - 15 - and wing portions of the flashing, which enable it to beused in a variety of different applications, some of whichhâve been described above with reference to Figures 5-15. » The capacity of the flashing to grip onto nails, 5 screws etc inserted therethrough, to waterproof and prevent moisture, dust and the passage of other matterbetween the flashing and the nail/screw.

The capacity of the flashing to compress to enableoverlapping of adjacent flashings without affecting 10 respective levels of overlying members (such as decking) . • The impact and shock absorption properties of theflashing, together with noise résistance and minimisation(especially where the flaBhing is used with métal andother hard members, including métal decking for formwork 15 etc). • The capacity of the flashing to prevent moistureand dust passage into and between the joints betweenmembers, and to cover or shroud members by providing anoverhang on either side thereof <eg. provided by 20 overhanging wing portions 16) . • The capacity of the flashing to be formed into anumber of different shapes using the lines of severanceand also because it can be easily eut, tom and shaped.

Whilst the flashing has been described with reference25 to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the flashing can be embodied in manyother forms. 30

Claims (25)

1. 013335 - 16 - CLAIMS »

   1. Flashing comprising an elongate body for overlying amember, and legs extending for at least part of the bodylength and protruding from either side of the body, theflashing having a configuration prior to overlying themember whereby one or both legs is/are biased towards arespective member side when positioned thereat.
2. 2. Flashing as claimed in claim 1 comprising two legsextending for the entire length of the body on opposingsides thereof.
3. 3. Flashing as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein, prior topositioning the flashing on the member, the legs onopposing sides of the body project generally towards eachother.
4. 4. Flashing as claimed in any one ofthe precedingdaims further comprising wings extending latérally fromthe body beyond the legs.
5. 5. Flashing as claimed in claim 4 wherein the wingsextend for the entire length of the body on opposing sidesthereof.
6. 6. Flashing as claimed in daims 4 or 5 wherein a lineof severance is provided along and adjacent to where eachwing is attached to the body to enable wing detachment.
7. 7. Flashing as claimed in· any one of daims 4 to 6wherein the wings hâve an elongate rectangular shape andare respectively joined to the body along opposingelongate sides thereof.
8. 8. Flashing as claimed in any one of daims 4 to 7wherein each wing tapers, from a relatively thickersection where it is connected to the body to a relativelythinner remote end.
9. 9. Flashing as claimed in any one of the precedingdaims wherein a line of severance is provided along and 013335 - 17 - . adjacent to where each leg attaches to the body to enableleg detachment from the body.
10. 10. Flashing as claimed in any one of the precedingdaims wherein the body has an elongate rectangular shape.
11. 11. Flashing as claimed in any one of the precedingdaims wherein the legs hâve an elongate rectangular shapeand are joined to the body along opposing elongate sidesthereof.
12. 12. Flashing as claimed in any one of the precedingdaims wherein each leg tapers, from where it is connectedto the body to a remote end, or has a constant thicknesstherethrough.
13. 13. Flashing as claimed in any one of the precedingdaims that is formed from an elastomeric matériel.
14. 14. Flashing as claimed in any one of the precedingdaims wherein the member is a joist, beam, bearer, wallplate, rafter or batten.
15. 15. Flashing as claimed in any one of the precedingdaims wherein the legs are spaced at approximately thewidth of the member. IS. Flashing as claimed in any one of the precedingdaims wherein the body is provided with a contouredprofile, with the legs extending inwardly from a concavesurface of the body, whereby the body assumes a generallyfiat configuration when the flashing is located on themember.
16. 17. Flashing comprising an elongate body for overlying amember, and legs protruding from either side of the bodyand extending for at least part of the body length,wherein one, some or ail of the legs are détachable fromthe body along a respective line of severance.
17. 18. Flashing comprising an elongate body for overlying amember, and wings extending laterally from either side of 013335 - 18 - the body and extending for at least part of the bodylength, wherein one, some or ail of the wings aredétachable from the body along a respective line ofseverance.
18. 19. Flashing as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the line of severance is provided along and adjacent to whereeach leg or wing is attached to the body.
19. 20. Flashing as claimed in any one of daims 17 to 19which is otherwise as defined in any one of daims 1 to 10 16.
20. 21. Flashing substantially as herein described withreference to the accompanying drawings.
21. 22. An arrangement between first and second memberswherein flashing as claimed in any one of the preceding 15 daims is mounted to an in-use upper surface of each member such that the flashing of one member overlaps theflashing of another.
22. 23. An arrangement as claimed in claim 22 whereinselected wing(s) and/or leg(s) of the flashing of each 20 member is removed to reduce or eliminate the degree offlashing overlap.
23. 24. An arrangement as claimed in. claim 22 or 23 thatdefines a joint between the first and second members.
24. 25. An arrangement as claimed in claim 24 that defines a 25 butt joint.
25. 26. An arrangement between first and second memberssubstantially as herein deBcribed with reference toFigures 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the accompanyingdrawings.