Molded polymeric drip edge

Abstract

A drip edge device is disclosed for use with the drainage system of a cavity wall structure. The drip edge device is disposed in the outer wythe, above the shelf angle or lintel, of a cavity wall structure extending the flashing and directing water and water vapor collected within the cavity wall to the weep holes and beyond the exterior surface of the outer wythe. The drip edge further allows for cavity wall ventilation. Removal of the water and the water vapor inhibits staining and material degradation. The drip edge device is a molded polymeric which withstands adverse environmental elements, including ultraviolet radiation. The drip edge device includes a peel-and-stick hot melt adhesive which, upon pressure activation, creates a durable bond with the rough surface of the masonry block or the flashing material. Optionally, a foam layer is placed on the lower surface of the drip edge.

1 . A drip edge device for use in a cavity wall with an inner wythe and an outer wythe with said outer wythe having an exterior surface flashing therewithin, and said cavity wall having a drainage system therethrough, said drip edge device comprising, in combination: a molded base formed from an elastomeric compound having two major surfaces, said base in turn comprising:
 an upper portion adapted for disposition between said inner wythe and said flashing material; and,   a lower portion arcuately molded and adapted, upon mounting on said outer wythe, to extend beyond said exterior surface of said outer wythe and to direct water away from said exterior surface of said outer wythe;   
       whereby, upon mounting said drip edge device on said outer wythe, said drip edge device conducts water collected within said cavity wall to said drainage system inhibiting staining and material degradation. 
     
     
         2 . A drip edge device for use in a cavity wall with an inner wythe and an outer wythe with said outer wythe having an exterior surface flashing therewithin, and said cavity wall having a drainage system therethrough, said drip edge device comprising, in combination: a molded base formed from an elastomeric composite having two major surfaces, said base in turn comprising:
 an upper portion adapted for disposition between said inner wythe and said flashing material;   a lower portion arcuately molded and adapted, upon mounting on said outer wythe, to extend beyond said exterior surface of said outer wythe and to direct water away from said exterior surface of said outer wythe; and,   a middle portion having a first end affixed to said upper portion and a second end affixed to said lower portion adapted, upon installation into said cavity wall, to have said first end lie in a higher longitudinal plane than said second end;   
       whereby, upon mounting said drip edge device on said outer wythe, said drip edge device conducts water collected within said cavity wall to said drainage system, inhibiting staining and material degradation. 
     
     
         3 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 2  wherein said molded base further comprises, in combination:
 a hot melt adhesive layer mounted on said upper portion, said hot melt adhesive, upon pressure activation, adapted by having sufficient tack to durably adhere to the surface of said inner wythe upon pressure activation; and,   a release sheet adhered to said hot melt adhesive layer, said release sheet being removable prior to mounting said drip edge device in said inner wythe,   whereby, upon mounting said drip edge device on said outer wythe, said drip edge device conducts water collected within said cavity wall to said drainage system.   
     
     
         4 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 2  wherein said lower portion has a bottom portion adapted for placement on the outer wythe, said molded base further comprising, in combination:
 a resilient wedge of foam polymeric material mounted on said bottom portion of said lower portion;   
       whereby, upon mounting said drip edge device on said outer wythe, said drip edge device conducts water collected within said cavity wall to said drainage system. 
     
     
         5 . A masonry flashing system as described in  claim 4  wherein said foam polymeric material is selected from a group consisting of cross-linked polyethylene, non-cross-linked polyethylene, and closed-cell neoprene sponge. 
     
     
         6 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 2  wherein said drip edge device is composed of at least one material selected from a group consisting of ethylenepropylene diene monomer, polyisobutylene, chlorinated polyethylene, natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, and chlorosulfonated polyethylene. 
     
     
         7 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 6  wherein said drip edge device includes 10 to 40 percent by weight of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, having a suspension or emulsion grade polyvinyl chloride in the range of 20 to 30 percent by weight, and 10 to 40 percent by weight of an ethylene vinyl acetate carbon monoxide terpolymer. 
     
     
         8 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 6  wherein said drip edge device contains up to 15 percent of primary or secondary plasticizer and up to 10 percent of processing aids or stabilizers. 
     
     
         9 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 7  wherein said ethylene vinyl acetate carbon monoxide terpolymer contains 15 to 85 percent ethylene, 5 to 60 percent vinyl acetate, and 0.5 to 30 percent carbon monoxide, all on a weight basis. 
     
     
         10 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 6  wherein said material contains a color additive to match to associated mortar or brick. 
     
     
         11 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 6  wherein said material endures exposure to ultraviolet light without significant deterioration. 
     
     
         12 . A drip edge device for use in a cavity wall with an inner wythe and an outer wythe with said outer wythe having an exterior surface flashing therewithin, and said cavity wall having a drainage system therethrough, said drip edge device comprising, in combination:
 a molded base formed from an elastomeric composite having two major surfaces, said base in turn comprising:
 an upper portion adapted for disposition between said outer wythe and said flashing material; and, 
 a lower portion arcuately molded and adapted, upon mounting on said outer wythe, to extend beyond said exterior surface of said outer wythe and to direct water away from said exterior surface of said outer wythe; 
   whereby, upon mounting said drip edge device on said outer wythe, said drip edge device conducts water collected within said cavity wall to said drainage system, inhibiting staining and material degradation.   
     
     
         13 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 12  wherein said molded base further comprises, in combination:
 a hot melt adhesive layer mounted on said upper portion, said hot melt adhesive, upon pressure activation, adapted by having sufficient tack to durable adhere to the surface of said inner wythe upon pressure activation; and,   a release sheet adhered to said hot melt adhesive layer, said release sheet being removable prior to mounting said drip edge device in said inner wythe,   whereby, upon mounting said drip edge device on said outer wythe, said drip edge device conducts water collected within said cavity wall to said drainage system.   
     
     
         14 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 13  wherein said hot melt adhesive is compatible with flashing membranes containing ketone ethylene ester and meets industry flammability standards. 
     
     
         15 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 12  wherein said lower portion has a bottom portion adapted for placement on outer wythe, said molded base further comprising, in combination:
 a resilient wedge of foam polymeric material mounted on said bottom portion of said lower portion;   
       whereby, upon mounting said drip edge device on said outer wythe, said drip edge device conducts water collected within said cavity wall to said drainage system. 
     
     
         16 . A masonry flashing system as described in  claim 15  wherein said foam polymeric material is selected from a group consisting of cross-linked polyethylene, non-cross-linked polyethylene, and closed-cell neoprene sponge. 
     
     
         17 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 12  wherein said drip edge device is composed of at least one material selected from a group consisting of ethylenepropylene diene monomer, polyisobutylene, chlorinated polyethylene, natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, and chlorosulfonated polyethylene. 
     
     
         18 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 17  wherein said drip edge device includes 10 to 40 percent by weight of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, having a suspension or emulsion grade polyvinyl chloride in the range of 20 to 30 percent by weight, and 10 to 40 percent by weight of an ethylene vinyl acetate carbon monoxide terpolymer. 
     
     
         19 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 12  wherein said drip edge device contains up to 15 percent of primary or secondary plasticizer and up to 10 percent of processing aids or stabilizers. 
     
     
         20 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 19  wherein said ethylene vinyl acetate carbon monoxide terpolymer contains 15 to 85 percent ethylene, 5 to 60 percent vinyl acetate, and 0.5 to 30 percent carbon monoxide, all on a weight basis. 
     
     
         21 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 17  wherein said material contains a color additive to match the associated mortar or brick. 
     
     
         22 . A drip edge device as described in  claim 17  wherein said material endures exposure to ultraviolet light without significant deterioration.