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.

1 . A building system comprising:
 a building frame comprising a plurality of studs;   an exterior cladding;   an interior sheathing;   a plurality of spaced apart elongate multi-function insulative barriers, each of the insulative barriers is disposed between the exterior cladding and the interior sheathing and extends along the length of one of the studs so that each of the insulative barriers can be fastened to a respective stud, wherein said insulative barriers together create a clearance space that functions as a rainscreen between said exterior cladding and said interior sheathing.   
     
     
         2 . The building system of  claim 1  wherein the elongate multi-function insulative barrier comprises a substantially incompressible foam material. 
     
     
         3 . The building system of  claim 1  wherein the elongate multi-function insulative barrier comprises a foam tape. 
     
     
         4 . The building system of  claim 1  wherein the clearance space between said exterior cladding and said interior sheathing is between 5 mm to 50 mm. 
     
     
         5 . The building system of  claim 1  further comprising a foam insulative sheathing, said foam insulative sheathing is disposed adjacent said interior sheathing. 
     
     
         6 . The building system of  claim 1  wherein the elongate multi-function insulative barrier comprises indicia configured to facilitate alignment of said exterior cladding. 
     
     
         7 . A building section comprising:
 a sub-structure;   a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure; and   an elongate, flexible, insulating element, the insulating element having 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, wherein the insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure.   
     
     
         8 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the insulating element is a composite element having two or more layers with a first layer being the at least one substantially incompressible insulating layer and a second layer being more deformable than the substantially incompressible insulating layer so as to readily adapt to irregularities in the cladding and/or building structure. 
     
     
         9 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one substantially incompressible layer of the insulating element has a hardness of at least 60 HC°. 
     
     
         10 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one substantially incompressible layer of the insulating element has a compressive strength in the range of approximately 200 kPa to 400 kPa. 
     
     
         11 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one substantially incompressible layer of the insulating element has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.1 W/m·K. 
     
     
         12 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one substantially incompressible layer of the insulating element is configured to have a thermal resistance of at least 0.1 K·m 2 /W. 
     
     
         13 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the thickness of the insulating element is in the range of about 5 mm to 50 mm. 
     
     
         14 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the insulating element has a plurality of markings, the markings being spaced relative to one another on an outer surface of the insulating element for facilitating alignment of the cladding members relative to the sub-structure. 
     
     
         15 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the insulating element is formed of foam. 
     
     
         16 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the sub-structure includes an intermediate support member connected to a frame member, the support member being arranged intermediate the frame member and the cladding member such that the insulating element is sandwiched between the frame member and the support member or between the support member and the cladding member. 
     
     
         17 . A building section according to  claim 16 , wherein the intermediate support member is a top-hat batten, the top-hat batten having a base, two webs extending from the base and a flange associated with the distal end of each web. 
     
     
         18 . A building section according to  claim 7 , wherein the width of the insulating element is less than or equal to the width of the associated frame member to which it is attached. 
     
     
         19 . A method of constructing a building section, the method comprising:
 erecting a sub-structure;   connecting a cladding member in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure; and   arranging an elongate, flexible insulating element between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, the insulating element having 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, wherein the insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure and for creating a rainscreen to inhibit moisture from entering the sub-structure.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19  wherein arranging an elongate, flexible insulating element comprises applying a plurality of spaced apart foam strips between the cladding member and the sub-structure.