Apparatus, method and system for sealing and insulating ventilation space

Abstract

A bracket apparatus including a body, a rafter arm substantially adjacently connected to the body and two board arms substantially adjacently connected to the body. The two board arms are in parallel relation to each other. The present invention also includes an apparatus for installing foam board between two building structures. The apparatus includes a bracket of a predetermined size wherein the bracket fits about an edge of a foam board. The bracket attaches the foam board to building structures. A system for sealing and insulating ventilation space is also disclosed. The system includes at least two brackets that are a predetermined size and a foam board having predetermined dimensions such that the brackets secure and suspend the foam board to a building structure whereby a ventilation space is created. Also disclosed is a method for sealing and insulating a ventilation space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 551,376 filed Mar. 9, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to building construction and more particularly, to an apparatus, method and system for sealing and insulating ventilation space. BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0003] Ice dams commonly form on buildings in cold climates. Three conditions have to exist before an ice dam forms: (1) snow; (2) heat to melt the snow; and (3) cold to refreeze the melted snow into solid ice. As little as 50-60 mm of snow accumulation on the roof of a building can cause ice dams to form. Snow on the upper roof melts, runs under the blanket of snow to the roof's edge and refreezes into a dam of ice, which holds pools of more melted snow. This eventually backs up under shingles and leaks into the building. [0004] The heat that causes these ice dams comes from hea...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] Some embodiments of this aspect of the invention include one or more of the following. Where the two board arms are at a predetermined distance from each other such that the two board arms can hold a foam board edge. Where the rafter arm rests over a rafter such that the apparatus is substantially secure on the rafter. Where the bracket is made from plastic.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for installing foam board between two building structures is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bracket of a predetermined size wherein the bracket fits about an edge of a foam board. The bracket attaches the foam board to building structures. Some embodiments of this aspect of the invention include one or more of the following. Where the bracket includes a body, a rafter arm substantially adjacently connected to the body and two board arms substantially adjacently connected to the body. The two board arms are in parallel relation to each other. Where the two board arms are at a predetermined distance from each other such that said two board arms can hold a foam board edge. Where the rafter arm rests over a building structure such that the apparatus is substantially secure on said building structure. Where the bracket is made from plastic.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for sealing and insulating ventilation space. The system includes at least two brackets that are a predetermined size and a foam board having predetermined dimensions such that the brackets secure and suspend the foam board to a building structure whereby a ventilation space is cre

Problems solved by technology

This eventually backs up under shingles and leaks into the building.

First, with respect to residential homes, they have rafters sitting directly on top of exterior walls, and leave little room for insulation between the top of and the underside of the roof sheathing.

Second, many builders do not spend enough effort installing features designed to prevent the movement of warm indoor air into this critical area.

Ice dams cause millions of dollars in damage every year.

Much of the damage is apparent and easily recognizable: water stained ceilings, dislodged roof shingles, ice filled sagging gutters, peeling paint and damaged plaster.

However, it is the non visible damage from the ice dams that is most serious.

Insulation is damaged from the leaks.

Roof leaks dampen attic insulation, which in the short term loses some of its insulating ability.

However, over the long term, water-soaked insulation compresses so that, even after it dries, the insulation does not regain its original thickness.

As more heat leaks from living areas into the attic, ice dams become more likely, causing additional damage to the building and destruction of the insulation.

However, foam baffles have many disadvantages.

First, the foam baffles allow outside air to leak through gaps between the baffles and into the fiberglass insulation, therefore reducing the R-value of the roof.

The reduced R-value subsequently leads to heat loss which warms the vented air and causes ice dams.

Second, the thin foam baffle is often crushed during installation, rendering it ineffective.

Lastly, when the spacing between the rafters is less than 16 inches on center (a common situation in most homes) the baffle is too wide to use.

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