Composite house wrap

Abstract

A composite house wrap is provided with a high insulation value and including three integral sections or layers. The first or front layer is a reinforcing grid or mesh that functions as a drainage plane and will face the outside cladding. The second or middle layer is a breathable, barrier film, such as a polyethylene (PE) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is bonded to the first layer, such as through thermal bonding. The third or rear layer is a perforated foam layer, such as an expanded low density polyethylene foam that is bonded to the middle layer, such as through an adhesive.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present invention claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 138,573 entitled “Composite House Wrap” filed Dec. 18, 2008.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a composite house wrap used generally in building construction.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]House wrap is a worldwide multi-billion dollar yearly industry. The phrase “House wrap” (also called “housewrap”) has been defined as inclusive of all synthetic materials effectively designed for the replacement of traditional sheathing tar paper. These materials are all lighter in weight and usually wider than asphalt designs, so contractors can apply the material much faster to a house shell. A conventional house wrap is described as functioning as a moisture barrier, preventing rain from getting into the stud wall construction while allowing moisture vapor to pass out from the house's interior living space to the ex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]The various embodiments and examples of the present invention as presented herein are understood to be illustrative of the present invention and not restrictive thereof and are non-limiting with respect to the scope of the invention. The present invention provides a composite house wrap that comprises an insulation function, a moisture vapor transmission function, a moisture barrier function, a drainage function and further provides for ease of installation.

[0024]The house wrap according to the present invention will provide barrier protection plus moisture vapor transmission and yield an insulation R-value of at least R2, and typically R3, R4 or even higher being achievable. This house wrap is specifically designed to add enhanced insulating characteristics as opposed to conventional house wraps, while maintaining a cost effective and easy to handle house wrap.

Problems solved by technology

The resulting flash-spun HDPE film has been described as suffering from both a high air permeability and a relatively low tear strength.

Thus, such house wrap is subject to damage during shipment and installation.

Despite the wide commercial acceptance and application of currently available house wraps there have been those that have objected to their viability and efficiency.

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