Sealing system for creating a watertight light well in front of a window opening in a building wall.

Abstract

Sealing system (10) for creating a watertight light well in front of a window opening (30) in a wall (10) of a building, at least comprising: a frame (11) which is applied to an outside of the wall (20) and surrounds the window opening (30), and an upwardly open light shaft body (12), wherein the light shaft body (12) is mounted on the frame (11), characterized by the fact that the frame (11) is multi-part, wherein the individual frame parts (11a - 11d) of the cover frame (11) are designed in such a way that the frame (11) lies flush against the wall (20) and unevenness in the wall (20) is compensated for.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sealing system for creating a watertight light well in front of a window opening in a building wall. Particularly in flood-prone regions, light wells and their connection to the building pose a risk. Heavy rain and rising groundwater can cause water from the ground to penetrate the light well. To prevent this, watertight light wells that can be installed in front of window openings are generally known. In known watertight light well systems and installation methods, a one-piece, block-like mounting plate, which has a recess for a window, is first attached to the outside of the basement wall, and the actual light well body is then placed onto the mounting plate on the outside. The size of the recess essentially corresponds to the size of the window.The one-piece mounting plates are made of a hard, non-deformable material, which has the disadvantage that unevenness in the mounting surface, i.e., the basement exterior wall, prevents the mounting plate from being installed flush with the wall. If the mounting plate is pressed firmly against the wall on one side, it is levered away from the wall on the other side. Even the smallest gaps between the mounting plate and the wall are enough for water to penetrate. Furthermore, a flush and watertight installation of the light well body on a slanted mounting plate is not possible. Water can also penetrate in this case.

[0002] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved sealing system for creating a watertight light shaft.

[0003] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

[0004] The inventors recognized that the disadvantages of a one-piece mounting plate could be circumvented by using a multi-part frame instead of a single-piece mounting plate with a window cutout. This frame allows for the compensation of unevenness in the mounting surface, enabling a flush fit against the basement wall and allowing its size to be adjusted on-site to fit any window. The light well body is then mounted onto the frame. Open gaps between the wall and frame, as well as between the frame and the light well body, are avoided. This ensures a watertight connection between the cover frame and the basement wall, and again between the light well body and the frame.

[0005] Accordingly, the inventors propose to improve a sealing system for creating a watertight light well in front of a window opening in a wall of a building, comprising at least a frame which is applied to an outside of the wall and surrounds the window opening, and an upwardly open light well body, wherein the light well body is applied to the frame, in such a way that the frame is multi-part, wherein the individual frame parts of the frame are designed in such a way that the frame lies flush against the wall and unevenness in the wall is compensated for.

[0006] Light well bodies, which are installed as a single unit in front of a basement window located below ground level, i.e., in the perimeter area, are well known. They are usually made of materials such as GRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or concrete. Depending on the depth of the basement window or light well, so-called extension elements can be added to the light well body and attached to the basement wall in a watertight manner. In this document, the term "watertight" refers to a property of a material, component, or system that indicates the material, component, or system can withstand a certain water pressure, while "watertight" means that no water penetrates the material, component, or system, regardless of the prevailing (external) pressure.The sealing system according to the invention described below applies to both simple light well bodies and light well bodies with one or more additional extension elements. The basic principle of the invention remains the same; only the dimensions of the individual components change. Therefore, the following refers exclusively to light well bodies, whereby one or more extension elements may optionally be arranged on the light well body.

[0007] According to the invention, the frame is designed in multiple parts. In the context of this publication, "multi-part" means that the frame is constructed from several individual frame components. These individual frame components are assembled to form a watertight frame. A particular advantage of the multi-part design is that the frame components are shaped and attached to the basement wall in such a way that the frame sits flush against the wall, compensating for any unevenness in the wall. This prevents gaps from forming between the frame and the wall through which water could penetrate the light well. The frame forms a flat, preferably vertical, surface, preferably parallel to the basement wall, onto which the light well body can be flush-mounted.

[0008] The size and contour of the frame essentially correspond to the size and contour of the light well body. Thanks to its multi-part design, the frame is also advantageously variable in size and can be adapted as needed, especially on-site, to a window or light well body.

[0009] The multi-part frame is, for example, two-, three-, or four-part, etc. Accordingly, one embodiment provides that the frame is formed from two, three, four, or more frame parts. In other words, the frame is composed of at least two individual frame parts. The frame parts are preferably cuboid, particularly elongated, and have two parallel side surfaces, with one side surface abutting flush against the basement wall, while the light well body abuts flush against the opposite side surface.

[0010] The frame components, particularly adjacent frame components, are advantageously connected to each other in a way that is resistant to both compression and tension. One embodiment provides that adjacent frame components form a positive fit with each other. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a tongue-and-groove system, a plug-in connection, in particular a type of dovetail joint, or the like. Another embodiment provides that the frame components are glued together. For example, waterproof or water-based adhesives can be used for this purpose. It is particularly advantageous if the edges, borders, or side ends of the frame components are both positively connected to each other, for example, by plugging them together, and also glued.

[0011] According to the invention, the multi-part design of the frame allows for significantly better compensation of unevenness in the basement wall, as individual frame parts can be attached much more flexibly than a large, flat mounting plate. In particular, the contact area of ​​the frame according to the invention is considerably smaller than that of a conventionally known mounting plate. Advantageously, the frame according to the invention always lies flush against the basement wall. In a simple embodiment, the frame parts are of the same thickness or have a uniform thickness. In another embodiment, the frame parts are designed with varying thicknesses relative to the wall. For example, the frame parts can be at least partially wedge-shaped. Other shapes and variations of the frame parts are also within the scope of the invention. This allows for further compensation of unevenness in the wall.

[0012] The shape of the frame can be varied depending on the installation depth of the window or the light well in the wall. According to one embodiment, the frame is rectangular. Advantageously, the frame has a top and a bottom section as well as two side sections. This rectangular design is practical and particularly suitable when the window opening is installed deep below floor level, so that water could also penetrate from above, thus requiring sealing from above as well. According to another embodiment, the frame is U-shaped, with the U-shape open at the top. In this case, the shape of the frame corresponds almost exactly to the cross-sectional shape of the light well. Advantageously, the frame has at least a bottom section and two side sections.This U-shaped design is useful and particularly suitable if the window opening is not installed so far below floor level and it is assumed that no water could penetrate from above and therefore no sealing from above is necessary.

[0013] For a watertight installation and connection of the frame to the basement wall, a preferred embodiment provides that the frame is glued and optionally screwed to the wall. Waterproof or water-based adhesives can be used for this purpose. The adhesive between the frame and the basement wall can also be used to compensate for minor irregularities.

[0014] It is advantageous if the frame is made of a pressure-resistant, water-resistant, and permanently dimensionally stable insulating material. Suitable materials for this purpose include those commonly used in construction for perimeter insulation, such as XPS (extruded polystyrene rigid foam), EPS (expanded polystyrene rigid foam), or foam glass panels. Furthermore, these materials can be easily cut to the desired shape.

[0015] The size of the frame essentially corresponds to the size of the light well body. The remaining space within the cover frame around the window opening is preferably filled with perimeter insulation. Perimeter insulation is also preferably applied to the basement wall around the frame to create a flat surface. The perimeter insulation is preferably bonded to the wall in a conventional manner. A preferred embodiment provides that the frame is flush with the wall's perimeter insulation. Optionally, free areas within the frame on the basement wall, i.e., between the frame and the window opening, can also be filled with perimeter insulation. Preferably, the frame and the perimeter insulation form a flat surface. In a U-shaped embodiment of the cover frame, the perimeter insulation is arranged flush around the frame, at least laterally and at the bottom.In a rectangular embodiment of the cover frame, the perimeter insulation is preferably arranged on all four sides, including the top.

[0016] It can also be provided that a continuous seal is applied to the frame and the surrounding perimeter insulation. The sealant offers an additional way to seal the connection between the light well body and the frame. Therefore, the sealant can first be applied over a large area, and then the light well body is placed on top and, for example, bonded again. At the perimeter edge of the light well body, which is placed on the frame, it preferably forms a widened flange for an increased bearing surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, a perimeter window frame can be additionally provided, which is inserted into the frame and corresponds to a pre-wall installation of the window. The perimeter window frame can be installed either directly into the window reveal or into the perimeter insulation. After installation, the perimeter window frame is positioned between the frame and the light well body.

[0018] Furthermore, a method for sealing a light well in front of a window opening in a building wall against pressure water is described, using a sealing system according to the invention as described above. This method comprises at least the following steps: attaching the frame components around the window opening, and placing the upwardly open light well body onto the frame. The frame is then sealed against the basement wall, for example, by gluing. Additionally, the connection between the light well body and the frame is sealed, thus ensuring a pressure-tight light well.

[0019] In one embodiment, the frame components are adapted on-site to the size of the window opening to be sealed and / or to the size of the light well body. Preferably, the individual frame components are positively connected to one another; additionally or alternatively, the frame components can also be glued together.

[0020] In another embodiment, the frame parts, or the frame itself, are glued and optionally screwed to the wall. The order of assembly is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to first measure the frame parts, assemble them, and then attach the assembled frame to the wall. Alternatively, it is possible to attach the frame parts to the wall one after the other, assembling the frame as you go.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, perimeter insulation is additionally applied to the wall around the frame and optionally also within the cover frame, in particular by gluing. Advantageously, the frame and the perimeter insulation form a flat surface.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, an additional sealing material is applied to the frame and the surrounding perimeter insulation. This provides additional sealing. It is also possible to insert an additional perimeter window frame into the existing frame. For example, the additional sealing material could be a reactive sealant applied over the entire surface.

[0023] The advantages, advantageous designs and effects mentioned above in connection with sealing systems also apply to the method according to the invention.

[0024] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the figures, whereby only the features necessary for understanding the invention are shown. Specifically, the figures show: Fig. 1: A first simplified, schematic cross-sectional view of a light shaft with a sealing system according to the invention, Fig. 2: Another simplified, schematic cross-sectional view of the light shaft of the Fig. 1, and Fig. 3: A simplified, schematic top view of a multi-part cover frame in front of a window opening.

[0025] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a first simplified, schematic cross-sectional view of a light well with a sealing system 10 according to the invention along a vertical section axis. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, a building wall 20 with a window opening 30 with inserted window panes 31, for example a basement window in the perimeter area of ​​a building, is depicted. On the outside of the wall 20, here on the left side of the figure, is the sealing system 10 according to the invention for sealing the light well against water pressure. The sealing system 10 comprises the frame 11 according to the invention, which is applied to the outside of the wall 20 and surrounds the window opening 30. In front of or on the frame 11, an upwardly open light well body 12 with a drain is applied. According to the invention, the frame 11 is designed in several parts. The individual frame parts are shown in Figure 1. Fig. 3, are designed such that the frame 11 rests flush against the wall 20 and thus seals the window opening 30 or the light well (body 12) against water pressure to the outside, i.e., towards the perimeter area. Naturally, the sealing system 10 according to the invention does not seal the light well at the top, where an extension element may be arranged and the light well is open, possibly with a grid-like cover.

[0026] The frame 11, or rather its individual components, is glued to the wall 20 and can optionally be screwed to it. Furthermore, the frame components are positively connected and glued together. The frame 11 is made of a pressure-resistant, water-resistant, and permanently dimensionally stable insulating material. During installation, the frame components are first cut to size and individually, one after the other, attached to the wall 20 and connected to each other. Subsequently, any open areas within the cover frame 11, or between the frame 11 and the window opening 30, can be filled with perimeter insulation 13, which is also glued to the wall 20. Perimeter insulation 13 is also glued to the outside of the wall 20 around the frame 11, creating a flush and level surface on the exterior of the building. The size and shape of the cover frame 11 essentially correspond to the size and shape of the light well body 12.The light shaft body 12 is glued to the outside of the frame 11.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 2 shows another simplified, schematic cross-sectional view of the light shaft of the Fig. 1 with a horizontal section axis. It can be seen that the light shaft body 12 has a circumferential flange 14 at the edge, which rests flat on the frame 11 for the most stable and tight fastening possible.

[0028] In the Fig. Figure 3 is a simplified, schematic top view of the multi-part frame 11 in front of the window opening 31. Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows the frame 11 as rectangular and comprising four individual frame parts 11a-11d: the upper part 11a, the lower part 11b, and two side parts 11c and 11d. In the embodiment shown, the frame parts 11a-11d have a uniform thickness. The frame parts 11a-11d are positively connected and bonded together. The perimeter insulation 13 between the frame 11 and the window opening 30 is also shown. Due to the frame 11 being constructed from individual frame parts 11a-11d, it is particularly easy to securely attach it to the wall 20 and to compensate for unevenness in the wall.

[0029] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to the specified combinations of features, but other combinations and partial combinations of the disclosed features that are obviously feasible to a person skilled in the art can also be formed. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention. Likewise, it is also within the scope of the invention to effect a mechanical reversal of the functions of the individual mechanical elements of the invention. Reference symbol list 10 Sealing system 11 frames 11a - 11d Frame parts 12 light shaft bodies 13 Perimeter insulation 14 flange 20 Wall, here: basement wall 30 window opening 31 window panes

Claims

[1] Sealing system (10) for creating a watertight light well in front of a window opening (30) in a wall (10) of a building, comprising at least: a frame (11) which is applied to an outside of the wall (20) and surrounds the window opening (30), and an upwardly open light shaft body (12), wherein the light shaft body (12) is mounted on the frame (11), characterized by , that the frame (11) is multi-part, wherein the individual frame parts (11a - 11d) of the cover frame (11) are designed in such a way that the frame (11) lies flush against the wall (20) and unevenness in the wall (20) is compensated for. [2] Sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the frame (11) is formed from two, three, four or more frame parts (11a - 11d). [3] Sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by, that adjacent frame parts (11a - 11d) form a positive connection with each other. [4] Sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the frame parts (11a - 11d) of the frame (11) are glued together. [5] Sealing system (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the frame parts (11a - 11d) have different thicknesses relative to the wall (20). [6] Sealing system (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the frame parts (11a - 11d) are at least partially wedge-shaped. [7] Sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the frame (10) is rectangular. [8] Sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that frame (11) is U-shaped. [9] Sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the frame (11) is glued to the wall (20) and optionally screwed in place. [10] Sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the frame (11) is made of a pressure-resistant, water-resistant and permanently dimensionally stable insulating material. [11] Sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the frame (11) is flush with the perimeter insulation (13) of the wall (20). [12] Sealing system (10) according to claim 11, characterized by , that an additional sealing material is provided on the frame (11) and the surrounding perimeter insulation (13). [13] Sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that a perimeter window frame is provided which is inserted into the frame (11).

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