Insulated Concrete Formwork Window and Doorway Panel

Abstract

A preformed panel, for use with insulated concrete formwork systems in the creation of doorways and windows, includes an integral check reveal feature, i.e. a physical step 1 against which a frame is

Description

This invention relates to the panel used to form doorways and windows during building construction using Insulated Concrete Formwork and how the fitting and weather proofing of doors and windows in line with current and proposed regulations can be more easily facilitated. All existing brands of Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) made from either Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) offer a panel to form openings however these fall into one of three methods; a flush reveal EPS panel, a timber buck, or an EPS component which requires further on site modification post installation. All three create a flat surface onto which or against which a door or window frame can be fitted. Not all methods are available for all ICF brands. All flush reveal panels require heavy reliance on proprietary tapes and membranes fitted between the frame and panel to achieve weather proofing. These tapes interact with any external finishes. Any subsequent problems requiring the replacement of the frame consequently involves reinstatement of the membranes and tapes and the external finish. A similar situation arises from the use of the timber buck method. The third method can be used, dependent on the skill of the installer, to introduce a check reveal. This involves creating a physical step against which a frame is pushed. All tapes / membranes are then applied internally. There is a significant level of material wastage from this method and requires the installer to undertake a series of tasks at different stage s of construction. The problems with the three methods therefore are either related to ongoing maintenance, the ease and speed of fitting, the quality of the end product or the waste created. To overcome these problems the present invention proposes a preformed insulated panel which complies with building performance metrics (Thermal Bridging), incorporates a method for securing the panel to the concrete infill, reduces the waste arising from the creation of openings during the ICF build process and provides a physical check against which frames can be fitted. All in a single, preformed panel. The panel presented can be sized to fit all EPS and XPS based ICF brands and product types. The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the cross section of the panel with key details highlighted Figure 2 shows details of two panels fitted together to form the corner of an opening prior to the frame being fitted. In figure 1, the cross section of the panel is shown where 1 is the physical check against which a door or window frame would be fitted. The panel provides two smooth surfaces to mate with the ICF wall blocks,2, and dovetailed central section,3, which would fill with the concrete infill and secure the panel in place. 4, indicates the fitting location of the door / window frame. The panel would be used during construction, as the ICF system was being assembled and left in place once construction is complete. Detail 3 would allow the concrete infill to provide a permanent fixing, securing the panel to the ICF wall system. Figure 2 shows the panels forming an internal corner of a window opening. The check, 1, is mitred so that the horizontal and vertical panel meet at the corner and form a continuous fitting surface around the opening.

Claims

1. A preformed insulated window / doorway panel for EPS and XPS Insulated Concrete Formwork constructions, comprising of an integral check reveal detail and comprising detailing to the rear to facilitate permanent adherence to the concrete infill2. An insulated window / door way panel for EPS and XPS Insulated Concrete Formwork constructions according to claim 1, in which a check reveal is incorporated as a continuous and heterogeneous element of the panel.

3. An insulated window / door way panel for EPS and XPS Insulated Concrete Formwork constructions according to claim 1, in which no secondary fixing is required and the method of fixing is integral to the panel.

4. An insulated window / door way panel for EPS and XPS Insulated Concrete Formwork constructions according to claim 1, in which the panel acts as permanent shuttering for closing off Insulated Concrete Formwork blockwork at doorways and windows.

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