Insulated trim for windows and doors

Abstract

A trim product with integrated rigid foam insulation attached thereto. The foam insulation portion is trimmed flush to the back of the trim product. When installed, the insulation on the trim product forms a substantially continuous insulation envelope with similar foam insulation installed on the adjacent insulated panels of the construction. The trim product may be used to form the header, sill, or jambs for a window or a door or similar structure.

Description

[0001] INSULATED TRIM FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS

[0002] This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 63 / 680,872, filed Aug. 8, 2025, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by specific reference for all purposes.

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates to wood or manufactured or engineered wood based insulated trim for use around windows, doors, and other opening in various forms of construction.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Windows, doors, and other openings form holes in a building envelope that can allow the loss of heat in gaps and spaces around the building component filling the opening. Typically, continuous insulation is applied to the frame around the opening prior to the application of siding. However, this process requires addition time on the site, and the subsequent application of siding can cause disturbance or disruptions in the continuity of the insulation.

[0007] Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for applying continuous insulation to the building frame around a window, door or similar opening that can done more quickly and without subsequent disturbances or disruptions in insulation continuity.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention comprises a trim product with integrated rigid foam insulation attached thereto. The foam insulation is trimmed flush to the back of the trim product. When installed, the insulation on the trim product forms a substantially continuous insulation envelope with similar foam insulation installed on the adjacent insulated panels of the construction.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the trim product is a “corner trim” piece, comprised of wood or engineered-wood, including, but not limited to, oriented-strand board (OSB). In some embodiments, the comer trim piece is rectilinear in cross-section, and a back corner is removed for the length of the piece, with a corresponding piece of rigid foam insulation placed therein and secured by adhesive or similar fastening means.

[0011] The trim product also may be used to form the header, sill, or jambs for a window or a door or similar structure, with the insulation side inward-facing. As a header, the trim product is placed along the top of the window opening, with the foam insulation exposed upward so the foam is adjacent to the foam on the back side of the adjacent piece(s) of insulated panel siding. A flashing gap may be formed between the panel edge and the upper edge of the header to allow moisture behind the panel to escape to the outer side of the structure.

[0012] As a sill, the trim product is placed along the bottom of the window opening, with the foam insulation exposed downward so the foam is adjacent to or in contact with the foam on the back side of the adjacent piece(s) of insulated panel siding.

[0013] As a jamb, the trim product is placed along the sides of the window opening, with the foam insulation exposed outward (i . e. , away from the window opening), so the foam is adjacent to the foam on the back side of the adjacent piece(s) of insulated panel siding

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pair of insulated trim pieces, one left-facing, one right-facing with insulated foam in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a trim piece.

[0016] Figures 3 A-D show views of the front face, back face, foam edge, and wood-based edge of a trim piece.

[0017] Figure 4 shows an exploded view demonstrating how four pieces of insulated trim with flashing fit around a window opening in a wall under construction.

[0018] Figure 5 shows a detailed sectional view of a window header with insulated trim.

[0019] Figure 6 shows a detailed sectional view of a window sill with insulated trim.

[0020] Figure 7 shows a detailed perspective view of a comer of a window header with insulated trim.

[0021] Figure 8 shows a detailed perspective view of a comer of a window sill with insulated trim.

[0022] Figure 9 shows a detailed sectional view of a window jamb (left-side, viewed from the top).

[0023] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the upper right corner of a window header with an insulated header trim piece and insulated jamb trim piece.

[0024] Figure 11 shows a full perspective view of a window in a wall under construction, showing insulated trim pieces at the header, sill and both jambs.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS In various exemplary embodiments, as seen in Figures 1 -3B, the present invention comprises a trim product 2 comprised of a piece of wood or manufactured or engineered wood 8 (including, but not limited to, oriented-strand board “OSB”) with a section of integrated rigid foam insulation 10 attached thereto. In one embodiment, the trim product is rectilinear in form, with a length, width, and thickness, a front face 12, a back face 14 (part foam, part wood-based), a foam edge 16 (part foam, part-wood based), and a woodbased edge 18, and has a rectilinear cross-section. The wood-based portion forms an “L” in cross-section, with the rigid foam insulation rectilinear in cross section fdling in the back corner of the trim product (i.e., in the “open space” of the “L” as seen in cross section).

[0026] It should be noted that the structure of the trim product allows it to be easily oriented so that the foam edge 64 can be on the right side or left side of the product, as needed. Figure 1 shows a pair of trim products, one with the foam edge left-facing, one with the foam edge right-facing, which would be the typical orientation when installed around a window or door opening therebetween.

[0027] The foam insulation section extends the length of the product, is flush to the back of the trim product, and is co-planar with the adjacent wood-based sections on the respective faces. As seen in Figure 2, the thickness of the foam insulation and the thickness of the adjacent wood-based section on the foam edge 16 are equal to the thickness of the opposite wood-based edge (i.e., the thickness of the trim product). Likewise, the width of the foam insulation and the width of the adjacent wood-based section along the back face 14 are equal to the width of the front face (i.e., the width of the trim product). In an alternative embodiment, the dimensions of the foam insulation section may be slightly larger so that foam extends beyond the adjacent wood-based section, and thus may be compressed when installed to help ensure contact and sealing with adjacent insulated panels, trim pieces, or other parts of the construction.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an exploded view demonstrating how four pieces of insulated trim with flashing fit around a window opening 4 in a wall 100 under construction. The unique design of the trim product of the present invention allows the same basic product to be used as a header (or top) trim piece 2a, a sill (footer, or bottom) trim piece 2b, or a right or left side jamb trim piece 2c, d based on the orientation of the trim product. A piece of flashing 40 may be placed above the top or header trim piece to direct water flowing behind the adjacent siding panel to flow over and out onto the front of the structure above the window, thereby preventing water from flowing into the window or door structure and opening. Flashing often is required by local building codes.

[0029] While the figures show the trim pieces in the context of a window, the trim pieces may be used in a similar manner with doors or similar openings. The trim product may be cut to length in the field at the job site in order to fit the particular opening dimensions. When installed, the insulation on the trim product forms a substantially continuous insulation envelope with similar foam insulation installed on the adjacent insulated panels 110 of the construction, as shown in Figures 5-9, described in more detail below. In the configuration shown, the back face of the trim product is the inner face, with the foam portion of the trim product arranged to match the placement of the insulation portion of the adjacent insulated panels. The penetration of the wall (i.e., the window or door opening) should be properly sealed (e.g., with caulk or similar sealant) and flashed as required by local building codes. The front (outer) face and the wood-based edge (opposite the foam edge) usually have a finished and / or textured appearance of some sort, and thus provide a finished appearance for the window or door. As seen in Figure 4, the trim pieces may be cut with matching 45-degree angles to form their respective corners (see the bottom corners between 2b and 2c, and 2b and 2d), or installed with butt (i.e., orthogonal, 90-degree) edges (see the top corners between 2a and 2c, and 2a and 2d). In the latter case, trim pieces are arranged such that the upper or higher piece forming the joint typically overlaps the lower piece, thereby protecting the cut end of the lower piece from moisture or water penetration.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a detailed sectional view of a window header with insulated trim. The wall section above the window 4 comprises a plurality of wood-based structural panels (WSP) 104, which may be made of OSB, plywood, or similar wood-based material, as a sheathing layer fastened to a series of studs 102 forming the wall. The sheathing layer is overlain by a weather / water resistant barrier (WRB) 106, which may be a separate layer (e.g., a housewrap) or may be integrated with the sheathing layer (e.g., a resin-impregnated paper overlay integrated with the OSB panel). A layer of insulated siding panels 110 (or other form of cladding) forms the outer siding / cladding layer of the structure.

[0031] The header trim piece 2a is fastened to the wood-based structural panel (typically by mechanical fasteners such as nails or screws) between the higher insulated siding panels and the window. Figure 5 shows 3 sets of flashing: (a) Z-flashing 40 placed above the trim piece; (b) Z-flashing 42 placed below the trim piece and above the top of the window; and (c) Z-flashing 44 covering the lower back face and bottom edge of the insulated siding panels. As described above, flashing helps prevent moisture from penetrating or getting stuck between the structural panel layer and the siding / cladding elements, and directs any water or moisture to the outermost face of the structure. The trim product 2a is thicker than the insulated siding panels, so the flashing 40 is particular helpful in preventing water from pooling on top of or penetrating the trim product. The type, spacing (e.g., 3 / 8” gap) and sealing status (caulked, not caulked) of the flashing typically are determined by the type of structure, location, and applicable local building codes. Gaps intended to allow water flow out from the space behind the siding / cladding often are not caulked, as caulking would keep the water in the space, and promote rotting, decay, mold growth, and other moisture-related problems.

[0032] Figure 6 shows a similar detailed sectional view of a window sill with insulated trim. The wall section below the window 4 comprises a plurality of wood-based structural panels (WSP) 104, fastened to a series of studs 102 and overlain by a weather / water resistant barrier (WRB) 106, and a layer of insulated siding panels 110, in a similar fashion to that described above for Figure 5. The sill trim piece 2b is placed between the lower part of the window 4 and the lower insulated panels 110. The foam insulation of the trim is in light contact with the foam of the insulated siding panels, providing a continuous insulation envelope. As discussed above, the trim product is thicker than the insulated siding panels, but in this configuration the wider trim is above the adjacent siding panel, so water running down the outside face of the trim product will continue down the face of the insulated siding panel without pooling or attempting to penetrate the interface between the trim and the siding panel. However, L-shaped flashing 46 typically is called for above the top edge (which is the wood-based edge) to encourage water to flow to the front and down the front face of the trim product. Caulk 70 may be called for in this configuration in order to present moisture running down the front of the window from collecting on top of the sill trim piece and thus possibly penetrating through the gap between the window and trim piece into the space behind the siding / cladding. Figure 7 shows a detailed perspective view of a comer of a window header with insulated trim. The arrangement is the same as in Figure 5, but this view shows the layering of the wall elements as a cutaway view (more clearly showing the insulation component 110a of the insulated siding panel 110) shows the front of the 3 / 8” gap 41 between the two Z-flashing elements 40, 44, and shows the jamb trim piece 2d on the left side of the window as well as the header trim piece 2a.

[0033] Similarly, Figure 8 shows a detailed perspective view of a comer of a window sill with insulated trim. The arrangement is the same as in Figure 6, but this view shows the jamb trim piece 2d on the left side of the window as well as the sill trim piece 2b.

[0034] Figure 9 shows a detailed sectional view of a window jamb on the left side of the window (when viewed from the top). The jamb trim piece 2d in this configuration is placed with the foam edge facing outward away from the window, and spaced with a small gap (3 / 16” in this configuration) 62 between the jamb trim piece and the adjacent insulated siding panel(s) 110. There also is another small gap 61 located in the seam between the jamb trim piece and the window. Both gaps typically are sealed with caulk 70, to prevent water or moisture entering into the gap from the front. Any water or moisture in the gap also will flow downward and out through or around the sill assembly, as seen in Figure 6.

[0035] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the upper right corner of a window header with an insulated header trim piece and insulated jamb trim piece. Figure 11 shows a wider perspective view of all four trim pieces installed around a window.

[0036] Thus, in general, as a header, the trim product is placed along the top of the window opening, with the foam insulation exposed upward so the foam is adjacent to the foam on the back side of the adjacent piece(s) of insulated panel siding. As seen in the figures, a flashing gap may be formed between the panel edge and the upper edge of the header to allow moisture behind the panel to escape to the outer side of the structure. As a sill, the trim product is placed along the bottom of the window opening, with the foam insulation exposed downward so the foam is adjacent to or in contact with the foam on the back side of the adjacent piece(s) of insulated panel siding. As a jamb, the trim product is placed along the sides of the window opening, with the foam insulation exposed outward (away from the window opening), so the foam is adjacent to the foam on the back side of the adjacent piece(s) of insulated panel siding.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the insulation thickness is 1 inch, although other thicknesses of insulation may be used. The type of insulation may vary, although in a preferred embodiment, the thickness and / or type of insulation matches or is the same as the type of insulation used with the adjacent insulated siding panels.

[0038] Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and examples described herein have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited for particular uses contemplated. Even though specific embodiments of this invention have been described, they are not to be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for trimming windows, doors and other openings in a wall of a building structure, comprising: a plurality of integrated trim pieces with a length, a width, a thickness, a front face, a back face, a first edge, and a second edge, each of said plurality of trim pieces comprising a first section and a second section, the first section comprising a wood-based substrate and the second section comprising a foam insulation attached to and integrated with the first section; wherein the first section forms a L-shape in cross-section, and the second section forms a rectilinear-shape in cross-section to fit with the L-shape of the first section, so that when integrated, the first section and second section are rectilinear in cross-section; wherein the second section extends the length of the respective trim piece, and across part of the back face and across part of the first edge thereof: wherein a particular trim piece is configured to be placed with the second edge adjacent to a window or door or other opening in a wall of a building structure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said particular trim piece is configured to be placed with the first edge facing away from the window or door or other opening, and adjacent or proximate to one or more insulated siding panels.

3. The system of claim 2. wherein said particular trim piece is a header trim piece.

4. lire system of claim 2, wherein the particular trim piece is a sill trim piece.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the particular trim piece is a jamb trim piece.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the wood-based substrate is oriented strand board.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein tire wood-based substrate is engineered or manufactured wood.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the foam insulation is rigid foam insulation.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein tire insulated siding panel comprises a wood-based substrate and a foam insulation layer adhered thereo.

10. The system of claim 9. wherein the foam insulation layer of the insulated siding panel and the foam insulation of the trim piece are the same type of foam insulation.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the foam insulation layer of the insulated siding panel and the foam insulation of the trim piece are the same ty pe thickness.

12. Tire system of claim 1, wherein the wall of a building structure comprises a plurality of woodbased structural panels, a weather / water resistant barrier overlaying the plurality of wood-based structure panels, and a plurality of insulated siding panels overlaying the weather / water resistant barrier; wherein the window or door or other opening extends through these layers of the wall.

13. The system of claim 12. wherein the window or door or other opening has a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side; and four particular trim pieces are affixed adjacent to a corresponding side, each with tire back side facing the wood-based structural panels, and the first edge facing away facing away from the window or door or other opening.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the four particular trim pieces comprise: a header trim piece affixed along the top side: a sill trim piece affixed along the bottom side: a right side trim piece affixed along the right side: and a left side trim piece affixed along the left side.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein each end of the sill trim piece forms a 45-degree angled joint with the adjacent end of the corresponding right side trim piece and the corresponding left side trim piece.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein each end of the header trim piece forms a flat or butt joint with the adjacent end of the corresponding right side trim piece and the corresponding left side trim piece.

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