Corrugated Furring Strips for Thermal Break Rainscreen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional steel-framed cladded wall construction methods are material and time intensive, and they suffer from thermal bridging due to Z-channels traversing the insulation layer, reducing the effectiveness of the insulation layer.

Innovation Solution

The use of corrugated furring strips with alternating lands and grooves, mounted to the exterior side of the wall structure, creates a rainscreen by spacing the exterior cladding away from the insulation layer, allowing for drainage and evaporation while minimizing thermal bridging through thermally insulative washers and reduced fastener contact with the insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional Z-channels are used to create rainscreen, then drainage and evaporation are enabled, but thermal bridging occurs across the insulation layer reducing insulation effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverainscreen functionalityVSAvoidthermal bridging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous Z-channel is segmented into discrete fastening points using corrugated furring strips with grooves that engage with the insulation layer only at specific locations, breaking the thermal bridge path while maintaining rainscreen functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Thermally insulative washers are introduced as intermediary elements between the metal fasteners and the insulation layer, reducing thermal conduction while allowing mechanical fastening to proceed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple layers (sheathing, Z-channels, insulation, hat-channels) are installed to create rainscreen, then drainage and evaporation are achieved, but material and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverainscreen functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The furring strip integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for cladding, creates the rainscreen air space, and serves as the fastening mechanism to the wall structure, eliminating the need for separate Z-channels and hat-channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The corrugated furring strip is a multi-functional element that simultaneously acts as a structural support member, a thermal break, a fastening component, and a rainscreen creator, reducing the total number of components needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If corrugated furring strips are used to space cladding from insulation layer, then thermal bridging is reduced, but fastener contact with insulation must be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal bridgingVSAvoidfastening system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corrugated profile creates localized grooves that concentrate fastener contact points, ensuring thermal insulation is maintained at critical interfaces while providing secure mechanical fastening only where necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces material and time requirements for installation, enhances insulation effectiveness by minimizing thermal bridging, and creates a thermally broken rain screen system for improved energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the elongated strip situates the exterior cladding across the air space from the upright wall structure to create a rainscreen that enables drainage and evaporation from behind the exterior cladding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDrainage: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

enhances insulation effectiveness by minimizing thermal bridging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9856642B2Corrugated furring strips and use of same in upright wall structures

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 UKRAINETZ MICHAEL WAYNE

AI summary

Corrugated furring strips are used on the outer side of an exterior insulation layer in an exterior wall construction. The corrugated furring strips support a final cladding layer at an offstanding position from the insulation, thereby providing a rainscreen. The corrugated furring strips are fastened to the framework of the wall through the exterior insulation layer. Optional bridging members shaped to conformingly mate with lands and grooves of the corrugated furring straps cooperate therewith to define a support grid with improved load capacity for heavier cladding materials and more fastening location options. The insulation layer is free of any thermal bridges other than the insulation-penetrating fasteners used to support the furring and optional bridges. Thermally insulative washers isolate the furring and optional bridges from the fasteners to further improve the insulating effect of the wall.