Elastomeric Sealing Coating for Building Wall Air Infiltration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation methods, such as spray-foam insulation, are prone to cracking, require hazardous chemicals, and emit volatile organic compounds, leading to air infiltration and environmental concerns, while also being inefficient in energy conservation.
Innovation Solution
A non-foamed elastomeric polymer is applied to fill and seal gaps between structural members of a building wall, combined with low-density fiber insulation, using an airless sprayer to ensure uniform coverage and minimize volatile organic emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spray-foam insulation is used to seal building gaps, then air infiltration is reduced, but the material is prone to cracking and pulling away over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the sealing material from rigid expanding foam to flexible elastomeric coating. This parameter change allows the material to accommodate building movement and thermal expansion without cracking, while maintaining effective sealing of gaps and joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible elastomeric coating that forms a thin film over the sealing gap rather than a rigid foam structure. This flexible film can stretch and move with the building structure, preventing the cracking and detachment problems associated with rigid spray foam while maintaining air and water infiltration resistance.
2Reliability
If traditional spray-foam insulation is used, then gaps are sealed, but hazardous chemicals and volatile organic compounds are emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the sealing material from isocyanate-based polyurethane foam to acrylic or latex-based elastomeric coatings. This parameter change eliminates the emission of hazardous volatile organic compounds while maintaining effective gap sealing and adhesion properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful chemical composition into a beneficial environmentally-friendly formulation. The acrylic or latex base provides effective sealing performance while being non-toxic and free from harmful VOC emissions, turning a chemical hazard into an eco-friendly solution.
3Reliability
If rigid polyurethane foam is applied to seal joints, then air leakage is prevented, but the material requires hazardous chemicals and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the application parameters from two-component chemical mixing to single-component spray or roll application. This parameter change eliminates the need for specialized mixing equipment and hazardous chemical handling while achieving effective air sealing through the flexible elastomeric coating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hazardous chemical components (isocyanates) and specialized application equipment from the sealing process. The simplified formulation can be applied using standard spray equipment or even rolled on, eliminating the need for expensive specialized foam application equipment and extensive worker training.
4Loss of energy
If spray-foam insulation is used to fill wall cavities, then insulation is provided, but energy efficiency is reduced due to material limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flexible elastomeric sealing coating with appropriate insulation materials to create a composite wall assembly. This composite approach addresses both sealing and insulation requirements, preventing thermal bridging at joints while maintaining overall energy efficiency, overcoming the limitations of using spray foam alone for both sealing and insulation purposes.
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 solution significantly reduces air infiltration by at least 96%, enhances energy efficiency, and minimizes environmental impact by reducing volatile organic emissions and improving flame resistance, while maintaining effective soundproofing and insulation properties.
Implementation Method 1
a non-foamed elastomeric polymer is applied to fill and seal gaps between structural members
Implementation Method 2
using an airless sprayer to ensure uniform coverage
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition disposed at the junctions of the framing and exterior sheathing. In particular, an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition in the form of a sealing structure in contact with both the framing and exterior sheathing of a building are described.