Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CLADDING ATTACHMENT AND
METHOD OF INSTALLING A CLADDING SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The disclosure relates in general to building systems, and more
particularly,
to a cladding attachment and a method of installing a cladding system to a
wall.
BACKGROUND
[002] There are evolving energy efficiency and insulation standards for
modern
buildings. For example, buildings throughout the North America are required to
meet the
requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2016, which appears to be the current building
code. The
requirements include a minimum level of insulation, a continuous insulation
and a
maximum overall U-Value. The U-Value, which is a measure of thermal
transmittance
expressed as W/m2.K indicates a building's level of thermal insulation in
relation to the
percentage of energy that passes through it. The U-Value generally depends on
the
thermal resistance of each element that makes up the surface of a building. In
order to
meet these requirements, a cladding system is usually provided for a building
enclosure.
The cladding system typically comprises metal panels that are attached to an
exterior
structure of the building enclosure, such as wall substrates including steel
studs or
concrete studs, via a plurality of clips. The clips usually comprise
polyethylene materials
to provide a thermal break between the exterior structure and the cladding
system to
reduce the thermal transfer therebetween. One problem associated with such
clips is that
they comprise multiple individual parts that are required to be assembled
before their
installation to the building wall system. Additionally, the clips can also
comprise metal
clips, which have a load-bearing capacity for supporting the gravity loading
of the cladding
system.
[003] It is desirable to provide a cladding attachment, which may be
assembled and
installed quickly. It is also desirable to provide a cladding attachment that
may provide a
good thermal insulation for the building and may also have a sufficient
structural strength.
It is also desirable to provide a method of installing a cladding system to a
structure of a
wall system.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
SUMMARY
[004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a cladding attachment
for
mounting a cladding system to a structure of a wall system. The cladding
attachment
comprises a bracket comprising a base section comprising a first end and a
second end,
the base section extending between the first end and the second end and the
first end and
the second end defining a span therebetween; a first mounting section
extending from the
first end of the base section in a first direction and having a first mounting
surface; and a
second mounting section extending from the second end of the base section in a
second
direction opposite to the first direction and having a second mounting
surface. The cladding
attachment further comprises a separating pad for interposing between the
bracket and at
least one of the cladding system and the structure of the wall system to
separate the
bracket from the at least one of the cladding system and the structure of the
wall system.
The separating pad may comprise an attaching component engageable with at
least one
of the first and second mounting sections via a snap-fit. The separating pad
may be
attached to the at least one of the first and second mounting section to form
a single unit.
[005] The attaching component may further comprise a pair of cantilevered
snapping tabs, and each extending from opposite ends of the separating pad.
The pair of
cantilevered snapping tabs and a rear side of the separating pad define a snap-
in area to
receive respective lateral edges of the first and second mounting sections.
[006] The attaching component may comprise a protruding peg extending from
a
rear side of the separating pad. The protruding peg is configured to snap into
a positioning
hole defined on the first and/or second mounting sections.
[007] The separating pad may be made of thermoplastic polymer. The
thermoplastic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of
polypropylene (PP),
polypropylene copolymer (PPC) and flame-retardant polypropylene.
[008] The separating pad may be symmetrical such that it may be attachable
to
both the first and second mounting sections.
[009] The first and second mounting sections each may comprise a tail
section
projecting at an angle relative to the first and second mounting surfaces
respectively.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[0010] Each of the first and second mounting sections and the
separating pad may
define at least one fastening hole for receiving a fastener therethrough to
secure the
cladding attachment to the cladding system and the structure of the wall
system.
[0011] The bracket may further comprise at least one stiffening
structural means
disposed at a joint of the base section and one of the first and second
mounting sections
to provide a further structural strength to the bracket.
[0012] The bracket may be made of a sheet metal and the first and
second mounting
sections from the base section may be formed by a bend in the sheet metal.
[0013] The sheet metal may be one of galvanized steel and stainless
steel.
[0014] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cladding
attachment for
attaching a cladding system to a structure of a wall system. The cladding
attachment
comprises a bracket having a Z-shaped profile and comprising a base section, a
first
mounting section and a second mounting section substantially parallel to the
first mounting
section. The first mounting section extends perpendicularly from a first end
of the base
section in a first direction and defines a first mounting surface. The second
mounting
section extends perpendicularly from a second end of the base section in a
second
direction opposite to the first direction and defines a second mounting
surface. The
cladding attachment further comprises a separating pad comprising an attaching
component for engaging with at least one of the first and second mounting
sections via a
snap-fit to attach the separating pad to the at least one of the first and
second mounting
section to form a single unit. The separating pad is interposed between the
bracket and at
least one of the cladding system and the structure of the wall system to
separate the
bracket from the at least one of the cladding system and the structure of the
wall system.
[0015] The separating pad may be made of thermoplastic polymer
comprising
polypropylene.
[0016] The first and second mounting sections each may comprise a tail
section
projecting at an angle relative to the first and second mounting surfaces
respectively.
[0017] The bracket may further comprise at least one stiffening
structural means
disposed at a joint of the base section and one of the first and second
mounting sections
to provide a further structural strength of the bracket.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[0018] Each of the first and second mounting sections and the
separating pad may
comprise at least one fastening hole for receiving a fastener therethrough to
secure the
cladding attachment to the cladding system or the structure of the wall
system.
[0019] In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method
of installing a
cladding system on a structure of a wall system. The method comprises engaging
an
attaching component of a separating pad with a first mounting section of a
bracket to attach
the separating pad to the first mounting section to form a plurality of
cladding attachments;
fastening the plurality of cladding attachments to the structure of the wall
system in a
spaced array through the first mounting section, so as to interpose the
separating pad
between the first mounting section and the structure of the wall system; and
fastening the
cladding system to the second mounting section of the plurality of cladding
attachments.
[0020] The plurality of cladding attachments may be formed by engaging
a pair of
cantilevered snapping tabs of the separating pad with respective lateral edges
of the first
mounting section.
[0021] The plurality of cladding attachments may be formed by engaging a
protruding
peg of the separating pad with a positioning hole of the first mounting
section.
[0022] The method may further comprises engaging the attaching
component of the
separating pad with the second mounting section to form the plurality of
cladding
attachments.
[0023] The method may further comprises interposing the separating pad of
the
plurality cladding attachment between the second mounting section and a rail
of the
cladding system.
[0024] The method of may further comprises installing a thermally
insulating layer in
a space formed between the first and second mounting sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a plurality of spacedly
arrayed cladding
attachments that are interposed between steel studs of a wall system and
horizontal rails
supporting a cladding system according to a first embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a cladding attachment of FIG. 1
comprising a
bracket, and a separating pad.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled cladding
attachment with the
separating pad attached to the bracket as shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracket as shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the separating pad as shown in
FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the separating pad as shown in
FIG. 5
[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a plurality of spacedly
arrayed cladding
attachments that are interposed between steel studs of a wall system and
vertical rails
supporting a cladding system according to a second embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a plurality of spacedly
arrayed cladding
attachments that are interposed between concrete studs of a wall system and
horizontal
rails supporting a cladding system according to a third embodiment of the
present
disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a plurality of spacedly
arrayed cladding
attachments that are interposed between concrete studs of a wall system and
vertical rails
supporting a cladding system according to a fourth embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a loading chart of allowable vertical and horizontal
loads for
brackets of various sizes attached to the steel studs of the cladding system
of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG.11 is a loading chart of allowable vertical and horizontal
loads for brackets
of various sizes attached to concrete studs of the cladding system of FIG.8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The description, which follows, and the embodiments described
therein, are
provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular
embodiments of
principles and aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided
for the
purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the
disclosure.
[0037] One of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a cladding
attachment 60 for mounting a cladding system 50 to a structure of a wall
system 10. The
cladding attachment 60 comprises a bracket 70 and a separating pad 80
interposed
between the bracket 70 and the structure of the wall system 10 to insulate the
cladding
system 50 from the structure of the wall system 10. The structure of the wall
system 10
may be stud substrates. The stud substrates may be made of a variety of
materials
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
generally known in the industry, including but not limited to concrete, steel,
aluminum,
wood, plastic, alloys or a composite thereof. The stud substrates can be
rigidly fixed to the
wall plate 11 and to the ceiling plate (not shown) by any known means. The
wall plate 11
may communicate with a structure foundation (not shown) that provides a
vertical support
for the wall system 10. In an alternative, the wall plate 11 may be supported
by a floor
portion (not shown) when the structure has more than one level.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a wall system 10 is
commonly formed
of a plurality of vertical steel studs 12. The plurality of the steel studs 12
are spaced apart
one another extending between a wall plate 11 at a lower end portion 12a and a
ceiling
plate (not shown) at an upper end portion 12b. In this embodiment, the steel
studs 12 is
18-Gauge metal studs.
[0039] Each of the steel studs 12 has an interior facing edge portion
12d and an
opposing exterior facing edge portion 12c. The exterior facing edge portion
12c of the steel
studs 12 are configured to support an exterior wall sheathing 20.
[0040] The exterior wall sheathing 20 is attached to the exterior facing
edge portion
12c of the steel studs 12 by any means known in the art. The exterior wall
sheathing 20
may be plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or the like. There is a layer of
air and
vapour barrier membrane 30 on the exterior surface of the exterior wall
sheathing 20.
Further, a layer of insulation 40 is placed between the air and vapour barrier
membrane
30 and the cladding system 50.
[0041] In one embodiment, the layer of insulation 40 is thermally
resistant, non-
flammable and is non-combustible. The layer of insulation 40 can be formed of
mineral
wool, mineral fiber, rock wool, stone wool, slag wool, or the like. The layer
of insulation 40
can also be fiberglass insulation, fiberglass batting or a thermally isolating
panel. The layer
of insulation 40 provides a thermal barrier that can prevent thermal
conductivity and
provide an additional protection from moisture penetration to minimize
occurrences of
condensation and moisture within the wall system/ assembly 10. Thickness
(interior
surface to exterior surface) of the insulation 40 may be varied to adjust for
the span of the
brackets 70 of the cladding attachments 60. Common thicknesses may be 2", 4",
6", 8"
and 10".
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of cladding attachments 60 are
attached to the
steel studs 12. Each of them is interposed between one exterior facing edge
portion 12c
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
of the steel studs 12 and one of a plurality of horizontal rails 52 that are
spaced apart on
the cladding system 50. In this embodiment, the cladding attachment 60
comprises a
separating pad 70 disposed between the bracket 70 and the steel studs 12 to
form a
thermal break therebetween.
[0043] In
particular, the bracket 70 of the cladding attachment 60 comprises a base
section 72, a first mounting section 76 and a second mounting section 74. In
one
embodiment, the base section 72 is planar. As shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, the base
section
72 and the first and second sections 74, 76 generally define a Z-shaped
profile.
[0044] In one
embodiment, the base section 72 is rectilinear and has a first end 72a
and a second end 72b. A span is defined between the first end 72a and the
second end
72b. The span can range from 1.5" to 6" to accommodate different thicknesses
of the
insulation 40.
[0045] Referring
to FIGs. 2 and 4, the first mounting section 76 extends substantially
perpendicularly from the first end 72a of the base section 72 in a first
direction X and has
a first mounting surface 76a. The first mounting section 76 has a first
lateral edge 76c, a
second lateral edge 76d and a length L1 defined therebetween. There are
fastener holes
71 defined in the first mounting section 76 to receive fasteners (not shown)
for attaching
the bracket 70 to the steel studs 12. In addition, there is a positioning hole
73 provided to
engage with the separating pad 80 fastener holes 71. In one embodiment, the
positioning
hole 73 can be provided in between two adjacent fastener holes 71. The number
of
fastener holes and the positioning hole can be readily determined in
accordance with
specifications of a particular building project.
[0046] The first
mounting section 76 further comprises a tail section 78 projecting at
an angle with respect to the first mounting surface 76a. Preferably, the tail
section 78
projects at about 45 degree inwardly towards a plane defined by a second
mounting
surface 74a of the second mounting section 74 as shown in FIG. 2. The length
of L3 of
the tail section 78 is shorter than that of L1 of the first mounting section
76 so as to facilitate
the assembly of the separating pad 80. The tail section 78 projecting from the
first mounting
section 76 may also provide additional strength or stiffness for the bracket
70.
[0047] Referring to
FIGs. 2 and 3, the second mounting section 74 extends
substantially perpendicularly from the second end 72b of the base section 72
in a second
direction Y opposite to the first direction X and has a second mounting
surface 74a, such
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
that the first mounting section 76 is substantially parallel to the second
mounting section
74.
[0048] The second mounting section 74 has a first lateral edge 74c, a
second lateral
edge 74d and a length L2 defined therebetween. A fastening hole 71 is provided
in the
second mounting section 74 to receive fasteners (not shown) to secure the
horizontal rail
52 to the second mounting section 74. The second mounting section 74 further
comprises
the tail section 78 projecting at an angle with respect to the second mounting
surface 74a.
Preferably, the tail section 78 projects at about a 45 degree inwardly in a
direction towards
a plane define by the first mounting surface 76a as shown in FIG. 2. The
length of L4 of
the tail section 78 may be shorter than that of L2 of the second mounting
section 74 to
facilitate the assembly of the separating pad 80. The tail section 78
projecting from the
second mounting section 74 may also provide additional strength or stiffness
for the
bracket 70.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the bracket 70 further comprises two
stiffening structural
means 75 disposed at a joint of the base section 72 and the first mounting
section 76 to
reinforce the bracket 70. The stiffening structural means may be, but not
limited to,
stiffening beads, darts, gussets, embossed ribs, or the like. Alternatively,
referring to FIG.
4, the stiffening structural means 75 may also be disposed at an intersection
of the second
mounting section 74 and the base section 72 to connect the second mounting
section 74
with the base section 72 so as to add extra strength and stability to the
bracket 70. By
increasing the strength of the bracket 70, this may allow for a reduced number
of the
cladding attachments 60 to be used for the cladding system 60.
[0050] The bracket 70 of the cladding attachment 60 may be formed out
of
galvanized steel sheet or stainless steel. The galvanized steel sheet is
designed for rust
and corrosion resistance. As an example, but not limiting, ASTM A653 G90 can
be one of
the non-limiting options. ASTM A653 G90 refers to the galvanized steel sheet,
the material
grade is G90 (according to ASTM A653 standard), thickness 3.2 mm. ASTM A653
G90 not
only has a good corrosion resistance but also a good adhesion and ductility of
the coating,
so that it can exert a good processing performance.
[0051] The bracket 70 may also be made of galvanized steel sheet. The
extensions
of the first and second mounting sections 74 and 76 from the base section 72
may be
formed by a bend in the steel sheet. For example, the first and second
sections 74 and 76
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
may be manufactured by a precision sheet bending with a specially designed
punch and
die. Both V-bending method or edge bending/wipe bending method may be used to
produce, for example, a Z-profile bracket 70. The bracket 70 may be made using
any
method known in the art.
[0052] The stiffening structural means 75 disposed at the joint of the base
section 72
and the first and second mounting sections 74 and 76 may also be formed by a
punch and
die configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the stiffening beads can
be formed by
the punch and die configuration during pressing. As a result, the stiffening
beads can
strengthen the structure of the finished bracket 70 to contribute to a higher
load capacity.
[0053] Without being limited to any theory, due to the additional
strengthening
features, for example, the angled tail portion 78 and the stiffening
structural means 75, the
bracket 70 may have a higher load capacity. Thus, for a same load condition,
fewer
number of cladding attachments 60 may be required when compared to other clips
available in the market. This may lead to less thermal bridging between the
installed
cladding system and the adjacent structures.
[0054] As shown in FIGs. 1 and 5, the separating pad 80 is interposed
between the
first mounting section 76 of the bracket 70 and the steel studs 12. According
to this
embodiment, the separating pad 80 is interposed between the first mounting
section 76
and the exterior wall sheathing 20 with the air and vapour barrier membrane 30
that is
attached directly to the steel studs 12. The separating pads 80 may thus
thermally isolate
the exterior cladding system 50 from the exterior structure of the wall system
10.
[0055] As known in the art, thermal conductivity refers to the ability
of a given material
to conduct/transfer heat. Depending on the different common materials, the
rate of thermal
conductivity varies. For example, materials with a high thermal resistance
include
fiberglass (0.04 w/(m k)), polyamide (0.25 W/(m k)) and plastics (0.65-0.80
W/(m k)).
Materials with a low thermal resistance include galvanized steel (25 W/(m k)),
stainless
steel (16 W/(m k)), carbon steel (43 W/(m k)), aluminum (200 W/(m k)) and
copper (401
W/(m k)). Fiberglass is known to have a low thermal conductivity so that
temperature
outside the building is not easily transferred to the interior. The use of
materials such as
fiberglass therefore may improve the thermal efficiency of the wall system
when used as a
thermal break.
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[0056] In one embodiment, the separating pad 80 of the present
disclosure may be
made of polypropylene. Polypropylene is an economical material that offers a
unique
combination of outstanding physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and
electrical
properties. It also demonstrates good resistance to corrosion, organic
solvents, degreasing
agents, and electrolytic attack. It has a very good compressive strength and
dose not crack
easily. Further, it has a low moisture-absorption rate.
[0057] The separating pad 80 of the cladding attachment may be formed
of
polypropylene impact copolymer, such as Pro-fax SB78 manufactured by
LyondellBasell.
[0058] Referring to FIGs. 5 and 6, each of the separating pads 80 is
generally
rectilinear in a peripheral configuration having a front side 80a, a rear side
80b, a top
portion 80c, a bottom portion 80d, a first lateral side 80e, and a second
lateral side 80f.
The separating pad 80 further comprises a plurality of interior ribs 84 that
are arrayed in a
spaced fashion within the separating pad 80. The interior ribs 84 may be
designed for a
maximum compressive strength. The interior ribs 84 further define a plurality
of spaces 85
between the interior ribs 84. The plurality of the interior ribs 84 and spaces
80 within the
separating pad 80 can contribute to decreased contacting surfaces of the
separating pad
80 that touch the connected exterior structure of the wall system. This
decreased
contacting surface of the separating pad 80 may reduce thermal bridging at a
point of
contact, which is believed to be a particular area of the building envelope
that can
potentially contribute to heat loss. Further, the plurality of the interior
ribs 84 and spaces
85 within the separating pad may contribute to less material required for
manufacturing
and lower final weight of the separating pads 80.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, fastener holes 81 (two shown in this
embodiment) are
provided within the separating pad 80 and are formed by the interior ribs 84.
The separating
pad 80 further has an attaching component disposed on the rear side 80b (refer
to FIG. 6).
The attaching component may be flexible and/or resilient so as to be
engageable with the
first and second mounting sections 74 and 76 via a snap-fit process. Through
the snap fit
process, the separating pad 80 may be temporarily attached and secured to at
least one
of the first and second mounting sections 74 and 76 to form a single unit.
[0060] In one embodiment, the attaching component may comprise a pair of
cantilevered snapping tabs 82 disposed on the rear side 80b. The pair of
cantilevered
snapping tabs 82 extend from the top portion 80c and the bottom portion 80d of
the rear
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
side 80b and define a snap-in area 82a to receive respective top and bottom
edges 74c,
74d, 76c and 76c of the first or second mounting sections 74 and 76. Referring
to FIGs.
2, 3 and 6, through the cantilevered snapping tabs 82, the separating pad 80
interlocks
with the first and second lateral edges 76c and 76d of the first mounting
section 76. The
.. side-to-side, and top-to-bottom dimensions of the separating pad 80
correspond with the
dimensions of the first mounting section 76 of the bracket 70 so that the
fastener holes 71
provided in the mounting section 76 align with the fastener holes 81 provided
in the
separating pad 80. The aligned fastener holes 71 and 81 may therefore be ready
to use
without any additional assembly.
[0061] The cantilevered snapping tabs 82 of the separating pad 80 can
provide a
means for the separating pad 80 to be temporarily attached to the bracket 70
to form a
single unit before being shipped to an installation site.
[0062] As discussed above, when the separating pad 80 is attached to
the first
mounting section 76 of the bracket 70 and the bracket 70 is further attached
to the steel
.. studs 12 of the wall system 10, the separating pad 80 can function as a
thermal break
between the bracket 70 and the steel studs 12 of the wall system. This is
particularly the
case, since both the steel studs 12 and the bracket 70 are of a low thermal
resistance while
the separating pad 80 is of a high thermal resistance. Therefore, the
separating pad 80
may reduce the amount of heat/cold transferring between the bracket 70 and the
steel
studs 12.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, the separating pad 80 is substantially
symmetrical overall
and thus, it is suitable for being engaged with either one of the first and
second mounting
sections 74 and 76. The symmetrical design of the separating pad 80 may allow
the
separating pad 80 to work with either of the first and second mounting
sections 74 and 76.
The separating pad 80 can thus be installed on one or both of the first and
second mounting
sections 74 and 76 without any design changes or extra modifications.
[0064] Further referring to FIG. 6, the separating pad 80 may comprise
a protruding
peg 83 on the rear side 80b extending away from the rear side 80b. The
protruding peg
83 may be received in a positioning hole 73 as provided in the first mounting
section 76 of
the bracket 70. When the cantilevered snapping tabs 82 of the separating pad
80 interlock
with the first and second lateral edges 76c and 76d of the first mounting
section 76, the
protruding peg 83 is received in the positioning hole 73 to restrict any
translational motion
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
of the separating pad 80. Together with the restriction of the rotational
motion exerted by
the cantilevered snapping tabs 82 and the first and second lateral edges 76c
and 76d, the
separating pad 80 may be further affixed to the first mounting section 76.
[0065] Alternatively, instead of a pair of cantilevered snapping tabs
82, the protruding
peg 83 of the separating pad 80 may also function primarily as the attaching
component
to secure the separating pad 80 to the first or second mounting sections 74
and 76. For
instance, the protruding peg 83 may comprise a rib or similar structures that
can interact
with the position hole 83 via a snap-fit. The protruding peg 83 may be
configured to snap
into the positioning hole 73 provided in the first mounting section 76 of the
bracket 70.
When the protruding peg 83 is received in the positioning hole 83, the
separating pad 80
is also temporarily secured to the first mounting section 76 by the
interaction of the
positioning hole 73 and the protruding peg 83 so that the fastener holes 71 in
the first
mounting section 76 align with the fastener holes 81 in the separating pad 80.
Therefore,
the protruding peg 83 of the separating pad 80 may also provide a means for
attaching the
separating pad 80 to the bracket 70 to form a single unit. Assembling work on
site may
then be reduced or avoided.
[0066] In one embodiment, the separating pad 80 is made of
polypropylene in flame-
retardant formulation. The separating pad 80 and the single unit of the
cladding attachment
60 as a whole is non-combustible, with or without being fully encapsulated in
a mineral
wool insulation.
[0067] Therefore, in one embodiment, by including the interior ribs 84
within the
separating pad 80, the separating pad 80 may have a structural design to
maximize
compressive strength and to reduce the contacting surface with the exterior
structure of
the wall system. The material of the separating pad 80 can create a thermal
break
separating the bracket 70 from the connected exterior structure of the wall
system. The
special structural design and the material of polypropylene of the separating
pad can
therefore allow a continuous insulation.
[0068] When in use, the cladding attachment may be used to attach a
cladding
system to or on an exterior structure of a wall system. Before an on-site
installation of the
cladding attachment to the support exterior structure, components of the
cladding
attachment may be assembled to form the cladding attachment as a single unit
in advance.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
The single unit of the cladding attachment can have aligned fastener holes of
the bracket
and the separating pad so that the cladding attachments are ready for use.
[0069] In one embodiment, the pre-assembly process includes engaging
the
attaching component of the separating pad 80 with the first mounting section
76 of the
bracket 70 to attach the separating pad 80 to the first mounting section 76 to
form a single
unit of the cladding attachment 60. This single unit of the cladding
attachment 60
comprises the bracket 70 and the separating pad 80 that is secured to the
bracket 70 via
the interaction of the first mounting section 76 and the separating pad 80. By
attaching the
separating pad 80 to the first mounting section 76, the fastener holes 71 of
the first
mounting section 76 and the fastener holes 81 of the separating pad 80 are
therefore
aligned to receive fasteners.
[0070] In one embodiment, the interconnection of the first mounting
section 76 and
the separating pad 80 may be fulfilled by a snap fit of the pair of
cantilevered snapping
tabs 82 of the separating pad 80 with lateral edges 76c and 76d of the first
mounting
section 76. By doing so, the separating pad 80 is therefore secured to the
first mounting
section 76.
[0071] Alternatively, the interconnection of the first mounting
section 76 and the
separating pad 80 may be fulfilled by engaging the protruding peg 83 of the
separating pad
80 with the positioning hole 73 of the first mounting section 76. The first
mounting section
76 and the separating pad 80 thus forms the single unit of the cladding
attachment 60.
[0072] Repeats of the above step can form a plurality of the cladding
attachments as
required by a specific project.
[0073] The plurality of cladding attachments 60 are then fastened to
the exterior
surface of the structure of the wall system according to the project
specification. The
plurality of cladding attachments 60 are fastened to structures such as the
steel studs 12
and the concrete studs 12' by fasteners penetrating through the fastener holes
71 of the
first mounting section 76 and the fastener holes 81 of the separating pad 80.
[0074] After having fastened to the structure, the separating pad 80
is interposed
between the first mounting section 76 and the steel studs 12 or the concrete
studs 12'.
Therefore, a thermal break can be formed between the bracket 70 and the steel
studs 12
or the concrete studs 12' to limit or reduce the thermal transfer.
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[0075] The cladding system 50 is then fastened to the second mounting
section 74
of the plurality of cladding attachments 60 by fasteners through the fastening
hole 71 in
the second mounting section 74.
[0076] The cladding system 50 may be attached directly or indirectly
to the second
mounting section 74 of the plurality of cladding attachments 60. For example,
a plurality of
horizontal rails 52 may be fastened to the second mounting section 74 of the
plurality of
cladding attachments 60. The cladding system 50 may then be attached to the
plurality of
horizontal rails 52.
[0077] In one embodiment, a layer of insulation 40 may be installed in
the space
formed between the first and second mounting sections 74 and 76 to further
increase the
thermal insulation of the entire building. An exterior wall sheathing 20 with
an air and
vapour barrier membrane 30 may also be sandwiched between the exterior facing
edge
portion 12c of the steel studs 12 and the plurality of separating pads 80.
[0078] Alternatively, a second separating pad 80 may be attached to
the second
mounting section 74 to form the single unit of the cladding attachment 60.
Further, after
the cladding system 50 is attached to the cladding attachments, the second
separating
pad 80 may be interposed between the second mounting surface 74a of the second
mounting section 74 and the rails 52 or the cladding system 50 as shown in
FIG.1.
[0079] The present disclosure provides a cladding attachment that may
be
applicable to any building structures such as, but not limited to, gills,
steel stud assembly,
wood stud assembly or wall assembly. The choice of the fasteners should depend
on the
actual use conditions. A non-limiting example of such fasteners is self-
drilling screws.
[0080] Referring to FIGs. 7-9, various different applications of the
cladding
attachments are shown. FIG. 7 shows a wall system 10 with a partial insulation
layer and
a partial cladding system where a plurality of spacedly arrayed cladding
attachments 60
are interposed between steel studs 12 of the wall system 10 and vertical rails
52 supporting
the cladding system 50.
[0081] FIG. 8 shows a wall system 10 with a partial insulation layer
and a partial
cladding system where a plurality of spacedly arrayed cladding attachments 60
are
interposed between concrete studs 12' of the wall system 10 and horizontal
rails 52
supporting the cladding system 50.
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[0082] FIG. 9 shows a wall system 10 with a partial insulation layer
and a partial
cladding system where a plurality of spacedly arrayed cladding attachments 60
are
interposed between concrete studs 12' of the wall system 10 and vertical rails
52
supporting the cladding system 50.
[0083] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 7-9, each of the cladding attachments 60
has one
separating pad 80 attached to the first mounting section 76 and further
interposed between
the first mounting section 76 of the bracket 70 and either the steel stud 12
or the concrete
studs12'. This is referred to in this disclosure as a "single separating pad"
configuration.
[0084] In order to further increase the efficiency of insulation of
the wall system, it is
also contemplated by the present disclosure that more than one separating pad
80 may
be used. Both of the first and second mounting sections 74 and 76 have an
attached
separating pad 80 to further isolating the steel studs 12 or the concrete
studs 12'. This is
referred to in this disclosure as "double separating pads" configuration.
[0085] As above mentioned, the ASHRAE 90.1 Standard is a commonly
referenced
standard in building codes for energy efficient design of most buildings
outside of Part 9,
except low-rise residential buildings. Currently both the Vancouver Building-
Bylaw and
British Columbia Building Code reference the ASHRAE 90.1 - 2016 Standard.
[0086] The ASHRAE 90.1-2016 standard prescriptive U values for mass
and steel
frame walls are summarized in Table 1 below.
Table 1
ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Prescriptive Assembly Maximum U Values (WitmA2 K)
Mass Walls Steel Frame
Climate Zone Nonresidential , Residential Nonresidential Residential
0 3.30 0.86 0.70 0.70,
1 3.30 0.86 0.70 0.70
2 0.86 0.70 0.48 0.36,
3 030 0.59 0.44 0.36
4 0.59 0.51 0.36 0.36
5 0.51 0.45 0.31 0.31
6 0.45 0.40 0.28 0.28
7 0.40 0.40 0.28 0.24
8 0.27 0.27_ 0.21 0.21
[0087] An extensive thermal modelling evaluation was done to confirm
that the
cladding attachments disclosed herein meet the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-
2016 in
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
terms of effective U- and R-values of the cladding. The R-value is a commonly
used term
in the building industrial for thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the
better the
performance of the building.
[0088] The following thermal performance data is presented in terms of
the U-values.
[0089] Thermal Performance Data_ the Effective U Values (W/m2 K)
[0090] A modelling was based on 152mm (6") steel studs with no cavity
insulation in
the "single separating pad" configuration. The U values are shown in the Table
2 below:
Table 2
Uninsulated Steel Stud - Effective U Values (WinnA2 K) (Single Pad)
Spacing (in) Clip Size (In)
Horizontal Vertical 2 3 4 5 6
16 16 0.64 0.49 0.40 0.36 0.34
16 24 , 0.58 0,46 0.39 0.33 0.29
16 32 037 0,44 0.36 0.31 0.27
16 48 . 0.55 0.41 0.34 0.29 0.24
24 16 0.58 0.46 0.39 0.33 0.29
24 , 24 , 0.57 0.43 0.36 0.30 0.26
24 32 0.55 0.41 0.34 0.29 0.25
24 36 0.54 0.40 0.33 0.28 0.24
24 48 0.52 0.39 0.32
1111111111111111111
32 16 0.57 0,44 0.36 0.31 0.27
32 24 0.55 0.41 0.34 0.29 0.25
32 32 0.53 0.40 0.33 0.28 0.24
[0091] A comparison of the modelled U-Values shown in the Table 2 and the
maximum U-Values allowed for in the ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Climate Zones shown in
Table
1 shows that the cladding attachment can be used in this configuration to meet
up to
Climate Zone 7.
[0092] A modelling was based on 152mm (6") steel studs with no cavity
insulation in
.. the "double separating pad" configuration. The U values are shown in Table
3 below:
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
Table 3
Uninsulated Steel Stud - Effective U Values (W/rnA2 K) (Double Pad) ,
Spacing (in) Clip Size (In)
Horizontal Vertical 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5
16 16 0.50 0.42 0.37 0.32 0.29
16 24 0.49 0.39 0.32 0.29 0.26
16 _ 32 0.47 0.37 0.31 , 0.27 0.24
16 48 0.45 0.36 0.30 0.26 0.22
24 16 0.48 0.39 0.32 . 0.29 0.26
24 , 24 , 0.46 , 0.37 0.31 0.26 0.23
24 32 0.45 0.36 0.30 0.25 0.22
24 36 0.44 0.35 0.29 0.24 0.21
24 48 0.43 0.34 ' 0.28
32 16 0.47 0.37 0.31 0.27 0.24
32 , 24 0.45 0.36 0.30 0.25 0.22
32 32 0.44 0.35 0.29 0.24 0.21
-
[0093] A comparison of the modelled U-Values shown in the Table 3 and
the
maximum U-Values allowed for in the ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Climate Zones shown in
Table
1 shows that the cladding attachment can be used in this configuration to meet
all Climate
Zones (0-8).
[0094] A modelling was based on 203mm (8") cast in place concrete in
the "single
separating pad" configuration. The U values are shown in Table 4 below:
Table 4
Cast in Place - Effective U Values (W/m"2 K) (Single Pad)
Spacing (in) Clip Size (In)
i
Horizontal_ Vertical 2 , 3 4 5 6
16 , 16 0.77 0.59 0.49 0.42 0.37
16 24 0.71 0.53 0.43 0.37 0.32
16 , 32 0.68 0.50 0.40 0.34 0.29 .
16 48 0.64 0.46 0.37 0.31 0.27
' _____________________________________________________________
24 16 0.71 033 0.43 0.37 0.32
24 24 0.66 0.49 0.39 0.33 0.28
_
24 32 0.64 0.47 0.37 0.31 0.27
24 36 0.63 0.45 0.36 0.30 0.26
24 48 0.62
32 16 0.68 0.50 0.40 0.34 0.29
32 24 0.64 0.47 0.37 0.31 0.27
32 32 0.63 0.45 0.36
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[0095] A comparison of the modelled U-Values shown in the Table 4 and
the
maximum U-Values allowed for in the ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Climate Zones shown in
Table
1 shows that the cladding attachment can be used in this configuration to meet
all Climate
Zones (0-8).
[0096] A modelling was based on 203mm (8") cast in place concrete in the
"double
separating pad" configuration. The U values shown in Table 5 below:
Table 5
Cast in Place - Effective U Values (W/mA2 K) (Double Pad)
Spacing (in) Clip Size (In)
Horizontal Vertical 2.5 , 3.5 4.5 I 5.5 6.5 -
,
16 16 0.60 0,47 0.40 0.35 0.31
16 24 0.56 0,43 0.36 0.31 0.27
16 32 0.54 0.41 0.34 0.29 0.26 _
_
16 48 0.51 0.39 0.32 0.27 0.24
' ___________
24 16 0.56 0.43 0.36 0.31 0,27
24 24 0,53 0.40 0,33 0.29 0,25
24 , 32 0.52 0.39 0.32 0.27 0.24
..
24 36 0.50 0.38 0.31 0.26 0.23
24 48 0.50
32 16 0.53 0.41 0.34 0.29 0.26
32 24 0.52 0,39 0.32 0,27 0.24
32 32 0.50 0,38 0.31 IIIIIIIIIIIII
[0097] A comparison of the modelled U-Values shown in the Table 5 and the
maximum U-Values allowed for in the ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Climate Zones shown in
Table
1 shows that the cladding attachment can be used in this configuration to meet
all Climate
Zones (0-8).
[0098] In light of the above comparisons, in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present disclosure, the cladding attachments fastened to the steel studs or
the concrete
studs, either in the" single separating pad" configuration or in the "double
separating pad"
configuration, exhibited a good thermal performance.
[0099] The following thermal performance data is presented in terms of
the R-values.
[00100] Thermal Performance Data_ the Effective R Values (heft2*FIBTU)
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[00101] A modelling was based on 152mm (6") steel studs with no cavity
insulation in
the "single separating pad" configuration. The R values are shown in the Table
6 below.
Table 6
f-.1 i,i I hsulated Steel Stud Effective R Values (hr=ft*2=F/I3TU) (Single
Pad)
, Spacing (in) Clip Size lit)
Horizontal Vertical , 2 3 4 5 6
iu .11.µ 8.9 11.1, 14.2 . .. 15.8
1U.i
16 24 9.8 12 3 14.6 17.2 11; f.,
16 j:: , 10.0 , 1.. L'J õ 15.8 , 18.3 21,U _
26 48 10.3 13.8 16.7 19.6 23.7
-
- - . -
24 16 9.6 12.3 14.6 17.2 1
- -
21 24 10.0 1._ 2 1`._; F' 18.9 21A
21 . 32 , 10.3 13.:-', 1,, i _ 19,.6
21 36 10.6 14.1 : I 2 .11,1.3 233
. 14 1E li...9 14.4 11.1
-
32 iti i.[..,.o ii .3 15s 16.3 21.0
i _, ._ 21 .1'.= 3 13 E ....., : 1..f.) 22.7
, u 32 14.2 .11.2 .. 20.3 2..1.1
[00102] A modelling was based on 152mm (6") steel studs with no cavity
insulation in
the "double separating pad" configuration. The R values are shown in Table 7
below:
Table 7
Unirl , 'Red Steel Stud - Effective R Values (1-irsft^2=1/ BTU I Du L ble Pad)
'... . In?, (in) Clip Size (In)
)4orizi)T, ,I Vertical ? 5 3,5 IS , S. 6.5
It, lo 11 =; 13.5 15.3 17.7 19.6
16 24 11.6 14.6 17.7 19.6 21.8
.
16 32 12.1 15.3 18.3 21.0 23.7
16 ' 48 12 6 ' LC 9 18.9 ' 21.8 '
25.R -
-
24 ' 16 11 :1 L 11 19.6 21 8
24 24 12 3 15.3 18 3 21.8 24. '1
_ -
24 32 11.6 15,8 18 9 22.7 25.8
24 36 , 12.9 , 16.2 7.'-, 6 23.7
27.O
24 46 13.1 16.7
32 1$ 12.1 15.3 18.3 21.0 23.7 - ,
3'.! 21 12.6 15.8 1? 9 2'2 7 25.8
32 32 12.9 16.2 l'? '., ' :,t'--,
27.0
[00103] A comparison of the modelled R-Values shown in the Table 6 and
7 shows
that the R values in the "double separating pad" configuration of the cladding
attachments
attached to the steel studs are generally higher than that in the "single
separating pad"
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
configuration. In other words, the "double separating pad" configuration of
the cladding
attachments has a better the thermal performance than that in "the "single
separating pad"
configuration.
[00104] A modelling was based on 203mm (8") cast in place concrete in
the "single
separating pad" configuration. The R values are shown in Table 8 below:
Table 8
d.A il pidu2 . Lit, ...,21:i. v,:liue- ikFilt,2*F;(L3 i Li ;I:.'L.IH,;_1,.
..:.p. ':i'i iri1 C ip&212 alri)
itt0riZOitUl vurti,L1 _ 2 3 4 S 6
16 li_i /.4 9.6 11 L. U.S 1S.3
1E, 24 8 :L) 10.1 112 1S.3 1.1.1
16 32 8 1 11.4 14.2 16.7 19.6
16 1E-] 8.9 12.3 1S. 3 18.3 21.EY
11 IL 8:.:1 1u./
2.1 21 8 17 11.L 14.b 1/.2 2D.3
21 32 8.9 12.1 1S. 3 18.3 21.1)
11 36 g ",..:, 12 L. 1L.8 18.9 21 E
24
32 16 8 1 11.4 14.2 16.1 1 L.
32 24 8.9 12.1 1L....3 18.3 21.1.)
32 32 9 Lil 12.6 1S 8
[00105] A modelling was based on 203mm (8") cast in place concrete in
the "double
separating pad" configuration. The R values shown in Table 9 below:
20
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
Table 9
Cast in Place - Effective R Values (hr.feritiBTU) (Double Pad)
Spacing (in) Clip Size (in)
.1114:nizon1,1 'õtertIcal 2.5 4.5 6.5
16 12.1 1+5 2 18.3
1 24 10.1 13.2 16 3 21.0
10 1t. J.I 21.0 23
16 10.1 13.2 18.3 21.0
24 24 10.? 14.2 1.1.2 14.6 22.1
24 32 10.9 11.6 21.0
24 36 11.4 14, 18.3 21.8 24,1
24 48 11.1
32 18 10.7 118 16.7 21
32 24 , 10.9 11.1., 17.7 21J 23.1
18,3
32 32 11,3 3.1.9
[00106] A comparison of the modelled R-Values shown in the Tables 8 and
9 shows
that the R values for the "double separating pad" configuration of the
cladding attachments
5 attached to the concrete studs are generally higher than that in the
"single separating pad"
configuration. In other words, the "double separating pad" configuration of
the cladding
attachments has a better the thermal performance than that in "the "single
separating pad"
configuration.
[00107] Structural
Performance Data _ Loading Charts
10 [00108] The cladding attachments as disclosed herein are
designed to support both
vertical loads generated by the cladding system's self weight and lateral
loads due to wind
or earthquake. A summary of allowable vertical and horizontal loads for
different sizes of
the brackets of the cladding attachments as disclosed herein are found in
FIGs. 10 and 11.
[00109] FIG. 10 shows the load chart for different sizes of the
brackets of the cladding
attachments when the cladding attachments are used in the same way as shown in
FIG.
1. FIG. 11 shows the load chart for different sizes of the brackets when the
cladding
attachments are used in the same way as shown in FIG. 8. It should be
understood that
the vertical and horizontal spacings of the cladding attachments and the
number of the
fasteners are pre-determined in accordance with design specifications.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
[00110] It can be seen from FIGs. 10 and 11 that, for a bracket of a
fixed size, the
allowable vertical dead load and the horizontal wind/earthquake load vary
depending on
the different exterior structures to which the cladding attachments are
attached.
[00111] When attached to the same exterior structure of the wall
system, the cladding
attachments with larger brackets generally have lower allowable vertical dead
loads under
the same wind/seismic load condition. Similarly, under the same vertical dead
load, the
cladding attachments with larger brackets generally have lower allowable
horizontal
wind/seismic loads.
[00112] While the principles of the invention have been shown and
described in
connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that such
embodiments are
by way of example and are not limiting. As is evident from the foregoing
description, certain
aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of
the invention
illustrated in the drawings. Other modifications and applications, or
equivalents, will occur
to those skilled in the art. The terms "having", "comprising" and "including"
and similar
terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of
"optional" or "may
include" and not as "required". Many changes, modifications, variations and
other uses and
applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to
those skilled in
the art after considering the specification and attached drawings. All such
changes,
modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart
from the
spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention
which is limited
only by the claims that follow. The scope of the disclosure is not intended to
be limited to
the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent
with the
claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and
only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more.
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-09
