WALL MOUNTED STORMPROOF SOFFIT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING THE SAME

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to stormproof soffit assembly and methods of securing soffit on a structure, and more particularly to stormproof soffit assembly being mountable on a wall of a building.

BACKGROUND

Soffits are commonly used in construction for venting attics of buildings, whether for renovating existing structures or in new construction projects. Traditionally, soffits are affixed under an horizontal surface protruding from the roof of the building. However, this method is best suited for sloped roof and is not ideal for flat roof, such as modern houses or Scandinavian style, as these buildings typically do not provide the underside of a roof overhang to which one can install the soffit(s).

While traditional soffit could technically be installed vertically on the wall of the building, such installation is generally exposed to bad weather, and water could access the attic of the building and create water infiltration damages to the building.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved stormproof soffit assembly that addresses at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a stormproof soffit assembly for venting an attic of a building, the stormproof soffit assembly being mountable on a wall of the building proximate an airhole in the wall opening on the attic. The stormproof soffit assembly comprises an inner vent member configured to extend along the wall of the building and forming an inner chamber having an air input port allowing air to enter the inner chamber; an exposed vent member forming an outer chamber, the outer chamber having a lower portion extending along the inner chamber and an upper portion defining an air output port in fluid communication with the airhole in the wall; and a mesh extending between the inner chamber and the outer chamber and allowing air to flow therebetween. The air follows a chicane-shaped path when circulating through the stormproof soffit assembly between the air input port and the air output port.

In one embodiment, the chicane-shaped path is a S-shaped path.

In one embodiment, the inner vent member comprises a guiding flange at a bottom end thereof, to guide the air in the air input port toward the inner chamber, and the exposed vent member comprises a bent in an outer top side thereof, to guide the air from the outer chamber to the air output port.

In one embodiment, the inner vent member comprises an inner lateral segment extending along the wall, a top segment extending substantially horizontally away from the inner lateral segment, and a base segment, extending from a lower end of the inner lateral segment. The inner chamber is defined at least partially therebetween, the base segment being slightly angled to form the guiding flange.

In one embodiment, the exposed vent member comprises a top-cover segment, a lateral segment extending substantially downwardly vertically from the top-cover segment, and a bottom segment extending substantially horizontally from the lateral segment. The top-cover segment is slightly angled to define the bent.

In one embodiment, the inner vent member and the exposed vent member comprise respective first and second mesh attachment segments, the mesh being secured between the first mesh attachment segment and the second mesh attachment segment. The first and second mesh attachment segments are spaced apart from an opening distance d.

In one embodiment, the stormproof soffit assembly further comprises at least one vertical mounting plate, the exposed vent member and the inner vent member being secured together thereto.

In one embodiment, the stormproof soffit assembly further comprises a horizontal mounting bracket to support the exposed vent member, the horizontal mounting bracket being secured to the inner vent member and to the vertical mounting plate.

In one embodiment, the mesh is a wire mesh.

In one embodiment, the lower portion of the outer chamber has a first width G and the inner chamber has a second width C, the first width C and the second width G being substantially equal.

In one embodiment, the first and second width is from about 0.1 in to about 12 in, and preferably about 0.5 in, 0.75 in, 1 in or 1.5 in.

In one embodiment, the mesh has a mesh resistance r corresponding to a ratio of an obstructed mesh surface So over a total mesh surface St: r (%)=(So/St)×100; r being comprised between 1% and 60%, and more preferably between 15% and 25%, and wherein a net free mesh surface Sf corresponds to the total mesh surface St minus the obstructed mesh surface So: Sf=St−So.

In one embodiment, the opening distance d is defined by d=C*(1+r).

In one embodiment, the stormproof soffit assembly has a length L of about 8 ft.

In one embodiment, a net free area (NFA) of the stormproof soffit assembly is defined by a linear equation between the length L, the opening distance d, and the mesh resistance r: NFA=L*d*(1−r). The NFA is at least equal to about 39 in2, and more preferably between about 39 in2 to 117 in2.

In one embodiment, the exposed vent member, the inner vent member, the vertical mounting plate and the horizontal mounting bracket are made from: a single sheet of metal, successively folded to form the corresponding expected geometry, or a carbon fiber or glass fiber molding, or a polymer injection molding, or a 3d-printing, or plastic extrusion, or any combination thereof; and wherein the mesh is made of metal, or carbon fiber, or glass fiber, or polymer, or plastic, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the stormproof soffit assembly further comprises a right end cap and a left end cap to close open lateral extremities of the stormproof soffit assembly.

According to one aspect, there is provided a method for installing a stormproof soffit assembly on a wall of a building, an airhole opening to an attic of the building being provided through said wall. The method comprises the steps of: providing the stormproof soffit assembly as defined above; positioning the stormproof soffit assembly along the wall, with the air output port being aligned with the airhole in the wall; and securing the stormproof soffit assembly to the wall with fasteners.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises a preliminary step of removing a row of cladding on the wall of the building to create said airhole opening to an attic of the building;

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of placing a self-adhesive membrane on a lower end of the wall opening before positioning the stormproof soffit assembly; and securing a fascia between the stormproof soffit assembly and the wall, to protect exposed cladding from water infiltration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a stormproof soffit assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of an extremity of the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective partial view of the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a mesh of the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 4A are a cross-sectional views of the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a building on which the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1 can be installed, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the building of FIG. 5, with a row of cladding removed;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the building of FIG. 6, with a membrane installed;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the building of FIG. 7, with the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1 installed;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the building of FIG. 8, with a fascia installed;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the building of FIG. 9, with a gutter installed;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the building of FIG. 10, showing the air path;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the building on which the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1 has been installed;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a building with a flat roof, on which the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1 has been installed;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a building with a cathedral roof, on which the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1 has been installed;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a building with a mansard, on which the stormproof soffit assembly of FIG. 1 has been installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, given solely for exemplification purposes.

Moreover, although the preferred embodiment of the stormproof soffit assembly and corresponding parts thereof consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the stormproof soffit assembly without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

Referring to FIG. 11, the present description relates to a stormproof soffit assembly 10 for venting an attic 7 of a building 1. The building 1 can be an existing or a newly-constructed building, including for example a building with a sloped roof, a flat roof, a cathedral roof, a mansard roof, or any other type of roof. While particularly useful on buildings for which traditional soffits cannot be attached, it will be understood that the installation of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 described herein is not limited to the building deprived of roof overhang. For example, in some embodiments, the present stormproof soffit assembly 10 can be chosen for aesthetic purposes.

The building to which the stormproof soffit assembly is attached can be made of wood, metal studs, concrete or any other material used in construction. The building typically further comprises walls extending substantially vertical or upright. The stormproof soffit assembly 10 may be installed on one of the walls 2 of the building 1, hereinafter referred to as the wall 2 for simplicity, proximate an airhole 4 in the wall opening on the attic, as will be further described below.

Stormproof Soffit Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown a stormproof soffit assembly 10 according to one implementation. The stormproof soffit assembly 10 includes an inner vent member 40, an exposed vent member 20 and a mesh 60. In some implementations, the stormproof soffit assembly 10 can have a total length L between about 3 ft and about 30 ft. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L is about 8 ft.

In some implementations, the inner vent member 40 is configured to extend along the wall 2 of the building 1. The inner vent member 40 forms an inner chamber 50 having an air input port 12 allowing air to enter the inner chamber 50.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1, 1A and 4, in some implementations, the inner vent member 40 includes an inner lateral segment 46, a top segment 48, and a first mesh attachment segment 49. In the illustrated variant the three segments of the inner vent member 40 are sections of a single piece of metal successively folded to take the desired shape, although one skilled in the art will readily understand that in other variants one or more of the segments of the inner vent member 40 may be a separate component attached to the other components of the inner vent member 40 through suitable attachment means.

The inner lateral segment 46 of the inner vent member 40 is preferably configured to extend along the wall 2 once the stormproof soffit assembly 10 is installed. The inner lateral segment 46 may have a substantially rectangular shape with a length along the horizontal direction defining the length L of the soffit assembly, and further has an upper edge 47 and a lower edge 45 along this length.

The top segment 48 of the inner vent member 40 extends substantially horizontally from the upper edge 47 of the inner lateral segment 46, and projects away from the wall 2.

The first mesh attachment segment 49 of the inner vent member 40 extends substantially downwardly and vertically from the top segment 48 to receive the mesh 60, as will be further detailed below. In some embodiments, a lower end of the first mesh attachment segment 49 can be folded upwardly on itself to provide reinforcement of the first mesh attachment segment 49.

In some implementation, the inner vent member 40 can further include a guiding flange 44 at a bottom end thereof, extending downwardly from the lower edge 45 of the inner lateral segment 46. In some implementations, the guiding flange 44 is defined by a base segment of the inner vent member 40, the base segment being integral with the inner lateral segment 46. One skilled in the art will readily understand that in other variants, the guiding flange 44 may be a separate component attached to the inner lateral segment 46 through suitable attachment means.

In some implementations, the guiding flange 44 may be slightly angled from the inner lateral segment 46, i.e., the angle between a plane of the inner lateral segment 46 and the guiding flange 44 can be an obtuse angle, for channeling the air into the air input port 12. In some embodiments, a lower edge of the guiding flange 44 can be folded downwardly on itself to prevent water droplets from remaining stuck on the guiding flange, and to prevent leaving an exposed sharped edge which could injure an operator manipulating the stormproof soffit assembly 10. The guiding flange 44 may allow water or other accumulations to be evacuated from the inner vent member 40 through the effect of gravity, as well as allow the air to be guided from outside to the inner chamber 50. The provision of a guiding flange may therefore increase the air intake in the stormproof soffit assembly 10. It will however be readily understood to other variants of the stormproof soffit assembly may omit the guiding flange without departing from the scope of protection.

As mentioned above, the stormproof soffit assembly further includes an exposed vent member 20. The exposed vent member 20 forms an outer chamber 30 having a lower portion 30a extending along the inner chamber 50, and an upper portion 30b defining an air output port 14 in fluid communication with the airhole 4 in the wall 2. Air may therefore circulate between the attic 7 and the outer chamber 30 of the exposed vent member 20 via the air output port 14. In some implementations, the exposed vent member 20 is configured to extend along the inner vent member 40 and air is allowed to flow therebetween, as will be further explained below.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1, 1A and 4, in some implementations, the exposed vent member 20 includes an outer lateral segment 26, a top-cover segment 24, an attachment segment 22, a bottom segment 28 and a second mesh attachment segment 29. In the illustrated variant the five segments of the exposed vent member 20 are sections of a single piece of metal successively folded to take the desired shape, although one skilled in the art will readily understand that in other variants one or more of the segments of the exposed vent member 20 may be a separate component attached to the other components of the exposed vent member 20 through suitable attachment means.

The outer lateral segment 26 of the exposed vent member 20 is preferably configured to extend substantially vertically, parallel and distant from the wall 2 once the stormproof soffit assembly 10 is installed. The outer lateral segment 26 may have a substantially rectangular shape with a length along the horizontal direction equal to the length L of the inner lateral segment 46, and further has an upper edge 27 and a lower edge 25 along this length.

The top-cover segment 24 of the exposed vent member 20 extends from the upper edge 27 of the outer lateral segment 26, towards the wall 2. In some embodiment, the top-cover segment 24 can be slightly angled from the outer lateral segment 26, i.e., the angle α formed between a plan of the outer lateral segment 26 and a plan of the top-cover segment 24 can be obtuse angle, resulting in the top-cover segment 24 forming a bent on an outer top side of the stormproof soffit assembly. In some embodiment, the angle α can have a value between 100° to 130°, and more preferably between 110° to 120°. The bent formed by the top-cover segment 24 allows water or other accumulations on its outside surface to be evacuated from the top-cover segment 24 through the effect of gravity. The bent formed by the top-cover segment 24 also allows the air to be guided from the upper portion 30b of the outer chamber 30 to the air output port 4.

The attachment segment 22 of the exposed vent member 20, extends upwardly from the top-cover segment 24 along the wall 2. In some embodiment, the attachment segment 22 can be folded on itself, to prevent any cutting edge that could damage a membrane 8 that could be installed between the stormproof soffit assembly 10 and the wall 2. The attachment segment 22 can be fastened with a fastener 80 to a vertical mounting plate 70, as will be further detailed below.

The bottom segment 28 of the exposed vent member 20 extends substantially horizontally from the lower edge 25 of the lateral segment 26, toward the wall 2. In some implementations, the bottom segment 28 extends substantially halfway between the outer lateral segment 26 and the wall 2.

The second mesh attachment segment 29 of the exposed vent member 20 extends substantially upwardly and vertically from the bottom segment 28 to receive the mesh 60, as will be further detailed below. In some embodiments, an upper end of the second mesh attachment segment 29 can be folded downwardly on itself to provide reinforcement.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the exposed vent member 20 and the inner vent member 40 are positioned respectively to ensure that the first mesh attachment segment 29 and the and second mesh attachment segment 49 are aligned vertically and spaced apart form a distance d, as will be further detailed below.

Referring back to FIG. 1. in some implementations the stormproof soffit assembly includes at least one vertical mounting plate 70 on which the exposed vent member 20 and the inner vent member 40 can be secured together in the desired position. The vertical mounting plate 70 may be secured to the attachment segment 22 of the exposed vent member 20, and to the inner lateral segment 46 of the inner vent member 40, proximate to the lower end 45. In the embodiment shown, fasteners 80 such as screws or rivets can be used to secure the exposed vent member 20 and the inner vent member 40 to the vertical mounting plate 70, but it is understood that other suitable fastening means could be used, such as welding. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, two (2) vertical mounting plates 70 are securing the exposed vent member 20 to the inner vent member 40, the two vertical mounting plates 70 being located near each lateral extremity of the stormproof soffit assembly 10. In another embodiment (not shown), additional vertical mounting plates 70 could be added in between the two vertical mounting plates 70 located near each extremity. In yet another embodiment, a single and significantly larger vertical mounting plate 70 could be positioned substantially in the middle of the stormproof soffit assembly 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the stormproof soffit assembly 10 can further include at least one horizontal mounting bracket 75. The horizontal mounting bracket 75 can be substantially L-shaped, with a smaller arm of the L-shaped horizontal mounting bracket 75 being secured at least to the inner lateral segment 46 of the inner vent member 40, and a longer arm of the L-shaped horizontal mounting bracket 75 extending substantially horizontal and away from the wall 2. The longer arm of the L-shaped horizontal mounting bracket 75 is preferably positioned such that the bottom segment 28 of the exposed vent member 20 abuts on it. The horizontal mounting bracket 75 can therefore provide a support to the exposed vent member 20 and increase the structural integrity of the stormproof soffit assembly 10. Alternatively, the bottom segment 28 of the exposed vent member 20 could be secured to the longer arm of the L-shaped horizontal mounting bracket 75 by welding. In the illustrated embodiment, the smaller arm of the L-shaped horizontal mounting bracket 75 is secured together with the inner lateral segment 46 of the inner vent member 40 and with the vertical mounting plate 70, using the same fastener 80 as the one provided to secure the vertical mounting plate 70 to the inner vent member 40. Alternatively, a different fastener could be used in a different location. In another embodiment, the smaller arm of the L-shaped horizontal mounting bracket 75 could be secured to the inner lateral segment 46 of the inner vent member 40 by welding. In some embodiments, the stormproof soffit assembly 10 can be deprived of any horizontal mounting bracket 75. In the illustrated embodiment, two (2) horizontal mounting brackets 75 are supporting the inner vent member 40, the two horizontal mounting brackets 75 being located near each lateral extremity of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 and substantially aligned with the two vertical mounting plates 70. In another embodiment (not shown), additional horizontal mounting brackets 75 could be added in between the two horizontal mounting brackets 75 located at each extremity. Any other configurations of the horizontal mounting brackets 75 could be considered, provided that the air input port 12 remains sufficiently open to allow the air to enter the stormproof soffit assembly 10. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, the width of the horizontal mounting brackets 75 is preferably selected to be as small as possible or reasonable, since the horizontal mounting brackets 75 could partially obstruct the air input port 12, due to their positioning across the air input port 12.

In some embodiment, each one of the inner vent member 40, the exposed vent member 20, the vertical mounting plate 70 and the horizontal mounting bracket 75 are made from a single sheet of metal such as Aluminum, steel, stainless steel or galvanized steel, successively folded to form the corresponding expected geometry. Alternatively, the inner vent member 40, the exposed vent member 20, the vertical mounting plate 70 and the horizontal mounting bracket 75 could be manufactured by forging a piece of metal, or by molding carbon fiber or glass fiber, or by polymers injection molding such as polypropylene, or by 3D-printing, or by plastic extrusion such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) extrusion, or any other suitable manufacturing process and material. In some embodiment, the inner vent member 40, the exposed vent member 20, the vertical mounting plate 70 and the horizontal mounting bracket 75 can be a combination of different manufacturing processes and materials.

As mentioned above, the stormproof soffit assembly includes a mesh 60, the mesh 60 extending between the inner chamber 50 and the outer chamber 30 and allowing air to flow therebetween. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, in some implementations the mesh 60 is secured to the first mesh attachment segment 49 and to the second mesh attachment segment 29, and extends between the inner chamber 50 and the lower portion of the outer chamber 30. In some embodiments, the mesh 60 can be secured to the first and second mesh attachments segment 49 by welding, but other processes of securing could be considered.

Advantageously, the mesh 60 can prevent small animals, insects or pests, such as squirrels or mice, to access the attic 7 of the building 1 via the airhole 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the mesh 60 is a wire mesh, but any other type of intertwining of wires could be considered. The mesh could be made of metal wires such as galvanized steel or any other suitable material, the metal wires being intertwined and welded together. Alternatively, the mesh 60 could be manufactured by forging a piece of metal, or by molding carbon fiber or glass fiber, or by polymers injection molding such as polypropylene, or by 3D-printing, or by plastic extrusion such as PVC extrusion, or any other suitable manufacturing process and material. The mesh 60 can be characterized by a mesh resistance r corresponding to a ratio of an obstructed mesh surface S_o over a total mesh surface S_t:

r ⁢ ( % ) = ( S o / S t ) × 100.

In some embodiment, the mesh resistance r can be comprised between 1% and 60%. In a preferred embodiment, the mesh resistance r is comprised between 15% and 25%, and more preferably around 20%.

A net free mesh surface S_t of the mesh 60 can be defined by the total mesh surface S_t minus the obstructed mesh surface S_o:

S f = S t - S o .

Referring again to FIG. 4, in can be seen that the air circulating through the stormproof soffit assembly 10 between the air input port 12 and the air output port 14 follows a chicane-shaped path, and passes through the mesh 60. In the context of the specification, “chicane” may be understood to refer to two or more successive tight turns in opposite directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the chicane-shaped path is substantially a S-shaped path, but it is understood that others chicane-shaped paths could be considered, such as W-shaped path for example.

As best shown in FIG. 4A, the lower portion 30a of the outer chamber 30 has a first width G and the inner chamber 50 has a second width C, the first width C and the second width G being substantially equal. The total width F of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 is given by:

F = G + C .

The attachment segment 22 has a height A, the outer lateral segment 26 has a height B, the air output port 14 has a height D, and the inner lateral segment 46 has a height E.

The size of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 can be variable, depending on the surface of the attic to be ventilated. For example, the quantity of air available to enter the attic can be proportional to the size of the attic. The quantity of air available in a soffit can be defined by the net free area (NFA) of the soffit, and the requirement or recommendation of NFA per square meter or square feet of attic floor can be defined by the building code of each country. For example, in Quebec, Canada or in the USA, the building code request that for every 150 square feet of attic floor space (defined as length×width, floor of the attic) there should be 1 square foot of Net Free Area (NFA) for a flat roof. For a sloped roof, the building code request that for every 300 square feet of attic floor space there should be 1 square foot of NFA.

Therefore, the stormproof soffit assembly 10 can have dimensions selected to provide a desired NFA. For example, the first and second width G, C can vary from about 0.1 in to about 12 in. Preferably, the first and second width G, C can have a value of about 0.5 in, 0.75 in, 1 in or 1.5 in. Alternatively, other values could be considered.

The opening distance d can have a variable value, selected to compensate the mesh resistance r, such as a similar volume of air circulate through the entire stormproof soffit assembly 10. In other words, the distance d is increased compared to the width G, C of a value proportional to the resistance r.

In some variants, the opening distance d can answer to the equation:

d = C * ( 1 + r ) .

The Net Free Area (NFA) of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 is defined by a linear equation between the length L of the stormproof soffit assembly 10, the first width C, and the mesh resistance r, such that:

NFA = L * C * ( 1 - r )

The table below provide four (#1, #2, #3, #4) examples of stormproof soffit assembly 10 with different dimensions, all of the four examples being provided for a stormproof soffit assembly 10 with a length L=8 ft (or 96 in), and with a mesh resistance r=18,75%. The results of the four examples below provide with a NFA between about 39 in² to 78 in², but it is understood that the table below is only provided as an example and that other dimensions of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 could be considered to reduce or increase the NFA.

TABLE 1
Example of stormproof soffit assembly
dimensions and corresponding NFA

	A	B	C	D	E	F	NFA

#1	1″	3″	0.5″	1.25″	3″	1″	39	in2
#2	1″	3″	0.75″	1.25″	3″	1.5″	58	in2
#3	1″	3.875″	1″	1.75″	3.875″	2″	78	in2
#4	1″	3.875″	1.5″	1.75″	3.875″	3″	117	in2

Referring back to FIG. 1, the stormproof soffit assembly 10 may further include a right end cap 90 and a left end cap 92. The right end cap 90 and the left end cap 92 are respectively engageable on the lateral ends 11, 11′ of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 to close open lateral extremities of the stormproof soffit assembly 10, and may therefore have a complementary geometry with the corresponding lateral ends of the exposed vent member 20. In the embodiment shown, the right end cap 90 and the left end cap 92 have a substantially trapezoidal shape, with tree lateral sides configured to be respectively engageable with the top-cover segment 24 of the exposed vent member 20, the outer lateral segment 26 of the exposed vent member 20, and the bottom segment 28 of the exposed vent member 20, and a top side configured to close the outer chamber 30 and the inner chamber 50 of the stormproof soffit assembly 10.

In some embodiment (not shown), the stormproof soffit assembly 10 may further include a gutter positioned along the outer lateral segment 26 of the exposed vent member 20, to recover and evacuate excess of water accumulated on the top-cover segment 24 of the exposed vent member.

Method

A method for installing a stormproof soffit assembly 10 on a wall 2 of a building 1 will now be described, in accordance with one embodiment.

The method will be described in accordance with FIGS. 5 to 12, in which the building 1 is an existing construction (renovation) with a sloped roof. However, it is understood that the method can also be applied on a brand-new construction, and the method can also be applied on a building with flat roof (FIG. 13), with cathedral roof (FIG. 14), with mansard roof (FIG. 15), or with any other type of roof. In fact, having the stormproof soffit assembly 10 being installed on the wall of the building renders its installation universal and not dependent from the type of roof. Embodiments described in FIGS. 5 to 15 are illustrative only.

The method includes the following steps.

A first step can include providing at least one stormproof soffit assembly 10 as defined above. As best shown in FIG. 12, the number of stormproof soffit assembly 10 can be adjusted based on the width of the building 1. The length L of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 can be selected to fit with the width of the building. In some embodiment, a stormproof soffit assembly 10 can be cut at one or both lateral end(s) to fit with the width of the building 1. The dimensions (A, B, C, D, E, F) of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 can be selected based on the surface area of the attic that need to be ventilated.

With reference to FIG. 5, the method may include a preliminary step of removing a row of cladding 5 from the wall 2 of the building 1 to create an airhole 4 opening to the attic 7 of the building 1. It is to be noted that this step may not required in a brand-new construction. The airhole 4 preferably have a height substantially equal to the dimension D of the selected stormproof soffit assembly 10. In some embodiment, this step can include removing a plurality of rows of cladding 5. In some embodiment, this step can further include removing some isolating material between the row of cladding 5 and the attic 7, such that the airhole 4 is completely free and provide full access to the attic 7, as shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiment, isolating material 6 can be provided on the floor of the attic 7, but may no go beyond the airhole 4.

With reference to FIG. 7, the method can further include an optional step of placing a membrane 8 on a lower end of the airhole 4 before positioning the stormproof soffit assembly. In some embodiment, the membrane 8 can be self-adhesive, or can be secured with any suitable adhesive used in construction. The membrane 8 can ensure a better isolation of the wall 2 and can prevent water infiltrations in the structure of the wall.

With reference to FIG. 8, next step of the method involves positioning the stormproof soffit assembly 10 along the wall 2, with the air output port 14 of the stormproof soffit assembly 10 being aligned with the airhole 4 in the wall 2. The stormproof soffit assembly 10 is then secured to the wall 2 with fasteners 82. In some embodiment, the fastener 82 can be a screw, a nail or a concrete anchor, or any type of fastener adapted to be fastened in the wall 2. The fastener 82 can be inserted substantially perpendicular to the wall 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of fasteners 82 are inserted to secure the stormproof soffit assembly 10, respectively in the attachment segment 22 of the exposed vent member 20, and in the exposed lower portion of the inner lateral segment 46 of the inner vent member 40. In some embodiment, the plurality of fasteners 82 are spaced apart along the length of the stormproof soffit assembly 10. In some embodiment, the plurality of fasteners 82 are substantially aligned with studs of the wall 2, to ensure proper attachment. For example, the plurality of fasteners 82 can be secured each 18 in, which is standard spacing between two consecutive studs of the wall 2.

In some embodiment, a fascia 9 can be further placed above the exposed cladding row (the one right below the airhole 4), to avoid water infiltration between the cladding and the structure of the wall. In some embodiments, the fascia 9 can be secured to the wall using the same fastener 82 as the one securing a lower part of the stormproof soffit assembly 10. Alternatively, a separate fastener could be used to secure only the fascia 9.

With reference to FIG. 9, another membrane 8′ can be further installed on the exposed part of the wall 2 above the stormproof soffit assembly 10 already installed. In the embodiment shown, a lower end of the membrane 8′ is covering the attachment segment 22 of the exposed vent member 20, to prevent any water infiltration between the attachment segment 22 of the exposed vent member 20 and the structure of the wall 2. In some embodiment, the membrane 8′ can be self-adhesive, or can be secured with any suitable adhesive used in construction. Another fascia 9′ can also be installed above the other membrane 8′, to ensure proper evacuation of water from the roof to the wall.

With reference to FIG. 10, a gutter 3 can also be installed along the wall 2, and above the stormproof soffit assembly 10. In such a configuration, the membrane 8′ is being pinched between the gutter and the structure of the wall 2, and the fascia 9″ is shortened to end in the gutter. As described above, the gutter could alternatively be installed along the outer lateral segment 26 of the exposed vent member 20 of the stormproof soffit assembly 10.

With reference to FIG. 11, once installed, the stormproof soffit assembly 10 allows an incoming airflow 12′ to enter the air input port 12 of the stormproof soffit assembly 10, to circulate through the stormproof soffit assembly 10 by following a chicane path, and an outgoing airflow 14′ is therefore propelled through the air output port 14 to circulate in the attic 7.

FIG. 13 shows the stormproof soffit assembly 10 being installed on a building 1′ with a flat roof. In the embodiment shown, a gutter 3 is installed above the stormproof soffit assembly 10. The stormproof soffit assembly 10 is installed on the vertical wall 2 and allows an incoming airflow to enter the air input port 12 of the stormproof soffit assembly 10, to circulate through the stormproof soffit assembly 10 by following a chicane path, and an outgoing airflow is therefore propelled through the air output port 14 to circulate in the attic 7.

FIG. 14 shows the stormproof soffit assembly 10 being installed on a building 1″ with a cathedral roof. In the embodiment shown, the stormproof soffit assembly 10 is installed on the vertical wall 2 of the building. In the embodiment shown, a wooden wedge 100 can be secured above the stormproof soffit assembly 10, to ensure proper securing of the attachment segment 22 to the roof. A first membrane 8′ can also cover the wooden wedge 100. A fascia 9′ can further be installed, covering the wooden wedge 100 and the first membrane 8′, and extending under the roof. A second membrane 8″ can further extend between the roof and the under-roof, the second membrane 8″ covering the portion of the fascia 9′ extending under the roof. The stormproof soffit assembly 10 allows an incoming airflow to enter the air input port 12 of the stormproof soffit assembly 10, to circulate through the stormproof soffit assembly 10 by following a chicane path, and an outgoing airflow is therefore propelled through the air output port 14 to circulate in the attic 7. In some embodiment, a deflector 102 can further be installed to cover at least partially the isolating material 6, to force the airflow along the sloped attic and to prevent the airflow to be directed directly in the isolating material 6.

FIG. 15 shows the stormproof soffit assembly 10 being installed on a building 1′″ with a mansard roof. In the embodiment shown, the stormproof soffit assembly 10 is installed on a vertical side of the mansard roof, the attic 7 comprising an upper portion 7a located under the sloped part of the mansard roof, and a lateral portion 7b located between the vertical part of the mansard roof. The stormproof soffit assembly 10 allows an incoming airflow 12′ to enter the air input port 12 of the stormproof soffit assembly 10, to circulate through the stormproof soffit assembly 10 by following a chicane path, and an outgoing airflow 14′ is therefore propelled through the air output port 14 to circulate in both the upper portion 7a and the lateral portion 7b of the attic 7.

It should be noted that the embodiments and examples described herein are provided for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the present disclosure. The invention is intended to encompass all such variations and equivalents. Therefore, the invention is not restricted to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather embraces all variations and modifications that may come within the scope of the disclosure.

NUMERAL REFERENCES OF THE ELEMENTS SHOWN IN THE DRAWINGS

• • 1 building
  • 2 vertical wall
  • 3 gutter
  • 4 airhole
  • 5 cladding
  • 6 isolating material
  • 7 attic
  • 8 membrane
  • 9 fascia
  • 10 stormproof soffit assembly
  • 11 lateral end
  • 12 air input port
  • 14 air output port
  • 15 exposed vent member
  • 22 attachment segment
  • 24 top-cover segment
  • 26 outer lateral segment
  • 25 lower edge
  • 27 upper edge
  • 28 bottom segment
  • 29 second mesh attachment segment
  • 30 outer chamber
  • 30a lower portion
  • 30b upper portion
  • 40 inner vent member
  • 44 guiding flange
  • 43 lower end
  • 46 inner lateral segment
  • 45 lower edge
  • 47 upper edge
  • 48 top segment
  • 49 first mesh attachment segment
  • 50 inner chamber
  • 60 mesh
  • 70 vertical mounting plate
  • 75 horizontal mounting bracket
  • 80 fastener
  • 80 fasteners
  • 82 fasteners
  • 90 right end cap
  • 92 left end cap
  • 100 wooden wedge
  • 102 deflector