GB2520421A

GB2520421A - Set of building elements and filling material for the seam between building elements

Info

Publication number: GB2520421A
Application number: GB1418579.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jorrit Gillijns; Peter G Nijboer
Original assignee: Unilin BV; Unilin Insulation BV
Current assignee: Unilin BV; Unilin Insulation BV
Priority date: 2013-10-21
Filing date: 2014-10-20
Publication date: 2015-05-20
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-20
Also published as: BE1023472A1; FR3012158B1; FR3012158A1; BE1022375B1; NL2013656B1; FR3017400B1; GB2520421B; GB201418579D0; NL2013656A; BE1023472B1; NL2017781A; NL2017781B1; FR3017400A1; BE1022011B1

Abstract

Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces. The building elements 1, 2 are at least composed of thermal insulation 5 and a base plate 4, and are provided with a groove 14 on at least one edge 10. wherein said one or more connection pieces 3 are made as a coupling spline, which each have to be provided both in said groove 14 of a first building element and in a groove 15 of a second building element 2 for bridging a joint 32 between the first and the second building elements 1-2 when the latter are adjacent in a construction. The connecting piece is characterized in that at least the surface material 16 of the connection piece is made compressible. Also claimed is a set of building elements with tongue and groove and a compressible material. Also claimed is a filling material for a joint comprising a core and surface wherein the surface is more compressible than the core. Also claimed is a set of thermally insulating building elements with a compressible material part along one edge. Also claimed are building elements with a base plate and compressible material along at least one edge, wherein the compressible material extends beyond the base plate. Also claimed is an insulation panel provided with a sealant on one or more edges.

Description

Set of building elements and filling material for the joint between building elements.

This invention relates to a set of building elements and one or more connection pieces, more particularly for roof, wall or floor constructions, and to a filling material for the joint between such building elements.

The building elements or building panels known from the state of the art substantially consist of two types. On the one hand, there are the so-called open-scale building elements, wherein on only one flat side of the building element a base plate is applied and wherein the other side, to wit the open side, substantially is formed by the insulation material itself, and, on the other hand, the closed or sandwich-type building elements, wherein on the second flat side of the building element a top plate is provided, such that the insulation material is located in the space between the base plate and the top plate. These types of building elements can be applied as a roof element, as a wall element or as a floor element. For examples of open-scale roof elements and closed or sandwich roof elements, reference is made to EP 0 978 601 and EP 1162 050, respectively.

The application of building elements as an insulating and possibly self-supporting roof element is already widely known as such. By way of example, for this purpose reference is made to EP 0 450 731 or EP 1 253 257. Such building elements can be provided with their base plate on a simply constructed roof structure, for example, a gabled roof structure with purlins only. After installing such building elements, these mostly also are provided with tiling battens which in their turn support the roof tiles or other roof covering. In such construction, the building element fulfills the function of a traditional insulated subroof. It is also possible that said base plate forms the interior covering of the respective roof construction or that the base plate is provided with such interior covering. Usually, such building elements are prefabricated made-to-measure for a house. Similar building elements may also be applied for forming a wall construction and/or a floor construction.

An actual challenge in the building sector are the increasingly higher requirements for buildings in the field of airtightness, thermal and/or acoustic insulation. When applying the aforementioned building elements, the joints between two adjacent building elements may form a weak link, in particular in the field of airtightness, thermal and/or acoustic insulation.

According to the actual state of the art, the above-mentioned joints often are finished or sealed by applying a tape or a foaming filling agent, such as a PU foam, for example, by means of a spray can. Some existing building elements provide a recess at the height of the upper edge of the building element, which facilitates and/or improves the application of a foaming filling agent. Finishing the joints by means of, for example, an insulating foam, however, is cumbersome and labor-intensive. Moreover, non-elastic insulation foams may tear after a certain time and due to movement of the roof, which renders the airtightness not durable.

An often appearing problem when applying the above-mentioned types of building elements is the correct adjoining and mutual alignment of adjacent building elements. This is due, amongst others, to variations and tolerances of the underlying structure and/or of the building element itself, as well as to differential bending of adjacent building elements.

A further problem when applying the above-mentioned types of building elements is forming an uninterrupted water-repellent layer. In particular at the height of the joints between adjacent building elements, there often is a problem of an interruption in the water-repellent layer. According to the state of the art, a water-repellent layer is realized on the flat side of the building element which, in mounted condition, is directed towards the outside.

Further, there remains also the problem of condensation in the joints. As, in the case of no or a bad finishing of the joints, warm air can penetrate into the joint between two adjacent building elements and will condensate against the cold upper side of the building elements, condensation problems may arise. To wit, the joints may form an interruption in the vapor barrier layer formed by the two or more building elements. According to the state of the art, a vapor barrier layer is realized at the height of the flat side of the building element which, in mounted condition, is directed towards the inside.

From US 4,443,988, it is known to provide grooves in the edge of an insulation panel with covering and to use a spline in the form of a wooden lath for interconnecting and aligning adjacent insulation panels with covering. Herein, a bevel is provided on an edge of the spline, such that this latter can be provided in the groove more easily. Hereby, in a relatively inexpensive manner a solution is provided for interconnecting such insulation panels with a limited risk of damage to the panels. Using wooden laths further limits the differential bending of adjacent insulation panels. The joints between the adjacent building elements of US 4,443,988 are not ailtight and there is a risk of condensation forming in these joints.

US 5,950,389 shows still other splines for interconnecting two adjacent building elements. The respective splines are glued into a groove in the insulation material.

using an adhesive or glue during mounting of such panels, however, on the one hand, is labor-intensive and, on the other hand, complicates the installation of the panels.

With the intention of obtaining an improvement in the field of airtightness, thermal and/or acoustic insulation of buildings, more particularly at the height of the joint between two adjacent building elements, the present invention, according to a first independent aspect, relates to a set of building elements and one or more connection pieces, wherein the building elements are at least composed of thermal insulation and a base plate, wherein the building elements are provided with a groove on at least one edge and wherein said one or more connection pieces comprise at least a surface material and wherein said one or more connection pieces are made as a spline, which each have to be provided both in said groove of a first building element and in a groove of a second building element for bridging a joint between the first and the second building element when the latter are adjacent in a construction, with the characteristic that at least the surface material of the connection piece, at least locally, is made compressible. Preferably, said building elements relate to the open-scale building elements or closed building elements, also called sandwich building elements, as described herein above.

As, according to the invention, at least the surface material of the connection piece, at least locally, is made compressible, a smooth mounting of the building elements and the connection pieces, and/or improved features of the construction at the location of the joint between two adjacent building elements, can be obtained. For example, an improved airtightness can be obtained. By smooth mounting is intended, amongst others, that the connection piece can be provided more smoothly in the groove of said building elements.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said connection piece, at least locally, is compressed when it is provided in the aforementioned grooves. Hereby, a certain clamping of the spline in the groove is realized.

According to a preferred embodiment, said one or more connection pieces consist of at least two materials, more particularly a core material and a separate surface material, wherein the separate surface material is more compressible than the core material. By using a less compressible core material, the differential bending between adjacent building elements can be restricted, whereas the advantages of the compressible surface material are maintained. The core material preferably comprises wood-based material, such as plywood.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of said connection pieces has a bending stiffness which is larger than that of said base plate of the building elements. Thereby, differential bending of adjacent building elements can be reduced by applying such connection pieces. Herein, the bending stiffness of the connection piece can be influenced by choosing a material having a high elasticity modulus and/or by choosing a cross-sectional geometry effecting a high moment of inertia. For example, a connection piece with a core material of hard PVC in the form of a hollow profile can be chosen. Further, and independently from the cross-section of the connection piece, the differential bending can be restricted by a good location of the connection piece in respect to the neutral line of the building element. The more distant the connection piece is from the neutral line of the building element, the stronger the differential bending can be limited. By positioning the connection piece close to the bottom side and/or close to the upper side of the building element, the resistance against differential bending can be influenced in a beneficial manner. Preferably, the connection piece is positioned with its compressible surface material against the inner side of a possible base plate and/or upper plate, wherein the respective plate then borders the aforementioned groove along the lower or upper side. This may be the case, for example, with open-scale building elements and closed building elements. The inner side of the base plate preferably is provided with a vapor-repellent layer. In such case, the connection piece preferably is positioned with its compressible surface material against this vapor-repellent layer. When the compressible surface material is also provided with a vapor-repellent layer or matter, such as a film, the

S

joint between two adjacent building elements continues showing vapor-repellent features.

According to a possible embodiment, the core material of the connection piece is S extruded from a hard PVC material. Preferably, the separate surface material is extruded from a soft PVC material. Still according to a preferred embodiment, the core material and the separate surface material are formed by coextrusion.

According to a possible embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, said separate surface material is located at least on a part of the core material which is provided in said grooves, more particularly on a corner of the core material which has to be provided in one of said grooves, and still better on at least two corners which have to be provided in respective grooves of the first and the second building element. This can contribute to a smooth mounting of the connection piece in the respective grooves.

According to still another embodiment of the first aspect, said separate surface material is located at least on one side of the core material which is provided in said grooves, more particularly on the bottom side or top side of the core material which has to be provided in one of said grooves. This can contribute to a good airtightness between adjacent building elements. Preferably, said separate surface material is also provided on the narrow end faces of the core material of the connection piece in order to also promote the airtightness between two building elements on the location of the narrow-end connection of two connection pieces.

According to the most preferred embodiment, said surface material comprises a foamed material, such as PVC, PU, PET or vinyl. Preferably, the foamed material relates to a PVC foam, for example, an open-cell PVC foam.

Preferably, said surface material has a smooth outer surface, for example, formed by a film or a sliding film. Such smooth outer surface contributes to an even smoother mounting, wherein in particular positioning and readjusting adjacent building elements becomes less cumbersome. Moreover, a vapor-repellency can be achieved which continues over the joint. Said film may contribute to preventing vapor diffusion and convection in the joint. Preferably, said film relates to a polyester film. It is clear that according to such embodiment said surface material consists of a plurality of layers, namely a first layer of compressible material, for example, foamed material, and on the outer surface a second layer forming a smooth surface, for example, a film.

According to a practical example, the connection piece may consist of a separate surface material, possibly including the optional film, and a core material, wherein the separate surface material consists of a tape which, at least locally, is provided around the core material. Such embodiment results in a particularly simple production of the aforementioned connection pieces, whereas still a sufficient air sealing can be obtained. This may relate, for example, to a single-sided adhesive open-cell PVC foam which is provided with a polyester film on its upper side. Such tape is available on the market as a single-sided adhesive tape. An example of such tape is "Celband ® PVC" of the "Celdex" brand.

According to the present invention, the bridging by means of the particular connection piece, in assembled condition, preferably creates an airtight joint between two adjacent building elements. By means of embodiments which make use of a film on the outer surface of the surface material, moreover also a vapor-tight joint can be achieved. This latter is of particular interest when the building elements of the set also comprise a vapor barrier layer and the vapor-tight barrier of the joint adjoins the vapor barrier layer of the adjacent building elements.

Generally, the invention of the first aspect can be practically realized in various manners. Herein, a difference can be made between, on the one hand, embodiments for building elements which on the edge consist of insulation material, more specifically thermal insulation, and, on the other hand, embodiments for building elements which on the edge consist of a rib, more particularly a constructive rib of the building element.

According to a first practical possibility, which can be applied in the case of a building element which on the edge consists of insulation material, said groove is made in said thermal insulation of the building elements. Such groove preferably is located just above said base plate or at a small distance there above. It is not excluded that the groove may be at least partially sunk in the interior surface of said base plate.

According to a second practical embodiment, in the case that said building elements further comprise one or more ribs, at least one of said grooves is realized in at least one of said ribs.

As aforementioned, said connection piece, or at least the surface material, preferably is situated in said groove in an at least locally compressed condition.

This can be achieved, for example, by means of an adapted dimensioning of the groove and the connection piece to be provided in the latter. Preferably an at least local compression of 30% or more, for example, 50% or more, is achieved. By this is meant that the thickness of the compressible surface material locally is reduced by at least 30% or at least 50%.

According to a first possible embodiment, the dimensions of the groove can be chosen such that the height of the groove is smaller than the thickness of the part of the connection piece provided therein, such that the predetermined reduction of the thickness of the surface material is achieved.

Instead of or in combination with said adapted dimensioning, use can also be made of a pressing-on system for the connection piece and/or of a possible bending of the building elements. For example, use can be made of a pressing-on system with a screw system, with which the connection piece, more particularly the surface material thereof, is pressed against the building element, for example, against the base plate and/or the insulation material.

According to a possible embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, in mounted condition, said connection piece is located entirely between the building elements.

In other words, the connection piece, in mounted condition, preferably is not located above or underneath the building element. Herein, the connection piece is also not located only partially above or underneath the building elements.

Preferably, at least one of said connection pieces, in assembled condition, is located close to the base plate of the building element, namely against the base plate, on the inner side thereof, sunk into the base plate, on the inner side thereof, or internally within the building element, maximum at a distance of this inner side which is equal to the thickness of the base plate, or maximum at a distance of 15 millimeters from this inner side. Hereby, a sufficient airtightness of the joint can be achieved more simply, as no or less air leaks can happen over the insulation material.

According to a particular embodiment, the connection piece can be combined with a finishing profile, whether or not in one piece with said connection piece, as a result of which the joint between the base plates, which normally is directed towards the inside of the construction, can be finished.

In connection with the first aspect, it is also noted that said surface material can be made compressible solely locally as well as over the entire circumference or approximately the entire circumference of the connection piece. In this manner, installation faults can be avoided to a maximum extent.

With the same purpose as in the first aspect, the present invention, according to a second independent aspect, relates to a set of building elements, wherein the building elements are at least composed of thermal insulation and a base plate, where at least a first building element, on at least one edge, is provided with a tongue, with the characteristic that at least a second building element, on at least one edge, is provided with a compressible material part which, in assembled condition of the first and the second building element, cooperates with said tongue of the first adjacent building element. Hereby, a smooth mounting of the building elements can be realized and/or an improved airtightness, thermal and/or acoustic insulation can be achieved. An additional advantage is that hereby the subsequent spray-sealing of the joints with an insulation foam can be reduced or even avoided.

In the context of the second aspect, a tongue is seen as a local protrusion on the edge of the building element. Said local protrusion on the edge may or may not be fixedly connected to the building element. Such tongue can be formed, for example, by a lath which is connected to the edge of the first building element, preferably a lath which is glued into this edge or is connected to this edge in another manner, for example, by means of a mechanical locking, more particularly a mechanical locking with a locking tongue and groove.

Here, some examples will be given of manners in which said tongue can be realized in the case that it is formed on a lath. According to a first example, the tongue can be formed by the entire edge of said lath. According to a second example, the tongue can be formed by a local protrusion, or cam, at the lath. In this latter case, the local protrusion, in assembled condition of the building elements, cooperates with said compressible material part of a second building element. Thereby, the dimensions of the tongue can be restricted, which can result in an improved cooperation with the compressible material part. To wit, the tongue is pressed into the compressible material with a higher pressure, which is advantageous for the features of the obtained joint.

According to another example, the first building element comprises a rib at said edge and is said tongue made in one piece with this rib, for example, by means of a machining treatment, more particularly by milling-in of said rib.

Preferably, the height of said tongue, seen in cross-section, is between 4 and 8 millimeters, wherein 5 millimeters is a good value.

Preferably, said compressible material part is incorporated into the edge of said second building element. Hereby, it can be achieved that the dimensions of the joint between two adjacent building elements can be limited.

Preferably, said compressible material part, seen in cross-section, protrudes in respect to the edge of the second building element. Preferably, said compressible material part protrudes only partially in respect to the edge. In other words, said compressible material part is partially incorporated into the edge of said second building element.

Preferably, said compressible material part is formed by a foamed material, such as, for example, a closed-cell PVC foam. It can be formed, for example, by the compressible materials, films and tapes mentioned in relation with the first aspect, for example, by a single-sided adhesive tape. The use of a closed-cell PVC foam has the advantage that vertical transport of moisture into the joint can be reduced or avoided and thus can contribute to a vapor-tight sealing of the joint.

With the same purpose as in the first and second aspect, the present invention, according to a third aspect, also relates to a filling material for the joint between adjacent building elements, wherein this filling material substantially consists of a core material and a surface material, wherein said core material preferably relates to an insulation material, with the characteristic that the surface material is more compressible than said core material. As said surface material is more compressible than said core material, the filling material can be provided in a smooth manner in the joint between adjacent building elements, and it is possible to achieve an improved airtightness, thermal and/or acoustic insulation. An additional advantage is that thereby the use of an insulation foam for subsequently foam-spray sealing the joints can be reduced or even avoided.

According to a variant, said core material can consist of another material than an insulation material. For example, the core material can consist of a wood-based material or of a synthetic material.

The filling material preferably is oblong and preferably has a substantially rectangular cross-section, wherein the width direction and the length direction of the filling material coincides with the width direction, length direction, respectively, of the joint to be filled. Preferably, the surface material is provided over at least two sides of the filling material. Preferably, said surface material is provided over at least one of the corners of the filling material. According to a more preferred embodiment, the surface material is provided in one piece around three sides of the core material. According to a possible embodiment, said surface material is provided entirely around the core material. This has the advantage that the filling material formed in this manner is entirely symmetrical, which may avoid mistakes during filling.

Preferably, said core material is provided with one or more recesses, which substantially extend in the height direction of the filling material. By means of such recess, a deformability of the core material, more particularly a variable width, is obtained. This is advantageous for filling joints having a strongly varying width, wherein the compressibility of the surface material alone would not be sufficient for counteracting this and for obtaining good features at the location of the joint.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filling material of the third aspect further also shows the characteristic that the filling material is compressed while the filling material is provided in the joint between adjacent building elements, and wherein the compression is the result of an adapted dimensioning of the filling material in respect to the dimensions of the joint.

By an adapted dimensioning of the filling material, a dimensioning is meant which is adapted to the dimensions of the joint between two adjacent building elements.

The dimensions, more particularly the width or thickness of the filling material, can be chosen, for example, larger than the width of the joint, such that a compression of the filling material is obtained when it is being provided in the joint.

For the compression of the surface material, preferably the same local compression is chosen as this is the case in the first aspect, namely at least 30% or at least 50% thickness reduction.

The compressible surface material of the third aspect preferably is formed by a foamed material, such as, for example, a PVC foam. It can be formed, for example, by the compressible materials, films and tapes mentioned in connection with the first aspect, for example, by a single-sided adhesive tape.

Further, the filling material of the third aspect preferably comprises a water-repellent element on the upper side, such that any precipitation trickling under the roof covering also will not be able to penetrate into the joints between the building elements.

With the same purpose as in the first three aspects, the present invention, according to a fourth independent aspect, also relates to a set of building elements, wherein the building elements are at least composed of thermal insulation, a base plate and a compressible material part along at least one edge of the building element, wherein said compressible material part, seen in cross-section, extends farther than the base plate, characterized in that, in assembled condition of two building elements, an airtight joint can be created by compressing said compressible material part. Creating an airtight joint by applying a compressible material part results in a simple construction of such building elements. An additional advantage is that hereby the use of an insulation foam for subsequently foam-spray filling the joints can be reduced or even avoided.

Hereby, some examples are given of manners in which the compressible material part of the fourth aspect can be realized.

According to a first example, the compressible material part can substantially consist of a soft insulation material. By a soft insulation material, insulation material is meant which can be compressed very easily, such as, for example, rock wool or glass wool. Said soft insulation material may relate to the same insulation material as said thermal insulation of the building element and may or may not be made in one piece therewith.

According to a second example, said compressible material part may comprise a foamed material, for example, the compressible materials of the first aspect.

According to a third example, said compressible material part may be formed by protrusions in the edge of the building element. For example, recesses may be formed in the thermal insulation of the building element, whereby at the edge of the building element a compressible material part is created in the form of one or more protrusions located between said recesses.

A building element with such protrusions or recesses as such results in an improvement in relation to the features of the joint, whether or not in respect to airtightness. Therefore, the invention, according to a fifth aspect, also relates to a set of building elements, wherein the building elements are at least composed of thermal insulation, a base plate and a compressible material part along at least one edge of the building element, wherein said compressible material part, seen in cross-section, extends farther than the base plate, with the characteristic that said at least one edge of the building element substantially is formed by a solid insulation material and wherein the compressible material part is formed by recesses in the edge of the building element. By a solid insulation material, a hard-foam insulation material is meant, such as, for example, expanded polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, polyisocyanurate foam, phenol formaldehyde foam or resol foam. The set of building elements of the fifth aspect allows a simple production; possibly, improved airtightness, thermal and/or acoustic insulation may be achieved as well. An additional advantage is that thereby the use of an insulation foam for the subsequent foam-spray filling of the joints can be reduced or even avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the set of building elements of the fifth aspect further shows the characteristic that said recesses in the edge of the building element consist of a repetitive pattern of recesses over substantially the entire height of the edge of the building element. Hereby, a simple production of the building elements can be achieved.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, herein after, as an example without any limitative character, some preferred embodiments are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 in perspective represents a set of building elements and a connection piece with the characteristics of the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2, at a larger scale, represents a cross-section of a connection piece according to the line Il-Il indicated in figure 1; Figures 3 and 4 represent a cross-section of variants of a set of building elements according to the line Ill-Ill indicated in figure 1, however, in assembled condition; Figure 5 represents a set of building elements, in a view as indicated by F5 in figure 3, with the characteristics of the second aspect of the invention; Figures 6 and 7 represent a set of building elements, in a view similar to that of figure 5, in which filling materials are applied having the characteristics of the third aspect of the invention; Figure 8 represents a set of building elements according to a cross-section similar to that of figure 3, in unassembled condition, having the characteristics of the fourth aspect of the invention; Figure 9 represents a possible variant of the set of building elements according to a cross-section similar to that of figure 3, in unassembled condition, having the characteristics of the fourth aspect; Figure 10 represents a set of building elements according to a cross-section similar to that of figure 3, in unassembled condition, having the characteristics of the fifth aspect of the invention; Figure 11, in a view similar to that of figure 5, however, in drawn-apart condition, shows anothel variant having, amongst others, the characteristics of the second aspect of the invention; and Figure 12, in a similar view, also shows a second independent aspect of the invention which is further explained below.

Figure 1 represents a set of building elements 1-2 and a connection piece 3, in unassembled condition, having, amongst others, the characteristics of the first aspect of the invention. In the example of figure 1, the building elements 1 and 2 relate to two elements of the open type, more particularly a first building element 1 and a second building element 2. These two building elements 1-2 each comprise a base plate 4 and thermal insulation 5, as well as, in this example, each two ribs 6-7. For the simplicity of the figure, one half of the second building element 2 has been omitted by means of a cut in longitudinal direction of the building element.

The thermal insulation 5 in this example relates to a solid insulation material, more particularly a hard-foam insulation material of the type polyisocyanurate PIR.

The building elements 1-2 have a rectangular shape and are characterized by a width B, length Land a thickness D, wherein the building elements have a length L which is larger than the width B and larger than the thickness D. Said connection pieces 3 are realized as oblong components. Preferably, the connection pieces 3 have a length corresponding to the length L of the building elements 1-2.

Each building element further is characterized by an upper side 8 and a bottom side 9 with in between four edges 10-13. In the example of figure 1, according to the first aspect of the present invention each building element 1 and 2 is provided on two edges 10 and 12, more particularly on two opposite edges 10-12, with a groove 14 and 15. According to this example, these grooves 14-15 are of a constant cross-section and extend over the entire length L of the building elements 1-2.

In the represented example of figure 1, said connection piece 3 comprises a separate surface material 16 and a core material 17. In this example, the core material 17 is a wood-based material, more particularly plywood.

The particularity of the set of building elements 1-2 and connection piece 3 consists in that said separate surface material 16 of the connection piece 3 is made compressible.

Figure 2 represents a cross-section of the connection piece 3 according to the line Il-Il indicated in figure 1. In the example, as shown in figure 1 and 2, the separate surface material 16 is located on a portion of the core material 17, more particularly on two corners of the connection piece 3, which have to be provided in respective grooves 14 and 15 of the first and the second building element 1-2.

Said separate surface material 16 consists of two layers 18 and 19. More particularly, the separate surface material 16 in this example comprises a first layer of a foamed material 18, namely an open-cell PVC foam 18. Moreover, the separate surface material 16 comprises a second layer consisting of a sliding film 19, more particularly a polyester film 19. Still according to the represented example, the separate surface material 16 is a tape which is provided around the core material 17. The height of the connection piece 3 in uncompressed condition is represented here by Hi.

S

Figure 3 represents a variant with two identical connection pieces 3 which form a bridge between two adjacent building elements 1-2. In this example, the building elements 1-2 relate to building elements of the closed type. In this example, the building elements 1-2, apart from a base plate 4 and a thermal insulation 5, also comprise an upper plate 20 as well as counter battens 2i which are connected to the upper side of the upper plate 20.

Further, in figure 3 the uncompressed condition of the separate surface material 16 is shown schematically by means of the contour 31 represented in dotted line.

In the example of figure 3, the compression of the separate surface material 16 of both connection pieces 3 each time is obtained by an adapted dimensioning of the grooves 14-15 in respect to the connection piece 3.

In this example, said adapted dimensioning of the grooves 14-15 consists in that the height H2 of the grooves is smaller than the height Hi of the connection piece 3 in uncompressed condition.

According to the represented embodiment, the compression of the surface material 16 against the wall of the grooves 14-15 provides for a limitation or prevention of air circulation through the joint 32. In other words, hereby a certain airtightness is obtained of the joint 32 between the two adjacent building elements 1-2.

The building elements 1 and 2 from figure 3 further also show the preferred characteristic that they are provided with a vapor-repellent layer 33 located between the base plate 4 and the thermal insulation 5. Herein, the grooves 14-15 on the bottom side 9 of the building elements 1-2 each time are formed on one wall by said vapor-repellent layer 33.

Further, the lowermost connection piece 3 from the example of figure 3 also allows forming a continuous vapor-repellent layer 33. At the height of the joint 32, the surface material 16, more particularly the polyester film 19, forms a bridge over the vapor-repellent layers 33 of the adjacent building elements 1 and 2. Due to the compression of the surface material 16 against said wall of the grooves 14-15 it is obtained that vapor present in the air at the bottom side 9 cannot migrate through the joint 32 between two adjacent building elements 1-2.

In figure 4 another possible embodiment of the first aspect is shown, wherein the separate surface material 16 is provided as two separate strips on one side of the connection piece 3, more particularly on the downward-directed side.

Further, in this embodiment the compression of the separate surface material 16 is not obtained by an appropriate dimensioning of the grooves, but by a pressing-on system 22, more particularly a pressing-on system 22 with a screw system.

In a view similar to that of figure 3, figure 5 shows a set of building elements 1-2 in assembled condition having the characteristics of the second aspect of the invention. This figure represents a set of building elements 1, 2 wherein the building elements 1-2 each time are composed of a base plate 4 and a thermal insulation 5 and wherein a first building element 1 on one edge 10 is provided with a tongue 23. The particularity of the set of building elements 1-2 of figure 5 consists in that a second building element 2 on one edge 12 is provided with a compressible material part 24, which, in assembled condition of the building elements 1-2, cooperates with said tongue 23 of the first building element 1.

In the represented example of figure 5, the tongue 23 is formed by a local protrusion 23 on a lath 25 which in its turn is glued into the edge 10 of the first building element 1. In the figure, this glue connection 34 is schematically represented by a bold line. Further, the edge 12 of the second building element 2 shows a recess into which the compressible material part 24 is incorporated, more particularly partially incorporated, and herein the compressible material part 24 protrudes partially in respect to the edge 12. In the example, the compressible material part 24 relates to a closed-cell PVC foam.

Figure 6 represents a filling material 26 according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein this filling material substantially consists of a core material 17 and a surface material 16. The particularity of the filling material 26 of figure 6 consists in that the surface material 16 is more compressible than said core material 17. Further, the filling material 26 of the example of figure 6 also shows the characteristic that the filling material 26 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. According to this possible embodiment, said surface material 16, more particularly the open-cell PVC foam 16, is provided entirely around the core material 17. Further, the represented example also shows two recesses 27 extending in the direction of the height H3 of filling material. One of these recesses is located on the upper side and another is located on the bottom side of the filling material 26, whereas both recesses 27, seen in width direction, are located in the middle of the core material 17. According to this possibility, the filling material 26 shows the characteristic that the core material 17, in the direction of the height H3 of the filling material 26, comprises at least a zone which is free from recesses 27.

Hereby, a filling material 26 is created wherein the core material 17 has a H-shaped cross-section.

In figure 6 is also shown that the filling material 26, more particularly the surface material 16, is compressed when it is applied in the joint 32 of two adjacent building elements 1 and 2. In figure 6, the uncompressed condition is represented schematically by the contour 31 of the filling material 26 when the latter is not compressed.

Still according to the invention, figure 7 shows a possible variant of the filling material 26 wherein there are two recesses 27, more particularly one on the upper side and one on the bottom side of the filling material 26, whereas both recesses 27, seen in width direction, each are situated on one side of the center line M of the core material. According to this possibility, the filling material 26 further shows the characteristic that the core material 17 in the direction of the height H3 of the filling material 26 comprises at least a zone where both aforementioned recesses 27 are present. Hereby, a filling material 26 is created wherein the core material 17 has a S-shaped cross-section. Further, the example of figure 7 also shows the characteristic that the filling material 26 comprises a water-repellent element 28.

According to the possible embodiment shown in figure 7, the water-repellent element 28 is realized as a roof underlayment film 28. According to this example, the latter is partially connected to the upper side of the filling material 27 by means of a glue connection 34 and, on opposite sides of the filling material, also comprises a part reaching over the water-repellent layer 29 of the adjacent building elements 1 and 2. In the example of figure 10, the water-repellent element 28 herein may be placed over the ribs 6-7 of the building elements.

Figure 8 shows a set of building elements according to the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the building elements 1-2 are composed of a base plate 4 and thermal insulation 5 and wherein the building element 1 on one edge 10 comprises a compressible material pad 24. Seen in cross-section, this compressible material part 24 extends farther than the base plate 4 of the building element 1. The particularity of the set of building elements 1-2 of figure 8 consists in that an airtight joint can be formed, as the compressible material part 24, in assembled condition of the building elements 1-2, is compressed. As in the example of figure 8, said compressible material part 24 can be formed by a foamed material, more particularly by a closed-cell PVC foam 24 which is provided over approximately the entire height of the edge 10.

Figure 9 shows another possible embodiment of the fourth aspect. In this example, the thermal insulation 5 of the building elements consists of a soft insulation material, more particularly of glass wool insulation material 5. In this example, the compressible material part 24 is also formed by a soft insulation material, more particularly the same insulation material of the thermal insulation 5 of the building element. In this example, the compressible material part 24 is made in one piece with the thermal insulation 5 of the building element. When assembling two or more of such building elements 1-2, an airtight joint can be formed in that the compressible material part 24, in this case formed by a protruding part of the thermal insulation 5 of the building element, is compressed.

Figure 10 shows a set of building elements 1 according to the fifth and last aspect of the present invention, wherein the building elements 1-2 each time are composed of thermal insulation 5, a base plate 4 and in this example comprise a compressible material part 24 on two edges 10 and 12. In this example, the compressible material part 24, seen in cross-section, each time also extends farther than the base plate 4 of the building element 1-2. The particularity of the set of building elements 1-2 of figure 10 consists in that the edges 10 and 12 each time are formed by a solid insulation material 5, in this example, by PUR insulation material 5, and wherein said compressible material part 24 each time is formed by recesses 30. For clarity of the drawing, three of the many recesses 30 are indicated in figure 10. The recesses 30, as applied in the example of figure 10, each time form a repetitive pattern of recesses 30 over substantially the entire height of the edge 10-12 of each building element 1 and 2.

Referring to the dashed line 35 represented in figure 2, it is also noted that according to a variant the compressible surface material 16 and/or the sliding film 19 may extend over approximately the entire circumference of the connection piece 3 or core material 17.

Figure 11 represents a variant of the second aspect, wherein the tongue 23 is formed by a connection piece 3 and wherein the compressible material part 24 is provided in a groove 14. In this case, a compressible material part 24 is provided in the two opposite grooves 14-15. It is clear that in such case similar advantages can be achieved as described by means of the first aspect, however, with a traditional connection piece. Herein, the qualities of compressible surface material of the connection piece of the first aspect are taken over by the material part 24 provided in the grooves 14-15. It is clear that for the compressible material part 24 the same materials can be applied as for the compressible surface material of the first aspect, such as, for example, a tape of open-cell PVC foam, whether or not provided with a sliding film 19.

It is also noted that the embodiment of figure 11 also shows the characteristics of the fourth aspect of the invention, as in this case the compressible material part 24 extends to beyond the base plate 4.

Figure 12 represents an insulation panel 36, which, at least on one edge 37 of two opposite edges 37-38, is provided with a sealant 39. Herein, figure 12 forms an example of an insulation panel 36 having the characteristics of the sixth independent aspect. Preferably, by means of such sealant an airtight joint part between two of such adjacent insulation panels is achieved and/or a bond between two of such insulation panels is effected.

Said sealant preferably is chosen from butyl rubber, such as isobutylene isoprene rubber (IIR) or polyisobutylene rubber, polyacrylate. Preferably, the sealant comprises mineral filling materials. Such sealants adhere well, even on dusty surfaces. Thus, they are extremely suitable for realizing a good adherence on a surface of thermal insulation 5, such as on polyurethane or polyisocyanurate. For example, the material known on the market as Siga-Primur ® can be applied as a sealant.

Preferably, said sealant 39 is industrially applied and is covered by a foil which has to be removed at the work site.

The sixth aspect here is illustrated by means of a sandwich building element, namely a sandwich rafter roof element, but can also be applied with not structural insulation panels, which, for example, substantially consist of polyurethane or polyisocyanurate, or with open-scale building elements.

Figure 12 also illustrates a finishing profile 40 for the joint 32 at the interior side of the roof construction 41.

The present invention is in no way limited to the herein above-described embodiments, on the contrary may such building elements and roof constructions be realized according to various variants, without exceeding the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 21.

Claims

Claims.1.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces, wherein the building elements (1-2) are at least composed of thermal insulation (5) and a base plate (4), wherein the building elements (1-2) are provided with a groove (14) on at least one edge (10) and wherein said one or more connection pieces (3) are made as a spline, which each have to be provided both in said groove (14) of a first building element (1) and in a groove (15) of a second building element (2) for bridging a joint (32) between the first and the second building element (1-2) when the latter are adjacent in a construction, characterized in that at least the surface material (16) of the connection piece (3) is made compressible.
2.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that said one or more connection pieces (3) consist of at least two materials, more particularly a core material (17) and a separate surface material (16), and wherein the separate surface material (16) is more compressible than the core material (17).
3.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that said one or more connection pieces (3) have a bending stiffness which is larger than that of said base plate (4) of the building elements (1-2).
4.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said one or more connection pieces (3) are formed of extruded hard PVC, preferably with a separate surface material (16) which is formed of extruded soft PVC.
5.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said one or more connection pieces (3) comprise a so-called sliding film (19).
6.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said groove (14-15) is made in said thermal insulation (5) of the building elements (1-2).
7.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of said building elements (1-2) further comprise one or more ribs (6-7) and wherein at least one of said grooves (14-15) is performed in at least one of said ribs (6-7).
8.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in assembled condition, the bridge between two adjacent building elements (1-2), which, as aforementioned, is formed by at least one of said connection pieces (3), creates an airtight joint (32).
9.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said surface material (16) relates to a foamed material.
10.-Set of building elements and one or more connection pieces according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said surface material (16) is provided at least around one of the corners of the connection piece (3).
11.-Set of building elements, wherein the building elements (1-2) are at least composed of thermal insulation (5) and a base plate (4), wherein at least a first building element (1) is provided with a tongue (23) on at least one edge (10), characterized in that at least a second building element (2), on at least one edge (12), is provided with a compressible material part (24) which, in assembled condition of the first and the second building element (1-2), cooperates with said tongue (23) of the first adjacent building element (2).
12.-Set of building elements according to claim 11, characterized in that said tongue (23) is formed by a lath (25) which has been connected to the edge (10) of the first building element (1), preferably a lath (25) which has been glued into the edge(10).
13.-Set of building elements according to claims 11 or 12, characterized in that said compressible material part (24) is formed by a foamed material.
14.-Set of building elements according to any of the claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said compressible material part (24) is incorporated into the edge (12) of said second building element (2).
15.-Filling material for the joint (32) between adjacent building elements (1, 2), wherein this filling material (26) substantially consists of a core material (17) and a surface material (16), wherein said core material (17) relates to an insulation material, characterized in that the surface material (16) is more compressible than said core material (17).
16.-Set of building elements, wherein the building elements (1, 2) are at least composed of thermal insulation (5), a base plate (4) and a compressible material part (24) along at least one edge (10) of the building element (1), wherein said compressible material part (24), seen in cross-section, extends farther than the base plate (4), characterized in that, in assembled condition of two building elements (1-2), an airtight joint (32) can be created by compressing said compressible material part (24).
17.-Set of building elements, wherein the building elements (1, 2) are at least composed of thermal insulation (5), a base plate (4) and a compressible material part (24) along at least one edge (10) of the building element (1), wherein said compressible material part (24), seen in cross-section, extends farther than the base plate (4), characterized in that said at least one edge (10) of the building element (1) substantially is formed by a solid insulation material and wherein the compressible material part (24) is formed by recesses (30) in the edge (10) of the building element.
18.-Insulation panel, wherein this insulation panel is provided with a sealant (29) on one or more edges (37-38).
19.-Insulation panel according to claim 18, characterized in that, when a plurality of such insulation panels are applied in a construction, an airtight joint part is formed between two of such adjacent insulation panels by means of said sealant (39).
20.-Insulation panel according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, when a plurality of such insulation panels are applied in a construction, a bond is formed between two of such adjacent insulation panels by means of said sealant (39).
21.-Insulation panel according to any of the claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the sealant (39) is chosen from the list of butyl rubber, such as isobutylene isoprene rubber (IIR) or polyisobutylene rubber, polyacrylate.
22.-Insulation panel according to any of the claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the sealant comprises mineral filling materials.
23.-Insulation panel according to any of the claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the sealant is industrially applied and is covered by a foil.
24.-Insulation panel according to any of the claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the insulation panel is a not-structural insulation panel which substantially consists of polyurethane or polyisocyanurate, an open-scale building element or a sandwich building element.