GB2624700A

GB2624700A - A drainage system installation method and tool

Info

Publication number: GB2624700A
Application number: GB2217812.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Doouss Callum
Original assignee: Obex Protection Ltd
Current assignee: Obex Protection Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-28
Filing date: 2022-11-28
Publication date: 2024-05-29
Also published as: GB202217812D0

Abstract

The tool comprises a first arm 42a for contacting an inner wall 12 and a second arm 42b for contacting the upper surface of an outer wall 14 and extends across the cavity between the inner and outer walls. The first arm includes a marking guide spaced from the second arm which is a gradation. The second arm includes a indication gradation. The method of installing the drainage system comprises using the tool for marking the inner walls of two wall sections. The tool is configured in an initial position such that the first arm extends above the second arm and an initial mark is made on the inner wall. The tool is located in a corner position with the tool in contact with the two inner walls and the tool is aligned with the initial mark. A support mark is provided and then a support member 24 for supporting a flexible drainage membrane

Description

A DRAINAGE SYSTEM INSTALLATION METHOD AND TOOL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of installing a drainage system for a cavity formed between an internal wall and an outer wall of a building, and to a tool for installing a drainage system within a cavity formed between an internal wall and an outer wall of a building

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide drainage systems within an internal wall cavity of a building. An example of a known cavity wall drainage system includes a flexible waterproof membrane which is draped between the inner and outer walls of the building. The membrane is typically held in position by embedding its ends within the inner and outer walls (e.g., by lapping an end of the membrane between vertically adjacent courses of brickwork).

The membrane may be supported by a support framework made of a rigid polymeric material. The membrane support framework is typically arranged beneath the membrane within the cavity and is typically secured in position by embedding its ends within the inner and outer walls. The support framework includes an upper surface which supports the membrane as it drapes across the internal wall cavity. The upper surface is angled to cause the membrane to slope from the inner wall to the outer wall in a downward direction.

Once the drainage system is installed, any water running down the inner wall is directed by the membrane across the wall cavity towards the outer wall. From there, the water is channeled out of the internal wall cavity by one or more weepholes located through the base of the outer wall.

A known problem with such membrane-based drainage systems is that it can be difficult to position the membrane so that it forms a smooth flow path which channels water away from the internal wall cavity. If the membrane is not installed correctly, it may form unwanted folds and sagging portions which allow the water to pool therewithin. This can be a particular problem when installing a membrane at the corner between two wall sections, which requires great skill in order to prevent bunching and/or stretching of the membrane.

The present invention aims to address one or more of the above problems with existing drainage systems

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a drainage system at a corner between first and second wall sections of a building, wherein each wall section comprises an inner wall and an outer wall which together define a cavity therebetween, and the drainage system comprises a flexible membrane for suspending between the inner and outer walls to define a fluid flow path therebetween, the method comprises, during building of the first and second outer walls: providing a tool for marking the inner walls of the first and second wall sections, wherein the tool comprises a first arm and a second arm rigidly connected at an angle to the first arm, the first arm comprises a guide which is spaced apart from the second arm in a longitudinal direction of the first arm; configuring the tool in an initial position such that the first arm extends above the second arm and in which the second arm is arranged on an exposed upper surface of the first outer wall and extends across the cavity, the first arm being in contact with the first inner wall; marking the first inner wall with an initial mark using an initial mark gradation provided by the guide when the tool is configured in the initial position; configuring the tool in a corner position so that the first arm is in contact with the first inner wall and the second arm is in contact with the second inner wall, wherein the first arm is substantially aligned with the initial mark; marking the first inner wall with a support indication mark using a support indication gradation provided by the guide when the tool is configured in the corner position; and providing a support member for supporting the flexible membrane of the drainage system and attaching the support member to the first inner wall at the support indication mark.

According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a tool for installing a drainage system according to the method of the first aspect. The tool is configured for use during construction of a cavity wall as defined in the first aspect. The tool comprises a first arm for contacting against a cavity facing surface of the first inner wall. The tool further comprises a second arm for arranging on an exposed upper surface of the first outer wall.

The second arm extends across the cavity between the first inner and outer walls, when in use. The second arm is rigidly connected at an angle to the first arm. The first arm comprises a guide which is spaced apart from the second arm in a longitudinal direction of the first arm. The guide provides an initial mark gradation for marking the first inner wall with an initial mark when the tool is configured in the initial position. The guide further provides a support indication gradation for marking the first inner wall with a support indication mark when the tool is configured in the corner position.

According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit of parts for installing a drainage system at a corner between first and second wall sections of a building according to the method of the first aspect, the kit of parts comprises: a tool according to the second aspect; a flexible membrane for suspending, when in use, between the inner and outer walls to define a fluid flow path between the inner and outer walls of the respective first and second wall sections; and a support member for attaching, when in use, to the inner wall at the support indication mark to provide support for the flexible membrane According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a drainage system which is installed according to the method of the first aspect.

In known drainage systems, the positioning of the membrane at the corners requires significant folding of excess material. This requires considerable skill to ensure that the water will run off the membrane to prevent pooling etc. An advantage of the present disclosure is that it enables a user to align the elements of the drainage system (e.g., the membrane and support member) to the inner cavity wall in a more convenient, reproduceable and reliable manner. This improves the positioning of the flexible membrane such that it forms a smooth flow path across the cavity, which reduces the risk of water escaping into the wall cavity. In particular, the improved arrangement of the membrane at the corner means that there is a reduction in the need to remove excess membrane at the apex region of the corner, which may otherwise produce undesirable folds due to "bellying-up" of the membrane where it meets the outer wall. As well as improving the overall fit of the membrane, this also reduces the amount of waste (i.e., excess membrane) produced by the installation of the drainage system.

It will be appreciated that the inner and outer walls together form a section of the wall of the building. The inner and outer walls may extend in a substantially vertical direction to define a height of the wall section. The inner and outer walls may extend in a transverse, or widthwise, direction to define a width of the wall section. The inner and outer walls may be spaced apart in a depthwise direction (e.g., a transverse direction that is substantially perpendicular to the widthwise direction) in order to define a depth of the wall section.

The cavity may be defined between the inner wall and the outer wall. For example, in a wall section comprising an inner wall and an outer wall, the cavity may be formed by spacing apart the inner and outer walls in the depthwise direction (i.e., a transverse direction that is substantially perpendicular to the widthwise and vertical directions of the inner and outer walls).

As described above, the drainage system may be arranged at a corner between the first wall section and the second wall section. Accordingly, the first wall section may be arranged, e.g., orientated, at an angle to the second wall section, to define the corner between the wall sections. For example, the first wall section may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the second wall section.

The corner between the first and second wall sections may be an exterior (e.g., outer) corner, i.e., the corner extending outwardly. For example, an angle between a cavity facing surface of the inner walls of the respective wall sections may be greater than 180° (e.g., the cavity facing surface of the inner walls may be convex). In some cases, this angle may be about or exactly 270°.

Alternatively, the corner between the first and second wall sections may be an interior (e.g., inner) corner, i.e., the corner extending inwardly into the building. For example, the angle between the cavity facing surfaces of the inner wall sections may be less than 180° (e.g., the cavity facing surface of the inner walls may be concave). In some cases, this angle may be about or exactly 900.

Further optional features of the disclosure will now be set out. These may be applied to any aspect of the invention singly or in any combination unless the context demands otherwise.

The method of configuring the tool in the initial position may comprise arranging the second arm on an upper surface of the outer wall (e.g., an exposed surface of the unfinished outer wall). The first arm may be arranged to extend in a substantially upwards direction along the inner wall (e.g., in a substantially vertical direction). The second arm may extend in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., aligned with a substantially horizontal plane of the wall). The second arm may be arranged to extend along the second outer wall (i.e., the outer wall of the second wall section). The second arm may extend in a widthways direction of the second outer wall. The positioning of the tool in this way means that the second outer wall provides increased support for the tool when arranged in the initial position of the installation method.

The initial and corner positions of the tool may define first and second positions of the method, respectively. When the tool is configured in the initial position, the first arm may be arranged substantially adjacent to the inner wall (e.g., the first arm may be arranged to abut, or contact, the inner wall). The second arm may extend from the outer wall, across the cavity, towards the inner wall. Accordingly, when the tool is placed in the initial position, the guide may be arranged adjacent to the inner wall and above the outer wall (e.g., at a position on the inner wall which is higher than the exposed upper surface of the outer wall).

At least one of the arms (e.g., the first arm and/or the second arm) may comprise a substantially planar wall facing surface (i.e., a surface configurable to contact the cavity facing surface of the inner wall when the tool is arranged in at least one of the initial and corner positions). The method may comprise abutting the wall facing surface of the first arm to the first inner wall when the tool is arranged in at least one of the initial and corner positions. The method may comprise abutting the wall facing surface of the second arm to the second inner wall when the tool is arranged in the corner position. The planar surface of the arms helps to stabilise the tool in position (e.g., without rotating or tilting the tool). This makes it easier to hold (and/or rest) the tool against the inner walls, which enables the user to apply the markings easily and quickly to the inner wall.

At least one, or each, of the first and second arms may be substantially elongate. As outlined above, the guide is spaced apart from the second arm in a longitudinal direction of the first arm. The length of at least one of the arms (e.g., the second arm) is such that it enables the arm to rest on the outer wall and also span the cavity so that the other arm (e.g., the first arm) can contact the inner wall. The length of at least one, or each, of the arms may be at least 450 mm, optionally at least 480 mm, further optionally up to 500 mm.

The distance between the guide (e.g., the initial mark gradation of the guide) and the second arm may be at least 100 mm, optionally at least 150 mm.

The at least one arm may comprise a width which is between 70 to 120 mm, optionally around 100 mm. The guide (e.g., at least one of the gradations) may comprise an aperture with a substantially linear edge which extends in a lateral direction across the first arm. The linear edge (e.g., corresponding to the width of the aperture) may extend across the first arm by at least 20 mm and/or up to 50 mm, optionally around 50 mm. The aperture may comprise a length measured in the length direction of the first arm, the length of the aperture may be at least 2 mm and/or up to 5 mm, optionally around 5 mm.

The initial mark and/or the support indication mark may be made in a lateral (e.g., widthways) direction of the first arm. The method may comprise marking the initial mark across the inner wall in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., in a lateral, widthways, direction of the inner wall). The horizontal orientation of the initial mark means that it can be aligned more easily with the tool's first arm, when the tool is configured in the corner position.

When the tool is arranged in the corner position, a junction (e.g., a seam, corner, or fold line) between the first and second arms may be aligned vertically with the corner which is formed between the first and second inner walls.

When configured in the corner position, the tool may be arranged such that the first and second arms are substantially horizontal. Accordingly, the corner position may define a substantially horizontal tool position. The method may comprise orientating the tool from the initial position to the corner position, which may comprise rotating the tool (e.g., the first arm) about a longitudinal axis of the second arm in a counter-clockwise direction by an angle of around or exactly 90°.

According to an exemplary method, the support indication gradation may be made in a lateral (e.g., widthways) direction of the first arm. The method may comprise marking the support indication gradation so that it extends in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., up and/or down the inner wall). The support member may be configured, when in use, to extend downwardly from the inner wall towards the outer wall. Therefore, by configuring the support indication gradation with a substantially vertical alignment, this helps with the alignment of the vertically orientated support member.

The support indication gradation may be spaced apart from the initial gradation by a distance of at least 100 mm. In this way, the resulting support indication gradation on the first inner wall will be spaced apart (i.e., in a horizontal direction) from the second inner wall by a greater distance than by which the support indication gradation is spaced apart (i.e in a vertical direction) from the first outer wall.

The first arm may comprise a plurality of support indication gradations (i.e., two or more gradations). For example, the first arm may comprise eight support indication gradations. The plurality of support indication gradation s may be each spaced apart by a different distance from the second arm (i.e., in a longitudinal direction of the first arm).

The method may comprise selecting one of the plurality of support indication gradations based on a dimension (e.g., width) of the flexible membrane corner section. Alternatively, or in addition, the support indication gradation may be selected based the width of the wall cavity (i.e., the distance between the inner and outer walls). In this way, the tool may be used to fit flexible membrane corner sections of various different sizes (e.g., suitable for different sized wall cavities).

At least one, or each, of the plurality of support indication gradations may be arranged at a distance of around 100 mm from the initial gradation. The support indication gradation may be spaced apart from the second arm (e.g., in a longitudinal direction of the first arm) by a distance of at least 200 mm and/or up to 275 mm.

The method may comprise selecting a support indication gradation which is positioned furthest from the second tool arm (e.g., at a distance of around 275 mm) when installing a membrane across a wall cavity which is around 275 mm wide. The method may comprise selecting a support indication gradation which is positioned closest to the second tool arm (e.g., at a distance of around 200 mm) when the wall cavity is around 100 mm wide.

The plurality of support indication gradations may be equidistantly spaced along the first arm, which enables the user to make incremental adjustments to the positioning (i.e., and marking) of the second inner wall mark, to accommodate differently sized flexible membrane corner sections. The distance between two or more of the plurality of support indication gradations may be substantially smaller than the distance between the initial gradation and the nearest support indication gradation.

At least one, or each, of the first and second arms may comprise at least one longitudinal edge (or side). VVhen the tool is configured in the initial position, the at least one longitudinal edge of the first arm may be arranged so as to be substantially vertical. In the first position, a longitudinal edge of the second arm may be substantially horizontal. When the tool is configured in the corner position, the at least one longitudinal edge of the first arm (and/or the second arm) may be substantially horizontal. The first and/or second arm may each comprise two parallel longitudinal edges. The first and/or second arm may comprise a substantially rectangular shape which also includes lateral edges at the distal end of the arm(s) When the tool is configured in the corner position, the at least one longitudinal edge of the first arm may be positioned adjacent to, and/or aligned with, the initial mark. In this arrangement, the longitudinal edge may define an upper or lower edge of the first arm. By configuring the initial mark as a substantially horizontal line on the inner wall, this makes it easier to align the (horizontal) upper and/or lower edge of the first arm with the initial mark.

to The method may comprise marking the first inner wall with a further support indication mark (e.g., a third mark) along at least one of the longitudinal edges of the first arm. As such, the at least one longitudinal edge of the first arm may define part of the guide. For example, one of the first arm's longitudinal edges (e.g., the lower edge) may be aligned with the initial mark and the further support indication mark may be marked along the same longitudinal edge of the arm. In this way, the further support indication mark can be configured to extend the initial mark along the length of the first arm (i.e., in a horizontal direction of the first inner wall). The further support indication mark may be used to align at least part of the membrane support on the first inner wall.

The first support indication mark (i.e., which is marked using the support indication gradation) may be substantially vertical, whereas the further support indication mark (i.e., which is marked using the lower edge of the first arm) may be substantially horizontal. Accordingly, the first and second support indication marks may define vertical and horizontal support indication marks, respectively.

The method may comprise marking the first inner wall, when the tool is in the corner position, with a membrane indication mark (e.g., a fourth mark) along the other of the at least one longitudinal edges of the fist tool arm. For example, one of the first arm's longitudinal edges (e.g., the lower edge) may be aligned with the initial mark and the membrane indication may be made along the other of the longitudinal tool arm edges (e.g., the upper edge). The membrane indication mark may be used to align at least part of the membrane on the first inner wall.

Accordingly, the further support indication mark may correspond to a lower horizontal mark aligned with the lower edge of the first arm and the membrane indication mark may represent an upper horizontal mark aligned with the first arm's upper edge. At least one of the further support indication mark and the membrane indication mark may be configured to extend along the entire length of the first arm. At least one, or each of the further support indication mark and/or the membrane indication mark may extend towards (and/or beyond) the first support indication mark, which helps with the alignment of the support member and/or membrane of the drainage system.

The method of marking the inner wall (e.g., marking at least one, or each, of the initial mark, the first support indication mark, the second support indication mark, and the membrane indication mark) may involve using a marking device, such as a pen, pencil, or scribe.

As outlined above, the method comprises attaching the support member to the inner wall at the support indication mark. The support member may comprise an attachment portion configured to attach the support member to the first inner wall. The method of attaching the support member to the inner wall may comprise aligning the attachment portion to the support indication mark. The support indication mark may be aligned with a lateral (i.e., substantially vertical) edge of the support member (e.g., a lateral edge of the support member which is furthest away from the corner).

The support member may comprise a membrane guiding portion coupled to the attachment portion and configured at a fall angle to guide the flexible membrane across the cavity in a substantially downward direction across the cavity (i.e., from the inner wall to the outer wall). The method may comprise positioning a base, or lower edge, of the attachment portion (e.g., where the attachment portion connects to the membrane guiding portion of the support member) on the first wall at substantially the same height as the initial mark. In this way, the lower edge of the attachment portion may be substantially horizontally aligned with the initial mark. In exemplary methods in which a further (e.g., horizontal) support indication mark is provided, then the base of the attachment portion may be positioned adjacent to, and/or aligned with, the further support indication mark.

The drainage system may comprise a first support member configured to extend substantially between the inner and outer walls of the first wall section, and a second support member configured to extend substantially between the inner and outer walls of the second wall section. The method may comprise attaching the attachment portion of the first support member to the first inner wall, attaching the attachment portion of the second support member to the second inner wall, and arranging the flexible membrane onto the membrane guiding portions of the respective support members, to guide the membrane across the cavity in a substantially downward direction from the inner wall to the outer wall.

As outlined above, the flexible membrane may be configured so that, in use, at least a portion of the membrane is attached to the inner wall (e.g., to define an attachment portion, or an inner wall attachment portion, of the membrane). The attachment portion may correspond to the upper portion of the flexible membrane when the membrane is installed across the wall cavity.

The method of installing the drainage system may comprise aligning the attachment portion of the membrane with at least one of the marks on the first inner wall. An upper (e.g., substantially horizontal) edge of the membrane's attachment portion may be positioned adjacent to, and/or aligned with, the membrane indication mark. In exemplary methods in which a further support indication mark is provided, a lower edge, or base, of the membrane's attachment portion (e.g., a line where the attachment portion meets an angled middle portion of the membrane) may be positioned adjacent to, and/or aligned with, the further support indication mark. In this way, the base of the membrane attachment portion may be substantially horizontally aligned with the initial mark.

The highest point at which the membrane attaches to the wall may be substantially higher than the corresponding highest attachment point of the support member. In this way, the weight of the membrane will cause it to drape onto the support member, which thereby helps the user to accurately install the membrane across the cavity.

The flexible membrane may comprise a plurality of flexible membrane portions which are configured to extend across different sections of the cavity. The flexible membrane portions may be arranged, in use, such that they lie adjacent to each other to form a continuous membrane which extends in a transverse, or widthways, direction along each wall section.

In an exemplary arrangement, the membrane may comprise a first membrane portion which extends along at least part of the first wall section. The first membrane portion may be supported at one end by the first support member. A second membrane portion may be configured to extend along at least part of the second wall section. The second membrane portion may be supported at one end by the second support member. A corner membrane portion (e.g., a third membrane portion) may be configured to extend along at least part of the first and second wall sections, so as to cover the corner therebetween. The corner membrane portion may be supported by the first and second support members.

A first lateral edge, or side, of the corner membrane portion may be arranged on the first support member, near to (e.g., adjacent to) an opposing lateral edge of the first membrane portion. A second lateral edge of the corner membrane portion may be arranged on the second support member, near to (e.g., adjacent to) an opposing lateral edge of the second membrane portion.

The opposing lateral edges of the flexible membrane portions may be arranged to abut, or overlap, with each other in order to form a seam therebetween. The seam may extend in a lengthwise direction along the membrane guiding portion of the respective membrane support. An adhesive, or sealant, may be applied to the seam to prevent ingress of water between the membrane portions. The sealant may be applied with a mastic applicator.

The membrane may be cut to size in order to fit within the cavity. For example, the membrane may comprise a plurality of membrane portions wherein at least one, or each, of the membrane portions may be pre-cut to a predetermined size and shape. When on-site, the membrane portions may be further cut to fit the specific dimensions of the cavity.

At least a portion of the support member and/or the flexible membrane may comprise an inner wall facing surface (i.e., a surface which faces the inner wall, when in use). At least a portion of the inner wall facing surface may be attachable to the first inner wall (e.g., to define respective attachment portions of the support member and/or flexible membrane).

The inner wall facing surface may be attached (e.g., bonded) to a cavity facing surface of the inner wall (e.g., the cavity facing surface may extend at least partially across the first and/or second inner wall sections, and may accommodate a plurality of support members attached thereto).

A fixing tape may be applied to at least a portion of the inner wall facing surface of the support member and/or flexible membrane. The fixing tape (e.g., a double-sided fixing tape) may be interposed between the inner wall facing surface and the inner wall. For example, the fixing tape may extend parallel to an upper edge of the membrane.

Alternatively, the wall facing surface may be coated (e.g., directly coated) with an adhesive configured to adhere the support member and/or flexible membrane to the inner wall. For example, the adhesive coating may extend parallel to an upper edge of the membrane.

In exemplary arrangements in which an adhesive coating is applied to a surface of the drainage system, for example the support member, or the flexible membrane, then the adhesive coating may be covered in a release layer, e.g., a release tape. The method may 20 25 30 comprise removing the release layer from the adhesive coating immediately prior to installing the component of the drainage system.

The method may comprise, once the membrane is arranged in place within the wall cavity, applying an adhesive, or sealant, to a seam which may have been formed between the edges of two adjacent flexible membrane portions. In so doing, the seam between the membrane portions may be sealed to prevent ingress of water.

The method may comprise installing the drainage system on the first and/or second wall section (e.g., the second inner and outer wall). At least one, or each, of the method steps described above with regard to the first inner wall may also be carried out on the second inner wall. For example, the method steps relating to the marking the first inner wall may be repeated for the second inner wall. A plurality of the method steps may be carried out as a separate sequence for each of the first and second inner walls (e.g., the plurality of guide marks may be provided on the first inner wall before then applying corresponding guide marks to the second wall). Alternatively, individual method steps may be carried out with respect of both inner walls before moving onto the next method step (e.g., the initial mark may be made on the first inner wall, then the corresponding initial mark can be applied to the second inner wall, before continuing with the method and applying further marks to the first inner wall).

At least one, or each, of the support indication marks and/or the membrane indication marks may be provided on both the first and second inner walls whilst the tool is arranged in the corner position. This saves time for the installer (e.g., by not requiring the tool to be moved to a different position in order to mark up the second inner wall) and it ensures that the markings on each of the first and second walls are aligned, which improves the arrangement of the support members and the corner membrane portion.

According to the second aspect, the tool may be configured for installing a drainage system according to the method of the first aspect. The tool comprises a first arm for arranging against a cavity facing surface of the first inner wall and a second arm for arranging on top of an exposed upper surface of the first outer wall. The second arm is rigidly connected at an angle to the first arm, and the first arm comprises a guide which is spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the first arm from the second arm.

The tool provides a simplified, and reproduceable means of marking the inner wall so that the flexible membrane can be attached to a position on the inner wall, which leads to the advantageous positioning of the membrane across the cavity at the corner of the two wall sections. The use of the tool means that less skill and effort are required to arrange the support member and the flexible membrane (e.g., by increasing the repeatability of each element) between the cavity wall, which thereby reduces the cost of installing the drainage system.

The tool may be configurable in the initial position in which the second arm is arranged on the exposed upper surface of the first outer wall, and the first arm extends above the second arm adjacent to the cavity facing surface of the first inner wall. The tool may be further configurable in the corner position (e.g., at the corner between the first and second inner walls) so that the first arm is substantially aligned with the initial mark. In this way, the tool is configurable in different positions on the inner wall to allow the user to provide the initial mark and the support indication mark (i.e., when the tool is configured in the initial and corner positions, respectively).

The tool may be "double-sided", such that the second arm is configured to substantially mirror the features of the first arm. For example, the second arm may have at least one of the same shape, form, and dimensions as the first arm. The second arm may comprise a guide which comprises at least one (or a plurality) of gradation(s), as described above in relation to the first arm. The guide of the second arm may substantially mirror the respective guide of the first arm. For example, a gradation arranged on the second tool arm may be spaced apart from the first arm by the same distance that the corresponding gradation of the first arm is spaced apart from the second arm.

Advantageously, the double-sided tool configuration enables both the first and second inner walls to be marked-up at substantially the same time (i.e., without having to re-orientate the tool between the first and second wall sections). For example, when the tool is configured in the corner position, the method may comprise marking the first (e.g., left hand) inner wall with a mark adjacent to the guide of the first arm, and marking the second (e.g., right hand) inner wall with a mark adjacent to the corresponding guide of the second arm.

At least a portion of the tool may comprise a planar surface which, when in use, is configured to face towards (e.g., abut) the inner wall, to define an inner wall facing surface of the tool. The inner wall facing surface may extend across the first and second arms of the tool. In exemplary arrangements in which the tool is configured to contact the inner wall (e.g., when configured in the corner position of the installation method), the inner wall facing surfaces of the first and second arms may be configured, respectively, to contact the first and second inner walls.

At least one, or each, of the first and second arms may comprise a substantially planar structure (e.g., wherein the length and/or width of at least one of the first and second arms is substantially greater than its thickness/depth). Accordingly, the at least one, or each, of the first and second arms may comprise a further (i.e., second) substantially planar surface arranged on an opposite side of the arm to the wall facing surface.

The guide may be provided on the surface of the arm which is opposite the wall facing surface. Accordingly, the gradations of the guide are clearly visible to an installer of the drainage system when they are directly facing the inner wall.

The at least one arm may be configured such that its length and width are configured to define a substantially rectangular shape. The at least one arm may be configured (e.g., dimensioned) so that its width is substantially the same thickness of the outer wall (e.g., the dimension of the outer wall measured in the depth direction), so that when the tool is placed on the outer wall (e.g., when arranged in the initial position of the method) it provides a stable connection therebetween.

The length of at least one of the first and second arms may be configured to be substantially greater than the cavity width (e.g., the distance measured between the inner and outer walls), such that when the tool is arranged in the initial position of the installation method, the second arm can bridge the cavity so that the first arm can contact the inner wall. In this way, the tool can provide a stable platform with which to mark the inner wall, according to the initial gradation.

The angle between the first and second arms of the tool may be configured to substantially conform to the profile of the corner between the first and second inner walls. In exemplary arrangements in which the corner between the first and second wall sections has a convex profile (e.g., an exterior corner), then the tool may be configured such that an angle between the wall facing surfaces of the first and second arms is less than 180° (e.g., around or exactly 90°), typically corresponding to the angle between the cavity facing surfaces of the inner wall sections.

In alternative arrangements in which the corner between the first and second wall sections has a concave profile (e.g., an interior corner), then the tool may be configured such that the angle between the wall facing surfaces of the first and second arms is greater than 1800, (e.g., around or exactly 270°) which may thereby correspond to the angle between the cavity facing surfaces of the inner walls.

The tool may comprise a support (or reinforcement) structure which is attached to each of the first and second arms. For example, the support structure may be arranged on a non-wall facing surface of the, or each arm. The support structure may comprise a strut, or brace, (e.g., a substantially elongate member). The support strut may be arranged at an angle to each of the first and second arms (e.g., an angle of around 45°). The support structure may be configured (e.g., dimensioned) to define a handle to allow a user to easily hold and/or manoeuvre the tool into position.

At least one, or each, of the arms may comprise a lip, or flange, which extends from at least one of its longitudinal edges. The at least one arm may be arranged so that, when the tool is in use (e.g., in the corner position of the installation method), the flange extends away from the inner wall. For example, the flange may be upstanding from a surface which is opposite the inner wall facing surface of the arm. In this way, the flange may provide a stable guide for a marking device (e.g., a pen, pencil, or scribe) when marking the inner wall. The flange may extend substantially along the entire length of the arm, so as to guide the marking device along the length of the arm.

The tool may comprise a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel. In this way, the tool may be substantially rigid (e.g., resistant to deformation). The tool may be configured to support its own weight when in use, for example when arranged in the first and/or corner positions of the installation method. The tool may be formed from a single elongate member which is folded along a fold line to define the first and second arms.

The draining system may comprise a plurality of support members configured to provide further support for the flexible membrane. The further support members may be spaced apart in a widthways direction along at least one, or each, of the first and second wall sections. First and second support members may be arranged either edge of the corner between the first and second wall sections in order to provide increased support and structure for the corner section of the flexible membrane.

At least a portion of an upper surface of at least one, or each, of the first and second support members may be attachable to the flexible membrane, e.g., to an underside of the membrane. At least a portion of the upper surface may be attached (e.g., bonded) to the flexible membrane. For example, fixing tape and/or adhesive may be arranged on a membrane facing surface of at least one, or each, of the support member(s) (e.g., interposed between the membrane and the membrane facing surface of the support member).

The at least one support member may further comprise an anchor portion configured to attach the support member to the outer wall. The anchor portion may be configured to be lapped at least partially through the outer wall. This allows the support member to be secured in position relative to the outer wall, and thereby helps to support the flexible to membrane across the cavity.

At least one, or each, of the first and second support members may comprise a metal or metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel). Therefore, the support members may provide increased resistance to failure in the event of a fire.

At least one, or each, of the support members may be formed of a plastically deformable material. This enables the attachment and/or anchor portion(s) of the support member to be deformed, relative to the membrane guiding portion, so as to change the fall angle of the membrane guiding portion. At least one or each of the first and second support members may be configured with one or more perforation(s) at a respective fold location to make it easier to bend the support member into the desired shape for installation across the wall cavity.

The flexible membrane may comprise a fibrous material which may be faced on at least one edge with a fire-resistant water-resistant material. The fire-resistant water-resistant material (i.e., a material that is both fire-resistant and water-resistant) may comprise silicone. The fibrous material may comprise a plurality of glass fibres. The fibrous material may be a woven fibrous material. A problem with known membrane-based drainage systems is that the membrane can be susceptible to failure in the event of a fire, in view of the typical materials used for the membrane. By forming the flexible membrane out of fire-resistant materials, the present drainage system is able to satisfy stringent fire safety buildings regulations. In the event of a fire, the use of fire-resistant materials prevents the spread of fire to other areas of the building through the wall cavity (e.g., between adjacent floors of a building). As mentioned above the facing of the fibrous material may be silicone but other facing materials are envisaged. For example, the facing may comprise metallised polyester, or metallic foil such as aluminium foil.

As outlined above, various elements of the drainage system may be installed using fixing tape. The fixing tape may comprise a film which is configured with an attachment means on at least one of its planar surfaces. The attachment means may comprise an adhesive coating, or layer. The film may be coated with an adhesive coating on both of its planar surfaces, for example to define a double-sided fixing tape. The adhesive coating on the fixing tape may be covered with a removable release layer (e.g., release tape) which protects the adhesive, when not in use. The release layer can be removed from the fixing tape before the flexible membrane is installed on the inner wall.

The film of the fixing tape may be formed of a polyester fabric (e.g., a polyester scrim). The adhesive coating may comprise an acrylic dispersion. The release layer may comprise a silicone-coated paper. The fixing tape may be self-adhering. Furthermore, the film may be configured to exhibit an initial tackiness to enable installation of the tape. The tape may be configured to form an immediate cold seam, which is extremely strong and protects against draining rainwater.

According to an exemplary arrangement, a portion of fixing tape is provided (e.g., unspooled from a roll and then cut to size) with an exposed adhesive coating on a first planar surface of the fixing tape. The first planar surface may be installed on the wall facing surface of the flexible membrane and/or support member and adhered thereto by the adhesive coating. A release layer may be removed from an adhesive coating on a second planar surface of the fixing tape before the flexible membrane and/or support member is installed on the wall. It will be appreciated that the first and second planar surfaces of the fixing tape may be installed in any order.

At least one, or each, of the inner and outer walls may be constructed from a plurality of masonry units. For example, the inner wall may be formed of concrete masonry units, e.g., concrete blocks. The outer wall may be formed of bricks. The masonry units can be laid on top of each other to build up the walls, in a manner that would be readily understood by the skilled person. According to an alternative exemplary arrangement, the at least one or each of the inner and outer walls may be formed of panels which, for example, may be made of wood. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the inner and outer walls may be formed of any number of building materials without departing form the scope of the present invention. According to an exemplary arrangement, at least one, or each, of the inner and outer walls may be formed of any one of concrete, gypsum core board, cement particle board and calcium silicate board.

The drainage system may comprise at least one weep channel, which may be arranged within the outer wall. The at least one weep channel may be fluidly connected to the flexible membrane. In exemplary arrangements in which the flexible membrane is lapped through the outer wall, the at least one weep channel may be arranged at the same vertical position in the outer wall as the lapped flexible membrane. The weep channel may be arranged at the same vertical position as the lapped anchor portion of the support member.

The weep channel may enable water to drain through the outer wall (i.e., away from the cavity). The weep channel may also provide ventilation to the cavity (e.g., to allow air to flow into the cavity).

The invention includes the combination of the preferred or optional features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and exemplary arrangements of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 show different stages of a method for installing a drainage system at an interior corner of a cavity wall; Figures 9, 10 and 11 are front perspective, rear perspective, and plan views, respectively, of a tool for installing the drainage system according to the method shown in Figs. 1 to 8; Figures 12 and 13 are plan views of templates for corner sections of a membrane for the drainage system which is installed according to the method shown in Figs. 1 to 8; and Figure 14 is a flow chart showing the method steps of the method shown in Figs. 1 to 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and exemplary arrangements of the disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying Figures. Further aspects and exemplary arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figures 1 to 8 show the different stages of a method of installing a drainage system 10 at an interior corner of a cavity wall of a building. The method involves the use of a tool 40 which is used to mark the inner walls of the building. As will be explained in more detail below, the wall markings make it easier for the installer to position the components of the drainage system 10 correctly, which improves the arrangement of the drainage system within the cavity. The resulting drainage system prevents pooling of water and thereby ensures the drainage system provides a smooth flow path for directing water across the wall cavity. The specific method steps are described in more detail below. First, the wall sections and drainage system 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8.

Each of the inner and outer walls 12, 14 extend in a substantially vertical direction to define a height (H) of each wall section 16a, 16b. The walls 12, 14 also extend in a transverse, or widthways, direction to define a width (VV) of each wall section 16a, 16b. The inner and outer walls 12, 14 are spaced apart in a depth direction (e.g., a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the widthways direction). This direction defines a depth (D) of each wall section 16a, 16b, and also the depth of the cavity (C), as shown in Fig. 1.

In this exemplary arrangement, the wall sections 16a, 16b intersect to define an interior corner having a concave profile (i.e., the corner extends inwardly into the interior of the building). The first wall section 16a is substantially perpendicular to the second wall section 16b to form a 90° angle therebetween. For example, the angle between the cavity facing surfaces of the respective wall sections 16a, 16b is 90°. It will be readily apparent on the basis of this disclosure how the embodiment can be modified to be suitable for a convex profile corner (e.g., an exterior corner).

The inner and outer walls 12, 14 are constructed from a plurality of masonry units. The inner wall 12 is formed from concrete masonry units, e.g., concrete blocks, and the outer wall 14 is formed of bricks. The masonry units are laid on top of each other in order to build up the respective inner and outer walls 12, 14, as would be understood by the skilled person. It will be appreciated, however, that the inner and outer walls 12, 14 may be formed of various alternative building materials without departing form the scope of the present disclosure.

The cavity extends between the first and second wall sections 16a, 16b to define a single continuous cavity, as shown most clearly in Fig. 1. Once installed, the drainage system 10 extends across the cavity between an inner wall 12 and an outer wall 14 at a corner between a first wall section 16a and a second wall section 16b, as shown most clearly in Fig. 8.

The drainage system 10 comprises a flexible membrane 20 which extends between the inner and outer walls 12, 14 of the first and second wall sections 16a, 16b. The flexible membrane 20 is supported by a plurality of support members 18a, 18b which also extend between the inner and outer walls 12, 14, as shown in Figs. 5 to 7. Each of the support members 18a, 18b and the flexible membrane 20 have upper portions which are attached to the inner wall 12 by an adhesive, as described in more detail below. They also each have an anchor portion which is arranged on an exposed upper surface 38 of the outer wall 14.

The tool 40 is used to mark the inner wall with the correct position of the support members 18a, 18b and the flexible membrane 20, which helps to orientate and stabilise the membrane 20 in position so that it can be more easily affixed to the support members 18a, 18b. The tool 40 has a first arm 42a, and a second arm 42b which is rigidly connected at an angle to the first arm 42a. The first and second arms 42a, 42b each include a guide (i.e., a marking guide), which enables the user to mark the cavity facing surface of the inner walls 12, as will be explained in more detail below. The guide on each arm comprises a plurality of gradations 44, 46a, 46b (e.g., apertures) which extend in a lateral direction across the respective elongate tool arms 42a, 42b, as shown in Fig. 1.

The support members 18a, 18b are arranged at either side of the corner between the wall sections 16a, 16b, as shown in Fig. 6. The flexible membrane 20 is supported by, and extends between, the first and second support members 18a, 18b to define a fluid flow path between the inner and outer walls 12, 14. A first support member 18a extends between the inner and outer walls 12, 14 of the first wall section 16a, and a second support member 18b extends between the inner and outer walls 12, 14 of a second wall section 16b.

Each of the first and second support members 18a, 18b includes an upper attachment portion, by which the respective support members 18a, 18b are attached to the inner wall 12. Each of the attachment portions is configured with a wall facing surface which, in use, is coated with an adhesive configured to adhere the support member to a vertical surface of the inner wall 12, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Each of the support members 18a, 18b is provided with an anchor portion which anchors the respective support member 18a, 18b to the outer wall 14. In particular, the anchor portions are configured to be lapped at least partially through the outer wall 14, as shown in Fig. 6.

Each of the support members 18a, 18b further comprises a membrane guiding portion 24 which is configured to guide the membrane 20 across the internal cavity. The membrane guiding portion 24 of each support member is configured at a fall angle to the respective attachment and anchor portions 26, 28. In this way, the membrane guiding portion 24 is configured to guide the flexible membrane 20 across the cavity in a substantially downward direction from the inner wall 12 to the outer wall 14, when in use.

The upper surfaces of the support members 18a, 18b are attached to the flexible membrane 20 with double-edged fixing tape (not shown). The fixing tape configured to adhere the membrane 20 to the inner wall 12 to provide a watertight seal between the membrane and the inner wall 12. Alternatively, a coating of adhesive may be applied to the support members 18a, 18b and/or the corresponding regions of the underside of the membrane 20 to bond the membrane to the support members 18a, 18b.

The flexible membrane 20 comprises a plurality of membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c which are arranged adjacently to one another, as shown in Fig. S. A first (linear) membrane portion 20a extends between the inner and outer walls 12, 14 of the first wall section 16a. A second (linear) membrane portion 20b is disposed between the inner and outer walls 12, 14 of the second wall section 16b, and a third (corner) membrane portion 20c is arranged between the inner and outer walls 12, 14 at the intersection between the wall sections 16a, 16b.

The first, second and corner membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c are configured with a predetermined size and shape. The membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c are cut to approximate dimensions off-site (e.g., in a factory) and then trimmed to the required size on-site.

The first and second membrane portions 20a, 20b are substantially rectangular, whereas the corner membrane portion 20c has a tapered profile as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. In particular, the corner membrane portion 20c includes a narrower upper end and a wider lower end such that corner membrane portion's lateral edges are substantially straight when it is installed between the inner and outer walls 12, 14. Accordingly, the lateral edges of the corner membrane portion 20c align with the support members 18a, 18b, as shown in Fig. 6.

The drainage system 10 further includes plurality of weep channels (not shown), which are arranged at various points along the outer wall 14. The weep channels are arranged at the same vertical position in the outer wall 14 as the membrane and the anchor portions 28 of the support members 18a, 18b. In this way, the weep channels are fluidly connected to the membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c to allow water to drain through the outer wall 14 (i.e., away from the cavity).

Each of the support members 18a, 18b are made of stainless steel, which enables the support members to be deformed so as to provide the desired fall angle for the membrane 20. Forming the support members from stainless steel also ensures their fire resistance.

The flexible membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c are made from a fibrous woven material which is faced on at least one edge with a continuous layer of fire-resistant water-resistant material. The fire-resistant water-resistant material may be a silicone, for example. The fibrous material may be woven glass fibre, for example.

The fixing tape which is applied to the attachment portions of the support members 18a, 18b and the membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c, comprises a film which is coated with an adhesive on both of its planar surfaces to define a double-sided fixing tape. When not in use, the fixing tape is spooled onto a roll for storage, which protects the adhesive coating provided on the first planar surface. The adhesive coating on the second planar surface is covered with a removable release layer which protects the adhesive, for example when the first planar surface is bonded to component of the drainage system. The release layer can be removed before the second planar surface is of the fixing tape is installed.

The film of the fixing tape is formed of a polyester fabric (e.g., a polyester scrim), which provides structural support for the tape. The adhesive coating comprises an acrylic dispersion. The release layer is a silicone-coated paper. An example of a suitable fixing tape is CORTEX® double-sided tape.

Specific features of the tool 40 will now be described with particular reference to Figs. 9 to 11. The tool 40 is "double-sided", such that the second arm is configured to substantially mirror the features of the first arm. As shown most clearly in Fig. 9, each of the first and second tool arms 42a, 42b has a length L, and a width W, which are substantially greater than their depth D. Each arm has a substantially rectangular planar shape, and the width of each arm is substantially the same thickness as the outer wall 14, so that when the tool is placed on the outer wall it provides a stable connection therebetween.

The tool 40 has a substantially planar surface which, when in use, is configured to face towards (e.g., abut) the cavity facing surface of the inner wall 12. The wall facing surface 48 extends along both the first and second arms of the tool, as shown in Fig. 10. Accordingly, when the tool 40 is arranged at the corner between the first and second inner walls 12, the wall facing surface 48 is configured to contact the respective cavity facing surfaces of the first and second inner walls 12. Each arm is configured with a further substantially planar surface 50 arranged opposite the inner wall facing surface 48, as shown in Fig. 9.

The angle between the first and second arms is configured to substantially conform to the profile of the corner between the first and second inner walls. In the exemplary arrangements shown in Figs. 1 to 8, the corner between the inner walls has a concave profile (e.g., to define an interior corner). Accordingly, the tool 40 is configured such that the angle between the wall facing surfaces of the first and second arms 42a, 42b is around 270°, which corresponds to the angle between the cavity facing surfaces of the inner wall sections 16.

The length L of each arm is configured to be substantially greater than the cavity (e.g., the distance measured between the inner and outer walls 12, 14), such that when the one of the tool arms is placed on top of an exposed surface of the outer wall 14 (as shown in Figs. 2a and 2b), the resting arm is able to overhang the cavity so that the upstanding arm can make contact with the inner wall 12. In this way, the tool 40 provides a stable platform with which to mark the inner wall 14, as will be explained in more detail below in relation to the installation method.

The tool 40 includes a support structure 52 which is attached to each of the first and second arms 42a, 42b. As is shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the support structure 52 is arranged on the non-wall facing edge of each arm 42a, 42b. The support structure forms a strut which extends at an angle of around 45° from the non-wall facing surfaces 50 of each of the first and second arms. When in use, the support strut can be used as a handle to allow a user to more easily hold and/or manoeuvre the tool 40 into position.

Each of the arms 42a, 42b includes a lip, or flange, (not shown) which extends along the entire length of the lower and upper edges 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b of each tool arm. The flanges extend away from the non-wall facing surface 50 of the respective tool arm. In this way, the flanges provide a stable guide for marking the inner wall.

The tool 40 is formed of a resilient material (e.g., stainless steel), which makes the arms substantially rigid and resistant to deformation. The main body of the tool is formed from a single elongate member which is folded along a central fold line to define the first and second arms 42a, 42b.

A method 200 of installing the drainage system 10 will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8, which illustrate different stages of the method, and Fig. 14 which shows a flow chart of the relevant method steps.

The method 200 commences with a first method step 202 which comprises providing the tool 40 to the cavity wall, as described above. A second method step 204 involves configuring (e.g., orientating) the tool 40 into an initial position in which the second arm 42b is arranged on top of the exposed upper surface 38 of the first outer wall 14, and the first arm 42a extends above the second arm 42b adjacent to the cavity facing surface of the first inner wall 1, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The second arm 42b extends along the second outer wall 14 (i.e., in a widthways direction of the second outer wall). The second arm 42b also overlays the corner between the first and second outer wall sections, and thereby overhangs the cavity which is formed between the inner and outer walls 12, 14 of the first wall section 16a.

The method continues with a third method step 206 which involves, when the tool is in the initial position, marking the first inner wall 12 with a marking device (e.g., a pen, pencil, or scribe) using an initial gradation 44 of the guide. This results in a horizontal mark 48a (e.g., a first alignment mark) on the cavity facing surface of the first inner wall 12, as shown in Fig. 3.

The distance along the first arm 42a between the initial gradation 44 and the second arm 42b is around 150 mm. Consequently, the initial mark 48a is made on the inner wall 12 at a vertical distance of around 150 mm from the exposed upper surface 38 of the outer wall 14.

The horizontal distance of the initial mark 48a from the second inner wall is substantially similar to the width of the cavity, owing to the alignment of the second arm 42b along the second outer wall.

The third method step 206 is then repeated for the second inner wall 12 to produce a corresponding mark 48b on the cavity facing surface of the second inner wall. For this, the second tool arm 42b is placed on the upper exposed surface 38 of the first outer wall 14 so that the first tool arm 42a is abutted against the second inner wall, as shown in Fig. 2b.

A fourth method step 208 comprises configuring the tool 40 in a corner position at the corner between the respective inner walls of the first and second sections 16a, 16b, as shown in Fig. 4. The first and second arms 42a, 42b are placed against the respective inner walls 12 so that the lower edges 60a, 60b of the tool 40 are adjacent to, and aligned with, the respective initial marks 48a, 48b provided on the inner walls.

A fifth method step 210 involves, when the tool 40 is arranged in the corner position, marking each of the first and second inner walls 12, using a support indication gradation 46a, 46b arranged on each of the first and second arms 42a, 42b. This results in a pair of substantially vertical marks 52a, 52b (e.g., support indication marks) arranged on the respective cavity facing surfaces of the first and second inner walls, as shown in Fig. 5.

Each of the tool arms 42a, 42b is provided with a plurality of support indication gradations 46a, 46b (e.g., 8 support indication gradations), which are each spaced apart, along the respective arms. The support indication gradation 46a which is arranged closest to the second arm 42a, is distanced from the initial gradation 44 by a distance of at least 100 mm (e.g., around 100 mm). Another support indication gradation 46a, 46b which is arranged furthest from the second arm 42b is distanced along the first arm 42a by 275 mm (e.g., around 275 mm). The remaining support indication gradations 46a, 46b are interposed equidistantly between the nearest and furthest support indication gradations, as shown most clearly in Fig. 4.

Whilst the tool is positioned in the second configuration, the method proceeds by marking the first and second inner walls along the upper and lower longitudinal edges 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, which results in a pair of parallel horizontal marks 52a, 52b, 54a, 54b arranged on the respective first and second inner walls (e.g., a further support indication mark and a membrane indication mark, respectively). The parallel horizontal marks 52a, 52b, 54a, 54b help to guide the user to position the support members 18a, 18b and membrane 20a, 20b, 20c on the inner wall, as will be described in more detail below.

The method continues with a sixth method step 212, which involves attaching the support members 18a, 18b to the inner walls 12. Fig. 5 illustrates the first support member 18a arranged near to the corner between the first and second wall sections 16a, 16b, whereas the second support member 18b is shown already in position, mounted between the inner and outer walls 12, 14. Installing the first support member 18a comprises first attaching the upper attachment portion 26 to the inner wall 12 at the second mark 54a. An outer lateral edge of the attachment portion 26 (i.e., the lateral edge positioned furthest from the corner) is positioned adjacent to, and aligned with, the second mark 54a. Furthermore, a base (or lower edge) of the attachment portion 54a is positioned adjacent to, and aligned with, the further support indication mark 52a on the inner wall, as shown in Fig. 6.

Once the upper attachment portion 26 is attached to the inner wall 12, the support member 18a is then suspended across the cavity between the inner and outer walls 12, 14. The attachment portion 26 is attached to the vertical cavity facing surfaces of the inner wall 12 with fixing tape. The fixing tape is applied to the wall facing surface of the attachment portion 26 to form a bond with the inner wall 12. The anchor portion 28 of the support member is then arranged onto the upper surface 38 of the outer wall 14. During the subsequent construction of the outer wall 14, further masonry units will be overlaid on top of the anchor portion 28 so that the anchor portion is lapped within the structure of the outer wall 14.

Once one of the support members is in place, the procedure is then repeated for the other support member. Then, once both the support members are installed, the method proceeds with method step 214 which involves mounting the membrane across the cavity. First, the corner membrane portion 20c is installed at the corner, then the linear portions 20a, 20b are mounted either side of the corner portion 20c, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8.

As outlined above, the corner membrane portions 20c can be cut form a template as shown in Fig. 12 and 13. Each of the templates is configured to provide the corner section 20c with excess membrane material at its lower end to allow the lower portion of the membrane portion to be overlaid across the (unfinished) outer wall, and then trimmed to the final shape.

An upper portion of the membrane portion defines an attachment portion 66 which is configured to attach the membrane to the inner wall. The attachment portion 66 of the corner membrane section 20c is mounted to a position on the inner wall 12 which is located between the attachment portions 26 of the first and second support members 18a, 18b. This area is also defined by the pair of parallel horizontal marks 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b on the inner wall 12. A wall facing surface of the membrane's attachment portion is coated in an adhesive which is exposed (e.g., by removing a release paper), before the attachment portion is contacted with the inner wall The left-hand lateral edge of the membrane attachment portion 66 is aligned with a longitudinal centre line of the support member 18a, and the right-hand edge of the membrane attachment (i.e., upper) portion 66 is aligned with a longitudinal centre line of the right-hand support member 18. An upper (e.g., substantially horizontal) edge of the membrane's attachment portion 66 is applied to, and aligned with, the membrane indication mark 56a, 56b (i.e., which extends horizontally across the inner walls). The lower edge of the membrane's attachment portion 66 (i.e., a line which defines a bottom edge of the adhesive coating) is aligned with the further support indication mark 54a, 54b. The adhesive bonds the membrane to the inner wall 12 to ensure water running down the inner wall 12 is collected by the membrane.

Once the attachment portion 66 is mounted to the inner walls 12, the lateral edges of the membrane portion are then attached to the support members 18a, 18b in turn. Starting with the first support member 18a, a piece of release tape is removed from half of the upper surface of the support member 18a nearest to the corner, to reveal fixing tape. The lateral edge of the corner membrane portion 20c is aligned with a centre line of the upper surface of the support member 18a and then overlaid onto the exposed fixing tape. The same method steps are repeated for the second support member 18b.

A lower portion 68 of the corner membrane portion 20c is lapped onto the upper surface 38 of the outer wall 14, as shown in Fig. 7. The lower portion 68 may be bonded to the upper surface 38 of the outer wall 14 using the same fixing tape as is used to attach the upper portion 66 to the inner wall 12.

The method continues with the method step of arranging the first and second flexible membrane portions 20a, 20b into position, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. This involves aligning the lateral edges of the membrane portions 20a, 20b with the respective supporting elements 18a, 18b. A second piece of release tape is removed from the other half of the upper surface of each of the supporting members 18a, 18b to expose fixing tape on to which the membrane portions 20a, 20b are overlaid.

The respective upper edges of the first and second (linear) membrane portions 20a, 20b are aligned with the upper edge of the corner membrane portion 20c. The pair of horizontal marks 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b are configured to extend beyond the second marks 54a, 54b to provide an indication of where to position the linear membrane portions 20a, 20b, as shown in Fig. 7.

The lateral edges of the first and second membrane portions 20a, 20b are arranged to abut against the opposing lateral edges of the corner membrane portion 20c, as shown in Fig. 7. The upper and lower edges of the first and second membrane portions 20a, 20b are fixed in position in the same manner as described in relation to the corner membrane portion 20c.

Once all the membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c are arranged in position within the cavity, a sealant (not shown) is then applied to the seams which are formed between the edges of the flexible membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c. The sealant is configured to prevent ingress of air and/or moisture through the membrane seams. The sealant is applied with a mastic applicator.

The above-described method corresponds to an exemplary means of installing the drainage system 10 across a cavity at an interior corner. The same method may also be used to install the drainage system 10 at an exterior corner.

Once the drainage system is installed between the inner and outer walls 12, 14, the membrane portions 20a, 20b, 20c are each configured with an upper portion 66, a middle portion 70 and a lower portion 68, as shown in Fig. 6. The upper portion 66 is substantially vertical and is attached to the inner wall 12, and the lower portion 68 is substantially horizontal and is lapped through the outer wall 14. The middle portion 70 is angled downwardly between the upper and lower portions 66, 68, and thereby extends across the cavity between the inner and outer walls 12, 14.

The membrane 20 is configured such that a lower end of the upper portion 66 is vertically spaced apart from the lower portion 68 by a minimum distance. The minimum vertical distance may be measured between the lower end of the upper portion 66 and a point at which the lower portion 68 contacts the outer wall 14. The lower end of the upper portion 66 defines the transition between the upper portion 66 and the angled middle portion 70. Alternatively, the vertical minimum distance may be measured between the lower end of the upper portion 66 and an upper end of the lower portion 68, which defines the transition between the middle and lower portions 70, 68. In some situations, the minimum vertical distance may correspond to the vertical height of the middle portion 70.

According to an exemplary arrangement of the drainage system 10, the vertical distance between the lower end of the upper portion and the lower portion is at least about 150 mm.

The upper portion 66 of the membrane 20 has a height which is defined by the vertical distance between the lower end of the upper portion 66 and an upper end of the upper portion. According to an exemplary arrangement of the drainage system 10, the upper portion 66 has a height of at least about 100 mm. Accordingly, the vertical distance between the upper end of the upper portion 66 of the membrane 20 and the lower portion 68 is at least about 250 mm.

The membrane supports 18a, 18b are configured such that a lower end of the attachment portions 26 (e.g., defining a transition between the attachment portions 26 and the respective membrane guiding portions 24) are positioned at substantially the same height as the third alignment marks 54a, 54b, which helps to align the support members with the lower end of the attachment portion 66 of the membrane 20.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary arrangements described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary arrangements of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described exemplary arrangements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/-10%.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of installing a drainage system at a corner between first and second wall sections of a building, wherein each wall section comprises an inner wall and an outer wall which together define a cavity therebetween, and the drainage system comprises a flexible membrane for suspending between the inner and outer walls to define a fluid flow path therebetween, the method comprises, during building of the first and second outer walls: providing a tool for marking the inner walls of the first and second wall sections, wherein the tool comprises a first arm and a second arm rigidly connected at an angle to the first arm, the first arm comprises a guide which is spaced apart from the second arm in a longitudinal direction of the first arm; configuring the tool in an initial position such that the first arm extends above the second arm and in which the second arm is arranged on an exposed upper surface of the first outer wall and extends across the cavity, the first arm being in contact with the first inner wall; marking the first inner wall with an initial mark using an initial mark gradation provided by the guide when the tool is configured in the initial position; configuring the tool in a corner position so that the first arm is in contact with the first inner wall and the second arm is in contact with the second inner wall, wherein the first arm is substantially aligned with the initial mark; marking the first inner wall with a support indication mark using a support indication gradation provided by the guide when the tool is configured in the corner position; and providing a support member for supporting the flexible membrane of the drainage system and attaching the support member to the first inner wall at the support indication mark.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein configuring the tool in the initial position comprises arranging the second arm on the exposed upper surface of the first outer wall such that the first arm extends along the first inner wall in a substantially vertical direction.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein configuring the tool in the initial position comprises arranging the second arm so that it also extends along the exposed upper surface of the second outer wall.
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first arm comprises a substantially planar wall facing surface, the method comprises abutting the wall facing surface to the first inner wall when the tool is arranged in at least one of the initial and corner positions.
5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide comprises an aperture with a substantially linear edge which extends in a lateral direction across the first arm, the method comprises marking at least one of the initial mark and the support indication mark in a lateral direction across the first arm.
6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the support indication gradation is spaced apart from the second arm by a distance which is greater distance than the distance between the initial mark gradation and the second arm.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the first arm comprises a plurality of support indication gradations which are each spaced apart by a different distance from the second arm, the method comprises selecting one of the plurality of support indication gradations based on a dimension of the flexible membrane and/or based on a dimension of the cavity.
8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises positioning a lateral edge of the support member adjacent to the support indication mark.
9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arm comprises a guide that substantially mirrors the guide of the first arm, wherein the method comprises marking the first and second inner walls using the respective support indication gradations of the first and second arms, when the tool is configured in the corner position.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method of configuring the tool in the corner position comprises positioning a longitudinal edge of the first arm adjacent to the initial mark.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the longitudinal edge defines a lower edge of the first arm when the tool is configured in the corner position, the method comprises marking the first inner wall with a further support indication mark along at least a part of the lower edge.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the support member comprises an attachment portion for attaching the support member to the inner wall, wherein the method comprises positioning a base of the attachment portion adjacent to the further support indication mark.
13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first arm comprises a second longitudinal edge which is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge, the second longitudinal edge defines an upper edge of the first arm when the tool is configured in the corner position, the method comprises marking the first inner wall with a membrane indication mark along at least a part of the upper edge and arranging an upper edge of the membrane adjacent to the membrane indication mark.
14. A tool for installing a drainage system according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the tool comprises: a first arm for contacting against a cavity facing surface of the first inner wall; and a second arm for arranging on an exposed upper surface of the first outer wall, and extending across the cavity between the first inner and outer walls, wherein the second arm is rigidly connected at an angle to the first arm; wherein the first arm comprises a guide which is spaced apart from the second arm in a longitudinal direction of the first arm, wherein the guide provides an initial mark gradation for marking the first inner wall with an initial mark when the tool is configured in the initial position, and a support indication gradation for marking the first inner wall with a support indication mark when the tool is configured in the corner position.
15. A tool according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the first and second arms has a substantially planar wall facing surface.
16. A tool according to claim 15, wherein the guide is provided on a surface of the first arm which is opposite the planar wall-facing surface.
17. A tool according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the width of the planar wall facing surface is between 80 mm and 120 mm, optionally around 100 mm.
18. A tool according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the distance between the guide and the second arm is at least 100 mm.
19. A tool according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the support indication gradation on the first arm is spaced apart from the second arm by a distance of between 200 mm and 275 mm.
20. A tool according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the guide comprises a plurality of support indication gradations which are each spaced apart by a different distance from the second arm.
21. A tool according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the first and second arms each comprise wall facing surfaces, the angle between the wall facing surfaces is greater than 1800, optionally around or exactly 270°.
22. A tool according to any one of claim 14 to 21, further comprising a support strut which is attached to each of the first and second arms.
23. A tool according to any one of claim 15 to 22, wherein the guide comprises at least one aperture with a substantially linear edge which extends in a lateral direction across the first arm.
24. A kit of parts for installing a drainage system at a corner between first and second wall sections of a building according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, the kit of parts comprises: a tool according to any one of claims 14 to 23; a flexible membrane for suspending, when in use, between the inner and outer walls to define a fluid flow path between the inner and outer walls of the respective first and second wall sections; and a support member for attaching, when in use, to the inner wall at the support indication mark to provide support for the flexible membrane.