US20260002365A1

US20260002365A1 - Casing Bead

Info

Publication number: US20260002365A1
Application number: US18/797,682
Authority: US
Inventors: Maksim Avseev
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-07-01
Filing date: 2024-08-08
Publication date: 2026-01-01

Abstract

A longitudinally-extending casing bead with a base side and an upwardly extending wall along one edge thereof is described that includes an integrated gap portion that extends outwardly from an outer surface of the upwardly extending wall. Importantly, the gap portion configured to both allow an installer to quickly, easily and accurately position the casing bead a predetermined distance from a window or door frame, and allow for the expansion and contraction of the stucco and framing by controlled flexing to prevent the transfer of excessive damage-inducing forces therebetween.

Description

BACKGROUND

Stucco is a durable, versatile plaster composed of cement, sand, lime, and water, applied in multiple layers over a lath base. It is commonly used for exterior and interior wall finishes in building construction due to its fire resistance, weatherproofing, and aesthetic appeal. Stucco can be textured or smooth, offering a range of design possibilities. Its ability to adhere to various substrates and its cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice in residential and commercial architecture.
In the construction of a building with a stucco finish, the edges around door and window frames are completed through a multi-step process that ensures both a clean appearance and protection against water infiltration. Initially, a casing beads, also known as a plaster stops, are attached around the doors and window frames to the sheathing through a waterproof barrier previously installed over the sheathing. The beads provide straight edges for the stucco application and provide for a finished look against the framing. Further, the beads are typically spaced a predetermined distance from the edge of the frames forming expansion gaps to provide for expansion and contraction of sheathing, framing materials, and the stucco.
A metal lath is typically attached to the surfaces of the building around the door or window opening to provide a stable base for the stucco. The stucco in one or more layers is applied over the lath and base side of the casing bead. The stucco's top coat is typically textured to provided a desired surface finish. The stucco layers are typically applied up to and against an upwardly extending wall of the bead that is orthogonal to the base side to provide for smooth transitions between the stucco surface and the door and window frames. Typically, caulk or other flexible sealant is applied between the frame facing edge of the upwardly extending wall to seal the expansion gaps and prevent water infiltration, as well as, provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish around doors and windows.
A typical elongated casing bead is made of plastic or metal and comprises a base side that is configured to rest on top off and be secured to sheathing. The base side typically includes fastener holes distributed along its length, and may also include a number of weep holes. A upwardly extending wall extends generally orthogonally from an edge of the base side and terminates at a flange that extends back over the base side a short distance with which it is generally parallel.
In use, the outside surface of the upwardly extending wall is spaced about ½″ from the adjacent window or door frame to form an expansion gap. The gap permits the stucco to expand and contract without impinging on the side of the frame. As can be appreciated, without a sufficient gap, the force generated from the cured stucco sheet impinging on the frame could cause an associated door to bind, an associated window to crack, and/or the stucco to crack. Once the stucco is applied and cured, a bead of flexible sealant or caulk is applied in the expansion gap to seal it.
Casing bead assemblies are known where in a piece of compressible elastic foam rod is placed in the expansion gap before the flexible sealant is applied. This reduces the volume of sealant that must be used to completely fill the gap saving both time and expense.
As can be appreciated one of the most critical aspects of installing the caging beads around the various frames is maintaining a uniform gap. The time required to measure the gap at various locations along the length of a casing bead piece as it is installed can be significant and increase the cost of stucco installation. Prior art casing beads are known wherein the base side extends ⅜-½″ beyond the upwardly extending wall, but this can cause the extended base side to impinge on the frame during expansion of the stucco sheet causing excessive force (albeit possibly a little less force than if the entire upwardly facing side was butted against the frame) to be transmitted between the frame and the stucco potentially having deleterious results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of stucco backer bead according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view section A of FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of section A of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of section A of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of section A of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a left side view of section A of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the stucco backer bead according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a casing bead installed against the frame of a window or door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view showing the casing bead installed against a frame with stucco applied over and against the casing bead according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a longitudinally-extending casing bead with a base side and an upwardly extending wall along one edge thereof, but also include an integrated gap portion that extends outwardly from an outer surface of the upwardly extending wall. Importantly, the gap portion is configured to both allow an installer to quickly, easily and accurately position the casing bead a predetermined distance from a window or door frame, and allow for the expansion and contraction of the stucco and framing by controlled flexing to prevent the transfer of excessive damage-inducing forces therebetween.
In at least one embodiment, the gap spacer portion comprises a gap arm that extends outwardly proximate a common edge of the base side and the upwardly extending wall at a shallow angle relative to the base side. Importantly, the connection of the gap arm to the upwardly extending wall is a living hinge allowing the gap arm to flex relative to the base side and the upwardly extending wall. A gap flange extends upwardly from the outside edge of the gap arm. The gap flange is generally parallel to the upwardly extending wall and is configured to rest or brace against an associated window or door frame. As the stucco and/or frame expands, the associated force is transferred from the frame through the gap flange and gap arm to the living hinge which flexes to relieve most of the loading and minimize its transfer to the stucco sheet.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive, rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, back, front, lateral, outwardly, and upwardly are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
Unless otherwise indicated or dictated by context, the terms “approximately” and “about” mean+−20%. Unless otherwise indicated or dictated by context, the term “substantially” means+−10%. The term “generally” means for the most part.
A “living hinge” as used in in this specification and the appended claims refers to a section or portion of an article, typically, but not necessarily made of plastic, that is thinner than surrounding generally rigid sections or portions on opposing sides thereof imparting flexibility permitting the opposing more rigid sections to pivot relative to the other.

An Embodiment of a Stucco Casing Bead

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the longitudinally-extending casing bead 10. Of note, the bead is typically provided in lengths of about 8-12 feet and is cut to the necessary size for a particular application, although variations of the bead can be produced in shorter or longer lengths. Section A is a short section of the entire length of the bead that illustrates the novel features thereof and is shown in FIGS. 2-6 & 8 . FIG. 7 is an end view of the embodiment. FIG. 9 The embodiment of the casing bead will be described herein with reference to these figures.
The casing bead 10 is typically extruded of a suitable plastic material as a single piece in a desired elongated length. It comprises a base side 12 that is about 1.75″ in width configured to rest against a substrate or underlayment of a wall that is to be covered in a stucco finish (also referred to interchangeably herein as a stucco sheet or stucco layer). The substrate can be covered with a moisture barrier, such as Tyvek or other plastic sheeting. An array of weep holes 14 & 16 of differing sizes can be provided to allow the draining of moisture from the stucco to the substrate wherein the water flows downwardly. Fastener holes 18 are also provided, such as every 1.5 inches in one embodiment, to facilitate attachment of the casing bead to the substrate using nails or threaded fasteners.
An upwardly extending wall 20 rises generally orthogonally from the base side 12 at a common edge thereof. It defines a stop up against which the stucco finish is to be applied. Its height can vary but is typically about 0.5″ in height above the base side, which is a typical thickness of a stucco layer. As illustrated, a cap flange 26 is provided that extends generally orthogonally to the upwardly extending wall and generally parallel to the base side extending over the base side about 0.2″. The top surface of the flange is configured to be flush with the top of the stucco layer, and the lip formed by the cap flange helps to secure and lock the edge of the stucco layer in place as well as protect the underlying edge of the stucco layer from damage. Variations without the cap flange are also known.
Extending outwardly from a location proximate the base of the upwardly extending wall 20 is a gap portion 21 of the casing bead 10. The gap portion acts to set the spacing of the edge of the stucco sheet from a window or door frame. It permits the expansion and contraction of the frame and the stucco sheet without either coming into direct contact with the other and causing damage, such as the cracking of the stucco sheet. The gap spacer comprises a gap arm 22 and a gap flange 24 that extends upwardly from the outer edge of the gap arm. In at least one embodiment, the gap arm is about 0.40″ in width accordingly spacing the stucco sheet about 0.40 to 0.50″ from the edge of an associated door or window frame.
As best shown in FIG. 7 , the gap arm 22 is integrally connected to the outside surface of the upwardly extending wall 22 proximate its intersection with the edge of the base side 12 by a living hinge 28. In one embodiment, the thickness of the living hinge is about 0.030″ although thicker and thinner living hinges are contemplated depending on the specific configuration of the casing bead. The gap arm extends outwardly and upwardly from the living hinge at a shallow angle relative to the base side. The angle is preferably 10-45 degrees and more preferably 20-35 degrees.
A gap flange 24 extends upwardly from the outer edge of the gap arm 22 at a suitable angle so that it is generally parallel to the upwardly extending wall from which it is spaced. The gap flange in the illustrated embodiment is about 0.25″ in height. The outside surface of the gap flange is configured to fit flush against window or door framing 50 as shown, for instance, in FIG. 9 .
The gap portion 21 in combination with the upwardly extending wall forms a u-shaped channel in which a flexible, compressible and resilient foam rod 32 can be received as best shown in FIGS. 7, 8 & 9 . The foam rod 30 acts to fill the space reducing the amount of elastomeric sealant 32 needed to fill the gap between the terminating edge of the stucco sheet 56 and the associated window or door framing 50 while further ensuring that that gap is not improperly filled with a sealant that is not suitably compliant, which would reduce the ability of the gap portion to suitable flex and pivot along the living hinge 28 when encountering loading caused by thermal expansion or moisture-related swelling.
FIG. 9 is a cross section of an embodiment of the casing bead 10 installed flush against a section 50 of window or door frame. The base side 12 of the bead is fit flush against a substrate 52 of an underlying wall. It is typically secured to the substrate and underlying wall by way of a plurality of fasteners (not shown) received through the fastener holes 18. The gap flange 24 is fit flush against the frame section 50 with the gap portion defining the spacing of the stucco sheet 56 from the framing. The stucco sheet is typically reinforced with an expanded metal or plastic reinforcing screen 54. The stucco sheet is applied to the substrate and reinforcing lath to a thickness that is flush with the top of the upwardly extending wall 20 and the associated cap flange 26.
The edge of the stucco sheet 56 terminates against the upwardly extending wall 20 underneath the cap flange 26. The spacing between the edge of the stucco sheet and the frame section 50 permits the stucco sheet and the frame to expand and/or swell with changes in temperature and moisture without either pressing directly up against the other. The freely flexing nature of the gap arm 22 as facilitated by the living hinge 28 prevents any more than minimal loads to be transferred between the frame and stucco sheet. However, advantageously, the gap portion allows an installer to quickly, accurately and uniformly position the casing bead the appropriate and desired distance from the associated frame without having to measure the gap saving substantial amounts of time and money over prior art casing beads.

Methods of Using Embodiments of a Stucco Casing Bead

Once a window or door of a structure is framed and the surrounding wall is completed including the securement of an appropriate substrate 52, such as plywood or OSB, thereto, preparation for the application of a stucco layer 56 can begin. In some instances, a moisture barrier, such as a sheet of Tyvek or plastic will be applied to the surface of the substrate.
The casing bead 10 is cut into sections of appropriate lengths to surround the frame 50 of the associated door or window. The gap flange 24 of each section is braced against the adjacent frame 50 along its length and the casing bead is secured in place using appropriate fasteners applied through the provided fastener holes 18.
Once the window or door is framed by casing bead 10, plastic or metal reinforcing lath 54 is typically applied to the substrate. The stucco layer 56 is then troweled on and into the lath to a thickness equal to the height of the upwardly extending wall 20. The stucco is packed underneath the cap flange 26 and against the inner surface of the upwardly extending wall. The surface of the stucco layer is finished and permitted to harden.
If not already installed, the foam rod 30 is placed in the gap portion 21. Finally, an elastomeric sealant 32 is applied over the foam rod and the gap.

Variations and Other Embodiments

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
The casing bead is described herein as being used with stucco building exteriors. While the casing bead is particularly applicable for use with stucco exteriors, it also can be used with similar success and advantages with other exterior materials including but not limited to masonry, stone, and certain types of siding.

Claims

I claim:

1. A longitudinally-extending casing bead comprising:

a generally flat base side having a first thickness;

an upwardly extending wall having a second thickness, the upwardly-extending wall intersecting with the base side at a common edge; and

a gap portion including, a generally flat gap arm having a third thickness, the gap arm extending outwardly of the upwardly extending wall proximate the common edge, and a living hinge, the living hinge extending longitudinally along a gap arm intersection with the upwardly extending wall proximate the common edge, the living hinge having a fourth thickness;

wherein the fourth thickness is substantially thinner than the third thickness.

2. The casing bead of claim 1, wherein the gap arm extends outwardly from living hinge at an angle of 10-45 degrees relative to the base side.

3. The casing bead of claim 1, wherein the gap arm extends outwardly from living hinge at an angle of 20-35 degrees relative to the base side.

4. The casing bead of claim 1, further comprising a longitudinally-extending cap flange, the cap flange intersecting with an outer edge of the upwardly extending wall and extending inwardly over and generally parallel to the base side.

5. The casing bead of claim 1, further comprising a gap flange, the cap flange intersecting with an outer edge of the gap arm and extending upwardly and generally parallel to the upwardly extending wall.

6. The casing bead of claim 1, wherein the casing bead is comprised of plastic.

7. The casing bead of claim 6, wherein the casing bead is longitudinally extruded as a unitary piece.

8. The casing bead of claim 1, wherein the base side includes a plurality of weep holes spaced and distributed thereon.

9. The casing bead of claim 1, wherein the base side includes a plurality of fastener holes spaced and distributed thereon.

10. The casing bead of claim 1, wherein the first thickness is about 0.05″.

11. The casing bead of claim 1, wherein the second and third thicknesses are about 0.06″.

12. The casing bead of claim 11, wherein the fourth thickness is about 0.03″.

13. The casing bead of claim 1, wherein the width of the gap arm is about 0.4″.

14. A casing bead assembly comprising the casing bead of claim 1 in combination with a foam rod, the foam rod being received in the gap portion.

15. A longitudinally-extending casing bead comprising:

a generally flat base side having a first thickness;

a gap portion including, a generally flat gap arm having a third thickness, the gap arm extending outwardly from the upwardly extending wall proximate the common edge at a gap arm angle of 10-45 degrees relative to the base side and having a length of about 0.4″, and a living hinge, the living hinge extending longitudinally along a gap arm intersection with the upwardly extending wall proximate the common longitudinally extending edge, the living hinge having a fourth thickness;

wherein the fourth thickness is substantially thinner than the third thickness.

16. The casing bead of claim 15, wherein the thickness of the base side and the gap arm is about 0.06″ and the thickness of the living hinge is about 0.03″.

17. The casing bead of claim 15, wherein the gap arm angle is between 25-35 degrees.

18. The casing bead of claim 15, wherein the base side includes a plurality of weep holes and a plurality of fastener holes spaced and distributed thereon.

19. A casing bead assembly comprising the casing bead of claim 15 in combination with a foam rod, the foam rod being received in the gap portion.

20. A building having at least a portion of an exterior surface finished with a stucco layer, the building including at least one window with a frame extending around the window, the building including a plurality of sections of longitudinally-extending casing bead generally surrounding the window frame, the casing bead comprising:

a generally flat base side having a first thickness;

wherein the fourth thickness is substantially thinner than the third thickness.