Patent Publication Number: US-9834941-B1

Title: Thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a wall system, and more particularly, a system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall with Z-, U-channel or T-furring with thermal breaks to provide a thermal break system for the wall panels secured to the existing wall. 
     When installing wall panels over an existing wall, it is often necessary to provide a spacing between the wall panels and the existing wall. This spacing can be provided for ventilation, to provide for water run-off, to provide insulation therein, and to provide a thermal barrier. Typically, Z-furring or U-channel furring is used to provide this spacing between the existing wall and the wall panels. 
     However, it has been found that this arrangement is not entirely satisfactory. 
     For example, although it is known to combine insulation with the Z-furring or U-channel furring, such insulation is not securely held therein, and must be secured by screws, adhesive or the like. Further, the outwardly extending foot walls of the Z-furring or U-channel furring are secured directly to the existing wall, thereby providing thermal transfer directly with the existing wall. In addition, such Z-furring or U-channel furring may not be entirely satisfactory in providing thermal insulation, and in many cases, it is desirable to increase the thermal insulation. It is also not possible to change the spacing between the walls panels and existing wall since the Z-furring or U-channel furring are of fixed dimensions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall that overcomes the aforementioned problems. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall that creates a spacing between the wall panels and the existing wall to enable ventilation, to provide for water run-off, to provide insulation therein, and to provide a thermal barrier. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall that, in addition to Z-furring or U-channel furring, provides additional thermal insulation between the existing wall and the outside. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall in which one form of the additional thermal insulation is created by thermal insulation covers for the foot walls of the Z-furring or U-channel furring. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall in which another form of the additional thermal insulation is created by thermal break attachments connected between the main fastening extrusion for the wall panels and the Z-furring or U-channel furring. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall in which the thermal break attachments are formed by parallel, spaced apart and connected walls. 
     It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall in which the thermal break attachments have attachments to easily secure to the Z-furring or U-channel furring. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall in which insulation is tightly held in the spacing between the extension walls of the Z-furring, U-channel furring or T-furring and outwardly extending foot walls of the Z-furring, U-channel furring or T-furring and between the common transverse wall and the inwardly extending foot walls of the Z-furring, U-channel furring or T-furring, without the need for any screws, adhesive or the like. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall in which the height of the Z-furring or U-channel furring can be varied to change the spacing between the wall panels and the existing wall in order to provide different thicknesses of insulation, vary the amount of ventilation, vary the amount of water run-off, and vary the thermal barrier. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a thermal break system for securing wall panels to an existing wall is provided, in order to mount the wall panels in covering relation to the existing wall, the thermal break system comprising a furring member connected between the existing wall and the wall panels, the furring member including at least one foot wall adapted to be connected to the existing wall, at least one spacing wall having one end connected to the at least one foot wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one foot wall and the existing wall, and a connection wall connected to an opposite end of the at least one spacing wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one spacing wall for connection either directly to adjacent wall panels or indirectly to adjacent wall panels through at least one intermediary member; and a thermal insulation cover positioned at least between the at least one foot wall and the existing wall. 
     The thermal insulation cover wraps at least partially around the at least one foot wall. 
     Preferably, the at least one foot wall includes a first foot wall extending to one side of the at least one spacing wall and a second foot wall extending to an opposite side of the at least one spacing wall, and the thermal insulation cover wraps at least partially around both the first and second foot walls. 
     The thermal insulation cover includes a first section interposed between the at least one foot wall and the existing wall, and a second section positioned above the at least one foot wall, with aligned openings provided in the first and second sections and the at least one foot wall for receiving screws to secure the at least one foot wall to the existing wall, and wherein the openings in the at least one foot wall have a diameter greater than a diameter of the screws so as to be out of contact with the screws. 
     The furring member has a U-shape, a Z-shape, or a T-shape. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a thermal break system for securing wall panels to an existing wall is provided, in order to mount the wall panels in covering relation to the existing wall, the thermal break system comprising a furring member connected between the existing wall and the wall panels, the furring member including first and second foot walls, at least one of the foot walls adapted to be connected to the existing wall, at least one spacing wall having one end connected to the first and second foot walls and extending in a direction transverse to the first and second foot walls and the existing wall, with the first foot wall extending to one side of the at least one spacing wall and the second foot wall extending to an opposite side of the at least one spacing wall, and a connection wall connected to an opposite end of the at least one spacing wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one spacing wall for connection either directly to adjacent wall panels, or indirectly to adjacent wall panels through at least one intermediary member, wherein the connection wall includes a first section extending to the one side of the at least one at least one spacing wall and a second section extending to the opposite side of the at least one spacing wall, so as to hold one end of insulation between the first foot wall and the first section of the connection wall and to hold one end of insulation between the second foot wall and the second section of the connection wall. 
     The second foot wall can be removably connected to the at least one spacing wall. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a thermal break system for securing wall panels to an existing wall is provided, in order to mount the wall panels in covering relation to the existing wall, the thermal break system comprising a furring member connected between the existing wall and the wall panels, the furring member including at least one foot wall adapted to be connected to the existing wall, at least one spacing wall having one end connected to the at least one foot wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one foot wall and the existing wall, and a connection wall connected to an opposite end of the at least one spacing wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one spacing wall for connection either directly to adjacent wall panels, or indirectly to adjacent wall panels through at least one intermediary member, wherein the connection wall includes a first section extending to one side of the at least one at least one spacing wall and a second section extending to an opposite side of the at least one spacing wall. 
     The thermal break system further includes a thermal break attachment connected to the connection wall, the thermal break attachment including spaced apart walls to provide a further thermal break between the existing wall and the wall panels; and a fastening extrusion secured to the thermal break attachment for securing the wall panels to the thermal break attachment. The thermal break attachment includes an attachment arrangement for connecting to the connection wall, which includes either hook walls for enclosing edges of the connection wall; or a dovetail connecting arrangement in the thermal break attachment and the connection wall. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a thermal break system for securing wall panels to an existing wall is provided, in order to mount the wall panels in covering relation to the existing wall, the thermal break system comprising a furring member connected between the existing wall and the wall panels, the furring member including at least one foot wall adapted to be connected to the existing wall, at least one spacing wall having one end connected to the at least one foot wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one foot wall and the existing wall, and a connection wall connected to an opposite end of the at least one spacing wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one spacing wall for connection either directly to adjacent wall panels, or indirectly to adjacent wall panels through at least one intermediary member, wherein the at least one spacing wall includes a first wall section connected with the at least one foot wall and a second wall section connected with the connection wall, with free ends of the first and second wall sections being spaced apart from each other; and a capture wall connected between the free ends of the first and second wall sections to increase a height of the at least one spacing wall. 
     The furring member includes a capture arrangement for securing opposite ends of the capture wall to the free ends of the first and second wall sections. The capture arrangement includes an L-shaped wall section secured to the first and second wall sections so as to create a capture space with the first and second wall sections for receiving respective ends of the capture wall; and a recess in either each end of the capture wall or the first and second wall sections in the capture space; and a detent in the other of either each end of the capture wall and the first and second wall sections in the capture space. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a thermal break system for securing wall panels to an existing wall is provided, in order to mount the wall panels in covering relation to the existing wall, the thermal break system comprising a furring member connected between the existing wall and the wall panels, the furring member including first and second foot walls, at least one of the foot walls adapted to be connected to the existing wall, at least one spacing wall having one end connected to the first and second foot walls and extending in a direction transverse to the first and second foot walls and the existing wall, with the first foot wall extending to one side of the at least one spacing wall and the second foot wall extending to an opposite side of the at least one spacing wall, and a connection wall connected to an opposite end of the at least one spacing wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one spacing wall for connection either directly to adjacent wall panels, or indirectly to adjacent wall panels through at least one intermediary member, wherein the connection wall includes a first section extending to the one side of the at least one at least one spacing wall and a second section extending to the opposite side of the at least one spacing wall, so as to hold one end of insulation between the first foot wall and the first section of the connection wall and to hold one end of insulation between the second foot wall and the second section of the connection wall; a thermal insulation cover positioned at least between the at least one foot wall and the existing wall; a thermal break attachment connected to the connection wall, the thermal break attachment including spaced apart walls to provide a further thermal break between the existing wall and the wall panels; a fastening extrusion secured to the thermal break attachment for securing the wall panels to the thermal break attachment; wherein the at least one spacing wall includes a first wall section connected with the at least one foot wall and a second wall section connected with the connection wall, with free ends of the first and second wall sections being spaced apart from each other; and a capture wall connected between the free ends of the first and second wall sections to increase a height of the at least one spacing wall. 
     In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a thermal break system for securing wall panels to an existing wall is provided, in order to mount the wall panels in covering relation to the existing wall, the thermal break system comprising wall panels, each including a main panel section, and at least two bent end sections extending at right angles to and at edges of the main panel section, each bent end section including an opening therein; and a furring member connected between the existing wall and the wall panels, the furring member including at least one foot wall adapted to be connected to the existing wall, a spacing wall having one end connected to the at least one foot wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one foot wall and the existing wall, and a connection wall connected to an opposite end of the at least one spacing wall and extending in a direction transverse to the at least one spacing wall for engagement in the openings of the bent end sections of adjacent wall panels. 
     There is further a thermal break wall member connected to an outer surface of the connection wall in a space between the bent end sections of the adjacent wall panels. 
     The above and other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the attachment of the inwardly extending foot walls of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a J-shaped thermal insulation cover for a foot wall of the U-shaped channel member; 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of the U-shaped channel member thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the attachment of a foot wall with a J-shaped thermal insulation cover secured to the existing wall; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a thermal break system for wall panels secured to an existing wall according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to  FIGS. 1-4  thereof, there is shown a system  10  according to the present invention for mounting wall panels  12  over an existing planar wall  14  through U-channel furring with thermal breaks. 
     Each wall panel  12  preferably includes a rectangular shaped, planar main panel section  16  and at least two bent end sections  18  bent at a right angle in the same direction at edges of main panel section  16 . Main panel section  16 , however, need not be planar, and in fact, can have different shapes, such as a wave shape, etc. to provide different aesthetic appearances. Preferably, there are four bent end sections  18  at each edge of main panel section  16  which form an L-shaped cross sectional shape thereat. However, the invention is not limited thereby and wall panels  12  can be formed with two, three or more bent end sections  18 , or alternatively, bent end sections  18  can be eliminated entirely. Wall panels  12  are formed preferably by, but not limited to, a polyethylene core  20  with an aluminum wall  22  covering opposite sides thereof, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , main fastening extrusions  24  are provided for securing each primary wall panel  12  to existing wall structure  14 . Each main fastening extrusion  24  is preferably formed as a single, one-piece, unitary member that includes a base section  26  to be secured to existing wall  14  via intermediary members to be described hereafter, and a supporting section  28  to which bent end sections  18  of wall panels  12  are secured. As with each wall panel  12 , each main fastening extrusion  24  is formed preferably by, but not limited to, a polyethylene core with a thin aluminum wall covering opposite sides thereof. Alternatively, each main fastening extrusion  24  can be formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminum or any other suitable material. It will be appreciated that base section  26  can be formed from a plurality of pieces as well. 
     Base section  26  includes a central planar wall  30  that seats flush against and is secured to an intermediary structure (to be described hereafter) that is secured to existing wall  14 , and which has a plurality of linearly aligned openings (not shown) extending therealong and through which screws  34  can be inserted to secure central planar wall  30  to the intermediary member which is described hereinafter. 
     Supporting section  28  includes two, parallel, spaced apart, bent end securing walls  36  extending outwardly at right angles from central planar wall  30  and extending the length of each main fastening extrusion  24 . The space  37  between bent end securing walls  36  is much greater than the thickness of two bent end sections  18 . 
     Each bent end securing wall  36  includes a projection  38  at the surface thereof in facing relation to the adjacent bent end securing wall  36 , with each projection  38  having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, which corresponds in shape and dimensions to a rectangular parallelepiped cut-out recess  40  in each bent end section  18 , although the present invention is not limited thereby. Projections  38  preferably extend along the entire length of the respective bent end securing wall  36 , although the present invention is not so limited, that is, projections  38  can extend along only a part of the length of the respective bent end securing wall  36 , or there may be a plurality of spaced apart projections  38 . 
     To assemble wall panels  12  with main fastening extrusions  24 , it is only necessary to insert bent end sections  18  into the space  37  between bent end securing walls  36 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , such that projections  38  enter into recesses  40 . Thereafter, a U-shaped channel member  42  having two, parallel, spaced apart plates  44  connected together by a connecting plate  46 , is inserted into the space  37  between the two bent end sections  18  therein, so as to prevent removal of bent end sections  18 . Screws  48  are inserted through openings (not shown) in connecting plate  46  and into the intermediary members to lock U-shaped channel member  42  in space  37 . A resilient plug  50  of rubber or similar material is then inserted into U-shaped channel member  42  in covering relation to screws  48 . 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to this particular arrangement for securing wall panels  12  to main fastening extrusions  24 . Thus, any arrangement disclosed in the applicant&#39;s other patent properties can be used, for example, those arrangements disclosed in any of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,472,521; 7,621,084; 8,127,507; 8,833,015; 8,739,483; 8,925,271; and 8,966,849 and pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/044,606; 14/256,384; 14/641,097; 14/667,297; and Ser. No. 14/694,241, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In order to provide a spacing  51  between the wall panels  12  and the existing wall  14 , for example, for ventilation, to provide for water run-off, to provide insulation therein, and to provide a thermal barrier, a U-channel furring  52  is connected between existing wall  14  and wall panels  12 . 
     Specifically, U-channel furring  52  includes two parallel, spaced apart spacing walls  54  and  56  connected together by a common transverse connection wall  58  at one end of walls  54  and  56 , as is known. Also, outwardly extending foot walls  60  are connected to the opposite free ends of spaced apart walls  54  and  56 , as is also known. However, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, opposing inwardly extending foot walls  61  extend inwardly of walls  54  and  56  in a coplanar arrangement with outwardly extending foot walls  60 , and opposite extension walls  62  are formed as a continuation of common transverse wall  58  and extend outwardly of spaced apart walls  54  and  56 . In this manner, insulation  64  positioned in spacing  51  is tightly held between foot walls  60  and extension walls  62  so as to prevent escape thereof, and to keep insulation  64  properly positioned at all times. Further, insulation  64  is tightly held between common transverse wall  58  and inwardly extending foot walls  61 . This eliminates the need for any additional members to hold the insulation  64  in place, such as screws, adhesives, etc., while also eliminating any extra labor that would result therefrom. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 1A , inwardly extending foot walls  61  can be formed as separate elements from spaced apart walls  54  and  56 , and can be removably connected thereto by a sliding dovetail connection  63 . 
     It will be appreciated that U-channel furring  52  is made of a metal material, and therefore, is thermally conductive, that is, will transfer heat and cold from the outside to existing wall  14 , which is undesirable. Therefore, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a generally J-shaped thermal insulation cover  66  is positioned around each foot wall  60 , and is made of a thermally insulating material so that foot walls  60  are not in direct contact with existing wall  14  of the building. Any suitable thermally insulating material can be used, for example, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber sold under the trademark VITON, nitrile rubber, silicone, plastics or the like. 
     It will be appreciated that, with the arrangement above, a space is further provided between insulation  64  and existing wall  14 , which allows for water and air circulation. In this regard, a thin waterproof membrane  71  can be provided against existing wall  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , screw holes  68  are provided along upper and lower plates of J-shaped thermal insulation cover  66 , and correspondingly aligned screw holes  70  are provided in foot walls  60 , in order to receive screws  72  to secure foot walls  60  to existing wall  14 . However, in accordance with the present invention, the diameter of screw holes  70  is much greater than the diameter of screws  72  so that screws  72  are not in contact with foot walls  60 , and therefore, do not provide any thermal conduction to existing wall  14 . 
     In addition, in accordance with the present invention, a further thermal break attachment  74  is connected between common transverse wall  58  of U-channel furring  52  and each main fastening extrusion  24 . U-shaped channel member  42 , J-shaped thermal insulation covers  66  and thermal break attachment  74  together form the aforementioned intermediary members which connect base section  26  of main fastening extrusion  24  to existing wall  14 . 
     Thermal break attachment  74  is formed by at least an outer wall  76  and a parallel, spaced apart inner wall  78  connected together by outer transverse walls  80  and preferably, also by inner transverse walls  82 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , thermal break attachment  74  also includes an intermediate wall  84  in parallel spaced apart relation to and between outer wall  76  and inner wall  78 , and also connected with transverse walls  80  and  82 . 
     L-shaped hook walls  86  extend inwardly from each of opposite ends of inner wall  78  for capturing opposite extension walls  62  in order to secure thermal break attachment  74  to U-channel furring  52 , with common transverse wall  58  thereof held against the inner facing surface of inner wall  78  of thermal break attachment  74 . 
     With this arrangement, central planar wall  30  of base section  26  of main fastening extrusion  24  is secured by screws  34  and  48  to the outer surface of outer wall  76  of thermal break attachment  74 , with screws  34  and  48  preferably extending through intermediate wall  84 , inner wall  78  and central planar wall  30 . 
     By reason of the spaced apart outer wall  76 , intermediate wall  84  and inner wall  78 , air spaces are provided therebetween, thereby increasing the thermal insulation between wall panels  12  and existing wall  14 . 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention, as described above, provides various advantages over the prior art. Specifically: 
     a) a spacing  51  is provided between the wall panels  12  and the existing wall  14  by means of U-channel furring  52  and thermal break attachment  74 , to enable ventilation, to provide for water run-off, to provide insulation therein, and to provide a thermal barrier; 
     b) insulation  64  is tightly held in spacing  51  between extension walls  62  and outwardly extending foot walls  60  with or without J-shaped thermal insulation covers  66 , and between common transverse wall  58  and inwardly extending foot walls  61 , without the need for any screws, adhesive or the like; 
     c) because of extension walls  62 , outwardly extending foot walls  60  and inwardly extending foot walls  61 , the height or thickness of insulation  64  remains the same so that different heights of insulation  64  need not be used; 
     d) the use of thermal break attachment  74  with different spaced apart walls  76 ,  80  and  84  provides further thermal insulation; 
     e) the use of thermal break attachment  74  with L-shaped hook walls  86  enables easy connection between U-shaped channel members  42  and main fastening extrusions  24 ; and 
     f) J-shaped thermal insulation covers  66  provide further thermal insulation between wall panels  12  and existing wall  14 . 
     It will be appreciated that, although L-shaped hook walls  86  have been shown to capture opposite extension walls  62  of U-channel furring  52 , any other suitable arrangement can be provided. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , L-shaped hook walls  86  are eliminated, and in place thereof, the upper surface of common transverse wall  58  of U-channel furring  52  includes parallel, spaced apart openings  88  having a dovetail cross-sectional configuration, and the lower surface of inner wall  78  of thermal break attachment  74  is provided with projections  90  having a dovetail cross-sectional configuration complementary in shape and dimensions to openings  88  to slidably lock therein. 
     In like manner, the upper surface of outer wall  76  of thermal break attachment  74  is provided with parallel, spaced apart openings  92  having a dovetail cross-sectional configuration, and in such case, the lower surface of central planar wall  30  of main fastening extrusion  24  can be provided with projections (not shown) having a dovetail cross-sectional configuration complementary in shape and dimensions to openings  92  to slidably lock therein. In such case, screws  34  and  48  can additionally be provided, or can even be eliminated. Further, one or more additional thermal break attachments  74  can be mounted one on top of the other, to increase the thermal insulation. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in order to increase the thermal barrier between the existing wall and the wall panels, for example, to accommodate insulation  64  having different thicknesses, non-thermal conducting spacer members  94  can be connected to J-shaped thermal insulation covers  66  and be provided between J-shaped thermal insulation covers  66  and existing wall  14 . Any suitable thermally insulating material can be used, for example, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber sold under the trademark VITON, nitrile rubber, silicone, plastics or the like. 
       FIG. 6  shows two non-thermal conducting spacer members  94  connected to each other and to a J-shaped thermal insulation cover  66  by means of dovetail connections  96  similar to those discussed above with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  shows two non-thermal conducting spacer members  94  connected to each other and to a J-shaped thermal insulation cover  66  by means of dovetail connections  98  connected at their sides. However, any suitable connection can be used. 
       FIG. 8  shows a modification of the first embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  in which L-shaped hook walls  86  are eliminated, and instead, central planar wall  30  of base section  26  of main fastening extrusion  24  is secured only by screws  34  and  48  to the outer surface of outer wall  76  of thermal break attachment  74 , with screws  34  and  48  extending through intermediate wall  84 , inner wall  78  and central planar wall  30 . Further, an additional planar thermal break wall  69  is positioned between common transverse wall  58  of U-channel furring  52  and inner wall  78  of thermal break attachment  74 . 
     As shown, double sided tape or structural caulking  67  can be provided to hold insulation  64  between walls  54  and  56 , to wall  58 . 
     Instead of using non-thermal conducting spacer members  94  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  to increase the thermal barrier between the existing wall and the wall panels, wall  54  can be formed in two wall sections  54   a  and  54   b  and wall  56  can be formed in two wall sections  56   a  and  56   b , as shown in  FIG. 9 . In such case, wall sections  54   a  and  56   a  are connected with common transverse wall  58 , while wall sections  54   b  and  56   b  are connected with foot walls  60  and  61 . The free ends of wall sections  54   a  and  54   b , and the free ends of wall sections  56   a  and  56   b  are spaced apart from each other. 
     L-shaped wall sections  100  are connected with wall sections  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a  and  56   b . Specifically, each L-shaped wall section  100  includes a first transverse stub wall  102  that extends inwardly, and a second wall extension  104  that is connected to the free end of the respective first transverse stub wall  102  and which extends in parallel, spaced apart relation to the respective wall section  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a  and  56   b . As a result, a capture space  106  is defined between each wall section  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a  and  56   b  and its respective second wall extension  104 . Further, the surface of each wall section  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a  and  56   b  that faces its respective second wall extension  104 , is formed with at least one depression or recess  108  approximately midway along capture space  106 . This may include an elongated recess  108  extending along each wall section  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a  and  56   b , or a plurality of spaced apart recesses  108 . 
     A capture wall  109  of a thermal insulation material has one end positioned in the capture space  106  between wall section  54   a  and its second wall extension  104 , and its opposite end positioned in the capture space  106  between wall section  54   b  and its second wall extension  104 , in order to connect together wall sections  54   a  and  54   b . In this regard, at least one detent  111  is formed at each end of capture wall  109  for engaging within the at least one recess  108  at each end thereof. Thus, pressing of each end of capture wall  109  into the respective capture space  106  will cause the second wall extension  104  to be biased away from the respective wall section  54   a  or  54   b  until the at least one detent  111  engages in the respective at least one recess  108 , whereby the respective second wall extension  104  will resume its original position, and thereby hold the at least one detent  111  engaged in the respective at least one recess  108 . The same operation occurs with the opposite side and wall sections  56   a  and  56   b.    
     By reason of this arrangement, the height of walls  54  and  56  can be controlled to different heights, by using different height capture walls  109 , in order to accommodate insulation  64  of different thicknesses. 
     Alternatively, recesses  108  and detents  111  can be eliminated, with ends of captured wall  109  held in capture spaces  106  by adhesive, screws or the like. 
     Although the above first embodiment and modifications thereof have been discussed in relation to U-channel furring  52 , the present invention has equal applicability with respect to Z-furring, and all of the above modifications are equally applicable to a Z-furring arrangement. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is a shown a system  110  according to the present invention for mounting wall panels  12  over an existing planar wall  14  through Z-furring  152  with thermal breaks. All of the elements shown in  FIG. 1  are identical to those in  FIG. 10  and use the same numerals, except that U-channel furring  52  is replaced with Z-furring  152 , and therefore, a detailed description of the common elements will be omitted for the sake of brevity. 
     Z-furring  152  is connected between existing wall  14  and thermal break attachment  74 . Specifically, Z-furring  152  includes a single spacing wall  154  that replaces the two parallel, spaced apart walls  54  and  56  of U-channel furring  52 , with a transverse connection wall  158  at one end thereof and extending to the right side of wall  154  in  FIG. 10 , and an extension wall  162  formed as a continuation of transverse wall  158  and extending to the opposite left side of wall  154  in  FIG. 10 . An outwardly extending transverse foot wall  160  extends from the opposite end of wall  154  to the left side of wall  154  in  FIG. 10 , and a coplanar, inwardly extending transverse foot wall  161  is also connected to the opposite free end of wall  154 , and extends to the right side of wall  154  in  FIG. 10 . In this manner, insulation  64  positioned in spacing  51  is tightly held between foot wall  160  and extension wall  162  so as to prevent escape thereof, and to keep insulation  64  properly positioned at all times. Further, insulation  64  is tightly held between transverse wall  158  and inwardly extending foot wall  161 . This eliminates the need for any additional members to hold the insulation  64  in place, such as screws, adhesives, etc., while also eliminating any extra labor that would result therefrom. 
     As with U-channel furring  52 , transverse wall  158  and extension wall  162  of Z-furring  152  is held by L-shaped hook walls  86  of thermal break attachment  74 , as well as by screws  34  and  48 . 
     As with the system shown in  FIG. 9  with U-channel furring  52 , a similar arrangement can be provided with Z-furring  152 . Thus, referring to  FIG. 11 , instead of using non-thermal conducting spacer members  94  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  to increase the thermal barrier between existing wall  14  and wall panels  12 , wall  154  can be formed in two wall sections  154   a  and  154   b . In such case, wall section  154   a  is connected with transverse wall  158 , while wall section  154   b  is connected with foot walls  160  and  161 . The free ends of wall sections  154   a  and  154   b  are spaced apart from each other. 
     L-shaped wall sections  200  are connected with wall sections  154   a  and  154   b . Specifically, each L-shaped wall section  200  includes a first transverse stub wall  202  that extends inwardly, and a second wall extension  204  that is connected to the free end of the respective first transverse stub wall  202  and which extends in parallel, spaced apart relation to the respective wall section  154   a  and  154   b . As a result, a capture space  206  is defined between each wall section  154   a  and  154   b  and its respective second wall extension  204 . Further, the surface of each wall section  154   a  and  154   b  that faces its respective second wall extension  204 , is formed with at least one depression or recess  208  approximately midway along capture space  206 . This may include an elongated recess  208  extending along each wall section  154   a  and  154   b , or a plurality of spaced apart recesses  208 . 
     A capture wall  209  of a thermal insulation material has one end positioned in the capture space  206  between wall section  154   a  and its second wall extension  204 , and its opposite end positioned in the capture space  206  between wall section  154   b  and its second wall extension  204 , in order to connect together wall sections  154   a  and  154   b . In this regard, at least one detent  211  is formed at each end of capture wall  209  for engaging within the at least one recess  208  at each end thereof. Thus, pressing of each end of capture wall  209  into the respective capture space  206  will cause the second wall extension  204  to be biased away from the respective wall section  154   a  or  154   b  until the at least one detent  211  engages in the respective at least one recess  208 , whereby the respective second wall extension  204  will resume its original position, and thereby hold the at least one detent  211  engaged in the respective at least one recess  208 . 
     By reason of this arrangement, the height of wall  154  can be controlled to different heights by using different height capture walls  209 , in order to accommodate insulation  64  of different thicknesses. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is a shown a system  210  according to the present invention for mounting wall panels  212  over an existing planar wall  214  through a T-furring  252  with thermal breaks. 
     Each wall panel  212  preferably includes a rectangular shaped, planar main panel section  216  and L-shaped bent end sections  218  at each edge. As a result, planar panel section  212 , together with L-shaped bend  218 , forms a U-shaped hook structure at each edge. Specifically, each L-shaped bent end section  218  includes a first right angle panel section  219  at each free side edge of main panel section  216  which extends at a right angle away from main panel section  216 , and a second right angle panel section  221  which extends inwardly at a right angle from the free side edge of first right angle panel section  219  such that each second right angle panel section  221  is positioned behind main panel section  216  in spaced, parallel relation thereto. However, second right angle panel section  221  can be eliminated. Main panel section  216 , however, need not be planar, and in fact, can have different shapes, such as a wave shape, etc. to provide different aesthetic appearances. Preferably, there are four bent end sections  218  at each edge of main panel section  216 . However, the invention is not limited thereby and wall panels  212  can be formed with two, three or more bent end sections  218 . Wall panels  212  are formed preferably by, but not limited to, a polyethylene core  220  with an aluminum wall  222  covering opposite sides thereof, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , insulation  264  is captured and held between main panel section  216  and second right angle panel sections  221 . 
     Further, as will be described hereafter, each second right angle panel section  221  includes through openings or slots  224  near the end that connects with main panel section  216 . 
     In order to provide a spacing  251  between wall panels  212  and existing wall  214 , for example, for ventilation, to provide for water run-off, to provide insulation therein, and to provide a thermal barrier, a T-furring  252  is connected between existing wall  214  and wall panels  212 . 
     Specifically, T-furring  252  includes a spacing wall  254  that is positioned between, and in abutting relation with, first right angle panel sections  219  of adjacent wall panels  212 , and coplanar foot walls  260  and  261  extending from opposite sides of the end of wall  254  positioned adjacent existing wall  214 . A transverse wall  255  is connected centrally at the upper end of wall  254  and extends to both sides of wall  254  so as to form left and right stub walls  255   a  and  255   b , which are positioned within openings or slots  224  in order to connect T-furring  252  to second right angle panel sections  221  of wall panels  212 . In such case, it will be appreciated that the upper surface of transverse wall  255  is spaced below the outer exposed surfaces of planar main panel sections  216  of wall panels  212 . A dovetail opening or slot  257  is formed centrally in the upper surface of transverse wall  255  in order to receive a thermal break wall member  259  above transverse wall  255  and between second right angle panel sections  221  of adjacent wall panels  212 . In this regard, the lower end of thermal break wall member  259  has a dovetail projection  259   a  that fits within dovetail opening or slot  257 . 
     A thermal insulation cover  266  is positioned around foot walls  260  and  261 , and is made of a thermally insulating material so that foot walls  260  and  261  are not in direct contact with existing wall  214  of the building. Any suitable thermally insulating material can be used, for example, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber sold under the trademark VITON, nitrile rubber, silicone, plastics or the like. Thermal insulation cover  266  includes a planar wall  266   a  positioned between foot walls  260  and  261  and existing wall  214 , and L-shaped wrapping walls  266   b  that wrap around foot walls  260  and  261 . Screws  272  extend through the upper covering ends of wrapping walls  266   b , through foot walls  260  and  261  and through planar wall  266   a  into existing wall  214  to secure T-furring  252  to existing wall  214 , and thereby secure wall panels  212  to existing wall. It will be appreciated, in the same manner as shown in  FIG. 4 , the diameter of screw holes  270  in foot walls  260  and  261  is much greater than the diameter of screws  272  so that screws  272  are not in contact with foot walls  260  and  261 , and therefore, do not provide any thermal conduction to existing wall  214 . 
     With this arrangement, there is a space between the lower surfaces of insulation  264  and existing wall  214  which allows for water and air circulation. 
     Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.