Patent Publication Number: US-2023134444-A1

Title: Fenestration unit with drainage passage from corner key and through cladding

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a fenestration unit and, more particularly, relates to a fenestration unit with a drainage passage from a corner key and through cladding of the fenestration unit. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fenestration units, such as windows and doors may include a moisture management system for managing rainwater, snow runoff, sleet, water from nearby sprinkler systems, and/or other moisture. These features may help divert, channel, and/or drain water away from the building interior and from the fenestration unit. 
     However, several challenges remain in this regard. For example, some of these features may not provide sufficient performance under some conditions. Also, these water management features may increase manufacturing costs by increasing part count, manufacturing time, etc. Furthermore, some water management features may be bulky or visually unappealing. In this regard, there may be mismatches in part color between the water management feature and the neighboring areas of the fenestration unit. Including water management systems without degrading the strength and robustness of the fenestration unit may be challenging as well. 
     Thus, it is desirable to provide an improved fenestration unit with one or more water management features, such as one or more interior drainage passages. It is also desirable to incorporate such features for high-efficiency and low-cost manufacture of the fenestration unit. Likewise, it is desirable to provide such features inconspicuously in a low-profile, compact, and visually appealing fenestration unit. It is further desirable to provide these features in a highly robust and weather-resistant fenestration unit. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background discussion. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     This is solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments are included in the dependent claims. 
     In one embodiment, a fenestration unit is disclosed that includes a frame corner key that includes a corner key fluid outlet and a cladding having an aperture for the corner key fluid outlet. The fenestration unit also includes a weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a fenestration unit is disclosed that includes providing a frame corner key with a corner key fluid outlet. The method also includes attaching a cladding to the frame corner key. The cladding has an aperture for the corner key fluid outlet to define at least part of a weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     In an additional embodiment, a sliding window unit is disclosed that includes a sill member and a jamb member. The sliding window unit further includes a fenestration unit that includes a frame corner key having a corner key fluid outlet. The fenestration unit further includes a cladding having an aperture for the corner key fluid outlet. The fenestration unit also includes weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. The frame corner key attaches the sill member and the jamb member, and the frame corner key includes a reservoir and a projection that defines the corner key fluid outlet. The cladding is provided as an apron cladding segment that is attached to and that covers over at least part of the sill member. The apron cladding segment has the aperture that receives the projection of the frame corner key. The apron cladding segment has a weep outlet. The weep drainage system with the fluid path is defined from the reservoir and to the weep outlet to drain from the fenestration unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is an exterior perspective view of a fenestration unit with a weep drainage system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is an interior perspective view of a corner joint of the fenestration unit of  FIG.  1    showing features of the weep drainage system according to example embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    is an interior perspective view of a corner key of the fenestration unit of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is an exterior perspective view of the corner key of  FIG.  3    from a first side; 
         FIG.  5    is an exterior perspective view of the corner key of  FIG.  5    from a second side; 
         FIG.  6    is an exterior perspective view of the corner key and cladding of the fenestration unit of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a section view of the corner key and cladding of the fenestration unit of  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  8    is an interior perspective view of the cladding of the fenestration unit of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application and uses of the present disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. 
     Broadly, example embodiments disclosed herein include a fenestration unit, such as a window unit, having a frame that includes a weep drainage system. The system may include an internal drainage path that is defined from a corner member of the frame to a weep outlet opening defined on the exterior of the fenestration unit. 
     In some embodiments, the system may include a corner component (e.g., a corner key) and cladding. The corner component may include a reservoir and a fluid outlet from the reservoir to define part of a fluid path. The cladding may also include at least one aperture that is coupled to the fluid outlet of the corner component, and the cladding may also include a weep outlet for the water to drain from the weep drainage system. 
     As will be discussed, the weep drainage system of the present disclosure provides effective moisture drainage. The weep drainage system may provide a low-profile, compact, and inconspicuous arrangement for moisture to drain from the fenestration unit. The fenestration unit may also be structurally robust. Furthermore, one or more features of the present disclosure may provide manufacturing benefits, such as lower part count, increased manufacturing efficiency, and/or other advantages. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , a fenestration unit  104  is shown according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The fenestration unit  104  may include features that direct water, droplets of water, rainwater, sleet and snow runoff, water from sprinkler systems, and/or other moisture away and outward from the unit  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the fenestration unit  104  may be configured as and/or combined with a horizontally sliding window unit  103 , and the majority of the discussion will refer to the fenestration unit  104  as such. However, it will be appreciated that one or more features of the present disclosure may be configured for a horizontally sliding door or another type of fenestration unit  104  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, in some embodiments, the fenestration unit  104  may be a clad window as will be discussed in detail below; however, the fenestration unit  104  may have a different configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the fenestration unit  104  may include a frame  110  that supports a first panel  112  and a second panel  113 . At least one of the panels  112 ,  113  may be a sliding panel that is supported within the frame  110  for sliding movement along a lateral axis  126  (i.e., lateral direction). In some embodiments, the first panel  112  may be a fixed, non-active panel that is fixedly supported within the frame  110 , whereas the second panel  113  may be a horizontally sliding panel that is supported for sliding movement along the axis  126 . (A vertical axis  125  and an interior/exterior axis  127  are also indicated in  FIG.  1    for reference purposes.) The panels  112 ,  113  may be supported within the frame  110  and may be offset along the interior/exterior axis  127  such that the second panel  113  may slide and overlap the first panel  112  as the second panel  113  opens. The second panel  113  may also move to a closed position, as shown, in which the panels  112 ,  113  are non-overlapping and are spaced apart along the lateral axis  126 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the frame  110  may be rectangular and may generally include a header  111 , a first jamb  115 , a second jamb  117 , and a sill  114 . The header  111  and sill  114  may extend along the lateral axis  126  and may be separated along the vertical axis  125 . The first and second jambs  115 ,  117  may extend along the vertical axis  125  and may be separated along the lateral axis  126 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , at least part of the vertically-extending first jamb  115  and at least part of the horizontally-extending sill  114  may be joined at a corner joint  120 . It will be appreciated that the second jamb  117  may be joined to the opposite end of the sill  114  with a corner joint similar to the corner joint  120  described herein. 
     The corner joint  120  may include a corner key  118 , such as the corner key  118  shown in  FIGS.  2 - 5    according to example embodiments. The corner key  118  may include a substantially block-shaped base  130  ( FIGS.  3  and  4   ), which includes a first lateral face  132 , a second lateral face  134 , an exterior end  136 , an interior end  138 , a top side  140 , and a bottom side  142 . The corner key  118  may also include one or more flanges  144  that extend vertically from the margin of the top side  140 . The corner key  118  may also include a number of features (e.g., projections, pockets, bolt holes, fastener seats, etc.) for attaching to adjacent members of the frame  110 . The corner key  118  may further include features that increase stiffness, strength, and robustness of the corner key  118 . The corner key  118  may also include one or more features for collecting moisture and directing it away from the fenestration unit  104  as will be discussed. 
     In some embodiments, the corner key  118  may be formed of a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the corner key  118  may be an injection molded part. However, the corner key  118  may be made from different material and/or may be formed in other ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  6   , the first lateral face  132  of the corner key  118  may abut against and fixedly attach to a longitudinal end of a sill member  146  of the sill  114 . The sill member  146  may be an elongate member that extends horizontally and linearly along the lateral axis  126 . The sill member  146  may, in some embodiments, be a lineal extruded member of the sill  114 . The sill member  146  may be constructed from and/or include vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and/or other material. The sill member  146  may be strong and stiff and may include a number of relatively thin walls that run along the lateral axis  126  and that match at least part of the profile of the first lateral face  132  of the corner key  118 . Accordingly, at least some of the gaps, spaces, etc. in the lateral face  132  (e.g., those shown in  FIG.  2   ) may be open to and may be continuous with corresponding gaps, spaces, etc. extending along the sill member  146  along the lateral axis  126 . In some embodiments, the sill member  146  may be fixedly attached to the corner key  118  via fasteners, adhesives, and/or other attachments. 
     Moreover, as represented in  FIG.  2   , the top side  140  of the corner key  118  may abut against and fixedly attach to a longitudinal end of a jamb member  150  (shown in phantom). The jamb member  150  may be an elongate member that extends vertically and linearly along the vertical axis  125 . The jamb member  150  may, in some embodiments, be a lineal extruded member of the jamb  115 . The jamb member  150  may be constructed from and/or include vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and/or other material. In some embodiments, the jamb member  150  may be fixedly attached to the corner key  118  via fasteners, adhesives, and/or other attachments. 
     As stated, the fenestration unit  104  may be configured as a clad window (i.e., cladded window, wood-clad window, etc.). As such, the fenestration unit  104  may additionally include a cladding  152  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  6   . The cladding  152  may include one or more plate- or strip-like segments that extend about and frame the exterior of the fenestration unit  104 . The cladding  152  may be made of a strong material, such as metal in some embodiments. The cladding  152  may be made of aluminum alloy in some embodiments. The cladding  152  may be a lineal extruded part in some embodiments. 
     The cladding  152  may include a first cladding segment, referred to herein as an apron segment  154 , and a second cladding segment, referred to herein as a jamb segment  156 . The jamb segment  156  may extend vertically along the vertical axis  125  and may cover over the jamb member  150  and part of the corner key  118 . The apron segment  154  may extend horizontally along the lateral axis  126  and may cover over the sill member  146  and part of the corner key  118 . The apron segment  154  and jamb segment  156  may, in some embodiments, include respective terminal ends that are cut on a bias angle relative to the respective longitudinal axis. As shown in  FIG.  1   , these terminal ends may abut to cooperatively define a seam  158  in the cladding  152 . 
       FIGS.  6 - 8    represent the apron segment  154  according to example embodiments. The apron segment  154  may be a unitary, one-piece member. The apron segment  154  may be a lineal extruded part. The apron segment  154  may include a sill cover portion  160 , an apron plate portion  162  that depends from the sill cover portion  160  along the vertical axis  125 , and a projecting portion  164  that projects outward along the interior/exterior axis  127  from the sill cover portion  160 . The sill cover portion  160  may include a generally C-shaped cross section as shown in  FIG.  7    and may receive and cover the exterior end  136  of the corner key  118 . The sill member  146  may continue the profile of the exterior end  136  further along the lateral axis  126  and the sill cover portion  160  may cover over and clad this portion of the sill member  146  as well. The apron plate portion  162  may extend downward vertically to cover over the portion of the wall below the fenestration unit  104 . 
     The projecting portion  164  may include a first projecting wall  170  and a second projecting wall  172  that project outward from the sill cover portion  160 . Both the first and second projecting walls  170 ,  172  may have relatively small wall thicknesses. The first projecting wall  170  may be flush and continuous with the top surface of the sill cover portion  160 , and an exterior terminal edge of the first projecting wall  170  may be bent downward. The second projecting wall  172  may be spaced apart downwardly from the first projecting wall  170  along the vertical axis  125 . The second projecting wall  172  may split into multiple (e.g., two) branches as it projects further from the cover portion  160 . 
     The fenestration unit  104  further includes a weep drainage system  180  ( FIG.  7   ). Generally, the weep drainage system  180  may define a fluid path  182  defined from the frame corner key  118  and through the cladding  152  to drain away from the fenestration unit  104  under force of gravity. 
     The corner key  118  may define features of the weep drainage system  180 . In some embodiments, the corner key  118  may include at least one reservoir  184  of the drainage system  180 . The reservoir may be recessed into the lateral face  132  along the lateral axis  126 . Also, the reservoir  184  may extend along the interior/exterior axis  127 . The reservoir  184  may be configured to receive and collect fluid (e.g., rainwater, snow runoff, etc.). For example, moisture in the jamb  115  may move into and collect in the reservoir  184 . Also, moisture in the sill member  146  and/or other portions of the sill  114  may move into and collect in the reservoir  184 . In some embodiments, the reservoir  184  may be tilted slightly toward the exterior such that the moisture moves toward the exterior end  136  of the corner key  118  under force of gravity. 
     The corner key  118  may further include a projection  186  that defines a corner key fluid outlet  188  of the weep drainage system  180 . The projection  186  may project outward along the interior/exterior axis  127 . The projection  186  may be a rectangular, hollow, and tubular. The corner key fluid outlet  188  may extend along the projection  186  through the projection  186 . The corner key fluid outlet  188  may be fluidly connected to the reservoir  184 . Accordingly, fluid in the reservoir  184  may flow to the corner key fluid outlet  188  and outward from the corner key  118 . 
     The cladding  152  may also define features of the weep drainage system  180 . In some embodiments, the cladding  152  may include at least one aperture  190  ( FIGS.  6 - 8   ) for the corner key fluid outlet  188 . The aperture  190  may be a notch, slot, or other opening on one end of the apron segment  154  ( FIG.  8   ) and may be formed in the sill cover portion  160 . The aperture  190  may correspond in shape to the projection  186  of the corner key  118 . The aperture  190  may receive the projection  186 . In some embodiments, the apron segment  154  may fit within a gap  191  ( FIG.  5   ) defined between the projection  186  and an adjacent flange  197  of the corner key  118 . The jamb segment  156  of the cladding  152  may also abut against the apron segment  154  and close off the open end of the aperture  190  in the apron segment  154 . 
     The cladding  152  may further include a weep outlet  199 . The weep outlet  199  may be a slot that extends along the lateral axis  126  and may be defined between the first projecting wall  170  and the second projecting wall  172 . Accordingly, the corner key fluid outlet  188  may be received in the aperture  190  of the cladding  152  and may be disposed and substantially hidden between the first and second projecting walls  170 ,  172  of the apron segment  154  of the cladding  152 . 
     The weep drainage system  180  may also include a sealing member  195  ( FIGS.  6  and  7   ). The sealing member  195  may be a cured sealant. The sealing member  195  may be a thin layer of sealant disposed between the cladding  152  and the projection  186  of the corner key, within the gap  191 , and proximate the aperture  190 . In some embodiments, the projection  186  may include a barrier wall  185  that projects laterally therefrom, and the barrier wall  185  may be shaped to direct uncured sealant as it flows around the aperture  190  to form the sealing member  195 . Accordingly, the sealing member  195  may fluidly seal this area and ensure moisture flows out of the fenestration unit  104  as discussed. 
     The fenestration unit  104  may further include a sealing injection aperture  198 . As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the corner key  118  may include the sealing injection aperture  198 , which may be a through-hole at the bottom side  142 . When assembled, the aperture  198  may provide access to the gap  191  from the exterior of the unit  104 . Fluid sealant may be injected into the aperture  198 , and the barrier wall  185  and other surrounding surfaces may direct the sealant so that it flows into the gap  191  and around the aperture  190 . Then, the sealant may be cured to form the sealing member  195 . 
     In some embodiments, to manufacture the fenestration unit  104 , the segments of the cladding  152  may be extruded. The sill member  146  and the jamb member  150  may be extruded as well. The ends of these extruded members may be mitered as needed. The corner key  118  may be formed via injection molding in some embodiments. Furthermore, the aperture  190  may be formed in the apron segment  154  of the cladding  152 , for example, by cutting material away, by punching through the material, or otherwise. For assembly, the apron segment  154  of the cladding  152  may be attached to the sill member  146 , for example, by sliding along the lateral axis  126 , by snap-on fitting, using fasteners, or otherwise. Then, the corner key  118  may be attached to the sill member  146  using fasteners, adhesives, and/or other attachments. When attaching the corner key  118 , the projection  186  may be fitted within the aperture  190 . Next, the jamb member  150  may be attached to the corner key  118  using fasteners, adhesives, and/or other attachments. Also, the jamb segment  156  of the cladding  152  may be attached to the jamb member  150  (by snap-on fit, slide-on fit, and/or other attachments). Subsequently, sealant may be injected into the aperture  198 , and the injected sealant may be cured to form the sealing member  195 . These manufacturing methods may be highly efficient, with relatively low part count, low costs, etc. 
     During use of the fenestration unit  104 , fluid may move into and briefly collect within the reservoir  184 . This moisture may flow along the fluid path  182  from the reservoir  184  of the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet  188 , through the aperture  190 , and into the weep outlet  199  to drain from the fenestration unit. This weep drainage system  180  may be highly effective for removing moisture from the fenestration unit  104 . The drainage system  180  may be very inconspicuous as well, even in a low-profile fenestration unit  104  of the type illustrated. Indeed, the system  180  is largely hidden inside the fenestration unit  104 . Also, the weep outlet  199  is a small, inconspicuous opening that is integral to the cladding  152 . 
     Furthermore, the following examples are provided: 
     In an example, a fenestration unit is disclosed that includes a frame corner key that includes a corner key fluid outlet. The fenestration unit also includes a cladding having an aperture for the corner key fluid outlet. Furthermore, the fenestration unit includes a weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     In an option, the frame corner key includes a projection, and the aperture receives the projection. The corner key fluid outlet extends along the projection. 
     In an additional option, the projection is hollow and tubular with the corner key fluid outlet extending therethrough. 
     In an additional option, the fenestration unit further includes a sealing member that seals between the frame corner key and the cladding, proximate the aperture. 
     In an additional option, the frame corner key includes a projection, and the aperture receives the projection. The corner key fluid outlet extends along the projection. The sealing member extends within a gap between the projection and the cladding, proximate the aperture. 
     Moreover, in an additional option, the corner key includes a sealant injection aperture that provides fluid access to the gap from outside the fenestration unit. 
     In an addition option, the corner key includes a reservoir configured to collect fluid. The fluid path is defined from the reservoir, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     Furthermore, in an additional option, the cladding includes an apron segment with the aperture, the aperture being open at one end of the apron cladding segment. 
     In an additional option, the cladding includes an apron segment that defines at least part of the aperture and that includes a weep outlet. The fluid path is defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, through the aperture, and through the weep outlet to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     Also, in an additional option, the fenestration unit includes a frame sill member. The apron segment includes a cover portion that at least partly covers the frame sill member and the frame corner key. The apron segment includes a first projecting wall and a second projecting wall that project from the cover portion. The aperture is included in the cover portion, and the weep outlet is defined between the first and second projecting walls. 
     In an additional example, a method of manufacturing a fenestration unit is disclosed. The method includes providing a frame corner key with a corner key fluid outlet. The method also includes attaching a cladding to the frame corner key. The cladding has an aperture for the corner key fluid outlet to define at least part of a weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     In an option, the method includes receiving a projection of the frame corner key within the aperture. The corner key fluid outlet extends along the projection. 
     In an additional option, the projection is hollow and tubular with the corner key fluid outlet extending therethrough. 
     In an additional option, the method further includes providing a sealing member that seals between the frame corner key and the cladding, proximate the aperture. 
     In an additional option, the frame corner key includes a projection. The corner key fluid outlet extends along the projection. The method further includes receiving the projection within the aperture. The method also includes extending the sealing member within a gap between the projection and the cladding, proximate the aperture. 
     In an additional option, the method further includes injecting sealant into the gap via a corner key sealant injection aperture providing fluid access to the gap from outside the fenestration unit. The method also includes curing the sealant after injecting the sealant. 
     In an additional option, the method includes providing the corner key with a reservoir configured to collect fluid. The fluid path is defined from the reservoir, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     In an additional option, the cladding includes an apron segment that defines at least part of the aperture and that includes a weep outlet. The fluid path is defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, through the aperture, and through the weep outlet to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     In an additional option, the method further includes providing a frame sill member. The apron segment includes a cover portion. The method further includes at least partly covering the frame sill member and the frame corner key with the cover portion. The apron segment includes a first projecting wall and a second projecting wall that project from the cover portion. The aperture is included in the cover portion, and the weep outlet is defined between the first and second projecting walls. 
     In a further example, a sliding window unit is disclosed that includes a sill member, a jamb member, and a fenestration unit comprising a frame corner key that includes a corner key fluid outlet, a cladding having an aperture for the corner key fluid outlet, and a weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. The frame corner key attaches the sill member and the jamb member, the frame corner key including a reservoir and a projection that defines the corner key fluid outlet. The cladding is provided as an apron cladding segment that is attached to and that covers over at least part of the sill member, the apron cladding segment having the aperture that receives the projection of the frame corner key, the apron cladding segment having a weep outlet. The weep drainage system with the fluid path is defined from the reservoir and to the weep outlet to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     In an example, the sliding window unit is provided in combination with any of the above mentioned examples and options of the fenestration unit. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit wherein the frame corner key includes a projection, and the aperture receives the projection, the corner key fluid outlet extending along the projection. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit wherein the projection is hollow and tubular with the corner key fluid outlet extending therethrough. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit further comprising a sealing member that seals between the frame corner key and the cladding, proximate the aperture. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit wherein the frame corner key includes a projection and the aperture receives the projection, the corner key fluid outlet extending along the projection. The sealing member extends within a gap between the projection and the cladding, proximate the aperture. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit wherein the corner key includes a sealant injection aperture that provides fluid access to the gap from outside the fenestration unit. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit wherein the corner key includes a reservoir configured to collect fluid, and wherein the fluid path is defined from the reservoir, through the corner key fluid outlet, and through the aperture to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit wherein the cladding includes an apron segment with the aperture, the aperture being open at one end of the apron cladding segment. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit wherein the cladding includes an apron segment that defines at least part of the aperture and that includes a weep outlet; and the fluid path is defined from the frame corner key, through the corner key fluid outlet, through the aperture, and through the weep outlet to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     For example, the sliding window unit is combined with the fenestration unit further comprising a frame sill member; wherein the apron segment includes a cover portion that at least partly covers the frame sill member and the frame corner key; the apron segment includes a first projecting wall and a second projecting wall that project from the cover portion; and the aperture is included in the cover portion, and the weep outlet is defined between the first and second projecting walls. 
     In a further example, a sliding window unit is disclosed that includes a sill member, a jamb member, and a frame corner key that attaches the sill member and the jamb member. The frame corner key includes a reservoir and a projection that defines a corner key fluid outlet. The sliding window unit includes an apron cladding segment that is attached to and that covers over at least part of the sill member. The apron cladding segment has an aperture that receives the projection of the frame corner key. The apron cladding segment has a weep outlet. The window unit also includes a weep drainage system with a fluid path defined from reservoir, through the corner key fluid outlet, through the aperture, and to the weep outlet to drain from the fenestration unit. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.