AU2009200232A1

AU2009200232A1 - Vented Roof Cover System

Info

Publication number: AU2009200232A1
Application number: AU2009200232A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rodney Burge; Adam Farrow; Matthew Lennox
Original assignee: CASE FILE MAN SYSTEMS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-02
Filing date: 2009-01-22
Publication date: 2009-05-07
Also published as: AU2008202416B1; AU2008203409A1; AU2008203409B2

Description

P100/009 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION for a DIVISIONAL APPLICATION Invention Title: VENTED ROOF COVER SYSTEM The invention is described in the following statement, including the best means of performing the invention known to us: Our Ref: 082054 - 2 VENTED ROOF COVER SYSTEM The present invention relates to protective covering of roofs and, more particularly, to the covering of damaged 5 or under construction roofs. BACKGROUND Roofs are susceptible to damage from high winds, rain or hail. Tiled roofs for example may have a considerable 10 area of tiles either damaged from hail impact, or dislodged completely as the result of high intensity storms. Shingled roofs are liable to be similarly damaged, and even metal sheeted roofs may suffer partial or total removal of one or more sheets. Damage to roofs may also be caused by the 15 impact of falling trees, large branches, or other objects made airborne under high wind conditions. Storm or impact damage cannot usually be immediately repaired so that to prevent further or potential damage to the interior of the building, temporary covering must be 20 provided. Typically canvas (or similar material) tarpaulins are placed over the damaged part of the roof and secured to the structure by ropes. One disadvantage of this method of temporary covering is the difficulty of adequately securing a tarpaulin to the 25 roof so that they remain very vulnerable to dislodgement should high winds prevail or recur and often require - 3 continuing attention and adjustment. Moreover, they are heavy and awkward to position, posing occupational health and safety issues. A further disadvantage is that they are expensive to acquire and bulky to store, and if the many 5 roofs are damaged in one storm event, the number of tarpaulins available may be inadequate. Buildings under construction, particularly timber framed, brick clad dwellings, are frequently constructed in a sequence where the timber frame, including that of the 10 roof, is completed a considerable time before the roof cladding can be added. A disadvantage of this construction technique is that during this period the timber of the structure, which may even include timber or particle board flooring, is liable to deterioration from water and sun. A 15 further disadvantage of this sequence of construction is that, if rain intervenes at the time further internal work is scheduled, the lack of roof covering may cause considerable delay and financial loss. A system of covering a roof with a film of material 20 for the purpose of preventing damage from wind shear was disclosed in US 2005/0217202. However this US application teaches a method of application of the film from a roll of film hoisted up onto the roof surface, the film being unrolled in situ with overlapping edges of the film being 25 secured by the application of adhesive tape. Rolls of film are heavy and in practice the manipulation of a roll of - 4 film and the edge taping required on even an intact roof surface is extremely difficult, if not dangerous and is completely impractical for application to the roof framing of an uncompleted building. 5 It is known for both damaged roofs and uncompleted framed roofs, to prepare sufficiently assembled strips of film at ground level for subsequent application to the roof, as disclosed in the present applicant's patent AU2008203409. In practice however, it has been found that 10 the sealing of an extensively damaged roof, or the covering of a roof still under construction by a continuous sheet of film material, can lead to unacceptable stress at the seams and attached edges of the sheet. This stress is due to wind action both passing over the sheet surface, and acting on 15 the sheet from below. It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages. Notes 20 1. The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". 2. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background 25 of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there 5 is provided a roof cover system for damaged or uncompleted roofs; said cover system including a film of heat shrinkable material stretched over a said damaged or uncompleted roof; said film formed as a sheet comprising an assembly of lengths of said heat shrinkable material 10 prepared on a ground surface; said sheet positioned on said roof and brought into conformity with surfaces of said roof through application of heat. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film provides a temporary waterproofing of a damaged roof. 15 Preferably, said heat shrinkable film provides a temporary waterproofing of an unclad roof of a building under construction. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film is provided with a heat reflecting surface. 20 Preferably, said heat shrinkable film forms a permanent heat reflecting layer. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film is retained by mechanical means at edges of a said damaged or uncompleted roof. 25 Preferably, said mechanical means include a temporary batten affixed under eaves of said root.

- 6 Preferably, said heat shrinkable film has a thickness of between 0.6 and 0.7mm. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film is a film of low density polyethylene. 5 Preferably, said heat shrinkable film includes shrinking resins, UV inhibitors, anti-brittling compounds and strengtheners. In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of protecting a roof structure from water ingress; 10 said method including the steps of: (a) selecting a roll of heat shrinkable film of suitable width, (b) cutting a required number of lengths of said film from said roll; said lengths sufficient to extend from one edge 15 of said roof structure to an opposite edge, and sufficient to cover at least a portion of said roof, (c) assembling at least two lengths of said heat shrinkable film laid out along a ground surface into a sheet of material, 20 (d) attaching a trailing end of said sheet at an edge of said roof structure, (e) taking a leading edge of said sheet to said opposite edge, (f) attaching said leading edge of said sheet at said opposite edge, 25 (g) applying heat with a heat gun to said sheet of heat shrinkable film, Preferably, said roof structure comprises an existing roof damaged through wind shear or impact.

-7 Preferably, said roof structure. comprises unclad roof framing of a building under construction. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film is provided with a heat reflecting surface; said heat shrinkable film forming 5 a heat reflective layer under roof cladding. Preferably, said trailing edge and said leading edge of said sheet are attached by means of a batten affixed under outer ends of rafters of said roof structure. Preferably, said trailing edge and said leading edge of 10 said sheet are attached by means of a batten affixed under eaves of said roof structure; portions of each said trailing edge said leading edge wrapped around a said batten. Preferably, said method further includes the step of: 15 (a) securing an outer edge of a side of said sheet of heat shrinkable film to an edge of said roof structure where said side adjoins a said edge of said roof structure. In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a 20 vented roof cover system for damaged or uncompleted roofs; said cover system including a film of heat shrinkable material stretched over a said damaged or uncompleted roof; said film formed as a sheet comprising an assembly of lengths of said heat shrinkable material prepared on a 25 ground surface; said sheet prepared with at least one vent element so as to allow communication between volumes of air within a roof space under said sheet and air above said sheet. Preferably, said vent comprises a base portion and a flexible flap adapted to cover an aperture in said base 5 portion so as to prevent ingress of rain water. Preferably, said base portion is, proved with an adhesive layer; said adhesive layer exposed by removal of a peel-off protective cover layer; said vent affixed over an aperture prepared in said sheet. 10 Preferably, said sheet is positioned on said roof and brought into conformity with surfaces of said roof through application of heat. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film provides a temporary waterproofing of a damaged roof. 15 Preferably, said heat shrinkable film provides a temporary waterproofing of an unclad roof of a building under construction. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film is provided with a heat reflecting surface. 20 Preferably, said heat shrinkable film forms a permanent heat reflecting layer. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film is retained by mechanical means at edges of a said damaged or uncompleted roof. 25 Preferably, said mechanical means include a temporary batten affixed under eaves of said root.

- 9 Preferably, said heat shrinkable film has a thickness of between 0.6 and 0.7mm. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film is a film of low density polyethylene. 5 Preferably, said heat shrinkable film includes shrinking resins, UV inhibitors, anti-brittling compounds and strengtheners. In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a sheet of heat shrinkable 10 material for protecting a roof structure from water ingress; said method including the steps of: (a) selecting a roll of heat shrinkable film of suitable width, (b) cutting a required number of lengths of said film 15 from said roll; said lengths sufficient to extend from one edge of said roof structure to an opposite edge, and sufficient to cover at least a portion of said roof, (c) assembling at least two lengths of said heat 20 shrinkable film laid out along a ground surface into a sheet of material, (d) cutting at least one aperture into said sheet of material, (e) affixing a vent over said aperture so as to allow 25 communication between air volumes above and below said sheet of material.

- 10 Preferably, said method includes the further steps of: (a) attaching a trailing end of said sheet at an edge of said roof structure, (b) taking a leading edge of said sheet to said 5 opposite edge, (c) attaching said leading edge of said sheet at said opposite edge, (d) applying heat with a heat gun to said sheet of heat shrinkable film,. 10 Preferably, said roof structure comprises an existing roof damaged through wind shear or impact. Preferably, said roof structure comprises unclad roof framing of a building under construction. Preferably, said heat shrinkable film is provided with a 15 heat reflecting surface; said heat shrinkable film forming a heat reflective layer under roof cladding. Preferably, said trailing edge and said leading edge of said sheet are attached by means of a batten affixed under outer ends of rafters of said roof structure. 20 Preferably, said trailing edge and said leading edge of said sheet are attached by means of a batten affixed under eaves of said roof structure; portions of each said trailing edge said leading edge wrapped around a said batten. Preferably, said method further includes the step of: 25 (a) securing an outer edge of a side of said sheet of heat shrinkable film to an edge of said roof - 11 structure where said side adjoins a said edge of said roof structure. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein; Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a 10 building of which the roof has sustained damage, Figure 2. is a side sectioned view of a portion of a building and existing roof structure to which has been applied a roof cover system according to the invention, Figure 3 is a side sectioned view of a portion of a 15 partly completed building showing the application of a roof cover system of the invention to unclad roof framing, Figure 4 is a further side sectioned view of the building of Figure 3 showing the roof cover system of the invention functioning as a permanent sarking layer, 20 Figure 5 is an illustration of the preparation of a sheet of heat shrinkable material prepared on a ground surface as an assembly of lengths of material taken from a roll of film, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of heat 25 shrinkable material in position over a section of roof In which the sheets of material were prior prepared with air vents, - 12 Figure 6a is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the air vents of Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 5 The roof .cover system of the present invention provides for a system and method for covering a damaged or uncompleted roof of a building. The system uses a heat shrinkable film, preferably a low-density polyethylene containing shrinking resins, UV inhibitors, anti brittling 10 compounds and strengtheners for tear resistance. The film is preferably between 0.6 and 0.'1mm in thickness and is provided in rolls of various widths and lengths. In at least one preferred form of the film, it is provided with a heat reflective surface. 15 First Preferred Embodiment With reference now to Figure 1, typical damage to a tiled roof 10 of a building 12 may include the loss of a number of tiles 12 due to a high wind shear event, leaving the building 14 open to the ingress of water. Water ingress 20 may also occur if tiles are cracked for example from heavy hail impact or falling trees or branches. Emergency temporary repair is provided by the roof cover system of the invention by applying the above described film over that portion of the roof which has sustained damage. 25 If required, sharp edges protruding from the roof surface may first be covered with suitable wadding and - 13 adhesive tape to prevent possible tearing of the film during application. The extent of roof to be covered is measured and the most suitable available width roll of the heat shrinkable 5 film selected. Film is cut to one or more lengths sufficient to extend from one edge of the roof to an opposite edge. With reference to Figure 2, a trailing edge of a length of film is mechanically attached at the first edge 16 of the roof 10. In one preferred method as shown in 10 Figure 2, the trailing edge 15 of the film 18 is wrapped once around a length of batten 18, preferably as long as the width of the film, and the batten 20 mechanically fixed to the underside 22 of the eaves 24 at the first edge of the roof 10. 15 The leading edge is now passed over the roof to the opposite edge (not shown) of the roof and the leading edge secured to the opposite side eaves in similar manner to that already described. If the outer side edge of the length of film adjoins an edge of the roof, this may be 20 similarly secured under the eaves along that side of the roof. Alternatively, the leading edge may be secured to the barge or fascia boards. Heat is now applied to the film at the underside of the eaves 24 with a heat gun (not shown) to cause the film 25 18 to shrink securely around the batten and the undersides of the eaves. The heat gun, now attached to an extension - 14 arm (not shown), is then used to apply heat to the entire length of film 18 stretched over the roof surface, causing it to tightly conform to the surface and covering missing or cracked tiles 12. 5 If the extent of the damage requires, successive lengths of film can be applied side by side with an overlap of preferably 300mm. Heat is applied along these overlaps to seal the edges of the adjoining lengths together. Valley areas and other discontinuities in the roof 10 surface can be accommodated by cutting film to suit the are involve and heat sealing to adjoining film length edges. Vertical roof penetrations, such as chimney stacks ventilators and the like, are sealed by preferably a 300mm rise of film. Edges of riser sections of film can be taped 15 or cable-tied to the penetration. By the above means, a damaged roof can be rapidly and securely covered to prevent water ingress and damage to the inside of the building. Unlike tarpaulins which are difficult to secure an remain liable to dislodgement in 20 high winds, the heat shrinkable film by conforming closely to the roof surface, provides a secure seal over the damage until permanent repairs can be made. Second Preferred Embodiment In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, a 25 damaged section of a roof to be temporarily protected prior to permanent repair, is again covered by a heat shrinkable - 15 film. In this embodiment however, the method of application is different. Instead of attempting to apply individual lengths of film, attaching a length at a first end to the eaves at one 5 side of the roof, stretching the length over the roof to be attached at the eaves at the opposite side, and taping the edges of adjoining lengths of film together, the method of this embodiment, with reference to Figure 5 is -as follows: (a) the location of the damaged section 12 of roof 10 10 is assessed in relation to the nearest opposing edges of the roof, (b) the length of film required to extend between the opposing roof edges is estimated, allowing for overhang and fixing requirements, 15 (c) the width of the damaged area is ascertained and the number of lengths of the available film required to cover and overlap the damaged area determined, (d) the number of lengths of material 18 is then cut 20 from a roll 40 of the film and laid out side by side on the ground, (e) while on the ground, adjoining edges of the lengths of film are taped to form a waterproof assembled sheet of heat shrinkable film, sufficient 25 to stretch from one roof edge to the opposite roof - 16 edges and of sufficient width to cover the damaged area. This assembled sheet is now pulled up onto the roof, positioned so as to cover the damaged area and outer ends 5 fastened in similar manner as previously described above. An advantage of this method is that there is no need to lift a relatively heavy roll of heat shrinkable material onto the roof and unroll it one what may be quite steep surfaces. Moreover it has been found in practice that the 10 arrangement described in the first preferred embodiment above of taping the edges of adjoining lengths of the material together on the roof is both difficult and dangerous. This is especially so if the damage to the roof is extensive and perhaps been rendered structurally unsafe. 15 The method of the present described embodiment minimises activity on the roof surface, requiring only that one edge of the sheet of material be carried over the roof from a first edge to an opposite edge. 20 Third Preferred Embodiment In a third preferred embodiment of the invention, a heat shrinkable film may be applied to the roof framing of an uncompleted building. In this embodiment as shown in Figure 3, the heat shrinkable film 18 is applied after the 25 roof framing is complete but preferably prior to the attachment of facia boards.

- 17 In this embodiment also, lengths of film are prepared from suitable width rolls sufficient to stretch from one side of the roof to an opposite side. In this case the trailing and leading edges of the length of film are 5 preferably attached by means of battens 20 fixed to the underside of the outer ends 26 of rafters 28, that is between the outer ends of the rafters 28 and the wall frame 30. The heat shrinkable film 18 in this embodiment, is 10 provided with a heat reflecting upper surface 32 so that the film 18 forms a permanent sarking layer beneath the roofing cladding, either tiles 34, as shown in Figure 4, or metal sheeting. Thus in this embodiment the heat shrinkable film of the invention act both to protect the timberwork of 15 a building under construction and provides a replacement for conventional reflective sarking. The weatherproof nature of the heat shrinkable material applied in this way provides for internal work on the building to continue in the event of inclement weather, 20 thus increasing productivity and economy of construction. It will be understood that the method of application described in the second preferred embodiment above is also, indeed perhaps even more so, applicable to the present embodiment. In this case manipulating a roll of material 25 and taping edges of lengths of material together over the open framework of the roof of a building under construction - 18 is even more difficult so that assembly on the ground, perhaps into a number of sheets, prior to placement over the roof framing, is clearly advantageous. In each of the above described embodiments, the sheet of 5 material may be further prepared, as shown in Figure 6, by adding a distribution of air vents 100 at various locations in each of the strips 18. Preferably, the vents 100, as shown in Figures 6 and 6A, take the form of one-way covers or flaps 110 which are affixed over an aperture 112 cut 10 into the strips of film 18 at the desired location. The flaps 110 are so arranged as to prevent the ingress of rainwater while allowing the passage of air. In one preferred form the vent 100 is pre-formed of low density polyethylene and provided with a self adhesive base 15 114. To apply the vent 100 after the aperture has been prepared, a protective cover 116 is peeled off the adhesive layer of base 114 and the vent 100 pressed into position. These vents allow the exhalation of air from underneath the sheet of material, either as a result of higher air 20 pressure arising within the roof space, for example through rising warm air or through the ingress of wind, or due to negative pressure above the sheet material. The above describes only some embodiments of the 25 present invention and modifications, obvious to those - 19 skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vented roof cover system for damaged or uncompleted roofs; said cover system including a 5 film of heat shrinkable material stretched over a said damaged or uncompleted roof; said film formed as a sheet comprising an assembly of lengths of said heat shrinkable material prepared on a ground surface; said sheet prepared with at least one vent 10 element so as to allow communication between volumes of air within a roof space under said sheet and air above said sheet.

2. The vented roof cover system of claim l wherein said vent comprises a base portion and a flexible flap 15 adapted to cover an aperture in said base portion so as to prevent ingress of rain water.

3. The vented roof cover system of claim 1 or 2 wherein said base portion is proved with an adhesive layer; said adhesive layer exposed by removal of a peel-off 20 protective cover layer; said vent affixed over an aperture prepared in said sheet.

4. The vented roof cover system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said sheet is positioned on said roof and brought into conformity with surfaces of said 25 roof through application of heat. - 21

5. The vented roof cover system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said heat shrinkable film provides a temporary waterproofing of a damaged roof.

6. The vented roof cover system of any one of claims 1 5 to 3 wherein said heat shrinkable film provides a temporary waterproofing of an unclad roof of a building under construction.

7. The vented roof cover system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said heat shrinkable film is provided 10 with a heat reflecting surface.

8. The vented roof cover system of claim 7 wherein said heat shrinkable film forms a permanent heat reflecting layer.

9. The vented roof cover system of any one of claims 1 15 to 8 wherein said heat shrinkable film is retained by mechanical means at edges of a said damaged or uncompleted roof.

10. The vented roof cover system of claim 9 wherein said mechanical means include a temporary batten 20 affixed under eaves of said roof.

11. The vented roof cover system of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said heat shrinkable film has a thickness of between 0.6 and 0.7mm.

12. The vented roof cover system of any one of claims 25 1 to 11 wherein said heat shrinkable film is a film of low-density polyethylene. - 22

13. The vented roof cover system of claim 12 wherein said heat shrinkable film includes shrinking resins, UV inhibitors, anti-brittling compounds and strengtheners. 5

14. A method of preparing a sheet of heat shrinkable material for protecting a roof structure from water ingress; said method including the steps of: (f) selecting a roll of heat shrinkable film of suitable width, 10 (g) cutting a required number of lengths of said film from said roll; said lengths sufficient to extend from one edge of said roof structure to an opposite edge, and sufficient to cover at least a portion of said roof, 15 (h) assembling at least two lengths of said heat shrinkable film laid out along a ground surface into a sheet of material, (i) cutting at least one aperture into said sheet of material, 20 (j) affixing a vent over said aperture so as to allow communication between air volumes above and below said sheet of material.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein said method includes the 25 further steps of: - 23 (e) attaching a trailing end of said sheet at an edge of said roof structure, (f) taking a leading edge of said sheet to said opposite edge, 5 (g) attaching said leading edge of said sheet at said opposite edge, (h) applying heat with a heat gun to said sheet of heat shrinkable film.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein said roof structure 10 comprises an existing roof damaged through wind shear or impact.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein said roof structure comprises unclad roof framing of a building under construction. 15

18. The method of claim 16 wherein said heat shrinkable film is provided with a heat reflecting surface; said heat shrinkable film forming a heat reflective layer under roof cladding

19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein 20 said trailing edge and said leading edge of said sheet are attached by means of a batten affixed under outer ends of rafters of said roof structure.

20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein said trailing edge and said leading edge of said sheet 25 are attached by means of a batten affixed under eaves - 24 of said roof structure; portions of each said trailing edge said leading edge wrapped around a said batten.

21. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19 wherein said method further includes the step of: 5 (b) securing an outer edge of a side of said sheet of heat shrinkable film to an edge of said roof structure where said side adjoins a said edge of said roof structure. 10

22. A vented roof cover system for damaged or uncompleted roofs as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.

23. A method of preparing a sheet of heat shrinkable 15 material for protecting a roof structure from water ingress as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.