AU2015249111B2 - Weatherproof Roof Fixing System - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A weatherproof enhanced roofing system comprising a plurality of elongated roofing material support battens arranged to be secured to a roof structure in spaced-apart, parallel relationship, whereby a plurality of roofing material pieces are arranged in rows having a upper-end portion supported by one batten and a lower-end portion supported by the next lower batten; a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips to be engaged with the roofing material pieces secured onto the batten; whereby each weather strip extends between a pair of adjacent battens; said weather strips are arranged in rows wherein the next row is positioned in an alternate manner with the previous row; the plurality of roofing material pieces arranged to be secured to the battens and to be supported by the weather strips along the edges where adjacent pieces of roofing material meet, adjacent pieces of roofing material being arranged in a side by-side manner, and wherein the lower-end portion of an upper row of roofing material pieces overlaps with the upper portion of a lower row of the roofing material pieces on a lower adjacent batten, the roof material piece incorporating at least one wind bunker defined as a ridge protruding from an upper surface of the roofing material piece in the region of the top portion, the roof material piece also incorporating at least one flow-retarding channel located between the uppermost edge thereof and the wind bunker; wherein the construction of the weather strips and the roofing material pieces, and the arrangement of the said weather strips and roofing material pieces to the batten forms a connected under-pathway allowing water/moisture which may have seeped through gaps between adjacent roofing material pieces to be directed off the roof; and wherein the at least one wind bunker, the at least one flow retarding channel, and the engagement between roofing material pieces on the upper row and the lower row co-operate to provide a means to minimize wind-blown water entering the roof through the overlapped portion of the roofing material pieces.

Description

1 2015249111 28 Oct 2015

Weatherproof Roof Fixing System Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to a roof-fixing system; more particularly, a weatherproof roofing system with single lap weatherproof tiles or flat shingles. 5 Background Art

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of 10 the application.

Various roof-fixing systems with flat shingles or tiles are known. These systems incorporate different modes of securing the various designs of flat shingles or tiles to a roof structure. These systems employ the use of “weather strips” to provide weatherproofing features. 15 For example, International Patent Application No. PCT/AU00/00376 disclosed a fixing system for securing roof tiles to a roof structure using retention means to secure the tiles against lifting. Also disclosed in this application is a weather strip which includes two longitudinal strips of sealant means adapted to seal under the side edges of the tiles (which are laid in a side-to-side relationship) or to engage with 20 the underside of the tiles to provide a seal for wind-blown rain which may be driven under the tile. It would be desirable to provide an alternative system to enhance the weatherproofing characteristics of a roof-fixing system.

International Patent Application No. PCT/AU01/01122 disclosed a weather strip for supporting tiles on battens on a roof wherein the weather strip includes side flanges 25 and a retention means defined as a wire clip engaged to each of the side flanges. Each leg forms into a hook to engage to the lower end of a tile. The disadvantage of the invention is that the wire clip projects beyond the lower end of the tile which is unsightly. 2 2015249111 28 Oct 2015

Accordingly, an alternative roof-fixing system which could provide effective weatherproofing is desirable.

Summary of the Invention

An object of this invention is to provide an alternative roofing system with enhanced 5 weatherproofing ability even under extreme tropical weather conditions such as heavy rain and tropical storms.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved roofing system whereby the tiles or shingles, particularly the flat type, are arranged to be secured to the roof structure without having a tile clip or retention means protruding from the lower end 10 of the tile so as to reduce problems associated with corrosion.

The weather proofing features are presented in the roofing material, the weather strip, and the method of roof fixing, which can be collectively referred to as a system.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a roofing system comprising: 15 a plurality of elongated roofing material support battens arranged to be secured to the roof structure in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship. The battens provide support for the roofing materials which are arranged in rows whereby the upper-end portion is supported by one batten and the lower-end portion is supported by the next lower batten. The lower-end portion of the upper row roofing material 20 overlaps with the upper portion of the lower row of the roofing material on the lower adjacent batten; a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips each extending between a pair of adjacent battens. The weather strips on the next rows are positioned in an alternating pattern with the previous row. The weather strip has a length that is 25 substantially equal to the distance between the adjacent pairs of battens, but preferably shorter than the length of the tiles to be supported thereby. The weather strip is provided with tabs adapted to engage with the upper batten securing the weather strip thereon. The weather strip is also provided with an integrally-formed tile clip positioned on the top portion between the tabs. The clip will clip the top 30 portion of the roofing material at which the edges of the pair of adjacent tiles, which 3 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet. The weather strips also include side flanges to provide structural rigidity. The flanges are bent downwardly and extended along the length of the weather strip, but truncated before the lower portion of the roofing material at the position at which the side flanges meet the lower batten. 5 Ridges to allow shedding of water are prepared on the surface of the weather strip; and a plurality of roofing materials are arranged to be secured to the battens and to be supported by the weather strips at which the edges of the pair of adjacent pieces of roofing materials, which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet. The 10 roofing materials are constructed such that the roofing material interaction with the weather strips and the adjacent roofing material form a weatherproof system of roof fixing according to the invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a weatherproof enhanced roofing system comprising: 15 a plurality of elongated roofing material support battens arranged to be secured to the roof structure in spaced-apart, parallel relationship, whereby roofing materials are arranged in rows having their upper-end portion supported by one batten and their lower-end portion supported by the next lower batten; a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips to be engaged with the 20 roofing materials secured onto the batten; whereby each weather strip extends between a pair of adjacent battens; said weather strips are arranged in rows wherein the next row is positioned in an alternate manner with the previous row; a plurality of roofing materials arranged to be secured to the battens and to be supported by the weather strips at which the edges of the pair of adjacent pieces of 25 roofing material, which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet, wherein the lower-end portion of the upper row roofing material overlaps with the upper portion of the lower row of the roofing material on the lower adjacent batten; characterized in that the construction of the weather strips and the roofing material; and the arrangement of the said weather strips and roofing material to the 4 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 batten forms a connected under-pathway allowing water/moisture which may have seeped through the gap between two edges of roofing material which are arranged in a side-to-side manner to be directed off the roof; and the engagement between roofing material on the upper row and the lower row forms a means to minimize wind-5 blown water entering the roof through the overlapped portion of the roofing material.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a weatherproof enhanced roofing system comprising: a plurality of elongated roofing material support battens arranged to be secured to the roof structure in spaced-apart, parallel relationship, whereby roofing 10 materials are arranged in rows having their upper-end portion supported by one batten and their lower-end portion supported by the next lower batten; a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips to be engaged with the roofing materials secured onto the batten; whereby each weather strip extends between a pair of adjacent battens; said weather strips are arranged in rows wherein 15 the next row is positioned in an alternate manner with the previous row; a plurality of roofing material pieces arranged to be secured to the battens and to be supported by the weather strips along the edges where adjacent pieces of roofing material meet, adjacent pieces of roofing material being arranged in a side-by-side manner, and wherein the lower-end portion of the upper row roofing material 20 overlaps with the upper portion of the lower row of the roofing material on the lower adjacent batten; characterized in that the construction of the weather strips and the roofing material, and the arrangement of the said weather strips and roofing material to the batten forms a connected under-pathway allowing water/moisture which may have 25 seeped through gaps between adjacent roofing material pieces to be directed off the roof; and wherein the roofing material includes at least one wind bunker defined as a ridge protruding from an upper surface of the roofing material in the region of the top portion, the engagement between roofing material on the upper row and the lower row forms a means to minimize wind-blown water entering the roof through the 30 overlapped portion of the roofing material. 5 2015249111 28 Oct 2015

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling a roof system, the method comprising the following steps: arranging and securing a plurality of elongated tile support battens to the roof structure in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship; 5 securing weather strips, having ridges running the entire length and on the top surface of the weather strip, to the batten, each weather strip extends between a pair of adjacent battens; laying roofing materials on top of the weather strip whereby each weather strip supports edges of two adjacent pieces of roofing materials, said roofing 10 materials are being laid in rows in a side-to-side manner, said roofing materials are prepared with flow retarding channels and wind bunkers on the top portion of the roofing material; ridges on the underside having the pattern corresponding to the ridges 15 on the top surface of the weather strip; and weather ribs on the underside of the lower portion, wherein the ridges on the weather strip meet the ridges on the underside of the two pieces of roofing materials, the lower edge of the weather strip meets the flow-retarding channel of the roofing material of the next lower row, the 20 weather rib on the underside of the tile on the upper row aligns closely with wind bunker of roofing material on the lower row; and securing said roofing material to the batten.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a weatherproof enhanced roofing system comprising: 25 a plurality of elongated roofing material support battens arranged to be secured to a roof structure in spaced-apart, parallel relationship, whereby a plurality 6 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 of roofing material pieces are arranged in rows having a upper-end portion supported by one batten and a lower-end portion supported by the next lower batten; a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips to be engaged with the roofing material pieces secured onto the batten; whereby each weather strip extends 5 between a pair of adjacent battens; said weather strips are arranged in rows wherein the next row is positioned in an alternate manner with the previous row; the plurality of roofing material pieces arranged to be secured to the battens and to be supported by the weather strips along the edges where adjacent pieces of roofing material meet, adjacent pieces of roofing material being arranged in a side-10 by-side manner, and wherein the lower-end portion of an upper row of roofing material pieces overlaps with the upper portion of a lower row of the roofing material pieces on a lower adjacent batten, the roof material piece incorporating at least one wind bunker defined as a ridge protruding from an upper surface of the roofing material piece in the region of the top portion, the roof material piece also 15 incorporating at least one flow-retarding channel located between the uppermost edge thereof and the wind bunker; wherein the construction of the weather strips and the roofing material pieces, and the arrangement of the said weather strips and roofing material pieces to the batten forms a connected under-pathway allowing water/moisture which may have 20 seeped through gaps between adjacent roofing material pieces to be directed off the roof; and wherein the at least one wind bunker, the at least one flow retarding channel, and the engagement between roofing material pieces on the upper row and the lower row co-operate to provide a means to minimize wind-blown water entering the roof through the overlapped portion of the roofing material pieces. 25 According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a weatherproof enhanced roofing system comprising: a plurality of elongated roofing material support battens arranged to be secured to a roof structure in spaced-apart, parallel relationship, whereby a plurality of roofing material pieces are arranged in rows having a upper-end portion supported 30 by one batten and a lower-end portion supported by the next lower batten; 7 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips to be engaged with the roofing material pieces secured onto the batten; whereby each weather strip extends between a pair of adjacent battens; said weather strips are arranged in rows wherein the next row is positioned in an alternate manner with the previous row; 5 the plurality of roofing material pieces arranged to be secured to the battens and to be supported by the weather strips along the edges where adjacent pieces of roofing material meet, adjacent pieces of roofing material being arranged in a side-by-side manner, and wherein the lower-end portion of an upper row of roofing material pieces overlaps with the upper portion of a lower row of the roofing material 10 pieces on a lower adjacent batten, the roof material piece incorporating at least one flow-retarding channel located on an upper surface of the upper portion of the roofing material piece, starting at least from the position where the weather strip on the upper row ends; wherein the construction of the weather strips and the roofing material pieces, 15 and the arrangement of the weather strips and roofing material to the batten forms a connected under-pathway allowing water/moisture which may have seeped through gaps between adjacent roofing material pieces to be directed off the roof; and wherein the at least one flow retarding channel, and the engagement between roofing material pieces on the upper row and the lower row co-operate to provide a 20 means to minimize wind-blown water entering the roof through the overlapped portion of the roofing material pieces.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a weatherproof enhanced roofing system comprising: a plurality of elongated roofing material support battens arranged to be 25 secured to a roof structure in spaced-apart, parallel relationship, whereby a plurality of roofing material pieces are arranged in rows having an upper-end portion supported by one batten and a lower-end portion supported by the next lower batten; a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips to engage with the roofing material pieces secured onto the batten; whereby each weather strip extends 8 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 between a pair of adjacent battens, the weather strips are arranged wherein the next row is in an offset position to the previous row; the plurality of roofing material pieces arranged in a side-by-side manner on the battens and having the weather strips at the join of adjacent roofing material 5 pieces, the lower-end portion of an upper row of roofing material pieces overlapping with the upper portion of a lower row of the roofing material pieces on a lower adjacent batten, the roof material piece incorporating at least one flow-retarding channel located on the upper portion of the roofing material piece, starting at least from the position where the weather strip on the upper row ends; 10 whereupon forming the roofing system, the weather strips and roofing material pieces form a connected under-pathway allowing water/moisture which may have seeped through gaps between of the roofing system to be directed off the roof; and wherein the at least one flow retarding channel, and the engagement between roofing material pieces on the upper row and the lower row co-operate to provide a 15 means to minimize wind-blown water entering the roof through the overlapped portion of the roofing material pieces.

Brief Description of the Drawings

To assist with understanding of the principles of the invention to be described herein, the description will be made in reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 20 Fig. 1 shows a weatherproof roof-fixing system according to present invention.

Fig. 2 shows an example of the embodiment of a weather strip according to the invention.

Fig. 3 shows an example of the embodiment of a tile which forms part of the system according to the invention. 25 Fig. 4 shows an example of the underside arrangement of the tile of Fig. 3

Fig. 5 shows a top view arrangement of the tiles of Fig. 3 and the weather strip of Fig. 2 9 2015249111 28 Oct 2015

Fig. 6 shows a see-through view of the arrangement of the tiles and the weather strip of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows a closer view of Fig. 1 displaying the arrangement of the battens, the tiles, and the weather strips to form the roof system according to the present 5 invention.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the relationship between the weather strip and the tile.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of the arrangement of the batten, weather strips, and tiles of the roof system according to the present invention. 10 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

The terms “upper” and “lower” in the following description and claims are used relative to the position of the tile and weather strip when used on a pitched roof. In addition, the term “tile” is used in reference to roofing materials, in particular flat-type 15 roof tiles/shingles which possess features and characteristics under the principles as described herewith.

The present invention provides a weatherproof roof-fixing system wherein the weather-proofing features are presented in the tile (100), the weather strip (200), and the method of roof fixing, which collectively referred to as a system. 20 As shown in Fig. 1, the roofing system according to the invention comprises a plurality of elongated tile support battens (10) arranged to be secured to the roof structure in spaced-apart, parallel relationship. Preferably, the batten (10) is made of durable materials as well known in the art. The batten (10) provides support for tiles (100) which are arranged in rows whereby the upper-end portion is supported by 25 one batten (10) and the lower-end portion is supported by the next lower batten (10). The lower-end portion of the upper row tile (100) overlaps with the upper portion of the tile (100) on the lower row tile (100) positioned on the lower adjacent batten (10). In the present invention, an embodiment of the batten (10) is shown in Fig. 9. In this embodiment, a cross-sectional profile of the batten (10) is substantially inverted in a 10 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 U-shape. The batten (10) has a surface (15) or means to allow engagement of the weather strip (200) to the batten (10) securing the batten (10) in position.

The weather strips (200) as shown in Fig. 2 are then extended between a pair of adjacent battens (10). Each weather strip (200) is spaced apart in parallel at an 5 interval corresponding to the size of the tiles (100). Preferably, the weather strip (200) should be positioned on the center at which the edges of the pair of adjacent tiles (100), which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet. Preferably, the size (the width) of the weather strip (200) should be at least 15% of the size (the width) of the tile (100). The weather strips (200) on the next rows are positioned in an 10 alternating pattern with the previous row. The weather strip (200) has a length that is substantially equal to the distance between the adjacent pairs of battens (10) and preferably shorter than the length of the tiles (200). The weather strip (200) is provided with means adapted to engage with the upper batten (10) securing the weather strip (200) thereon. In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 2, the said means is 15 defined as bend-down tabs (205) positioned at the top portion of the weather strip (200). The tabs (205) are used to cling onto the batten (10) securing the weather strip (200) in position. The means for securing the weather strip (200) could be in the form of a hook or the like enabling the weather strip (200) to be secured to the batten (10) or the weather strip (200) may be directly fastened to the batten (10) using nails 20 or screws.

The weather strip (200) may be prepared without the tabs (205) and can be directly positioned in place to the batten (10) by using nails or screws or any other suitable fastening device. However, using the weather strip (200) with tabs (205) is more convenient for easy and fast installation and/or rearranging the position. 25 The weather strip (200) is also provided with an integrally-formed tile clip (210) positioned on the top portion of the weather strip (200), preferably between the tabs (205). The clip (210) is used to clip the top portion of the tiles (100) at which the edges of the pair of adjacent tiles (100), which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet as shown in Fig. 7. However, it is possible to use the weather strip (200) 30 without the clip (210). 11 2015249111 28 Oct 2015

The weather strip (200) also includes side flanges (215) to provide structural rigidity to the weather strip (200) itself. The flanges (215) are bent downwardly and extended along the length of the weather strip (200), and truncated before the lower portion of the tile (100) at the position at which the side flange (215) meets the 5 adjacent lower batten (10). As the water may seep through the gap between the edges of the two tiles (100) which are laid in an edge-to-edge manner, the weather strip (200) is prepared with ridges (220) (lengthwise to the weather strip (200)) to allow downward shedding of water to the lower tile (100). The pattern and location of the ridges (220) correspond with the pattern and location of the ribs on the underside 10 of the tile (100) which will be further described in the subsequent paragraphs.

As mentioned, the weather strip (200) is prepared with ridges (220), and the pattern and location of each of the said ridges (220) should correspond to the ridges formed of the underside of the tile (100), particularly at the portion which comes in contact with the weather strip (200). Accordingly, when the said ridges (220) face the 15 underside of the tile (100), channels which allow downward shedding of water are formed.

Referring to Fig. 4, the tile (100) according to the principle described herein can be made from any durable materials which can withstand exposure to climate conditions; for example, ceramic, concrete, composite metals, or polymers. At the top 20 portion away from the edge, the tile (100) is provided with at least one flow-retarding channel (105) to direct water (which has seeped through and flowed from the weather strips (200) on the upper row) to flow to the sides of the tile (100) and subsequently onto the weather strip (200) and then to the flow-retarding channel (105) on the lower tile (100) and to the weather strip (200) and so forth channelling 25 the water off the roof. The flow-retarding channel (105) is defined as a groove set across the width of the tile (100). The depth of the groove should not be greater than 50% of the tile thickness to avoid breakage.

As shown in Fig. 4, next and parallel to the flow-retarding channel (105), the tile (100) is provided with at least one wind bunker (110). The wind bunker (110) is defined as 30 a ridge protruded from the surface of the tile (100) and is set across the width of the tile (100). In extreme weather conditions, such as strong wind or tropical storms, the water or fine droplets of water may be blown under the overlapping tile, thus causing 12 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 leakage. The wind bunker (110) helps to reduce such problem as its protruding feature in combination with the weather ribs (115) on the underside of the tile (100) (which will be further described) of the upper row will block such water or fine droplets of water from entering. Even if the water seep passes the wind bunker 5 (110), it will be collected in the flow retarding channel (105) and will be channelled back down by the weather strips (200).

As mentioned, the underside of the tile (100) possesses a rib pattern complementary to the pattern of the ridges (220) on the top surface of the weather strip (200) such that the ridge on the underside of the tile (100) (within the area which will come in 10 contact with the weather strip) will align alongside the ridge of the weatherstrip. The rib on the underside of the tile must not be laid directly on top of the ridge (220) on the weather strip (200) in order to avoid lifting of the tile resulting in leakage. The rib pattern may be straight and parallel as shown in Fig. 4, or it can be zigzag or wavy.

The tile (100) is provided with spaced-apart through holes (120) at the top portion of 15 the tile (100) above the flow-retarding channel (105) to enable fastening of the tile (100) to the batten (10).

According to the principles described herein, the construction and the arrangement of the batten, weather strip, and the tile are arranged to form a connected underpathway to direct water off the roof. In addition, the construction and the 20 arrangement of the tiles provide a means to minimize wind-blown water entering the roof, thus reducing leakage. In order to enhance the weatherproof abilities of the roof, the arrangement between the weather strip (200) with the adjacent tiles (100) and the arrangement between the wind bunkers (110) on the top portion (of the upper tile (100)) and the weather ribs (115) on the lower portion (of the lower tile (100)) should 25 ideally provide the closest possible contact between the upper and lower row tiles and the weather strip beneath said tiles to form a closed lock. Accordingly, when assembled as shown in Fig. 9, the height of the wind bunker (110) and the height of the weather rib (115) should complement each other, preferably being of the same height such that once the tile is overlapped, the overlapping portion of both tiles (100) 30 completely face each other. More preferably, the height of the wind bunker (100) should be greater than the height of the weather rib (115) and the height of the ridges (220) on the weather strip (200) should also be taller than the height of the weather 13 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 ribs (115) so as to ensure the closest possible contact and avoid lifting. Consequently, to achieve such result, the thickness of the weather strip (200) should be equal to or less than the height of the wind bunker (110) so that it will not hinder the described locking arrangement. 5 When assembled, the weather rib (115) closer to the lower edge of the tile (100) of the upper tile should be aligned with the last wind bunker (110) from the uppermost edge of the tile (100) of the lower tile. To avoid unnecessary overlap of the tile (and thus save cost and reduce weight of the tile) the area from the uppermost edge of the tile, including the area taken by the flow-retarding channel (105), until the last wind 10 bunker (110) should consume about 15 percent of the length of the tile (100). However, in climate conditions where there is increased likelihood of tile lifting, the overlapping area of the tile (100) may be increased proportionately and the area from the uppermost edge of the tile (100), including the area taken by the flow-retarding channel (105), until the last wind bunker may consume up to 50 percent of the length 15 of the tile (100).

As it is apparent, the roofing system according to the invention is achieved by: arranging and securing a plurality of elongated tile support battens (10) to the roof structure in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship. The battens (10) are arranged in rows whereby the upper-end portion of a tile (100) is supported by one batten (10) 20 and the lower-end portion is supported by the next lower batten (10). The lower-end portion of the upper row tile (10) overlaps with the upper portion of the lower row tile (10) on the lower adjacent batten (10); arranging and securing a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips (200), each of which is extended between a pair of adjacent battens (10). The 25 weather strips (200) on the next rows are positioned in an alternate manner with the previous row. The weather strip (200) has a length that is substantially equal to the distance between the adjacent pairs of battens (10), but preferably shorter than the length of the tiles (100) to be supported thereby. The distance between each of the weather strips (200) on the same row should correspond with the width of the tile 30 (100) such that once the tiles are arranged onto it, each weather strip (200) should be positioned in the center at which the edges of the pair of adjacent tiles (100), 14 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet. The weather strip (200) is secured in position to the batten (10) by using the tabs (205) to grasp onto the batten (10). roof tiles (100) are then arranged to be secured to the batten (10) and to be 5 supported by the weather strips (200) at which the edges of the pair of adjacent tiles (100), which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet. The tiles are arranged first from the lowest battens (10). The top portion of the tile (100) at which the edges of the pair of adjacent tiles (100), which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet is inserted into the tile clip (210) of the weather strip (200). The arrangement between 10 the weather strip (200) with the adjacent tiles (100) and the arrangement between the wind bunkers (110) on the top portion (of the upper tile (100)) and the weather ribs (115) on the lower portion (of the lower tile (100)) should form a closed lock wherein the weather rib (115) closer to the lower edge of the tile (100) of the upper tile (100) should align closely to the wind bunker (110) of which being the last wind bunker 15 (110) from the uppermost edge of the tile (100) of the lower tile. The tiles (100) are then fastened to the batten (10) through the holes prepared on the top portion of the tiles (100) using suitable fastening elements.

Accordingly, water which seeps through the gap at which the edges of the pair of adjacent tiles (100), which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet will be 20 channelling off the roof through the weather strips into the flow-retarding channel (105). The ridges (220) present on the surface of the weather strip in combination with the ridges on the underside of the tile (on the area at which the tile (100) comes into contact with the weather strip (200)) will reduce the chance of flowing to the sides of the tile and direct the water downward. The water from the upper tile (100) 25 will flow into the flow-retarding channels (105) and subsequently into the weather strip (200). This chain reaction is repeated until the water is shed off the roof. The presence of the weather ribs (100) and the wind bunker (110) will also reduce the chance of water or droplets of water being blown under the tile and causing leakage. The roofing system according to the principles described herein not only reduces the 30 chance of wind-blown water getting under the roof, it also helps to direct water which has seeped through the joint off the roof. Consequently, an enhanced weatherproof roof-fixing system is achieved. 2015249111 28 Oct 2015 15

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to 5 imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (16)

1. The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows:

   1. A weatherproof enhanced roofing system comprising: a plurality of elongated roofing material support battens arranged to be secured to a roof structure in spaced-apart, parallel relationship, whereby a plurality of roofing material pieces are arranged in rows having a upper-end portion supported by one batten and a lower-end portion supported by the next lower batten; a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel weather strips to be engaged with the roofing material pieces secured onto the batten; whereby each weather strip extends between a pair of adjacent battens; said weather strips are arranged in rows wherein the next row is positioned in an alternate manner with the previous row; the plurality of roofing material pieces arranged to be secured to the battens and to be supported by the weather strips along the edges where adjacent pieces of roofing material meet, adjacent pieces of roofing material being arranged in a side-by-side manner, and wherein the lower-end portion of an upper row of roofing material pieces overlaps with the upper portion of a lower row of the roofing material pieces on a lower adjacent batten, the roof material piece incorporating at least one wind bunker defined as a ridge protruding from an upper surface of the roofing material piece in the region of the top portion, the roof material piece also incorporating at least one flow-retarding channel located between the uppermost edge thereof and the wind bunker; wherein the construction of the weather strips and the roofing material pieces, and the arrangement of the said weather strips and roofing material pieces to the batten forms a connected under-pathway allowing water/moisture which may have seeped through gaps between adjacent roofing material pieces to be directed off the roof; and wherein the at least one wind bunker, the at least one flow retarding channel, and the engagement between roofing material pieces on the upper row and the lower row co-operate to provide a means to minimize wind-blown water entering the roof through the overlapped portion of the roofing material pieces.
2. 2. The roofing system according to claim 1 wherein the said weather strip has a length that is substantially equal to the distance between the adjacent pair of battens and shorter than the roofing material pieces to be supported thereby; and is prepared with a means adapted to engage with the batten.
3. 3. The roofing system according to claim 2 wherein the said weather strip further includes an integrally-formed tile clip positioned next to the tabs, said clip clips the top portion of the roofing material pieces at which the edges of the pair of adjacent roofing material pieces, which are arranged in a side-to-side manner, meet.
4. 4. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weather strip includes at least a pair of lengthwise ridges formed on the surface of the weather strip, the pattern and location of each of the said ridges correspond to ridges formed on the underside thereof, at the portion which comes in contact with the weather strip, whereby when the said ridges face the underside of the roofing material pieces, channels which allow downward shedding of water are formed.
5. 5. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weather strip includes side flanges bent downward; said flanges run along the length of the weather strip and terminate when meeting with the batten.
6. 6. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weather strip has a width that amounts to at least 15 percent of the width of the roofing material piece.
7. 7. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one flow-retarding channel has a depth of up to 50 percent of the thickness of the roofing material piece, said at least one flow-retarding channel being set across the width of the roofing material piece, and is located on the upper portion of the roofing material piece, starting at least from the position where the weather strip on the upper row ends so as to anticipate receipt of water from the weather strip on the upper row.
8. 8. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one wind bunker is positioned next and parallel to the at least one flow-retarding channel.
9. 9. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an area of the roofing material piece extending from an uppermost edge thereof and including an area taken by the at least one flow-retarding channel and the at least one wind bunker extends along 15-50 percent of the length of the roofing material piece.
10. 10. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an area of the roofing material piece extending from a lowest edge thereof, and including an area taken by a weather rib extends along 15-50 percent of the length of the roofing material piece.
11. 11. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the roofing material piece, in particular, on the underside thereof at the location corresponding to the position of the wind bunker on the surface of the roofing material piece, is provided with at least one rib protruding from the underside thereof wherein once the lower portion of the roofing material piece on the upper row overlaps with upper portion of the roofing material piece on the lower row, the rib of the roofing material piece on the upper row is aligned next to the at least one wind bunker of the roofing material piece on the lower row, forming a closed lock restricting wind and water from passing through.
12. 12. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the roofing material piece, in particular, on the underside thereof at the position which will face the weather strip, is prepared with a pattern which complements the ridges prepared on the weather strip.
13. 13. The roofing system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the roofing material piece is prepared with through holes located on the top portion thereof, permitting the roofing material piece to be fastened to the batten.
14. 14. The roofing system according to any of claims 10 to 13 wherein the height of the weather rib is equal to or less than the height of wind bunker and the thickness of the weather strip is equal to or less than the height of the wind bunker, permitting the overlapping portion between the roofing material piece on the upper row and the roofing material piece on the lower row to completely face each other forming a closed locking arrangement.
15. 15. The roofing system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the said roofing material piece is a flat-type roofing material, which includes but is not limited to roof tiles and shingles.
16. 16. A method of assembling a roof system, wherein the roofing system is according to any one of the preceding claims, the construction and the arrangement of the batten, weather strip, and the roofing material forms a connected underpathway to direct water off the roof and means to minimize wind-blown water entering the method comprising the following steps: arranging and securing a plurality of elongated tile support battens to the roof structure in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship; securing weather strips, having ridges running the entire length and on the top surface of the weather strip, to the batten, each weather strip extends between a pair of adjacent battens; laying roofing materials on top of the weather strip whereby each weather strip supports edges of two adjacent pieces of roofing materials, said roofing materials are being laid in rows in a side-to-side manner, said roofing materials are prepared with flow retarding channels and wind bunkers on the top portion of the roofing material; ridges on the underside having the pattern corresponding to the ridges on the top surface of the weather strip; and weather ribs on the underside of the lower portion, wherein the ridges on the weather strip meet the ridges on the underside of the two pieces of roofing materials, a lower edge of the weather strip meets the flow-retarding channel of the roofing material of the next lower row, the weather rib on the underside of the tile on the upper row aligns closely with wind bunker of roofing material on the lower row; and securing said roofing material to the batten.