AU2021209234A1

AU2021209234A1 - Roof drainage system, method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2021209234A1
Application number: AU2021209234A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jon Stoddart
Original assignee: Stoddart Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: STODDART TECHNOLOGY Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-07
Filing date: 2021-07-28
Publication date: 2022-04-21

Abstract

A drainage channel when used between adjacent first and second roof sheets, the adjacent first and second roof sheets inclined relative to the ground and relative to each other, wherein a first portion of the drainage channel is attached to the first roof sheet, and a second portion of the drainage channel is attached to the second roof sheet. 2/2 200 210 221 215 222 240 240 230 235 245 220 FIGURE 2

Description

2/2

200

210

221 215

222 240 240

230 235

245 220

FIGURE 2

ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a roof drainage system, method and apparatus. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a roof drainage system comprising a drainage channel located between two adjacent roof sections that are inclined relative to the ground and relative to each other.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] The region where two inclined roof sections of a roof of a building meet is referred commonly as a roof valley. To drain rainwater and other precipitation that may fall on a roof valley, a drainage channel in the form of a gutter is generally placed between the two inclined roof sections to allow rainwater to flow downwards into other gutters located on or adjacent the roof.

[0004] A conventional drainage channel installed in a roof valley is an exposed open gutter located between adjacent inclined roof sections and secured to a roof structural member, for example, a roof struss. However, the requirement that these valley gutter systems be designed as an open channel is insufficient for valley gutter systems located in regions where heavy rainfall occurs. During heavy rainfall, the open channel gutter often fails to keep rainwater out of the roof cavity, resulting in roof leaks

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a conventional roof drainage system 100 located in a roof valley. The roof drainage system 100 comprises first and second roof sheets 110, 115 supported by first and second roof battens 130,

135, and a drainage channel 120 located between the first and second roof sheets 110, 115. The first and second roof battens 130, 135 are located on and supported by structural members 145 in form of roof trusses. In the roof drainage system 100, the drainage channel 120 is located on and supported by the structural members 145. This provides an open channel which poses a greater risk of water leakage into the ceiling cavity. Further, with the roof drainage system 100, a portion of the fascia and adjacent gutter is required to be removed so that water in the drainage channel 120 can drain into other gutters located on or adjacent the roof, thereby compromising the capacity of the gutter system.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a preferred object of this invention to provide a roof drainage system, method and/or apparatus that overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0007] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a drainage channel when used between adjacent first and second roof sheets, the adjacent first and second roof sheets inclined relative to the ground and relative to each other,

wherein a first portion of the drainage channel is attached to the first roof sheet, and a second portion of the drainage channel is attached to the second roof sheet.

[0009] In another form, the invention resides in a roof drainage system comprising: a first roof sheet inclined relative to the ground; a second roof sheet inclined relative to the ground and relative to the first roof sheet, the second roof sheet located adjacent the first roof sheet; a drainage channel located between respective edges of the first and second roof sheets; wherein a first portion of the drainage channel is attached to the first roof sheet, and a second portion of the drainage channel is attached to the second roof sheet.

[0010] Preferably, the first portion of the drainage channel is attached to an underside of the first roof sheet. Preferably, the second portion of the drainage channel is attached to an underside of the second roof sheet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first roof sheet is supported by a first roof batten, and the second roof sheet is supported by a second roof batten. Suitably, the first portion of the drainage channel is engaged between the first roof sheet and the first roof batten, and the second portion of the drainage channel is engaged between the second roof sheet and the second roof batten.

[0012] Preferably, the first and second roof sheets are formed from sheet metal.

[0013] Preferably, the first and second battens are located on and supported by structural members. Suitably, the structural members are roof trusses.

[0014] Preferably, the drainage channel has a substantially V-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the first portion of the drainage channel is planar. Suitably, the second portion of the drainage channel is planar. Preferably, the second portion of the drainage channel extends from an elongate edge of the first portion. In some embodiments, the drainage channel has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

[0015] Preferably, the drainage channel is formed from sheet metal. In some embodiments, the drainage channel is formed from plastic. Suitably, the drainage channel is formed from a water impermeable material.

[0016] Preferably, the drainage channel is attached to the first and second roof sheets by fasteners. Suitably, the fasteners are screws. Preferably, at least one of the fasteners engages the first roof sheet, the first portion of the drainage channel and the first batten. Suitably, at least one of the fasteners engages the second roof sheet, the second portion of the drainage channel and the second batten.

[0017] Preferably, the first and second portions of the drainage channel are sealed relative to first and second roof sheets with a sealant. Suitably, the sealant is compressible. In some embodiments, the sealant is a foam sealing strip. Preferably, the sealant is water-resistant and/or weather resistant.

[0018] In another form, the invention resides in a method for installing a roof drainage system, the method comprising:

locating a first roof sheet adjacent a first portion of a drainage channel, the first roof sheet inclined relative to the ground; locating a second roof sheet adjacent a second portion of the drainage channel, the second roof sheet inclined relative to the ground and relative to the first roof sheet; attaching the first portion of the drainage channel to the first roof sheet; and attaching the second portion of the drainage channel to the second roof sheet.

[0019] Preferably, prior to locating the first and second roof sheets adjacent the drainage channel, the first portion of the drainage channel is located adjacent a first batten, and the second portion of the drainage channel is located adjacent a second batten.

[0020] Preferably, prior to attaching the first portion of the drainage channel to the first roof sheet, a sealant is located on the first portion of the drainage channel. Suitably, prior to attaching the second portion of the drainage channel to the second roof sheet, a sealant is located on the second portion of the drainage channel.

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent throughout the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional roof drainage system;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a roof drainage system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a roof drainage system 200 located in a roof valley, the roof drainage system 200 comprising adjacent first and second roof sheets 210, 215 inclined relative to the ground and relative to each other, and a drainage channel 220 located between respective edges of the first and second roof sheets 210, 215.

[0026] The first and second roof sheets 210, 215 are formed from corrugated sheet metal and are supported by at least a first batten 230 and a second batten 235 respectively. The first and second battens 230, 235 are located on and supported by structural members 245 in form of roof trusses. However, in further embodiments, the first and second roof sheets 110, 115 may be formed from other materials, for example, terracotta, concrete, plastic, slate, asphalt, etc.

[0027] The drainage channel 220 has a substantially V-shaped cross section and comprises a planar first portion 221 and a planar second portion 222 that extends from an elongate edge of the first portion 221 at a predetermined angle relative to the first portion 221. However, in further embodiments, the drainage channel 220 may be differently shaped, for example, the drainage channel 220 may have a substantially U-shaped, box shaped or planar cross-section. In this embodiment, the drainage channel 220 is formed from sheet metal. However, in further embodiments, the drainage channel 220 may be formed from other materials, for example, plastic or other water impermeable materials.

[0028] The first and second portions 221, 222 of the drainage channel 220 are attached to a respective underside of the first and second roof sheets 210, 215. In particular, the first portion 221 of the drainage channel 220 is attached to, engaged and secured between the underside of the first roof sheet 210 and the first roof batten 230, and the second portion 222 of the drainage channel 220 is attached to, engaged and secured between the underside of the second roof sheet 215 and the second roof batten 235. Fasteners (not shown) in the form of screws are used to secure the first and second portions 221, 222 of the drainage channel 220 between the first and second roof sheets 210, 215 and the first and second battens 230, 235, each fastener engaging a respective roof sheet, respective portion of the drainage channel and a respective roof batten. However, in further embodiments, the drainage channel 220 may be attached to the roof sheets 210, 215 in a different manner, for example, the drainage channel 220 may be attached to a top side and/or side wall of the first roof sheet 210 and/or the second roof sheet 215. Moreover, in further embodiments, the drainage channel 220 may be attached to the first and second battens 230, 235 only.

[0029] The first and second portions 221, 222 of the drainage channel 220 are sealed relative to first and second roof sheets 210, 215 with a sealant 240 in the form of a compressible foam sealing strip. However, in further embodiments, any appropriate sealant made from a water-resistant and weather resistant material may be used. As the drainage channel 220 is sealed relative to the first and second roof sheets 210, 215, the drainage channel 220 and the first and second roof sheets 210, 215 collectively behave as a single large channel for draining rainwater or other precipitation.

[0030] To install the drainage channel 220 in the roof valley, the drainage channel 220 is first located adjacent the first and second battens 230, 235, with the first portion 221 of the drainage channel 220 located adjacent the first batten 230 and the second portion 222 of the drainage channel 220 located adjacent the second batten 230. Next, the sealant 240, in the form of foam sealing strips, is placed on the first and second portions 221, 222 of the drainage channel 220, the sealing strips extending through the points at the which the fasteners will be inserted.

[0031] The first roof sheet 210 is then located on the battens such that an edge portion thereof is located adjacent the first portion 221 of the drainage channel 220 and the first batten 230, with an underside of the first roof sheet 210 being in substantial contact with the first portion 221 of the drainage channel 220. Similarly, the second roof sheet 215 is located on the battens such that an edge portion thereof is located adjacent the second portion 222 of the drainage channel 220 and the second batten 235, with an underside of the second roof sheet 215 being in substantial contact with the second portion 222 of the drainage channel 220.

[0032] Once the drainage channel 220, the sealant 240 and the first and second sheets 210, 215 are located in their respective positions, the first portion 221 of the drainage channel 220 is secured to the first roof sheet 210 and the first batten 230 with fasteners that engage the first portion 221 of the drainage channel 220, the first roof sheet 210 and the first batten 230.

Similarly, the second portion 222 of the drainage channel 220 is secured to the second roof sheet 215 and the second batten 235 with fasteners that engage the second portion 222 of the drainage channel 220, the second roof sheet 215 and the second batten 235.

[0033] The roof drainage system 200 presents several advantages over other known systems for draining water and other precipitation from a roof valley. The roof drainage system 200 significantly reduces the risk of water and other debris leaking into the roof cavity as the drainage channel 220 is sealed relative to the first and second roof sheets 210, 215 with the sealant 240. The roof drainage system 200 provides a closed channel system that is more suitable for installation in areas that receive heavier rainfall. Further, as the drainage channel 220 is attached to the undersides of the first and second roof sheets 210, 215, the drainage channel 220 is spaced from the structural members 245 and the need for cutting or removing any portion of the fascia and/or adjacent gutters is eliminated.

[0034] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, forward and backward, upward and downward, upper and lower, top and bottom and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0035] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0036] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claims

1. A drainage channel when used between adjacent first and second roof sheets, the adjacent first and second roof sheets inclined relative to the ground and relative to each other, wherein a first portion of the drainage channel is attached to the first roof sheet, and a second portion of the drainage channel is attached to the second roof sheet.

2. The drainage channel of claim 1, wherein the drainage channel has a substantially V-shaped cross-section.

3. The drainage channel of claim 1 or 2, wherein the drainage channel has a planar first portion and a planar second portion that extends from an elongate edge of the first portion at a predetermined angle relative to the first portion.

4. A roof drainage system comprising: a first roof sheet inclined relative to the ground; a second roof sheet inclined relative to the ground and relative to the first roof sheet, the second roof sheet located adjacent the first roof sheet; a drainage channel located between respective edges of the first and second roof sheets; wherein a first portion of the drainage channel is attached to the first roof sheet, and a second portion of the drainage channel is attached to the second roof sheet.

5. The roof drainage system of claim 4, wherein the first portion of the drainage channel is attached to an underside of the first roof sheet, and the second portion of the drainage channel is attached to an underside of the second roof sheet.

6. The roof drainage system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first roof sheet is supported by a first roof batten, and the second roof sheet is supported by a second roof batten, wherein the first portion of the drainage channel is engaged between the first roof sheet and the first roof batten, and the second portion of the drainage channel is engaged between the second roof sheet and the second roof batten.

7. The roof drainage system of any one of claims 4-6, wherein the first and second portions of the drainage channel are sealed relative to first and second roof sheets with a sealant.

8. The roof drainage system of claim 7, wherein the sealant is a compressible foam sealing strip.

9. A method for installing a roof drainage system, the method comprising: locating a first roof sheet adjacent a first portion of a drainage channel, the first roof sheet inclined relative to the ground; locating a second roof sheet adjacent a second portion of the drainage channel, the second roof sheet inclined relative to the ground and relative to the first roof sheet; attaching the first portion of the drainage channel to the first roof sheet; and attaching the second portion of the drainage channel to the second roof sheet.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, prior to locating the first and second roof sheets adjacent the first and second portions of the drainage channel, the first portion of the drainage channel is located adjacent a first batten and the second portion of the drainage channel located adjacent a second batten.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein attaching the first portion of the drainage channel to the first roof sheet includes locating a fastener through the first portion of the drainage channel, the first roof sheet and the first batten.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein attaching the second portion of the drainage channel to the second roof sheet includes locating a fastener through the second portion of the drainage channel, the second roof sheet and the second batten.

13. The method of any one of claims 9-12, wherein a sealing strip is located between the first roof sheet and the first portion of the drainage channel and the second roof sheet and the second portion of the drainage channel.

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